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[Page 1]Decentralization: Guidance, details of plan Page 9

THE AMERICAN Bahá’í

Volume 26, Number 7 | ‘Izzat B.E. 152 / September 8, 1995

Unity in diversity of actions

Teaching efforts: varied paths, same aim

By TOM MENNILLO

A “unity in diversity of actions” marks the many and varied teaching efforts being carried out around the country.

Some of these valuable pursuits have been gradually building for years. Others are fledgling efforts undertaken in realization that the end of the Three Year Plan is less than a year away and inspired by the news of successes in other areas of the country.

They represent a tapestry of teaching methods tailored to local circumstances, each aiming for a sustainable process of growth leading to massive expansion of the Cause.

Also common to each are strong institutional guidance and support; community unity of vision; and balance between proclamation, expansion and consolidation.

Magdalene Carney Bahá’í Institute

The Magdalene Carney Bahá’í Institute is winning an average of six to eight new souls to the Cause each week.

Just as important, the project in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, is working to wean itself from reliance on financial support from the National Teaching Committee.

In both instances the key is service. The Institute provides much-needed literacy classes and programs designed to uplift area youth and children, taught mostly by Bahá’í youth.

This activity has earned the Institute an elevated stature locally and made it easy to teach the Faith to community leaders and other residents. A full-time teacher is in the field, aided significantly by new believers.

The Institute’s success also is attracting financial support from the friends in south Florida, along with the possibility of government and foundation grants for the youth programs.

In fact, the Institute’s use of the Ruhi method for community development has caught the eye of local officials who would like to use the techniques in youth programs at a local housing project.

VISION IN ACTION 3 YEAR PLAN 1993 - 1996 MARCH TO VICTORY

Northern New Mexico

In January, four youth came back from a teaching trip to Mexico inspired to involve everyone in their community in a teaching effort among the Indians.

The resulting project, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Paradise Hills—near Albuquerque—originally targeted residents of six pueblos in the area. The focus has since been narrowed to three pueblos.

Every Saturday, the teachers meet in the morning for prayer and consultation, then split into three teams for the 30- to 60-minute trip to the pueblos. When they return in the evening, they share their experiences and consult again.

Teaching in the pueblos starts with earning the friendship and trust of residents. The Bahá’ís learn about the Indians’ culture and share their own.

Contacts with individuals are reported to the coordinator for each team. Each is followed up in person or by letter, since many of the pueblo residents do not have telephones.

The people are very hospitable, according to Layla Garrigues, one of the project founders. They often insist on feeding the Bahá’ís a full meal during their visit.

The teaching work is personally fulfilling as well, says Ms. Garrigues.

Counselors Jacqueline Left Hand Bull-Delahunt and Arturo Serrano have helped in the project, as have several traveling teachers in addition to local Bahá’ís.

More teachers are needed, especially full-time teachers who can devote weekdays to the effort. Contact project

See TEACHING page 14

Growth, universal participation transform Houston community

By TOM MENNILLO

If there were any doubts among Houston-area Bahá’ís that large-scale growth would accelerate the transformation of their communities, they have been erased by the Amatu’l-Bahá Teaching Crusade.

The following items attest to the invigorating presence of well over 300 new believers:

• Pasadena, a home base of the Ku Klux Klan, had no declarations in 15 years despite earnest proclamation of the Faith. Now, there are more than 40 new Bahá’ís in the community. At least 12 have attended events at the Bahá’í Center, several more have been visited to aid in their consolidation, and others report they are reading the Writings and want to take an active role.
• A teaching team returned to its Center one night, tired and disappointed from the lack of response to its efforts that day. There, a new believer encouraged them to keep going, saying that even if nine people reject the message, the 10th might accept.
• A new believer showed up at a Bahá’í event with newly shorn locks.

See HOUSTON page 15

Outpouring of love helps 14-year-old battle brain tumor

In the April 9 issue of The American Bahá’í, a front-page article about 14-year-old Anne Zinke’s courageous battle with a brain tumor led to an outpouring of prayers, well-wishes and other expressions of sympathy and concern from Bahá’ís in this country and around the world. We are happy to be able to publish the following letter to the friends from Anne herself.

• * *

Thank you! I’m so glad that I am finally able to thank you all for the prayers, letters, cards, donations to the Arc Fund in my name, gifts, visits, blood and platelet donations (from those of you who were close enough to Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles), cassette tapes, thoughts and love.

I am now out of the hospital and off almost all of my medications—thank you, Bahá’u’lláh! My blood counts have been up to normal, and the doctors are telling me that I’m in remission! I know that it couldn’t have happened as well as it did without all the prayers.

Love, Anne Zinke Cambria, California July 13, 1995

Young Anne Zinke is surrounded by gifts of love from around the world.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
> National Assembly studies decentralization plan	2
> Friends surpass first-quarter contributions goal by more than $50,000	5
> Association for Bahá’í Studies sets 19th Conference in San Francisco	5
> Five new National Assemblies formed at Ridván	13
> Complete listing of 1995 District Convention sites	20

The Race Unity Conference that was scheduled to be held September 21-24 in Charleston, South Carolina, has been postponed until the spring of 1996. Further details will be published as they become available in future issues of The American Bahá’í. [Page 2]

National Assembly studies decentralization plan

Decentralization continued to be a principal topic of consultation during the National Spiritual Assembly's meeting on July 21-23. Since decentralization would lead to more responsibilities for local Spiritual Assemblies, means of communication with them and their ability to access relevant information at the Bahá’í National Center are of immediate concern.

In this connection, the Office of Management Information Services presented to the National Spiritual Assembly a number of programs for electronically linking the senior and local institutions, keeping and accessing membership statistics, and enhancing financial analyses.

In view of the gradual maturation of local Spiritual Assemblies, the National Spiritual Assembly agreed to make their addresses available to the general public.

To add to the prestige of local Assemblies, the National Assembly voted to ask the Local Spiritual Assembly Development Desk of the Community Administration and Development Office to help conduct a "recognition" ceremony whenever a Spiritual Assembly is formed in a locality for the first time. Such events would present an opportunity to invite government officials, the press, and prominent individuals to acquaint them with the principles and institutions of the Faith.

The secretary for External Affairs reported among other matters that the Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Washington, D.C., has asked the associate director of the National Spiritual Assembly's Office of External Affairs to share with a representative of Amnesty International leadership in the effort to secure Senate ratification of the United Nations Convention on Women. The National Spiritual Assembly voted to accept the request.

The National Spiritual Assembly did not meet with the National Teaching Committee during this session because the committee members were in Houston, Texas, observing and encouraging the successful teaching campaign conducted by a group of local Spiritual Assemblies in that area.

The National Spiritual Assembly discussed in detail the agenda of its August meeting with several of the Continental Counselors.

Among the matters proposed for consultation with the Counselors were decentralization, the current crisis in the National Bahá’í Fund, preparations for the next Plan that will probably take the Bahá’í community to the year 2000, the further development of the Indian Teaching Institute, and the baneful influence on society of groups that oppose the ideals of world order and world citizenship.

Latino-American Task Force begins series of conferences designed to promote entry by troops among Latinos

The Latino-American Task Force (a task force of the National Spiritual Assembly) has begun a series of working conferences in areas of the United States where Latinos live in great concentration.

The conferences are designed to promote entry by troops among Latinos and to initiate and support teaching projects targeted at specific populations with high potential for immediate growth.

The regions identified so far are the Northeast, Southern California, Texas, Florida and the Chicago area. Two conferences have been held, in the Northeast and Southern California, with the next one planned for October 28-29 at the Bahá’í Center in Austin, Texas.

The program of each conference consists of a series of workshops focused on two important aspects of growth essential for promoting entry by troops: "Grassroots Initiatives" and the development of "Strategic Visions For Growth."

The Task Force envisions the conference as a place where friends will have the opportunity to become involved in the development of a vision for growth to be implemented in their own region.

For more information on registration and logistics phone Jorge Nosa at 512-990-0201, Alex Melendez at 303-330-6122, or e-mail AlejandroM@aol.com.

Teaching Office staff is ready to help Assemblies, individuals

"The authority to direct the affairs of the Faith locally, nationally and internationally is divinely conferred on elected institutions. However, the power to accomplish the tasks of the community resides primarily in the mass of the believers. Individual initiative is a pre-eminent aspect of this power; it is therefore a major responsibility of the institutions to safeguard and stimulate it. Similarly, it is important for individuals to recognize and accept that the institutions must act as a guiding and moderating influence on the march of civilization. In this sense, the divine requirement that individuals obey the decisions of their Assemblies can clearly be seen as being indispensable to the progress of society.

"Indeed, individuals must not be abandoned entirely to their own devices with respect to the welfare of society as a whole, neither should they be stifled by the assumption of a dictatorial posture by members of the institutions."—May 19, 1994, letter from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Dear Friends,

In the spirit of the letter of May 19 we would like to introduce ourselves to you so that we may be of help to each other in achieving the goals of our Three Year Plan.

Recently the National Teaching Committee was able to add to its skeleton staff so that it might accomplish more of the many tasks facing it. Our office is currently composed of:

Kenneth Bowers—Secretary, National Teaching Committee Ken oversees the day-to-day operations of the office. He implements decisions of the National Spiritual Assembly and the National Teaching Committee, covering a wide range of teaching initiatives at the regional and national levels. He also helps local Spiritual Assemblies formulate their teaching plans.

Camille Collins—Assistant to the Secretary, National Teaching Committee Camille supports Ken in his activities. She is in charge of preparations for the upcoming Youth Conference in Dallas. She also prepares weekly teaching reports for the National Teaching Committee as well as monthly teaching reports for the National Spiritual Assembly.

Ada James—Coordinator, Special Projects Ada oversees many areas. She is in involved in American Indian Teaching and works closely with the regional American Indian Teaching Committees. She supervises the Army of Light and develops its training materials. With the Office of Pioneering she coordinates the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps and homefront pioneering. She is also a liaison to the Arts Task Force.

Allegra Kazemzadeh—Coordinator, Communications and Development Allegra's primary duties include establishing an effective flow of teaching information (questions, suggestions, ideas, assistance) between believers across the country and the Teaching Office; writing for The American Bahá’í; developing new teaching materials—especially those appropriate for specific segments of the population; and helping the Arts Task Force in its efforts to promote teaching through the arts.

Dorita Krapf—Coordinator, National Army of Light Dorita's office functions somewhat like a placement service, hooking up youth with those Assemblies and groups who are interested in sponsoring a teaching project. Dorita helps develop training materials and runs training seminars for youth as well as for the regional Army of Light Coordinators.

Dr. Keyvan Nazerian—Administrator, National Projects Keyvan works with, and helps coordinate the activities of, the State Teaching Committees and the various minority Teaching Task Forces. He keeps abreast of the local and state teaching conferences and major intercommunity teaching campaigns, and provides guidance and assistance as needed.

Oscar DeGruy—Coordinator, National Bahá’í Youth Workshops Oscar is the driving force behind the Youth Workshops. He travels around the country help to establish workshops and to help people understand the significance behind them. The workshops' main focus is teaching. Oscar works closely with Dorita and with others who are interesting in having workshops take part in teaching activities.

Pat Papadopulos—Assistant to the Administrator, National Projects Pat reviews and assists in responding to the local Spiritual Assemblies' teaching plans. She maintains and tracks information about Assemblies' plans. She responds to questions about college clubs and helps in the formation of the clubs. She also responds to general questions about the Faith.

Our main function, as stated in the May 19 letter, is to help Assemblies and individual Bahá’ís achieve their teaching goals. We are ready to offer assistance, support and guidance whenever needed. Please let us know how best we can work together. Keep us informed of your teaching activities—both those efforts that work and those that don't.

Give us your ideas and suggestions. Tell us what kinds of materials would be of most use to you for teaching in your area. Together let us demonstrate our ability to work in harmony for the one thing we hold most dear, the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

With loving greetings, The National Teaching Office

Notice

The National Spiritual Assembly would like to remind the Bahá’ís that it is necessary to obtain permission from the Universal House of Justice before traveling to Israel, whether for personal reasons or to visit the Bahá’í Holy Places. [Page 3]

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS

July ................................... 228

Year to date ....................... 736

THE FUND

(As of June 30, 1995)

	YTD Goal	YTD Actual
National Bahá’í Fund	$2,083,334	$2,309,725*
International Bahá’í Fund		$668,612*
Arc Projects Fund		$8,170,359
Continental Bahá’í Fund		$42,643
Other Earmarked		$65,752
Subtotal/Int’l Funds		$8,947,366
Total/All Funds		$11,257,091

	June ’94	June ’95
National Bahá’í Fund	$833,686	$1,564,490*
International Bahá’í Fund	$42,837	$631,177*
Arc Projects Fund	$327,690	$6,551,202
Continental Bahá’í Fund	$21,076	$24,372
Other Earmarked	$18,618	$40,697
Subtotal/Int’l Funds	$410,221	$7,247,448
Total/All Funds	$1,243,907	$8,811,938

• Includes an individual contribution of more than $1 million ‎dividued divided‎ equally between the International and National Bahá’í Funds

National Bahá’í Fund: Goal & Actual

Where we are: $2,309,725

Where we need to be: $2,083,334

Arc Projects Fund

Where we are: $8,170,359

Where we were last year: $870,913

International Bahá’í Fund

Where we are: $668,612

Where we were last year: $76,136

Continental Bahá’í Fund

Where we are: $42,643

Where we were last year: $32,589

NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE

Army of Light National Youth Conference December 28 - 31, 1995 Dallas, Texas

Personal Information: Name __________________________________ Street Address __________________________ City ___________________________________ State ________ Zip ______________________ Phone _________________________________ Bahá’í ID Number _______________________ Sex ___________________________________ Race/Ethnic Background _________________

Special Assistance Required (i.e.-Wheelchair access, walking assistance, Blind Access)

VOLUNTEERS: We need volunteers. Please check your area of preference: Ushering: ______________________________ Security: _______________________________ Registration: ___________________________ As Assigned: ___________________________

If you are under 18, please have your parent fill out the following: I, __________________________, the parent of _________________________, a minor, authorize the Bahá’í Youth Conference Task Force to consent to any and all medical or surgical treatment deemed advisable by any physician or surgeon licensed under the provisions of the Medical Practice Act effective while my child is attending this event.

Date: __________________________________ Signature of parent: _____________________ Insurance company: _____________________ Policy#: ________________________________

If you are under 15, and attending without a parent, please fill out the following: I, __________________________, parent of _________________________, appoint ________________________ to be my child’s sponsor at the Bahá’í National Youth Conference. The sponsor, who is of the same sex and over 21, will serve as a good and kindly parent to my child and is fully responsible for him/her at the conference.

Date __________________________________ Signature of parent _____________________ Date __________________________________ Signature of Sponsor ____________________

• Pre-registration deadline—postmarked by November 20.
• Be sure to include payment with your registration form.
• Use only one form per person. Photocopies are acceptable.

Fee for registration: $25. Fee must be included with registration form. Please make checks payable to: Bahá’í Youth Conference

Please note: On-site registration fee will be $35.

HOTEL: Hyatt Regency DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) 1-800-233-1234 or 214-453-1234

Rooms are $50 a night for up to four people, based on availability.

Please Note: December 10 is the final day to reserve a room at these rates. These rates are available for the nights of December 28, 29, & 30. Checkout is 12 noon on December 31.

FOOD: We have been notified that there will be no outside food allowed in the hotel. There are five restaurants on site. An optional meal plan is also available.

On-Site Registration: On-site registration begins on Thursday afternoon, December 28.

Medical Release for those under 18: Everyone under the age of 18 must have a parent fill out the medical release section on the registration form. NO EXCEPTIONS!

QUESTIONS: Any questions you may have about the conference should be directed to: National Teaching Office 708-733-3498

Send registration form to: Dallas Youth Conference c/o National Teaching Office 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201-1611

Holiday Blues?

Not this year.

The National Teaching Committee is hosting the 2nd Army of Light National Youth Conference, which will be held in Dallas, Texas, the last weekend in December.

The conference, whose theme is “Excel-lence in All Things,” will run from Thursday, December 28, to Sunday, December 31.

All nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly are planning to attend. We hope you will be able to join us.

Please watch for subsequent issues of The American Bahá’í for more information about the conference. [Page 4]Part 1 in a series of articles

Local Assembly’s role in international work of the Cause

Introduction The United States Bahá’í community has been given the privilege of being one of a few national communities to carry the greatest responsibility for assisting the growth of the Faith around the world, and pioneering continues to be the primary way in which this can be accomplished.

Each local Assembly is responsible for educating its community about the pioneering needs, whether international, national or local and to help in achieving them as their resources permit.

“These spiritual Assemblies are shining lamps and heavenly gardens, from which the fragrances of holiness are diffused over all regions, and the lights of knowledge are shed abroad over all created things. ...They, indeed, are the potent sources of the progress of man, at all times and under all conditions.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in God Passes By, p.332)

Assemblies are urged to keep the overseas needs ever before their communities, even as they do the national and local ones. The friends, including the children and youth, should understand the spiritual significance and importance of pioneering.

“...My primal object of this long trip was to show, by deed, to the friends of God that this is the season of teaching the Cause. Although Akká and Haifa are the headquarters of the Cause, and I should stay there and from those Centers administer the affairs of the Cause, yet I left everything and traveled throughout the earth to herald the coming of the Kingdom of Abhá. Any person desiring to be surrounded by the confirmations of the Blessed Perfection must arise and teach the Cause. This is the Faith!” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “Star of the West,” Vol. IV, December 12, 1913, p. 25)

There are several concrete ways in which Assemblies can help the teaching work in addition to encouraging members in their communities to consider the possibility of offering to pioneer.

The Assembly can emphasize the need for contributions to the Deputization Fund.

“Center your energies in the propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation.”

Focus children’s classes on the topic of pioneering and international service and channel the training and education of the members of its community in such a way that they will be well prepared to undertake this service.

“While the children are yet in their infancy feed them from the breast of heavenly grace, foster in the cradle of all excellence, rear them in the embrace of bounty. Give them the advantage of every useful kind of knowledge. ...Bring them up to work and strive and accustom them to hardship. Teach them to dedicate their lives to matters of great import and inspire them to undertake studies that will benefit mankind.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 129)

“This Cause, although it embraces with equal esteem people of all ages, has a special message and mission for the youth of your generation. It is their charter for the future, their hope, their guarantee of better days to come. Therefore, the Guardian is especially happy that the young Bahá’ís are active in pioneer work.” (Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, in Bahá’í News, No. 161, March 1943, p. 1)

When an individual or family chooses to serve internationally, there may be concern for the depletion of the resources of the community, especially if the individual’s departure will jeopardize homefront goals. While this may seem a dilemma, the Guardian has pointed out:

“...the most important service any one can render the Faith today is to teach the Cause of God. The degree of importance of areas of service is first, pioneering in virgin areas of the Crusade, second, pioneering in one of the consolidation areas abroad, third, settling in one of the goal cities of the homefront, and finally, teaching with redoubled effort wherever a Bahá’í may reside.” (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, August 22, 1954)

In another letter the Guardian reminds us that:

“Pioneer service in these epoch-making days need not be confined to going out in foreign fields. The friends can pioneer on their assemblies in helping to bring about a keener vision of what their duties are; they can pioneer in developing new local teaching methods, new contacts with new classes of people; indeed they can even be said to pioneer inwardly in finding new depths in their own souls and new ways in which their own God-given capacities can be put to use in serving the Faith.” (Letter written on behalf of the Guardian dated July 8, 1942)

Coming October 19-22, 1995 at Green Acre Bahá’í School: Sensitive International Teaching Areas (SITA) Program Pioneering Institute Bahá’í Youth Service Corps Training The Three Year Plan is drawing to a close. ...If you have ever dreamed of international pioneering, this is an opportunity to further prepare for this most meritorious service for the Cause of God. Come to beautiful Green Acre and discover how to transform that dream into a reality! For more information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3508).

Pioneer Institutes provide perspective on Bahá’í service abroad

Imagine being involved in an intense weekend focused on understanding how to share the precious healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh with others in an environment different from your own. Is such preparation really necessary?

Imagine, on the other hand, arriving in another country and feeling lost because “these people” do not seem to act and think as “we” do.

The Universal House of Justice has encouraged all National Assemblies to “focus their energies on the spiritual preparation of the friends for this vital field of service [pioneering].” (June 30, 1993)

The Pioneering/Bahá’í Youth Service Corps/SITA Institutes have been designed to provide you with an awareness of the skills and a spiritual perspective on service that will enhance your ability to be effective at your post. Your success as a pioneer will be in direct proportion to your spiritual and practical preparation.

For the friends, young and old, who have committed to serving Bahá’u’lláh as pioneers, we cordially invite you to contact the Office of Pioneering about your interest in attending one of the upcoming Institutes. The next two scheduled sessions are:

• October 19-22, 1995—Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine.
• January 1996—Bosch ‎Bahá’í’School Bahá’í School‎, Santa Cruz, California.

For more information, you can reach us at the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509; e-mail ).

Pioneering Office revises overseas Service Forms The Office of Pioneering has revised its International Service Forms. These new forms will soon be mailed to all local Assemblies and should be filled out by anyone who is planning to pioneer, travel teach or enlist in the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps. This packet will also contain valuable information and a listing of those countries which are in need of the above-mentioned services.

For the second year, the Bahá’ís of Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana, took part in Shreveport’s annual community service project, ‘Paint Your Heart Out,’ comprising one of 100 teams that painted homes of the elderly, poor and disabled using paint and materials donated by local merchants. The Bahá’ís, wearing ‘Racism Just Undo It’ t-shirts, spent four hours painting the home of Henry Miller (standing at left), his wife (in background) and their grandson (fourth from right). Afterward, the Bahá’ís held a picnic at a local park.

Critical need for pioneers and traveling teachers to Eastern Russia, Mongolia

The need for pioneers and traveling teachers in Eastern Russia (Siberia) and Mongolia, as well as many other nearby countries, is critical.

The Universal House of Justice names these lands as countries in which “there are now especially fertile opportunities for the rapid spread of the Faith that must be urgently met.”

Several goal cities in the areas of Buryatia, Sakha and Yakutia in Russia, and in Mongolia, are in immediate need of pioneers and traveling teachers. The compelling opportunities in these regions have been noted and emphasized by the International and Continental Counselors.

The Russia/Mongolia Teaching Committee, based in Alaska, is lending invaluable help to teachers and pioneers to the region and has arranged special orientation programs for them.

Whether to receive your final orientation on your way east, or to investigate the possibility of going, plan now to attend an orientation program. The next one will be held during Thanksgiving week, November 24-26, in Anchorage, Alaska. An average of four institutes per year are expected to be offered.

We encourage you to consider giving some time to the teaching work in these vital areas. To take the first step toward going, contact your local Spiritual Assembly to consult and receive the forms for Pioneering/Bahá’í Youth Service Corps or traveling teaching. [Page 5]

Friends surpass first-quarter contributions goal

Figures released by the National Spiritual Assembly for the quarter ending July 31 show that we have met the first-quarter goal with more than $50,000 to spare.

This remarkable result, the best in many years, is the result of three main factors: the friends’ heartfelt response to the urging of their National Assembly to make this summer different; a deeper and wider understanding of the role of the Fund in living a Bahá’í life; and two very large gifts to the Fund from individuals.

The chart elsewhere on this page indicates that contributions to the National Fund totaled $3,151,000 as of the end of July, surpassing the $3.1 million goal by $51,000.

The monthly contributions goal needed to meet the $12.5 million target for the current fiscal year is just above $1 million, while the average since May, if the two large gifts are taken out of the equation, is about $750,000 per month. The total for July, usually one of the slower months of the year in terms of contributions, was an impressive $841,000.

Meanwhile, contributions to the Arc Projects Fund received at the Bahá’í National Center through July 31 totaled more than $11 million, nearly double the amount given during all of B.E. 151 (1994-95).

The year-to-date total through July is more than eight times greater than the total for the same three-month period last year, and more than seven times the total of two years ago.

Contributions in July 1995 were 27 times higher than the amount offered for the Arc in July 1994—and even greater amounts have been pledged.

We should not forget that some 1,500 Bahá’ís made binding commitments to the Universal House of Justice during ‘Alí Nakhjavání’s recent visit to the U.S. that they would contribute enough to ensure that the goal of $40 million for the Arc by the end of the Three Year Plan is reached.

National Bahá’í Fund Goal
$12.5 Million for B.E. 152

Goal	Actual
$3,096,000	$3,151,000
At July 31, 1995

‘Anarchy into Order’ theme of 19th annual Association for Bahá’í Studies Conference

“Anarchy into Order” is the theme of the 19th annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, to be held October 12-15 at the Hyatt Regency Airport Hotel in San Francisco, California.

The Conference will examine the processes leading to uniting the nations by exploring, in a multidisciplinary fashion, four priorities: human rights, the advancement of women, moral development, and global prosperity.

The 1995 Hasan Balyuzi Memorial Lecture, “Táhirih: A Portrait in Poetry,” will be delivered by Amin Banani, a Bahá’í who is a professor of history at UCLA.

Others among the 16 speakers at the Conference’s general sessions include:

• Frank C. Newman, retired Justice of the California Supreme Court.
• Betty Reardon, director of the Peace Education program at Columbia University in New York City.
• Ben Crow, professor of Development Studies at the University of California-Berkeley and Stanford University.

This year, a special seminar will be presented on “Local Community Challenges” with leaders from a number of community organizations and agencies taking part.

Special interest groups including those on the arts, agriculture, business and economics, science and technology, the study of religion, the environment, women and gender issues, race unity and education, will meet all day Thursday.

In addition, the Bahá’í Justice Society will offer a training session in mediation skills, while the Bahá’í Computer and Communications Association (BCCA) will also meet during the Conference.

Evening programs will focus on the arts.

For Conference registration information, phone 613-233-1903 or e-mail abs-ottawa@magi.com before October 2 for discount fees.

19th Annual Conference Association for Bahá’í Studies in North America ANARCHY INTO ORDER: UNITING THE NATIONS Themes: • Human Rights • Advancement of Women • Moral Development • Global Prosperity October 12-15 1995 Hyatt Regency Hotel at San Francisco Airport, California Registration Hotel: Hyatt Regency at San Francisco Airport. Call 1-800-233-1234, ask for "Association for Bahá’í Studies (ABS) Conference" rates of $95/night single/double; $105 triple; $115 quad. Register early since limited rooms available at our special rates. Airline: United Airlines (Event #589MC): 1-800-521-4041. Air Canada (Event #CV951222): 1-800-361-7585. Only these two airlines offer our special discount fares if you refer to the event number listed above. Conference: Call the ABS-Ottawa, Canada office to register to attend the conference: (613) 233-1903. Send presentation/paper proposals as soon as possible to Conference Co-Conveners: Sheila Banani: 1445 Yale St., #4, Santa Monica, CA 90402. Fax: (310) 394-6167 e-mail: sbanani@ucla.edu or Dr. Robert Stockman: Research Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 Fax: (708) 733-3563 e-mail: rstockman@usbnc.org

Consecration is . . .

The dictionary says that consecration means to declare something holy. The word shares the same Latin root as “sacrifice,” which Webster’s says means to dedicate something to a higher goal or to a claim that is more urgent.

In these days, the Bahá’ís are adding new meanings to these ancient words. Consider, for example:

• The couple in southern California who heard Mr. Nakhjavání speak, pledged a unit apiece for the Arc, and then, at the next meeting, fulfilled those pledges with cash and brought $9,000 for each of their children, too.
• The believers in many areas of the country who are working around the clock each day to bring in the troops.
• The family in central Illinois who pledged $9,000 and contributed $36,000.
• The woman in Washington state who thought that their new teaching teams would need a home base, so she handed the keys to her house to the local Assembly.
• The youth who have gathered together to sew prayer-book pouches to raise money for the Faith.
• The volunteers who provided the National Assembly with nearly $4 million in free services last year alone.

Each of these friends has made some decisions: they have read the letters, prayed and consulted, and have done their best to determine what the Faith needs right now. Then, they have acted.

One of the things these dear friends obviously have figured out is that teaching isn’t just something you do on the odd weekend, any more than you make one contribution and then you’re done.

We didn’t know our own strength!

There’s a place in the Southeast that has great natural beauty: some rivers, some mountains, and three “county” Bahá’í communities, all on the same piece of adjoining real estate.

It’s not especially rich country—in fact, much of it is too close to the vertical to do much with except admire it—and the Bahá’ís there aren’t especially rich, either, at least financially.

These folks got together to raise some money: there were these buildings on a Mountain (a faraway one, not any of the homegrown ones) they wanted to help build. They thought that together, they could scrape up about $18,000 over two years.

They made a good start—$11,400 in the first year. Going into the second, they pulled out some stops and in the first three months they gave almost $30,000. And they maintained their giving to the other Funds—Peter and Paul were both provided for. Now, there are just 28 tall people among them, so this was pretty good all around! [Page 6]

So Great an Honor

Becoming a Bahá’í prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States SC $6.95 (SGH)

Designed primarily as a welcoming guidebook for new believers, So Great an Honor familiarizes readers with essential truths of the Bahá’í Faith and with its Central Figures. It also gives a glimpse of Bahá’í history, discusses the Covenants of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and outlines the Bahá’í Administrative Order. This book is intended to help readers enrich their spiritual journey and find the true happiness that comes from responding to God’s call and arising to play their own part in advancing His cause. An excellent resource for deepening and consolidation programs.

6"x9", 81 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Foundations for a Spiritual Education

Research of the Bahá’í Writings prepared by the National Education Task Force SC $9.95 (FSE)

One of the keys to changing the world is the spiritual education and training of children. Foundations for a Spiritual Education sets forth a selection of extracts from the Bahá’í writings on the nature, purpose, content, and process of spiritual education. It identifies the overarching principles that should guide the educational process and provides an initial framework for carrying them into practice. Its purpose is to help Bahá’í parents, teachers, scholars, and institutions—individually or collectively—study and implement the Bahá’í writings on spiritual education. The book reflects the key research that is the basis of the Core Curriculum Program of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.

6"x9", 208 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

The Universe Within

An Exploration of the Human Spirit Anjam Khursheed SC $11.95 (UW)

The author, a research physicist, issues a bold challenge to reductionist assertions that the world is nothing but a meaningless collection of particles. Over the past few centuries, science has added immensely to our knowledge of the physical universe, but where in a world dominated by scientific facts is there a place for human values and purposes, for justice and compassion? Dr. Khursheed addresses these vital questions, examining the psychology of the modern mind and explaining how the fragmentations of modern life are related to a loss of spiritual vision. Taking readers on a journey to inner space, with its landscape of thoughts, beliefs, and emotions, the book makes a case for giving the spiritual dimension of human nature more centrality in our lives and points the way to a more coherent, integrated human self-image.

6"x9", 192 pp., index Oneworld Publications

The Bahá’í World, 1993-94

World Centre Publications HC $22.95 (BW94H), SC $11.95 (BW94S)

The latest release of the comprehensive and authoritative annual survey of activities of the Bahá’í International Community. Written with both the general public and a Bahá’í audience in mind, the volume includes three introductory articles, a basic reading list, and a glossary of Bahá’í terms for those who are not familiar with the Bahá’í Faith. Other articles, many liberally illustrated by color and black-and-white photographs, provide a vivid record of Bahá’í undertakings all around the globe, and statements and essays on a ‎variey variety‎ of topics reflect subjects of interest and concern to the Bahá’í community. With its presentation of timely information and coverage of issues of topical concern, The Bahá’í World, 1993-94 is a valuable asset in proclamation activities and an excellent resource for libraries, media organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and academic researchers.

6"x9-1/2", 346 pp. World Centre Publications [Page 7]

The Prosperity of Humankind

Office of Public Information PA $7.00/10 PK. (PH10) PA $30.00/50 PK. (PH50)

A statement released by the Office of Public Information at the request of the Universal House of Justice, The Prosperity of Humankind discusses the concept of global prosperity in the context of the Bahá’í teachings. Unity, justice, consultation, education and spirituality are set forth as integral aspects of the process of achieving lasting spiritual and material well-being among all humankind. The Universal House of Justice hopes that this statement will “foster understanding of this important topic among members of your communities and thus vitalize their contribution to the constructive social processes at work throughout the planet.”

City of Love

Minarets of the West CD $15.95 (CLCD), CS $10.95 (CLCS)

A collection of original, ‎accoustic acoustic‎ folk music inspired by the Bahá’í writings. Blending exquisite harmonies with strings and flute, Minarets of the West offers a musically uplifting, reflective experience. With its exceptional production quality and spiritualizing tone, this album should enjoy a wide audience.

45 minutes Minarets of the West

Jesus Christ in Sacred Bahá’í Literature

A Compilation SC $7.95 (JCSBL)

The exalted station of Jesus Christ and His place in the ongoing redemptive history of humanity are the focus of this inspirational compilation of Bahá’í writings. Brought together for the first time in one volume, these reverent passages from the pens of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá confirm the Sonship and divinity of Jesus Christ, the efficacy of His sacrifice, and the profundity and transforming power of His teachings. Excellent for deepenings and for seekers.

5-1/4"x7", 113 pp. Oneworld Publications

The Quest

by Gail Radley illustrated by Margaret Bremner SC $6.95 (QS)

A fantasy by a well-known author of several Bahá’í books for young readers and those young at heart. Illustrated with 20 pen and ink drawings, the book achieves a remarkable depth of spirituality unusual for the fantasy genre. Loosely based on the story of the seven valleys from the mystical writings of the Súfí poet ‘Attár, the story follows the spiritual journey of a girl named Lona. Lona, the rainbow follower, meets ruffians and good souls, finds suffering and peace, and ultimately attains her quest as she finds herself “on the threshold of her own heart.” (For ages 8-12.)

9-3/4"x7", 55 pp., illustrations Unity Arts/Nine Pines Publishing

Journey to Mount Eternity

Cindy Savage SC $7.95 (JME)

Another in a ‎succesful successful‎ line of books by Cindy Savage for young adults. The ‎principle principal‎ character, Melissa Davenport, takes an ‎ardous arduous‎ journey to the summit of the remote and majestic Mount Eternity. Her physical voyage, which parallels the spiritual journey Bahá’u’lláh describes in The Seven Valleys, forces her to dig deep into herself for the strength to continue and the will to survive. For young adult readers.

5"x 7-3/4", 174 pp. Oneworld Publications

Songs for the Phoenix

by Michael Fitzgerald SC $19.95 (SFP)

Michael Fitzgerald’s eighth book of poetry, focussing on the spirit in daily life and the spirit within. It is a celebration of collective life and the ideal mission of the Divine Messenger. Highly charged with spiritual intensity, yet highly readable, these poems by an award-winning poet bring clarity out of complexity, purpose out of chaos. Includes over one hundred and fifty new poems, as well as a selection of previously published poems.

5"x7-3/4", 224 pp. George Ronald Publishers

The Greatness Which Might Be Theirs

Reflections on the Agenda and Platform for Action for the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women: Equality, Development and Peace A Compilation SC $6.00 (GWMBT)

A collection of essays presented to the attendees of the recent UN Conference on Women held in Beijing. Some of the papers represented in this compilation include “Religion as an Agent for Promoting the Advancement of Women at All Levels”, “Educating Girls”, “Primary Health Care and the Empowerment of Women”, “Ending Violence Against Women, Protection of Women’s Rights” and “Creating Legal and Institutional Structures for Gender Equality”. An excellent source of information on a range of issues related to the advancement of women.

5-1/2"x8-1/2", 88 pp. Bahá’í International Community

Release the Sun

by William Sears SC $9.95 RTS

An exciting, easily read narrative of the mission of the Báb. Travel back to 1844 as, from the pages of The Dawn-Breakers, the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears carries the reader to a quiet room in Shíráz with a stirring account of the declaration of the Báb. Thrill to the heroism of Mullá Husayn as he rides to the aid of Quddús at Fort Shaykh Tabarsí. With its appeal to all age groups, Release the Sun is a must for every Bahá’í library.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 536 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Citadel of Faith

Message to America, 1947–1957

BACK IN STOCK [Page 8]

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

1-800-999-9019

The Most Holy Tablet

by Bahá’u’lláh SC $13.95 (MHTS), HC $ 19.95 (MHTH)

An attractive, illustrated edition of Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to the Christians. In this important tablet Bahá’u’lláh reveals parallels between His own life and that of Jesus, claiming to be Christ returned in the glory of the Father. In a spirit of compassion and loving-kindness, He invites the “followers of the Son” to open the doors of their hearts, be fair in their judgment, and not to repeat the error of former generations. The text is complemented by Mark Sadan’s unique, specially commissioned photographs of scenes associated with Bahá’u’lláh’s exile in ‘Akká and Bahjí. A splendid gift for those who harbor a genuine love in their hearts for Christ. An attractive companion to the Nightingale edition of the Tablet of Carmel. Includes a brief introduction to the life and teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

6-1/2" x 7-1/2", 72 pp., introduction, bibliography Nightingale Books

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 Packed is packed‎ with practical information on how to proclaim and teach the new Revelation, this book imparts the principles of persuasion, effective discussion, public speaking, and the dynamics of spiritual transformation. By learning and applying the principles of communication examined in this timely book, readers will multiply their success in teaching the Faith.

5-1/2" x 8-1/2", 453 pp. Global Perspective, publisher

Teaching Children's Classes: Grade 1

Ruhi Institute $6.00 SC (TCCI)

Third in the Ruhi Institute’s series on the dynamics of teaching and learning in a community. Includes lessons for children and continuing education materials for the facilitators of children’s classes. The first section focuses on deepening the teacher’s understanding of the principles of Bahá’í education. The second section includes fifteen children’s lessons that incorporate memorization, singing, questions and answers, and stories. The last section deals with developing the skills needed to maintain a proper learning environment in class.

8-1/2" x 11", 128 pp. Palabra Publications

For Love of His Beauty

by Bahá’í Media Services VT $19.95 (EFLHBN) ENGLISH VT $19.95 (PFLHBN) PERSIAN

In the spring of 1995 the Universal House of Justice sent its member Mr. ‘Alí Nakhjavání as its representative to the United States, Canada, Europe to inform the believers of the crisis that could affect the progress of the Mount Carmel Projects if the shortfall of US $40 million was not contributed by the end of the Three Year Plan. This video contains excerpts of the talks given by Mr. Nakhjavání during this historic series of visits and includes answers to some ‎eof of‎ the questions fielded after each talk. Available in both English and Persian.

2 hours Bahá’í Media Services

Twin Holy Days

BIRTHDAY OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH, BIRTHDAY OF THE BÁB $14.95 HC (THDH)

The most recent of the holy days series by Kalimát Press. This handsome edition includes prayers and tablets revealed for the holy days commemorating the births of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb. Stories about the birth and childhood of these Twin Manifestations, the history of the first observances of Their birthdays, and a collection of quotations from Their writings will give readers everything they need to prepare their own holy day observances.

7-1/4" x 5-1/4", 129 pp. Kalimát Press

Louis G. Gregory Champion of Racial Harmony

National Teaching Committee PA $4.00/10 PK. (LG10) PA $32.00/100 PK. (LG100)

A teaching pamphlet produced by the National Teaching Committee about the life of Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory. This biographical sketch illustrates the path that led the son of former slaves to become a leading exponent of racial harmony “who was destined to greatly influence race relations in America.” Through an examination of Mr. Gregory’s dedication to the Bahá’í Faith and its central principle of unity the reader is both inspired and informed. An excellent introduction to the Faith.

3-3/4"x9", 16 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust

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U.S. decentralization process moves steadily forward

The three-year-old decentralization process is rapidly coming to fruition. The process that began with an extensive period of examination and reflection by the National Spiritual Assembly during the Holy Year now moves toward the stage of implementation with the recent request from the National Assembly for input from the community.

As the National Spiritual Assembly stated in its letter of June 21 to all local Spiritual Assemblies (reprinted in the August 1 issue of The American Bahá’í) the decentralization process arose from consultations on the growth of our community and the consequent need to increase the efficacy of the national administration’s services.

Reorganization and distribution of administrative functions must take place on several levels: the work of the National Assembly itself, the Bahá’í National Center, and Spiritual Assemblies. The organization and work of the Bahá’í National Center and of local Spiritual Assemblies must evolve to prepare for the growth the community will experience.

Extensive consultations on this issue resulted in a preliminary plan for decentralization that was published in The American Bahá’í on September 8, 1992. After the publication of this general plan, consultation continued on its implementation. This aspect was delayed, however, owing to the lack of necessary funds.

Discussions on this issue continued, and the additional input of the Universal House of Justice was sought to help further crystallize the best method for implementing this decentralization.

In its reply, the House of Justice provides information on the decentralization efforts that are taking place in various other countries but does not mandate any particular approach.

Given the pressing needs of the Bahá’í community and its imminent growth, the National Spiritual Assembly has decided to proceed. In its June 21 letter the National Assembly sought additional input from local Spiritual Assemblies to help refine its plans.

The letter sets forth the basic framework of self-funding Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees to be situated in the four regions designated in the Tablets of the Divine Plan.

In addition, it solicits suggestions on what responsibilities these regional bodies might have to better serve the friends as well as names of those to be considered for appointment to the committees. Input from individuals has also been welcomed.

The initial responses have been compiled for consultation by the National Spiritual Assembly and the Counselors, after which they will be shared with the community.

Additional consultation will be sought from those attending the District Conventions in October, and results sent to the National Assembly. All of this input will be essential in moving toward the gradual implementation of these plans and their manifestation in establishing the Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees.

House of Justice describes overseas decentralization efforts

The following letter from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly outlines decentralization approaches taken by National Spiritual Assemblies in various countries.

The letter was sent in response to questions raised by the National Spiritual Assembly during its March 1994 visit with the Supreme Institution. These questions were posed in order to further decentralization investigations begun by the National Assembly during the Holy Year (for more information on decentralization, please refer to the article on this page).

In the following letter the Universal House of Justice provides principles for devising a plan of decentralization without mandating a particular course of action. Its general distribution is timed to help the Bahá’í community in its consultations on this issue. The National Spiritual Assembly encourages the community’s prayerful reflection and discussion of the various aspects of this historic and momentous development.

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Further to its letter to you of May 19, 1994, the Universal House of Justice has asked us to convey the following information about the actions which have been taken by National Spiritual Assemblies in several countries to bring about a degree of decentralization of their national administration.

This information is intended to be a stimulus to you in your consultation about the approach you should adopt in your area to decentralize the administrative functions in the United States, and you should not feel constrained to follow the precise form of the approaches described here.

The approach used initially involved the establishment of State Bahá’í Councils. Later, the formation of Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees was favored. The use of such committees appears more suited to your circumstances, but descriptions of the functions of both State Bahá’í Councils and Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees are provided here for completeness.

State Bahá’í Councils were established in India some years ago, with the explicit approval of the House of Justice, because of the vastness of the country, the large number of believers, the difficulty in communications due to the different languages used in the different states, and the need to stimulate expansion and consolidation at the grassroots.

Later, the Universal House of Justice approved the establishment of State Bahá’í Councils in Sabah and Sarawak in eastern Malaysia, and Bahá’í Provincial Councils in Zaire. In India, each Council is elected by the members of the local Spiritual Assemblies of the state every year on May 23. The election of the Council is confirmed by the National Spiritual Assembly as in the case of local Spiritual Assemblies.

The functions of the Council include: implementing the policies of the National Spiritual Assembly; making decisions within the area of authority vested in it by the National Assembly; taking initiative for the promotion of the Faith in its area, within the framework of the over-all teaching plan approved by the National Assembly; supervising on behalf of the National Assembly the efficient execution of the plans and projects being carried out in the state; and dealing with administrative matters including the appointment of state committees for teaching or for other functions which are assigned by the National Assembly.

However, the Council does not have the authority to remove or restore the administrative rights of believers but may recommend such action to the National Assembly.

Furthermore, the State Council encourages support of the various funds of the Cause and acts as one of the channels for the transmission of contributions to the National Spiritual Assembly.

The Council budget is specified by the National Spiritual Assembly which may, at its discretion, provide the Council with all or part of the funds required for that budget; in the latter case, the Council is free to accept contributions from the believers to make up the sum required, with such contributions being considered as donations to the National Fund.

The aim is that, in due course, the entire budget for the State Council would be provided from the believers in the state. The National Assembly allows the Council a wide latitude for autonomous action, intervening in its work only in matters which the Assembly regards as being of major importance.

Elsewhere, such as in Brazil, the Philippines, Colombia, Bolivia and Kenya, Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees have been established, and similar committees are in the process of being formed in Russia and Canada. The main task of these committees is to devise and execute expansion and consolidation plans in close collaboration with the local Spiritual Assemblies and the believers within their area of jurisdiction.

Their goal is to create strong local Spiritual Assemblies which are the focal centers of Bahá’í activity, and which are able to demonstrate their vital importance in the development of the Faith and their ability to regulate the affairs of their local communities.

These committees are allowed to develop their own programs and carry out their day-to-day work without having to obtain further approval. However, through their frequent reports and the minutes of their meetings, the National Assembly is kept informed of their activities and maintains its over-all supervision of the affairs of the Cause in the country.

Regional Committees may also be given authority to appoint, direct and supervise the work of subsidiary area or district teaching committees, but the appointment of the membership on such subsidiary committees is confirmed by the National Spiritual Assembly.

Regional Teaching and Administrative Committees may also undertake some administrative tasks aside from those related directly to the teaching work. In some instances, they are asked to arrange and supervise the unit area elections of National Convention delegates. It is, of course, entirely within the purview of the National Spiritual Assembly to determine what administrative tasks may be assigned to these committees.

The Regional Committees receive an adequate budget from the National Spiritual Assembly in proportion to the size of their area of jurisdiction and the tasks and programs to be administered. They are allowed in some places to receive contributions toward their work from the friends in the area of their operation. These matters are left to the discretion of the National Assembly to decide.

The members of a Regional Committee are appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly through a process by which the National Assembly invites the local Spiritual Assemblies of the region to propose confidentially the names of the believers whom they regard as being best qualified to serve in this capacity; similar requests are made of the Auxiliary Board members who serve that region.

The National Assembly then makes its selection of the membership from the names proposed and from any other names it may wish to add. Members of the Regional Committee serve for a term of one year. The Regional Committees report directly to the National Spiritual Assembly.

It has been found that to win support for the formation of such committees, it is commendable to hold a meeting with the friends of the area to discuss the needs they perceive and to consider their opinions and advice. Involvement of the Counselors in the preparations for such activities is important to the outcome and to the continuing development of the committees.

In the National Assembly’s consultation with the Counselors, it has been found useful to consider the means for the prompt and efficient exchange of information between the Auxiliary Board members and the Regional Committees, and for periodic meetings for them to consult together on the needs and opportunities in the region.

The results of the deliberations between the Auxiliary Board members and the Regional Committees are reported to the Counselors and the National Spiritual Assembly, so that appropriate decisions can be made and the necessary guidance provided to the various Bahá’í bodies serving the regions.

The House of Justice trusts that the information provided here will be ‎value of value‎ to you in your consultation on means by which you can bring about the decentralization you are seeking. It would welcome your advising it of the approach you plan to adopt, and would appreciate the opportunity to comment on the approach in due course.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Universal House of Justice Department of the Secretariat June 27, 1994 [Page 10]

Do You Have Rocks in Your Feeling Box?

from the pages of Brilliant Star.

by Joe Galata and Cindy Savage

Special thanks to the Lansdowne family of Charlotte, North Carolina for suggesting we share this activity with everyone!

Everyone has a feeling box. You even know where it is. You can’t touch it or see it, even with an x-ray. No doctor can prove it exists, but somewhere between your heart and your belly button, right in the pit of your stomach, is a special place—your feeling box.

Have you ever been on an airplane or a roller coaster that suddenly went up or down? You felt that fear and excitement in your feeling box. Have you ever had to stand up and talk or say a prayer in front of people and got “butterflies in your stomach”? Or have you ever been mad enough that your stomach was “tied up in knots”? Have you ever loved someone so much that you felt all warm and gushy inside and you just wanted to hug yourself? Then you know exactly where your feeling box is. That’s good. Because your feelings connect you to your spiritual self. And, your spiritual self connects you to God.

You see, we really have three parts—our body, or physical self, our brain, or mental self, and our spiritual self. Having a spiritual self is what makes people special and different from plants, minerals, and animals.

People and animals actually have lots of things in common. Do you have a puppy or kitten? You both have eyes, a nose, a tongue, etc. You both have to eat and sleep and play. You both have bodies.

If lightning and thunder crack and rumble outside, both you and your pet might be afraid and know enough to go inside. So, you both have brains.

But what about your spirit—the part that connects you to God? If you learn to play the piano, one day you might create a magnificent symphony. Your puppy can learn to roll over and sit, but we’re not sure if he can ever be creative and make up his own tricks. People can love each other, have faith, hope, creativity and a sense of humor. Animals probably don’t tell jokes to each other. We don’t know if their spirit connects them to God in the same way that ours does.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá loved to laugh. He told us that our spirits should be happy and our homes filled with laughter.

Sometimes things get in the way of our happiness. Each time we feel pain or fear, confusion or loneliness, it’s like putting rocks in our feeling box. They weigh us down and make us hurt. They are dirty and messy and carrying them around makes us tired and unhappy.

Sometimes people try to get rid of the rocks by drinking alcohol or taking drugs. But alcohol and drugs only hide the rocks for a short time. The rocks are still there getting heavier and uglier each day. What can we do?

Prayer is the answer. When we pray, Bahá’u’lláh cleanses our spirits. He sends a stream of pure, clear water to clean the rocks and turn them into shining, sparkling gems. The gems are really beautiful feelings that make us feel beautiful and happy.

How we pray is very important. We must use our bodies, our minds, and our spirits together if we want our prayers to cleanse us.

Sometimes we pray only with our bodies. We say the words, or read the words, or listen to the words, but we don’t really feel them.

Sometimes we pray only with our brains. We might want God to fix something so badly that we rush through the prayer to get to the end so that God can help us faster. But we’re so sad or worried that the words get swallowed up and we don’t feel them.

Bahá’u’lláh tells us we must pray with our hearts. We must feel every word. We must pray with hope and joy, happiness, love and faith. We can’t pray just with our bodies and our brains. We must pray with our spirits connected to God.

Here are some ways we can pray so that these three parts of us—our bodies, brains and spirits—can connect with God.

Body: Show respect and reverence with our bodies. Sit up straight. Keep our arms, hands, legs and feet to ourselves. (Don’t ‎lay lie‎ down on the floor, watch TV or eat while you are praying, or while someone else is praying. That wouldn’t be very respectful.)

Mind: Focus your thoughts on who Bahá’u’lláh is and what you are praying about. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says we must look at the heart of every word. You could try to make pictures in your mind that are beautiful and remind you of a special holy place or a peaceful scene.

Spirit: Allow feelings of joy to fill your feeling box. Imagine that you are hugging ‘Abdu’l-Bahá or making someone happy. After your prayer, meditate (sit, think, and feel) for a little longer to really appreciate how much God loves you. ★

Illustrated by Judith Noyes-Farnsworth ©1994 Reprinted from Brilliant Star, Special Edition 1994 [Page 11]

Race unity celebrations blanket Indiana

Indiana Bahá’ís had Race Unity Day covered like a picnic blanket this June with celebrations in Bloomington, Ft. Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis and Lafayette.

One hundred people joined the Bloomington community for the well-organized park festivities.

The choir from the largest African-American church in Bloomington was waylaid by bus troubles, but there was a full program nonetheless.

A representative of Indiana University made a presentation. Ruth Farnsworth performed a rap she composed on the need for race unity. A medley of folk songs from around the world was performed. And the evening concluded with an enthusiastic set of folk dances.

Ft. Wayne ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ had a doubly satisfying weekend.

First they took part in the Ft. Wayne Black Expo, which usually has few white attendees.

The Indiana Dawnbreakers Bahá’í Youth Workshop performed and invited people to the next day’s Race Unity Day program.

One of the most effective activities was the Workshop youth sitting with children at the Expo and blowing bubbles. Not a lot of formal teaching took place, but a positive feeling was engendered.

At 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon, the “main event” was held at the Ft. Wayne Art Museum.

Garland Borden was the Bahá’í representative on a panel of speakers. He particularly touched the hearts of the audience with his subtle humor.

He demonstrated the Bahá’í commitment to race unity by listing all of the cities in which activities were taking place, in each case describing how “people gathered, they shared ideas...and they shared food.” After the fifth “...and they shared food,” the audience was in the palm of his hand.

The 90-minute program also included Filipino dancers, a children’s choir from an African-American church, poems by a representative of the Jewish community, the Unity Prayer in Spanish, and presentations by representatives of the YWCA, IU/Purdue at Ft. Wayne, and a Department of Education training center.

People stayed afterward to talk at length with the speakers and those attending, and to share food.

In Gary, 14 people—half from other faiths—came together for a celebration that built on work over the past year and a half with the Inter-Faith Alliance.

Indianapolis’s Race Unity Day picnic just beat the rain. There was plenty of food, beverages, fun and fellowship.

Lalita Amos-Borden was the speaker. She challenged everyone to pair off and then spend 10 minutes praising each other.

After eating, attendees were entertained by traveling teacher/musician Matthew Levine and by Soul Speak, a poetry-music trio comprised of Brian and Debbie Wittman and Joy Sylvester.

Publicity helps Peoria Bahá’ís draw a crowd

This year’s Race Unity Day observance in Peoria, Illinois, was a great success thanks to unprecedented free publicity both before and after the June 11 event.

As a result, more than 75 people were present to hear an address by Reginald Newkirk, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, who has worked in the field of human rights and race relations for more than two decades.

Mr. Newkirk’s appearance was preceded by 10 days of radio spots donated by two popular local stations and four pre-program newspaper articles totaling 179 column inches.

Two more newspaper articles following the program added another 94 column inches for a total of 273.

Mr. Newkirk was interviewed before the program by the local CBS and NBC television stations.

He spoke on Saturday, June 10, to students and parents of the TSTM (Tomorrow’s Scientists, Technicians and Managers) group.

Also appearing that day was the Central Illinois Bahá’í Youth Workshop, “The Candles of the Covenant.”

Mayor James Maloof of Peoria declared June 11 “Race Unity Day,” setting the stage for Mr. Newkirk’s address entitled “Approaching the Millennium: Steps Toward Racial Unity.”

Follow-up articles in the Pekin Daily Times and Peoria’s Weekly Traveler quoted Mr. Newkirk extensively on the Bahá’í principle of racial equality and the need for spiritual values in a materialistic world.

Entertainment at the Race Unity Day event was provided by tenor Michael Hurt, a noted opera singer from Peoria.

Reginald Newkirk, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, addresses the Race Unity Day gathering June 11 in Peoria, Illinois.

Unity awards bestowed in Bloomington

The fourth annual “Light of Unity” awards were presented June 10 by the Spiritual Assembly of Bloomington, Illinois, to two individuals and an organization singled out for their contributions toward multiculturalism and the elimination of racism.

Receiving the awards were Kathryn Dean for her many activities on behalf of better race relations over the years; Savario Mungo, professor at Illinois State University, for participating on the Task Force on Multiculturalism at the College of Education and developing the classroom course Introduction to Multicultural Education; and the Coalition for Diversity and Reconciliation for its efforts to raise awareness and present models of reconciliation and appreciation of diversity.

Each recipient was given a framed batik portraying the faces of children of various races, created by Ann Rundall, a Bahá’í from Rockford, and a copy of “The Vision of Race Unity: America’s Most Challenging Issue.”

In choosing nominees for the awards, the Spiritual Assembly of Bloomington asked for and received help from the Bloomington/Normal Human Relations Commission, Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University.

Keynote speaker at the ceremony was Dr. June Thomas, a Bahá’í from East Lansing, Michigan, who chronicled the origins of the Faith and its principles including the Bahá’í position on race unity.

The local newspaper published articles about the presentation both before and after the event.

RACE UNITY BRIEFS

First-ever event is success in Jackson, Tennessee

On June 10, the Bahá’ís of Jackson-Madison County, Tennessee, were joined by isolated believers from Henderson and Decatur counties at the first-ever Race Unity gathering in the three neighboring counties.

An estimated 150-200 people took part in the event at Jackson’s Highland Park.

City Councilman Roy Morgan, representing Mayor Charles Farmer, proclaimed it Race Unity Day in Jackson.

Performers at the event included the Jackson Community Chorus, the Nashville Bahá’í Choir, the Tennessee Bahá’í Youth Workshop, Korean dancer Hey-Suk-Reagor and John Taylor, a Bahá’í guitarist/vocalist/storyteller from Salem, Virginia.

Many seekers were in the audience to hear Bahá’í speaker David Whitfield thanks to publicity on local radio and television and in the newspaper.

On June 11, Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Project Racial Harmony, in cooperation with the Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry’s Task Force on Racism, sponsored Unity Day, a celebration of the community’s social diversity.

The celebration included story-telling, arts and crafts, face painting, ethnic dancing, quilt-making and a community picnic.

Attendees were invited to bring with them a completed 18-inch-square block of fabric to be included in a “unity quilt.” Individuals and groups were encouraged to design squares that portrayed their understanding of racial harmony.

The Bahá’ís submitted several blocks, one of which—depicting an angel carrying a small child—drew the most attention. The representation was inspired by a widely publicized photograph of a fireman carrying an injured child from the remains of the bombed-out Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

Three members of the Spiritual Assembly of Tulsa serve on the TMM’s Task Force on Racism.

For the third year in a row, the Bahá’ís of greater Austin, Texas, hosted a Race Unity Day event June 11 at the city’s Waterloo Park.

Austin Metro Ministries, which includes more than 100 churches in its membership, co-sponsored the event at which 10 performing groups representing cultures from all over the world entertained throughout the afternoon.

A children’s carnival featured face painting, crafts tables, a sponge toss, moon walk and bungee run.

Media coverage was extensive with radio and television interviews, articles in five local newspapers, and news coverage of the event on the local ABC and CBS-TV affiliates.

The mayor of Austin proclaimed “Race Unity Day” in the city. His proclamation was televised with a one-minute acceptance speech by Karen O’Brien, a Bahá’í from Austin.

Orlando youth perform for 60 people at picnic

About 60 people from Melbourne, Vero Beach and Orlando, Florida, attended the seventh annual Race Unity Day picnic June 10 in Melbourne.

Performing at the event was the Orlando Bahá’í Youth Workshop.

An article about the gathering appeared June 12 in the Florida Today newspaper. [Page 12]

Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City says thanks

The Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, issued a letter of thanks June 18 to all those who have responded to the tragic bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building that resulted in more than 200 deaths.

Dear friends,

The Oklahoma City Bahá’í community wishes to express our sincere gratitude for your loving expressions of sympathy and kindness. We were deeply touched by the outpouring of love we received from Bahá’ís all over the world. The multitude of heart- and soul-stirring prayers, the beautiful cards, the touching children’s pictures and letters, and your generous and sacrificial donations are greatly appreciated.

Through this unfortunate event, Bahá’u’lláh has blessed us with the bounty of numerous teaching opportunities, especially to members of the clergy, and tremendously heightened our visibility.

There are many organizations that responded to the call. The response was tremendous, and some organizations, such as the Red Cross, asked the public not to make further contributions because the disaster relief funds had been satisfied. The Oklahoma City local Spiritual Assembly consulted on this matter and decided to send the friends’ donations to the Interfaith Disaster Recovery of Greater Oklahoma City.

This organization, in which the Bahá’í Faith is playing a highly visible role, has a mission to bring about healing by fostering unity. In fact, its mission statement, written by a Bahá’í, prominently incorporates Bahá’í principles of unity.

The Interfaith Disaster Recovery of Greater Oklahoma City has provided an excellent opportunity to teach our Faith to the followers of other religions. For the first time, our Faith has emerged from the shadows in Oklahoma City and demonstrated to all our commitment to all humanity. ...

Again, we thank you. With warmest Bahá’í love,

Jacquelyn Miles, Secretary Spiritual Assembly of Oklahoma City

Articles in The Daily Oklahoman have spotlighted the work of Interfaith Disaster Recovery for Greater Oklahoma City.

The newspaper described how the interfaith group, formed five days after the Oklahoma City bombing, brought together 40 representatives from Bahá’í, Christian, Islamic and Jewish communities to help meet the needs of bombing victims.

Bahá’ís Khalil and Valerie Dana are president and executive director, respectively, of the non-profit organization, and other Bahá’ís are active in it.

The newspaper noted that the group has made direct grants so victims’ families could purchase headstones for graves and cover insurance deductibles. It also provides family spiritual and mental health counseling and gives support and advocacy to critically injured, unemployed, and homeless people.

Another article described a multicultural “Reclaiming Our Heartland... Wiping Away Our Tears” service and candlelight procession through Oklahoma City’s downtown that was sponsored by Interfaith Disaster Recovery.

The 1995 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development

Paths to Peace: Global Prosperity through the Advancement of Women, Human Rights, & Moral Development

With an array of internationally known speakers, workshops led by veterans of many social and economic development projects, and guided by the powerful messages of the Universal House of Justice, we will spend four days finding practical ways to walk these pathways to peace.

December 21-24, 1995 • Clarion Plaza Hotel • Orlando, Florida

Honoring

The Rabbani Trust’s Annual Award of Excellence will be presented to these potent visionaries in the field of world-wide development: Mr. Hugh Chance and Mrs. Margaret Chance; Mr. David Hofman and Mrs. Marion Hofman. Their many years at the Bahá’í World Centre provided each of them with a unique perspective on the potential greatness of the human race.

(Mr. and Mrs. Chance / Mr. and Mrs. Hofman)

Featuring

Featuring: David S. Ruhe, Margaret K. Ruhe, Counsellors, Eloy Anello, Jacqueline Left Hand Bull-Delahunt, Ruth E. Pringle, Arturo Serrano, and Alan D. Smith; Jeffrey M. Mondschein, Hugh C. Adamson, Tahereh Ahdieh, Eugene S. Andrews, Steve L. Bosserman, Elizabeth L. Bowen, Kit B. Cosby, Richard T. Czerniejewski, Alberta Deas, Kathryn S. Delpak, A. Jane Faily, Steven Gonzales, Robert P. Harris, John S. Hatcher, Vahid Hedayati, Barbara K.V. Johnson, Linda J. Khadem, Ramin Khadem, Riaz Khadem, Thomas E. Kilpatrick, Kathy Lee, Jack Lenz, Leota M. Lockman, Sovaida Ma’ani, Riaz Mazcuri, Lawrence N. McCullough, Leela C. McCullough, Richard Mellman, Linda Godwin-Nadimi, Deborah Deas-Nesmith, Reginald Newkirk, Joel S. Nizin, Vickie R. Nizin, Charles H. Nolley, Mary S. Power, Mary K. Radpour, Christine Rayner, June Manning Thomas, Mary Walker, Helen T. Wilson, Y. Stephen Yamamoto, outstanding musicians and entertainers, & more. Groups include: Mottahedeh Development Services, Health for Humanity, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Bahá’í Justice Society, European Bahá’í Business Forum, Peace Education Now, Images International, & more.

Welcoming

The Honorable Federal Deputy Luiz Gushiken, distinguished member of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, the legislative body of Brazil. He is a member of the External Affairs Commission of the Chamber. Through his personal efforts, a special two-hour commemoration of the Passing of Bahá’u’lláh was held on May 28, 1992 in the Chamber of Deputies in Brasilia. As our special guest, Mr. Gushiken accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Leonel Ferreira, will be formally recognized for his efforts on behalf of the Bahá’í Faith. He will also address the conference, as will the world-renowned expert on Human Rights, Dr. Edy Kaufman. Dr. Kaufman, Representative to the conference for the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace, is Director of the Center for International Development and Conflict Management, University of Maryland and member of the Board of Directors of Amnesty International.

(Luiz Gushiken)

“...I wish this important event every success, and am sure it will enhance the ever-growing prestige of our beloved Faith in the eyes of thoughtful people of importance.” — Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

PLEASE PRINT NAME __________________________________________ TELEPHONE _____________________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________ CITY __________________ STATE _______ ZIP ______ CHILDREN NAMES AND AGES _______________________ _______________________________________________ INDICATE ANY SPECIAL NEEDS _____________________

Adult Fee
Before November 20:	$99
After November 20:	$119
Children & Jr. Youth Fee (3-14 years; 8 am to Noon)
Before November 20:	$35
After November 20:	$45
Youth Fee (15-20 years; attending adult sessions)
Before November 20:	$59
After November 20:	$79

CALL FOR INFORMATION: 407-740-5415

HOTEL/AIRLINE INFORMATION

Special Bahá’í group discount rates: Hotel rooms at the Clarion Plaza Hotel in Orlando: $39 per night (up to 2 persons) or $49 (up to 4 persons).

LIMITED AVAILABILITY CALL PROMPTLY Hotel Reservations: 1-800-627-8258 or 407-354-1703

Airfare discounts from American Travel Consultants 1-800-393-5050 (outside North America 407-679-6655).

MAKE CHECK PAYABLE AND MAIL TO: NORTH AMERICAN Bahá’í CONFERENCE 1477 W. Fairbanks Avenue, Suite 200 Winter Park, FL 32789

BIC develops exhibit to help Bahá’ís observe UN’s 50th anniversary

The National Spiritual Assembly has called on Bahá’í communities in the U.S. to plan observances this year of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. To help them do so, the Bahá’í International Community has developed a large exhibit depicting the relationship between the Faith and the UN.

A table-top version of the display is available for use by local Bahá’í communities. The exhibit is three feet high by six feet wide (six panels, accordion-fold). The price is $120 (to save money on additional correspondence, please include a check payable to Bahá’ís of the United States United Nations Office at the time you place your order).

To order, write to Bahá’ís of the United States, United Nations Office, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017-1811 (phone 212-756-3500; fax 212-756-3566; e-mail

Note: These displays are flexible and may be used at campuses, fairs, conferences and a variety of other venues. If ‎you your‎ community is interested in ordering, please contact the U.S./UN Office as soon as possible so we can determine the number of exhibits we’ll need to produce.

Telephone number for the Bahá’í National Center Bulletin Board Service (BNCBBS): 708-869-0389. [Page 13]

Five new National Assemblies are formed

Five new National Spiritual Assemblies were formed at Ridván: in Georgia, Sicily, Armenia, Belarus and Eritrea. The Universal House of Justice was represented at each Convention, by the Hands of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum (Georgia) and Alí-Muhammad Varqá (Sicily) and by Counselors Abbas Katirai (Armenia), Hartmut Grossmann (Belarus) and Hushang Ahdieh (Eritrea). After taking part in the National Convention of Georgia, Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum led the four official representatives of the Faith at the Summit on the Alliance Between Religions and Conservation held April 25-May 3 at Windsor Castle in Windsor, United Kingdom, and attended by, among others, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. It was the second session of a summit ‎sponsored co-sponsored co-sponsored‎ by the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Pilkington Foundation and MOA International (Mokichi Okada Association of Japan).

More than 800 people have enrolled in the Faith in the Department of Chuquisaca in Bolivia since the Rúhíyyih Khánum Teaching Campaign was begun there in June 1994. About 25 new localities have been opened to the Faith while 15 previously opened communities have been consolidated. Following a 12-day training workshop in August 1994, 25 people arose to form six teaching teams. Many of the members were rural youth, and special educational materials were prepared for them so they would not miss their schooling during the campaign. Teaching is done house to house by the young Bahá’ís after first securing permission from local authorities to do so.

Seventy to 80 people of Hungarian or Roma background embraced the Faith during a recent 10-day period in Törökszentmiklós and Tiszapüspöki, Hungary. The National Spiritual Assembly is working to ensure that immediate consolidation follows expansion in the region with special attention being given to regular children’s classes, especially in Tiszapüspöki.

As a result of teaching efforts that followed a national women’s conference April 20 at the Bahá’í Center in Layde, Bargo Division, Myanmar, 10 people embraced the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. More than 100 people from 13 communities attended the conference, at which U Kyaw, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Auxiliary Board member U Aung Kui, spoke, and consultation was held on the goals of the Three Year Plan and the equality of women and men.

In Côte d’Ivoire, the Faith was the recent topic on a popular hour-long series on national radio entitled “Myths and Mysteries.” The program has an audience estimated in the millions. At the end of the broadcast, during which two Bahá’ís spoke about the Faith and responded to questions from listeners, the host invited them to take part often on the program.

The Bahá’ís of Albania have been busy on a number of fronts recently. On April 21, a new Bahá’í Cultural Center was inaugurated in the main square of Tirana in connection with the celebration of the first Day of Ridván. And on the ninth Day of Ridván, another celebration was held at the Congress Palace with about 240 people present. Among the highlights was a performance by violinist Bijan Khadem Missagh of Austria, followed by a recital by recently enrolled Bahá’í actress Mrs. Xhepa, an Albanian celebrity, who read poems and some of The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh. Mr. Missagh performed three other times during his visit to the country including a concert with Albanian pianist Lili Tafai at the main concert hall in Tirana. In May, the National Spiritual Assembly addressed a second open letter to the people of Albania which was published in the country’s six leading newspapers. On May 25, the president of Albania’s Parliament, Pjeter Arbnori, was among the dignitaries who attended the official opening of the Bahá’í Cultural Center in Tirana. Also attending were the head of UNICEF in Albania and the first secretary of the Italian Embassy. On May 30-31, in the Congress Palace, the first International Medical/Surgical Conference of Tirana was held under the auspices of Health for Humanity and the University of Tirana. More than 400 physicians from Albania attended the three-day gathering at which 38 presentations were made on surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology and pediatrics.

About 2,500 young people gathered April 13-16 at Mboko City in South Kivu, Zaire, for the fourth annual Bahá’í Music Festival. Many traveled on foot, some walking as far as 300 kilometers (nearly 190 miles). The theme of the festival, at which about 40 groups sang, danced, performed skits or recited poetry inspired by the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, was “Youth Can Move the World.”

Pictured are ‘Arc Walkers’ and members of their support team who undertook a three-day 50-mile journey across the island of Oahu, Hawaii, on July 7-9 to raise funds for the Arc. The walk began at Keawa’ula Bay, at the western end of the island, and ended at the resting place of the Hand of the Cause of God Martha Root (pictured). As a result of their efforts, more than $11,000 was pledged to the Arc Fund, well over half the goal of $18,000 (two units) to be raised by the Bahá’ís of Waianae by the end of the Three Year Plan at Ridván 1996.

About 90 Bahá’ís from the Yukon, British Columbia and Alaska took part March 23-26 in an historic meeting of the three communities at the Yukon Bahá’í Institute. The conference, entitled “An Eagle’s Vision,” was organized by the newly formed Regional Teaching and Administrative Committee of Canada, and the program was designed so that friends from the three communities could celebrate their common interests, encourage one another’s efforts, and plan together for the future. Among those attending was Louise Profeit-LeBlanc, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

The National Teaching Committee of The Gambia has presented copies of “The Prosperity of Humankind” to newspaper editors and other leaders of thought in that country including the ‎Permament Permanent‎ Secretaries of the Ministries of Finance and Economic Affairs and of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the director of schools in the Ministry of Education.

Phylis Glocke, a pioneer to the Eastern Caroline Islands who teaches high school English in Pohnpei, has obtained permission from the school’s English department and begun using the peace statement from the Universal House of Justice as a text to be studied in several of her classes.

A Bahá’í kindergarten, registered by the government and with 15 children attending, was opened recently at the National Bahá’í Center in Tuvalu.

A television series in Spain called “Adventure in Knowing” recently included a half-hour program about the Faith. Basic information was given, a report of an interreligious meeting at the National Bahá’í Center was shown, and the video “Mona” was featured as part of a discussion of the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran. The program was shown to an estimated audience of about 500,000, then syndicated to stations in the U.S. and South America with a potential audience of 40 million.

The Bahá’í community of Nicoll’s Town on the island of Andros in the Bahamas has submitted a series of articles that have appeared in the local newspaper. Each article is titled “Let’s talk about ..... from the Bahá’í perspective” with the article’s theme inserted into the title. Topics covered have included world order, happiness, love, the environment, and agriculture. Most of the text is taken from the Bahá’í writings including prayers and selections from the Central Figures of the Faith. The series is being printed without cost to the Bahá’í community.

HUQÚQU’LLÁH

Payments for Huqúqu’lláh should be made to “The Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust” and sent to one of the Trustees:

• Dr. Elsie Austin, 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, Unit 612, Silver Spring, MD 20901 (phone 301-589-8481).
• Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449).
• Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333-1506).

Inquiries regarding Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116.

Bahá’í Marian Steffes Council holds 7th Honors Luncheon

On April 8, the Bahá’í Marian Steffes Council held its seventh annual Honor Luncheon in the Hall of the Nations at the Indian Community School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Among the 80 people taking part were representatives of 10 American Indian organizations.

Robert Malouf served as emcee and later gave a fireside at which Frank Teller of the ‎Menomonee Menominee‎ Nation, who had been studying the Faith with the Bahá’ís of Wilson/Sheboygan, declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

At the Honor Luncheon, Jonathan Landis played violin and Thirza DeFoe sang Indian songs. After the awards were presented, Reuben Fast Horse sang an Honor Song which he said he had learned from a Bahá’í named Kevin Locke. [Page 14]coordinator Soo-jin Yoon at 505-265-9583. Several fund-raisers have been held to meet the project’s material needs.

Teaching

Continued from page 1

Watsonville, California

The Spiritual Assemblies of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County South and Santa Cruz County North have joined forces to teach the predominantly Hispanic population of Watsonville. Twice a week teachers go door-to-door visiting the residents, most of whom are migrant workers. The majority are quite receptive, they report. Nineteen persons have declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh since the campaign began a month ago. Follow-up contacts are being made to nurture the new believers. More Spanish-speaking teachers are needed.

Woodburn, Oregon

The Woodburn Bahá’í Institute is opening a new chapter in its enormously successful history. After much consultation with the founding Clackamas County NW Assembly, sponsorship has been passed to the Spiritual Assembly of Woodburn that was spawned by the project. Clackamas County NW will continue to be responsible for issues relating to the physical Center and the vehicles. Woodburn will be responsible for expansion, consolidation and administrative issues. Richard Hutchins will serve as facilities coordinator and Marzieh Miller as consolidation coordinator. An expansion coordinator will be chosen in the near future who will be in charge of all direct teaching efforts. For the present, the Center will be open from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, with additional hours as volunteers are found to staff it. The target population remains the Hispanic population in the Woodburn area. Emphasis, though, will be on women, children and youth, with the Center evolving into a center for understanding where the diversity of the human race can cease to be the cause of hatred and strife. There are no plans to provide hot meals from the Center; however, rice, beans and bread will continue to be distributed to those in need. Classes in English as a Second Language will be added as staffing and details are worked out.

Wilmette, Illinois

Bahá’ís living near the House of Worship have organized the Corinne True Teaching Project as a means to increase support for the Mother Temple of the West. Twenty-six friends met April 16 in Foundation Hall to suggest teaching activities, programs and volunteer service surrounding the “great silent teacher.” These included a summer teaching project; youth projects; coordination and publication of area firesides; language classes at the Temple and devotional services in other languages; spiritual meetings; increased attendance by Bahá’ís at Sunday and Holy Day services; greater commitment to guiding; more music as a way to touch people’s hearts; and invitations to people of other faiths to visit the Temple. The group will meet every third Sunday for devotions.

Phoenix, Arizona

A different approach is being employed in the Phoenix area, where members of the South-Western Initiative for Teaching Christians (SWITCH) have begun an effort to engage Christians in dialogue. A letter was sent June 12 to 945 churches, proclaiming the Station of Bahá’u’lláh and inviting recipients to investigate His claims. A second letter, with the statement from the Universal House of Justice entitled Bahá’u’lláh, went out August 1. Some clergy who received the original letter have asked for more information. One, a Methodist minister in North Phoenix, has been sent The Bahá’í Faith: An Emerging Global Religion along with a cordial handwritten note inviting him to call if he has any questions. Another minister has been sent Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era along with a small prayer book and a personal letter inviting him to call or write. A lengthy list of questions was received from a Baptist minister. This letter has been sent to two SWITCH members for response at the request of the Spiritual Assembly of Tempe, which asked that it be kept advised of the contact. Other clergy, however, have declined to engage in further dialogue with Bahá’ís. An unsigned response simply repeated the biblical passage that “no one comes unto the Father but by Me.” A second unidentified minister referred the Bahá’ís to Acts 4:12: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Another anonymous card stated, “It frightens me incredibly to see how far your anti-Christ, satanic work has come. I admire your desire for unity but not at the cost of biblical honesty and integrity. I pray for you.” One response, directed specifically to Auxiliary Board member Jose Martinez, referred to the Faith as a “cult” and offered to “save” him. Mr. Martinez has drafted a friendly reply. At least one minister has read the entire letter to the congregation at a Sunday service. A Bahá’í in Scottsdale reported at Feast that a friend’s pastor did just that, and the friend was calling to get more information about the Faith since the pastor said he did not have any.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Above, Army of Light teachers pose with a youngster they befriended when they spoke and performed at a recreation center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Right, the youth pause to rest and discuss their progress during door-to-door teaching in an ethnically diverse Chattanooga neighborhood. (Photos by Tom Mennillo)

The Chattanooga area, like many in the country, has been inspired to initiate a process leading to entry by troops. The Spiritual Assembly of Chattanooga has approved a proposal developed by the local Teaching Committee. It aims to double the size of the Bahá’í community and the number of Spiritual Assemblies (to four) by Ridván. Its goal for the long term is nothing less than a community large enough and mature enough to make an indelible mark on Chattanooga’s destiny. A launch date of November 19 has been set. That is the first anniversary of a fund-raiser for the Arc Projects that raised almost $250,000 in contributions and pledges and, just as important, engendered an incredible community spirit borne of universal participation. The first step leading to the launch will be for the Spiritual Assemblies, Groups, Auxiliary Board members and assistants, and the Teaching Committee to meet together. In a series of consultations, they will decide on a unified course of action designed to proclaim the Faith far and wide, draw seekers into a warm and loving community, teach them through words and deeds, and consecrate them to a life of service. Then, the Teaching Committee will coordinate the activities required to follow that course, with frequent reports made to the institutions through their representatives on the committee. To administer the process, the Teaching Committee has formed teams that will report to it in the following areas:

• Human Resources—to recruit, train, guide and meet the logistical needs of teachers, and to aid in spiritualizing the entire community for support of the teaching effort.
• Finance—to establish a budget, obtain and disburse funds and track spending.
• Community Events—to coordinate firesides, deepenings, classes, public meetings, worship ser-

[Page 15]

NEWS

vices, Holy Day observances, etc., so all events carry forward a systematic and consistent program of proclamation, individual teaching and consolidation.

• Publicity and Materials—to provide appropriate materials for the teaching effort, communications within the Bahá’í community, and advertising and public relations support including an automated Bahá’í information line.

Special attention will be paid to inspiring the service of believers of all ages and backgrounds. For example, a recent Army of Light teaching experience taught the community that all of its children and youth must be involved, especially in developing a performance troupe to attract souls who can then be individually taught.

Louisville, Kentucky

A similar story is unfolding in the Louisville area, where assistants to the Auxiliary Board are collaborating with the three local Spiritual Assemblies (Louisville, Jefferson County and St. Matthews) on a teaching process for the remaining months of the Three Year Plan.

The plan was introduced to the community at an all-day meeting August 6 with National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants.

At the session, the friends were handed “individual pledge sheets to bring new souls to the Faith” and invited to take part in the intercommunity effort.

The friends were told that the Faith’s teachings on entry by troops clearly assert that the community must foster, to the greatest extent possible, the following essential components: commitment to spiritual transformation, greater levels of love and unity, universal participation, and a proper balance between expansion and consolidation.

Then the plan was unveiled. It lists activities that must be strong to spur enrollment: teaching activities, deepenings, Feasts, spiritual meetings, social activities, and social and economic development.

And it calls for the creation of teaching institutes, each made up of a core group of believers, that would work to meet specific goals of spiritual transformation, expansion and consolidation within a target audience.

Those audiences have been identified as African-Americans, women, other minorities (Hispanics, Asians, etc.), people of prominence, youth, those in college, and residents of Oldham County.

Firesides, they emphasize, remain the most effective method of teaching. These firesides, held in Bahá’í homes, shower hospitality and love on the seekers and give them an opportunity to ask questions of concern.

The question, they say, is not how we can serve the Cause but what the Cause needs. In this case it is systematic and well-conceived plans to reach ‎a broad strata a broad stratum‎ of society. Achieving it will require individual responsibility to the collective good.

Evaluation meetings have been set for November to assess the progress made.

Seattle, Washington

With more than 30 Assemblies and Groups in and around King County, the Seattle-area Bahá’í community is establishing a structure similar to that of the successful greater Houston initiative for their teaching process.

As in the Houston area, the communities are being organized into Inter-Assembly Councils for Teaching (I-ACT). Each will be responsible for establishing a Center, obtaining funding, recruiting teachers, and holding activities within its region.

The area Assemblies and Groups have met twice with the help of the State Teaching Committee to consult on a nine-point teaching plan. Before the second meeting, a concerted effort was made to contact members who did not attend the first meeting to ensure their participation.

Since the meetings, all of the 24 area Assemblies have met individually and approved the nine-point teaching plan.

As of mid-August, four of the five I-ACTs had met, as well.

Margery Keppel of I-ACT 5 writes, “We had around 42 present. There was much enthusiasm, high energy and attention present in the group. I want to tell you also that just getting our particular group together for the first time was a great bounty and will have long-term benefits.”

Linda Dimitroff of the same I-ACT concurs. “The meeting felt wonderful, to have a big community to pull from and work with.”

From I-ACT 3, Aaron Lewis reports, “I don’t know how I am going to get to sleep tonight. I’m filled with wonder and excitement as I ponder the prospects of the road we too are now traveling.”

The two Auxiliary Board members who serve the area have attended all planning meetings in support of the process.

Kickoff is anticipated as early as October.

Dallas, Texas

The Dallas-area friends also have a massive task at hand in bringing together members of 26 Assemblies to decide on a unified course of action.

An initial meeting attended by more than 300 of the friends was held in July, with another scheduled for late August.

A six-month plan is initially under consideration in which each community would designate at least one location as the hub of its teaching activity.

An October launch is expected.

Columbus, Ohio

The friends from all over central Ohio met July 29 with Auxiliary Board member June Thomas as Columbus’s teaching plan for the final nine months of the Three Year Plan was introduced.

The plan, devised by a teaching task force and approved by the Spiritual Assembly of Columbus, focuses on developing the Columbus community as a model of unity. Several objectives are identified toward realizing that goal:

• Support the growth of the Bahá’í community by increasing the number of Bahá’ís by 19 new believers.
• Facilitate universal participation in all areas of Bahá’í community life.
• Assist individual Bahá’ís in their understanding of the barriers to and enablers of the principle of unity.
• Provide opportunities for the Bahá’í community and individual believers to take part in service and support projects in the city of Columbus.
• Develop and implement a forum that allows the greater Columbus community to learn Bahá’í principles and processes as effective tools/skills to effect collaborative and unific outcomes.

Mrs. Thomas helped the believers explore the significance of teaching, especially as we near the end of the century and the completion of the Arc on Mount Carmel.

Also, Louis Ma’ani of Upper Arlington shared his observations on entry by troops as it is taking place around the world.

Then the friends met in break-out groups to study the plan.

As it unfolded, the friends became excited about the possibilities and began to envision an area-wide initiative leading to entry by troops. They recognized that every community in central Ohio has members with talents and energies that could be brought together under a unified plan.

Since that meeting, the Assemblies of Westerville, Upper Arlington and Bexley have consulted and made plans for a joint meeting to explore such a long-range pattern of activity for growth.

Yassi Azhdari and Joan Hampton handle inquiries during Fourth of July festivities in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee. In back of them is the Bahá’í Information Center bus sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Hamilton County.

Army of Light youth teachers perform a unity dance during the Soddy Daisy celebration. (Photos by Tom Mennillo)

Houston

Continued from page 1

When asked why he had cut his shoulder-length hair, he said he was being obedient to Bahá’í law as stated in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. But that law does not yet apply to western believers, he was told. No matter, he replied, “Bahá’u’lláh will be happier.”

• Other new Bahá’ís are taking seriously their responsibility to contribute to the material progress of the Cause. One was upset at missing Feast because he believed he had lost an opportunity to give to the Funds, and he was relieved to learn that an offering still could be made. Another, having heard that a couch was needed at the Sugar Land Bahá’í Center, brought his in and said the Faith needs it more than he does. Still another donated his own bed to a home where teachers are residing and is sleeping on a sofa.
• Two members of the Spiritual Assembly of The Woodlands were leaving the Houston Bahá’í Center one day when a police officer stopped them and asked about the noticeable heightening of activity there. He told them there was never such a spirit of peacefulness in the neighborhood as he had felt in recent weeks, and he promised to visit the Center with fellow officers.
• A similar story comes out of Sugar Land, where neighbors of the Bahá’í Center there commented on the area’s new life and air of peacefulness since the Center has been open.

[Page 16]

THE ARC

At the site of the Center for the Study of the Texts, west of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, the stairs and patio in front of the entrance have been prepared in cement.

To the east of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, concrete work is being done on the perimeter foundation wall at the site of the building for the International Teaching Center.

Vineyard of the Lord, part 10

Center for Study of the Texts

Work on the Center for the Study of the Texts continues to gather momentum. As work progresses, the shape of the building is gradually emerging. Its entrance patio has now been cast, and the concrete bases for the eight marble columns of the patio have been formed.

Over the past several months, great efforts were made to increase the volume of concrete poured to speed up construction of the building. Of the estimated 19,000 cubic meters (62,700 cubic feet) of concrete required for the entire complex of the Center for the Study of the Texts, the Archives extension and parking building, more than half has been poured. This has been achieved by aiming for and hitting the optimum target of 1,000 cubic meters (3,300 cubic feet) of pour during a single month (which is equivalent to raising up 15 residential units).

Construction of all four levels of the Archives extension has been completed, and work is under way on its roof which is being prepared to take reinforced concrete. This will then be waterproofed, backfilled and eventually covered with plants to blend with the landscape of the gardens around the upper Arc path.

The Archives extension will be connected to the existing International Archives Building by an underground passageway. The first section of this passage, starting from the extension building, has already been excavated. Careful on-line monitoring was undertaken during the operation to ensure that no damage would occur to the Archives Building from the vibrations generated during excavation.

International Teaching Center

About 70 percent of the foundations of the Teaching Center/Common Area have been cast. The building will be served by five lifts. Foundations of these lifts have also been poured.

Unlike the Center for the Study of the Texts, whose foundations consist of comparatively similar footings at multiple levels, the Teaching Center has big and deep footings at a more uniform level. The casting of such footings involves careful planning of the concreting operation, where precautions must be taken to ensure proper curing of large areas during hot summer days. Because of the large mass of concrete which generates considerable heat, careful monitoring of temperature is essential to control cracks which can occur due to temperature differences within the concrete mass. So far, the largest single pour that has been achieved for one of these footings consisted of 250 cubic meters (825 cubic feet) of concrete.

Special instruments known as “thermocouples” are being used during such operations. “Thermocouples” (similar to a thermometer in function) consist of a set of thin wires that are installed within the concrete at various levels, and are connected to a meter to measure temperature. When the monitoring operation is complete, the wires are cut off, leaving the rest of them embedded in the concrete.

Another precaution essential to large footings is the prevention of cold joints. To ensure this, pouring sequences were carefully planned in such a way that the operation proceeded without interruption and compaction was carried out in layers.

This beautiful ornamental gate, recently put in place, provides access between Terraces Eight and Nine below the Shrine of the Báb.

Landscaping lower Terraces

The profile of Terraces 9 to 6 below the Shrine of the Báb ‎show shows‎ the Kings’ Pathway paved with stone, flanked by young cypress trees, planter urns with red geraniums, and ornamental statuary adorning the gate posts. Additionally, the wrought-iron gate between Terraces 8 and 9 is in place along with the stone fountain bowls special to Terrace 9. Work has now begun on landscaping the inner zone of these Terraces, and hedges have been planted on both sides of the central stairway.

In the landscape of the Terraces, hedges form a significant element of decoration; they will line the stairs between the 19 Terraces and will have scalloped tops. Visitors ascending or descending these stairs will look across their upper surface. Thus, due to their high visibility, it was essential that any plant chosen as hedge material should have certain positive characteristics—it must be dense, have full coverage from ground to top, and should shear well.

Over a period of years a variety of hedge plants were experimented with to gauge their suitability for planting on the Terraces. The selection focused on Duranta repens, commonly known as “sky flower,” “golden dewdrop” and “pigeon berry.” Along with the above-mentioned characteristics, Duranta repens has an attractive apple-green color and can adapt to the kind of chalky, heavy soil used on the Terraces. Above all, this plant was chosen by Shoghi Effendi for hedges in the established gardens. From the time of

See VINEYARD page 17 [Page 17]

Nothing stands in way of Terraces; contract for Italian marble is signed

On the morning of March 31, 1995, an operation began that, in a matter of six hours, cleared the way for completing the lower Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb.

The operation consisted of razing several houses in the vicinity of the entrance plaza and Terraces 1 and 2 of the Shrine. “These are the same structures,” the Universal House of Justice informed all National Spiritual Assemblies on April 4, “to which Shoghi Effendi referred in a cable on October 1, 1954, to the Bahá’í world stating that ‘preliminary documents have been signed in connection with the purchase from the Development Authority of the State of Israel of five houses, situated at the foot of Mount Carmel and adjoining the last terrace of the Báb’s Shrine.’ ...”

It is worth noting that “the action just taken with the full cooperation of the city authorities,” the Universal House of Justice continues in that same message, “harmonizes with the intention of the beloved Guardian; it clears the site for the monumental entrance to the majestic path leading from the southern end of Ben Gurion Avenue up to the central edifice of the Shrine and beyond to the crest of God’s Holy Mountain.”

Three hydraulic jackhammers were used to accomplish the demolition, whose crew worked with speed and precision to clear the site and minimize disturbance to the neighborhood. Throughout the week prior to the demolition, various departments of the Bahá’í World Center coordinated efforts to disassemble usable parts from the buildings such as windows, doors, floor tiles, furniture, etc. Staff of the Haifa Power Co. and Water Department were on site to disconnect power lines from the buildings before they were demolished.

The contract for supplying Italian marble for the Arc buildings—the Center for the Study of the Texts and International Teaching Center—was signed March 9.

This is one of the most significant contracts to be awarded since construction of these buildings began. It signals the opening up of an entirely new front—commencement of finishing works for the edifices of the Arc.

A selection of five potentially suitable varieties of white marble was made for external stone cladding, columns, ornate window and door frames, copings, cornices, paving and stairs, and tenders were called for.

Initial tenders ranged from $5 million to $8 million. On the basis of samples offered and price bids received, the selection focused on two alternatives—Greek Pentilicon and Italian Piastrone—offered by Margraf Spa, Divisione Marmi Vicentini (the same company that supplied the marble for the Seat of the Universal House of Justice), and Henraux (reportedly the largest marble supplier in Europe), respectively. Negotiations with these companies included extensive value engineering review to economize on the costs. Both Henraux and Margraf Spa were asked to send their best offers for the marble, together with their value engineering proposals.

After intensive negotiations, careful study of both offers and a review of both varieties of marble, it was found that from the technical, practical and financial points of view the choice of Piastrone would be advantageous. And so, Piastrone was chosen and Henraux carried away the contract.

The razing of these buildings clears the way for construction of the lower Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb.

A sign with computer rendering of the first Terrace stands where one of the demolished buildings stood.

Vineyard

Continued from page 16

planting, the hedges will take about two years to reach design specifications—50 centimeters (1.65 feet) wide, 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall, with scalloped surface.

The upper Terraces

Terraces 15 to 18 are complete in form and structure with mechanical, electrical, plumbing and irrigation services in place. Tree planting and building of stone rockeries on the outer eastern slopes has begun, as well as work on spreading topsoil and planting on the central slopes of these Terraces.

The uppermost Terrace 19 will be connected by a tunnel to the Louis Promenade on Yefe Nof Street, built by the Municipality of Haifa. This will enable visitors strolling on the promenade to enter the line of the Terraces with ease without crossing the road which sees plenty of vehicular traffic. The construction of the tunnel has been completed. Also complete are the foundation walls of Terrace 19, along with the formwork of the walls of the storage building and irrigation room beneath this Terrace.

On the side immediately above Terrace 19, another small promenade—3 meters (almost 10 feet) wide—is being built as part of this Terrace. Running parallel to the Louis Promenade, it is supported with micropiles to expedite construction work in this area and to minimize disruption of traffic. The micropiles were drilled to a depth of 9 meters (nearly 30 feet) and filled with reinforced concrete. They are now being tied at the top with concrete beams composed of some pre-cast slabs to speed up the operation, while some are being cast on site.

On the terrace side of the promenade there will be 55 pedestals with stone ornaments, each pedestal connected to the others by designed iron railings. The fabrication of these railings has begun in the Bahá’í World Center workshop, while the pedestals of Sajur stone are being fabricated in Noufi’s Factory. On the road side of the promenade, trees will be planted at intervals of 900 meters (3,000 feet) along its entire length to provide shade for visitors.

Videos of Arc progress spiritualize gatherings

“We had a meeting [for] Auxiliary Board members and their assistants. ...As part of the program...the video of [the] presentation at the World Congress was shown to the participants. [The] account of the progress of the project, particularly the story of the purchase of the land of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in India, was so effective that there were no dry eyes in the audience.”

“That same night for the Feast, one assistant borrowed the video and shared it with the friends. At another Feast an assistant conveyed what he had experienced and how everyone had felt at the gathering. In both these Feasts contributions to the Arc Fund doubled. Most importantly, all the participants of the Auxiliary Board members’ meeting left the last session of our meeting with a firm resolution and clarity of vision and purpose to both propagate the Faith, and to encourage the believers to contribute to all the funds, but particularly to contribute to the Arc Fund.

“In our community I have been sharing both the above video and ‘Vineyard of the Lord’ with the believers, and the effect has been most encouraging.” — From a letter from a Counselor

“(The) account of the progress of the project ... was so effective that there were no dry eyes in the audience.”

In the fall of 1991 Hushang Seyhoun, a well-known Bahá’í architect and artist, spent more than two months in the Holy Land. The weather was inclement, one of the wettest spells that Israel was experiencing. Undaunted, Mr. Seyhoun continued to visit ‘Akká, often following the blessed footsteps of Bahá’u’lláh, to capture many of the significant images of that historic city in the form of ink sketches. He managed “to bring to life 44 ink renderings.” Mr. Seyhoun presented his work to the Universal House of Justice, dedicating any revenue from the project “to construction of the buildings of the Arc on Mount Carmel.”

With the generous contribution of one of the friends toward the cost of the entire publication, and the help of friends in the Holy Land and other parts of the world his work of art, along with eight pieces drawn on a previous visit, was published under the title “Whispering Stones.” One thousand copies were produced, each priced at U.S. $1,000, with a goal of raising $1 million for the Arc Fund. A Japanese silk box was contributed to contain each copy. The collection was first exhibited at the World Congress in New York City in November 1992. “Whispering Stones” includes an introduction by Dr. David S. Ruhe, former member of the Universal House of Justice, and a preface by the artist. Each sketch is briefly described in Persian and English. As we go to print, $785,000 has already accrued to the Arc Fund as a result of this endeavor.

Copies of “Whispering Stones” may be obtained from Mount Carmel Bahá’í Projects, Project Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31 001, Israel. [Page 18]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

AS WORK on the Arc progresses, the Bahá’í World Center has an increased need for qualified personnel. Present openings include those for data entry clerks—experienced with computerized data entry; document analysts—to review documents, cross-reference and synthesize information, and write abstracts; floor cleaning specialist—with at least two years experience in floor and carpet care; master gardeners—with degrees or studies in horticulture, agriculture or related fields; catalog librarian—master’s degree in library science, knowledge of at least one language besides English, experience with Library of Congress classifications and AACR2; mason/tile setter—experience with plaster and ceramic tile installation and repair; painters—experience preparing concrete walls and woodwork, painting interior and exterior surfaces; printer—familiarity with sheet-fed and offset printing, pre-press techniques, and some knowledge of desktop publishing, equipment maintenance and repair; darkroom technician/photographer—sound knowledge and experience in all aspects of custom darkroom work and photography; pilgrim guide—mature person with sound knowledge of the history of the Faith, fluent in Spanish and English; plumbers—to assemble, install and maintain pipes (PVC piping), fittings and fixtures in drainage, heating, water supply and sanitary systems; researcher—mature, deepened person with ability to logically analyze large volume of information and to clearly present ideas in written English; secretaries—with all levels of secretarial skills and a strong proficiency in English; translators into English—persons with a good knowledge of Arabic, French, Persian or Spanish and an excellent command of written English to translate correspondence and other documents; translators out of English—persons with a good understanding of English and an excellent command of Arabic, French, Persian or Spanish to translate correspondence and other documents; oral translators—persons with a good command of the Bahá’í teachings and the ability to provide accurate oral translations from English into French or Spanish. For more information about any of these positions, please contact Christine Stanwood, Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 708-733-3429; fax 708-733-3430; e-mail ).

OPPORTUNITIES in China. Teaching positions: Beijing, Chongqing, Shenyang and Tianjin (college level); Guangzhou, Beijing (kindergarten level); Guangzhou, Huizhou (primary and middle school level). Also U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Association (US-CPFA) helps educators make contact with institutions and the Ministry of Education in the PRC. The USCPFA will send a packet of materials that includes information on recruitment, application forms and related documents, teacher job description, and a list of resources. Send a brief request letter and a check for $7.50 (payable to USCPFA/Teach-in-China Program) to Ms. Jo Croon, National Coordinator, Teach-in-China Program, P.O. Box 387, Union City, GA 30291. For more information, please contact Ms. Gwili Posey (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509; e-mail ).

THE NATIONAL TREASURER’S OFFICE has openings for an accountant and accounts receivable cashier. Both are full-time salaried positions. Candidates for accountant should have a bachelor’s degree in the field or 3-5 years relevant experience. Audit work is preferable; CPA is a plus. Must have advanced knowledge of Excel or other spreadsheet software programs and have good skills in communication and organization. The accounts receivable cashier should be a high school graduate or equivalent including courses in bookkeeping plus 3-5 years experience in cashiering or accounts receivable. Should have good number sequencing skills and the ability to work well with calculators and PCs. For information or an application, write to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3431).

FOOD SERVICES manager needed at the Bosch Bahá’í School in Santa Cruz, California. Coordinates and supervises the kitchen staff in preparing and serving a well-balanced, high quality menu with attention given to operating within assigned fiscal guidelines. Responsible for all food inventories including portion control and sanitary standards in the kitchen and dining hall. For information or an application, write to the Department of Human Resources, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

EXCITING overseas opportunities. Teaching positions available in Changchun, Jilin; ‎Huainin Huainan‎, Anhui; ‎Taivuan Taiyuan‎, Shanxi; Shenyang, Liaoning; Huizhou, Guangdong, Chengdu. Medical educator needed by Project Hope. For more information, please contact Ms. Gwili Posey, 708-733-3512 (fax 708-733-3509).

VOLUNTEER Year of Service opportunity: manager for Regional Bahá’í Center needed in Portland, Oregon. Principal responsibilities: schedule events, ensure proper use of building and equipment, open and lock building for events (except Feasts and Holy Days), organize and help volunteer workers in cleaning and repairs. Qualifications: ability to work harmoniously within Bahá’í administration, knowledge of building maintenance, good communication skills. For information or to apply, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Portland, P.O. Box 4245, Portland, OR 97208 (phone 503-289-6274).

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas. AFRICA: Ivory Coast—senior personnel officer needed by the UN’s International Labor Office. Tanzania—English teachers, computer teacher. AMERICAS: Jamaica—custodians for Bahá’í National Center. Panama—urgent need for two Spanish-speaking couples to serve in the Kuna region of the San Blas Islands. ASIA: India—earn college credit for doing development internship. The Minnesota Studies in International Development-India program allows a student to earn a full year of college credit while completing a social and economic development internship in India. Japan—regional executive, Pacific, to oversee planning, organizing, coordinating etc., USO operations in Okinawa. Macau—teachers, Mandarin speaker urgently needed for BCC Publishing Desk. Sakhalin—teachers. AUSTRALASIA: Western Samoa—pre-school trained teacher. EUROPE: Armenia—English-language instructors. Georgia—program officer to draft proposals for new programs, field coordinator to work with local government officials to implement programs, field manager to assess humanitarian needs in areas, etc. Russia—resident adviser needed by the commercial law development program of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Switzerland—volunteer with secretarial skills for the Bahá’í International Community’s UN Office in Geneva. Earn degrees by correspondence while pioneering in the CIS. The Pacific Coast University offers BA, MA and PhD degrees in business administration by correspondence to students living in the former Soviet Union. For more information about any of these positions, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3512; fax 708-733-3509; e-mail ).

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

COME TO sunny Sierra Vista, Arizona, and help us rebuild the Assembly. Sierra Vista, a mile high and surrounded by mountains, is about 75 miles southeast of Tucson and has an average temperature of between 50 and 75 degrees. Fort Huachuca, an Army post, is part of the city and is the largest employer in southern Arizona. The Bahá’í community is small but active; has hosted a Race Unity Day picnic for the past 20 years and is presently sponsoring monthly “open house” or “drop-in” meetings that include Bahá’í videos, pamphlets and conversation corners. To enjoy our good weather and many activities, write to Winifred Byrd, 1450 Meadowlark Dr., Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, or phone 502-459-6597.

THE 26-YEAR-OLD Spiritual Assembly of Downey, in Southern California, is in jeopardy and urgently needs a family or individuals to maintain Assembly status. Downey, an ethnically diverse city of 95,000 with an excellent school system, is close to several large medical and cultural centers and educational facilities with easy freeway access to jobs in nearby communities. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Downey, P.O. Box 882, Downey, CA 90241, or phone 310-862-4516.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Oyster Bay, New York, is in jeopardy, having lost seven of its members within the past six months, reducing community membership to five adults. The Township of Oyster Bay, on Long Island 30 miles east of New York City, is a good place to live and raise a family. Good schools, shopping and activities for youth and senior citizens—but badly in need of homefront pioneers. If you are interested, please contact the Assembly chairman or secretary at 516-922-3962 or write to Bob/Barbara Fox, 48 Lexington Ave., Oyster Bay, NY 11711-2725.

HELP IS NEEDED to establish new Assemblies by the end of the Three Year Plan on the west coast of Michigan. If you are an elderly Bahá’í who wants to remain active in service to Bahá’u’lláh, we can use your experience, knowledge and wisdom. An assisted-care home is available to help you adjust. For information, write to the Simms, P.O. Box 112, Scottville, MI 49454, or phone 616-757-3161.

AN INVITATION to homefront pioneers from Florence, Colorado, where one of the community’s two Bahá’ís is able to offer a rent-free apartment (gas and electricity shared 50/50, pioneer to supply and pay for own telephone). The Bahá’í who is offering the apartment is producing a television series, “Universal and Personal Perspectives for Peace” that is to be carried on PBS station KTSC in Pueblo and Colorado Springs. Employment possibilities exist nearby in Canon City, Fort Carson, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. If interested, please phone Dessamary Black, 719-784-6748, or write to her at 113 N. Maple, P.O. Box 338, Florence, CO 81226.

ALTOONA, Pennsylvania, needs you! We are a national goal city and need an Assembly in this picturesque city of 50,000 by the end of the Three Year Plan. Altoona, nestled in a valley among the Allegheny Mountains, has four lovely seasons and a slow-moving, small-town sense of community, almost no violent crime and one of the lowest cost-of-living indexes in the country. A great place to raise a family. Come serve the Faith in Altoona. For information, phone April at 814-944-7027 or Tiffini at 814-942-9833.

URGENT need for homefront pioneers in four communities of more than 50,000 within 30 minutes of Cleveland, Ohio, that need to establish Assemblies by next Ridván. Of the four, Lorain hasn’t yet been opened to the Faith; Elyria has some active teaching but no community; Parma has at least one Bahá’í resident; and Lakewood, a large and active group, hopes soon to form its Assembly. Isolated believers and nearby groups have formed “Westside Wildfire,” a project giving birth to teaching institutes and activities aimed at Lakewood, Elyria and Lorain, while Parma has been adopted as a goal by the Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland. Lorain (a multi-cultural city) and Elyria especially need active resident Bahá’ís to help their growth. For information about these communities and/or help, please contact Jean Yousef, 216-226-2175; Sue Coates, 216-891-1516; or the Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland, c/o Angela Maldonado, 216-631-7856.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: George S. Woolley, Lee and Margot Worley, Charles A. Wragg, B. Wrenick, E. Martha Wright, Gertrude Danforth Wright, Martha Wright (died New York City, 1955), Olivia Wyndham, Bryon Yager, Hilda Yen, Charles Aaron Young and Edward H. Young (died Washington, DC, 1944). Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 708-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking photographs of local Spiritual Assemblies, local communities and local activities, especially early pictures. Please identify the photographs, if possible, with the name of locality and the date. Anyone having photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091.

WANTED

COMMUNITY needs Star of the West (original) Vols. 1 (1910-11), 3 (1912-13) and 11 (1920-21) to complete set. Please send condition and price to Mae Brodhead, 360 Marcy Dr., Plantsville, CT 06479.

“SONGS from Our Children’s Hearts,” a project designed to spark and encourage creativity in our children, is looking for original songs based on Bahá’í themes and written by children (ages 14 and under). The project, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Beacon, New York, depends upon enough quality material being received. It could lead to a recording of selected songs to be sung by Red Grammer, Laurie Early and others, with all proceeds going toward scholarship funds to enable more children to attend Bahá’í schools. Please send your name, age, address and telephone number with a cassette recording of your song(s)— [Page 19]

ADS

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).

SOLICITING manuscripts for a collection of essays, Satori Stories: Bahá’í Moments of Profound Insight, to be used in teaching the Faith. Your English-language essay should relate to the Bahá’í principles and teach about the causes and effects of your satori (Japanese for moment of insight) whether you are a new or veteran Bahá’í, raised in the Faith, a pioneer, American, from other lands, etc. Essays (5-15 pages typed and double-spaced) received by December 1 will be edited for literary merit, then submitted as a collection to the Literature Review Office. Please mail your manuscript and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Virginia Ording, Calumet City, IL 60409 (phone 708-730-3371).

NEEDED: Spiritual Assemblies interested in hosting a Youth Year of Service volunteer to focus full-time on teaching the Faith. Please contact the National Teaching Committee Office, 708-869-9039, ext. 361.

NEEDED by the North Family Community School, a South Carolina social and economic development project devoted to family literacy: volunteers, literacy teachers, traveling teachers or pioneers; books and other teaching materials; computers with color monitors; and funding information for monetary grants. Contact Sandy Sigmon, North Family Community School, P.O. Box 309, North, SC 29112 (phone 803-247-5377).

WANTED: The Mona Bahá’í School is seeking to expand its materials for classes and is looking for back issues of Brilliant Star and Child’s Way, Bahá’í school lesson plans, the Bahá’í Teaching Guide, and Bahá’í books for children. Please send to Carri Smith, Spanaway, WA 98387-7005, or phone her at 206-847-4885. The Mona Bahá’í School can pay for postage.

THE GROWTH of the Faith in the area around the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in South Carolina has led to an increased need for personnel and materials. There is a need for (1) four Youth Service Corps volunteers; (2) homefront pioneers (there are few Persians in South Carolina); (3) traveling teachers; (4) support services volunteers in construction, maintenance, food services and housekeeping; (5) full-time teachers (short- and long-term); (6) programmers, technicians and broadcasters for WLGI Radio Bahá’í; (7) funds for construction projects and to deputize program participants. For information, phone the Gregory Institute at 803-558-5093 or the National Teaching Committee.

WANTED: traveling teachers who may be in or near the Des Moines, Iowa, area. The Des Moines Area Teaching Committee is establishing a program of public firesides called “Crossroads.” Meetings are to be held the second Thursday evening each month; special programs can be arranged for anyone wishing to use this format. For details, please write to ‎Napolun Napoleon‎ Birdsong or Pamela Knox, Des Moines, IA 50317, or phone 515-263-2778 (daytime answering machine) or 515-961-0605 (evening answering machine).

Youth Activities

THE BORDER Teaching Task Force (BTTF), a regional Bahá’í institute based in El Paso, Texas, is recruiting youth Year of Service candidates and other traveling teachers for medium (3-6 month) and short-term (1-4 week) time periods to augment permanent teaching teams. BTTF is implementing a plan for entry by troops in this tri-state (West Texas, northern Chihuahua, southern New Mexico) area. The climate is hot and dry in summer, mild in winter. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable, but preparation and commitment to teaching are most essential. Ruhi Institute training in English and Spanish is available. Being deputized or able to take care of one’s own needs is preferred, but lodging can be arranged. Please contact Joe Herbig, El Paso, TX 79924 (phone 915-757-0463).

THE NATIONAL Teaching Committee is seeking Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteers, ages 18-23, to fill a variety of posts in the U.S. including service opportunities at the ‎permant permanent‎ schools and institutes and opportunities in such places as Phoenix and Holbrook, AZ; Conway and Orangeburg, SC; Buncombe County, NC; Holland, MI; Los Angeles, CA; St. Paul, MN; and Kansas City, MO. There are also opportunities for young people who want to enroll in a college or university in a local 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: enthusiastic, dedicated workshop coordinator(s) in Gainesville, “the best city in Florida” (according to Money magazine, 1994). A Bahá’í individual or couple (deepened, mature, self-supporting, 25 years or older) is needed to coordinate Gainesville’s chapter of the Florida Bahá’í Youth Workshop. Excellent communication, organizational and leadership skills are required with a desire to work with youth and coordinate their activities in collaboration with parents and other adults in the community. Please submit a letter of interest, two references, and a résumé to the Spiritual Assembly of Gainesville, P.O. Box 149, Gainesville, FL 32602. For more information, contact Margaret Mattinson (e-mail ).

The Arts

MUSICIANS, dancers, writers, artists: is your calling to teach the Faith full-time through the arts? Would you like to form a collective and help start a Creativity and Healing Institute for suffering souls? I would like to network with you in the hope of establishing a project to express love and spirit that will transform and heal hearts and lives. I am also interested in pioneering new styles of music and art, especially the New Age genre. I play electric guitar, and my musical influences are classical, rock, jazz, New Age and avant-garde. Anyone who is interested in supporting such a project is invited to contact Bob Charnes, Voorhees, NJ 08043 (phone 609-772-2195; e-mail ).

GET YOUR NEWS ON THE AIR!

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

Now we need your help to put the efforts of individual friends and your community “on the air.” Put Radio Bahá’í on the mailing list for your local newsletter today.

Your community is working hard for this beloved Cause. Now, let the whole world know about it!

Post your local newsletter to: Radio Bahá’í Route 2, Box 69 Hemingway, SC 29554

Nancy Mirza and her daughter, Michelle, are pictured just before their departure from Santa Fe, New Mexico, as pioneers to Honduras. (Photo by Paul Slaughter)

Once an ‘ostrich,’ Mom pioneers with her daughter to Honduras

By PAUL SLAUGHTER

On a windy March afternoon three years ago Nancy Mirza was browsing in the Santa Fe, New Mexico, public library when J.E. Esslemont’s book, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, caught her eye.

She found the name Bahá’u’lláh intriguing, as her father was Persian, born in Baghdad and a member of the Assyrian Christian faith.

“I had never heard of the Bahá’í Faith,” Nancy said later. “I must have been an ostrich!”

By the end of March she had declared her belief in Bahá’u’lláh and become a member of the Bahá’í community of Santa Fe. A few months later she was pioneering.

In May 1993 Nancy, a registered nurse, and her 10-year-old daughter, Michelle, traveled to Honduras to work at Hospital Bayán, a Bahá’í service project founded in 1986.

Later, in 1994, at the request of people in the remote village of Nueva Jerusalem, a three-hour ride by motorized dugout canoe (the only form of transportation in the area), Nancy set up the Clinica de un Solo Mundo (One World Clinic). After a year there, she had to return to the States for medical treatment.

Last May, Nancy and Michelle sold their home in Santa Fe and left once again to serve at the Clinica de un Solo Mundo.

“Michelle was excited about her return to Honduras,” Nancy said, “and is extremely helpful. She travels by canoe to Hospital Bayán to purchase medical supplies, cooks, and lends a hand in emergencies. Sometimes that means simply holding a kerosene lantern for light to attend patients at night.”

As there is no electricity in the villages, kerosene is used for lighting and cooking. For schooling, Michelle is completing a home-study course from the U.S.

This time around Nancy plans to build a small house on land donated by a local Bahá’í and dig a well for water. The lack of proper water facilities is the main cause of illness in the region.

The clinic that Nancy established serves a population of 1,000 and treats an average of 30 patients a week. The staff consists of Nancy; Liria Eden, an auxiliary nurse from the village; and Michelle.

Home visits are common, with nurses having to walk three to five miles by footpath or along the beach to reach patients. Emergencies are handled on a 24-hour-a-day basis in the clinic or at homes in the villages.

In extreme emergencies the clinic has a Marine radio to contact physicians at Hospital Bayán. There is also collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Honduras, especially in dealing with malaria control, well-child programs and pre-natal care.

Clinica de un Solo Mundo was built on land rented from doña Sara Eden, a devoted Bahá’í who has brought many people to the Faith through her constant service to and prayers for the people of Nueva Jerusalem.

The clinic recently received a $4,000 donation to underwrite a year’s expenses for a three-year village health promotion program. Nancy will train two people from outlying villages in basic first-aid care and public health.

Before Nancy and Michelle left for Honduras, the Santa Fe community had a fund-raising evening featuring an “Italian” dinner prepared by Judith Carinhas, a Bahá’í who is a professional chef.

At the dinner, $600 was raised to pay for a “cayuco,” a dugout canoe with outboard motor desperately needed by the clinic to visit patients. [Page 20]

Complete listing of 1995 District Convention sites

"It is expressly recorded in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Writings that these National Assemblies must be indirectly elected by the friends; that is, the friends in every country must elect a certain number of delegates, who in their turn will elect from among all the friends in that country the members of the National Spiritual Assembly. ..." (Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í Administration, pp. 39-40)

"The strength and progress of the Bahá’í community depend upon the election of pure, faithful and active souls. ..." (Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi and published in The Compilation of Compilations, p. 317)

"The electors...must prayerfully and devotedly and after meditation and reflection elect faithful, sincere, experienced, capable and competent souls who are worthy of membership. ..." (Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi and published in The Compilation of Compilations, p. 317)

In October, Bahá’ís around the country will be taking part in District Conventions to elect the delegates who will, in turn, travel to Wilmette, Illinois, next April and elect the next National Spiritual Assembly. Please plan now to attend the District Convention in your area. The following list of District Convention sites includes dates, times, an address to which absentee ballots may be sent and a telephone number to call for more information. If you do not know your electoral Unit number, contact your local Spiritual Assembly or call the Office of the Secretary at the Bahá’í National Center (708-733-3529).

If you are unable to attend your District Convention, please be sure to vote by absentee ballot. Ballots will be sent from the Bahá’í National Center to all adult Bahá’ís in good standing. To vote by mail, write on the ballot the name of the person for whom you wish to vote. Vote for just one delegate (except where noted in the list below). Insert your completed ballot into a small envelope (marked "ballot") and seal it. Do not put your name or other identifying mark on it. Put the ballot envelope into a larger envelope, seal it, and write your name in the upper left-hand corner. Mail it to the "mail ballot" address listed below for your unit (not to the Bahá’í National Center) so that it is received before the election, or have a friend bring it to the Convention for you.

If you do not receive your voting materials from the Bahá’í National Center, you may still vote following the above instructions, using blank paper and envelopes. We suggest that if you do not receive your voting materials, you contact the National Center to verify that your address information is current.

Unit 1. Alabama, Northern Holiday Inn-Redmont, 2101 5th Ave. N., Birmingham; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35222. Phone: 205-836-3798.

Unit 2. Alabama, S/Florida, NW Troy State U., Dothan, 3601 U.S. Hwy 231, North Dothan; ‎Oct 1 Oct. 1‎, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Montgomery, c/o Blalock, Black, AL 36314. Phone: 334-393-4012.

Unit 3. Arkansas South East Apts., Multi-Purpose Educational Facility, 1100 East 36th Ave., Pine Bluff; Oct. 1, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of North Little Rock, North Little Rock, AR 72118. Phone: 501-771-0906.

Unit 4. Arizona, Northern-A Du Bois Conference Center, Northern Arizona U., Flagstaff; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Flagstaff, P.O. Box 2533, Flagstaff, AZ 86003. Phone: 520-527-9448.

Unit 5. Arizona, Northern-B Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler; Oct. 1, 11am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Scottsdale, P.O. Box 5441, Scottsdale, AZ 85261. Phone: 602-451-8778 or 265-2200.

Unit 6. Arizona, Northern-C Agua Fria High School Cafeteria, 530 E. Riley at Dysart, Avondale; Oct. 1, 9am-1:30pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Avondale, P.O. Box 507, Avondale, AZ 85323. Phone: 602-877-8357.

Unit 7. Arizona, Southern Pima County Medical Society Aud., 5199 E. Farness, Tucson; Sat., Sept. 30, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of East Pima County, P.O. Box 40368, Tucson, AZ 85717. Phone: 520-749-5956.

Unit 8. California, Central No. 1-A San Francisco Bahá’í Center, 170 Valencia St., San Francisco; Oct. 1, 9:30am-12:30pm (Reg.: 8:45am). Mail ballots: LSA of Redwood City, P.O. Box 2361, Redwood City, CA 94064. Phone: 415-369-9809.

Unit 9. California, Central No. 1-B Walnut Creek Marriott, 2355 N. Main St., Walnut Creek; Oct. 1, (times tentative) 10am-2pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Danville, P.O. Box 1124, Danville, CA 94526. Phone: 510-736-2399.

Unit 10. California, Central No. 1-C Kaiser Permanente, 1950 Franklin St., Oakland; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of San Leandro, P.O. Box 515, San Leandro, CA 94577. Phone: 510/352-5457.

Unit 11. California, Central No. 1-D Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Santa Cruz Co. S., P.O. Box 1647, Aptos, CA 95001. Phone: 408-426-6469.

Unit 12. California, Central No. 1-E Strawberry Park School, 730 Camino ‎Escuele Escuela‎, San Jose; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Santa Clara, 3500 Granada Ave. #166, Santa Clara, CA ‎75051 95051‎. Phone: 408-241-6142.

Unit 13/14. California, Central No. 1-F Monterey Youth Center, 777 Pearl St., Monterey; Oct. 1, 10:30am-12:30pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Monterey, P.O. Box 1131, Monterey, CA 93942. Phone: 408-899-3570 or 393-7641.

Unit 15. California, Central No. 2 (NOTE: Unit elects 2 delegates.) U. of the Pacific, Raymond Great Hall, Stadium Dr., Stockton; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Stockton, P.O. Box 7231, Stockton, CA 95267. Phone: 209-473-3138.

Unit 16. California, Northern No. 1-A Champion Mines School, 400 Hoover Lane, Nevada City; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Grass Valley JD, P.O. Box 213, Rough & Ready, CA 95975. Phone: 916-273-6340 or 477-7017.

Unit 17. California, Northern No. 1-B Indian Creek School, 6701 Green Valley Rd., Placerville; Oct. 22, 9:30am-1pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of El Dorado Co. SE, c/o Placerville, CA 95667. Phone: 916-621-2123.

Unit 18. California, Northern No. 2 Veteran’s Memorial Building, 1100 Main St., Ferndale; Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Sat. 2pm-6pm; Sun. 9am-1pm (Reg.: Sat. 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of Eureka, P.O. Box 584, Eureka, CA 95502. Phone: 707-786-4708 or 443-4044.

Unit 19. California, Southern No. 1-A La Canada Youth House, 4469 Chevy Chase Dr., La Canada; Oct. 1, 10:30am (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Glendale, c/o Cramer, Glendale, CA 91208. Phone: 818-243-6886.

Unit 20. California, Southern No. 1-B Veteran’s Memorial Bldg., 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City; Oct. 1, 1pm-5pm (Reg.: 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of Santa Monica, P.O. Box 1066, Santa Monica, CA 90406. Phone: 310/394-5449.

Unit 21. California, Southern No. 1-C (NOTE: Unit elects 4 delegates.) L.A. Bahá’í Center, 5755 Rodeo Rd., Los Angeles; Oct. 1, 2:30pm-5pm (Reg.: 2pm). Mail ballots: LSA of Los Angeles, Attn: District Convention, 5755 Rodeo Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90016. Phone: 213-939-8423.

Unit 22. California, Southern No. 1-D 365 Campus Dr., Arcadia; Oct. 1, (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Arcadia, P.O. Box 660153, Arcadia, CA 91066. Phone: 818-446-6020.

Unit 23. California, Southern No. 1-E Hesse Park Community Rm., 29301 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes; Oct. 1, 11am-2pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Rancho Palos Verdes, P.O. Box 3801, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90274. Phone: 310-541-3541.

Unit 24. California, Southern No. 1-F Parnell Park Rec. Rm., 10711 Scott Ave., Whittier; Oct. 1, 2pm-5pm (Reg.: 1pm). Mail ballots: LSA of Whittier, c/o Arman, Whittier, CA 90605. Phone: 310-943-4640.

Unit 25. California, Southern No. 2-A Multi-Purpose Center, Ontario City Hall, 303 E. "B" St., Ontario; Oct. 8, 10am-2pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Ontario, P.O. Box 607, Ontario, CA 91762. Phone: 909-735-1509.

Unit 26. California, Southern No. 2-B Titan Theater in Titan Pavilion, Calif. State Univ./Fullerton, State College Blvd., Fullerton; Oct. 1, 10am-3:30pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Fullerton, P.O. Box 6031, Fullerton, CA 92634. Phone: 714-879-3143.

Unit 27. California, Southern No. 2-C U.C. Irvine Student Ctr., U. of California-Irvine; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Irvine, P.O. Box 17254, Irvine, CA 92713. Phone: 714-551-0879.

Unit 28. California, Southern No. 3 Luis Oasis, 420 Soares, Orcutt; Oct. 1, 11am-4pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Santa Maria, c/o Moore, Santa Maria, CA 93455. Phone: 805-934-3194.

Unit 29. California, Southern No. 4-A Carlsbad Senior Ctr., 7999 Pine Ave., Carlsbad; Oct. 1, 9am-12noon (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Oceanside, P.O. Box 2035, Oceanside, CA 92051. Phone: 619-433-4447.

Unit 30. California, Southern No. 4-B La Mesa Comm. Ctr., 4975 Memorial Dr., La Mesa; Oct. 1, 1pm-4pm (Reg.: 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of El Cajon J.D., P.O. Box 20327, El Cajon, CA 92021. Phone: 619-440-3630.

Unit 31. California, Southern No. 4-C Bahá’í Center, 6545 Alcala Knolls Dr., San Diego; Oct. 1, 1pm-3pm (Reg.: 12:30pm). Mail ballots: LSA of San Diego, c/o Collins, San Diego, CA 92105. Phone: 619-268-3999.

Unit 32. Colorado, Northeast Metro Denver Bahá’í Center, 225 E. Boyaud, Denver; Oct. 1, 9am-5pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Douglas Co., c/o R. Smith Lange, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126. Phone: 303-470-7562.

Unit 33. Colorado, Southeast U. of Southern Colorado, ‎Occiato Occhiato‎ Ctr., 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9:15am). Mail ballots: LSA of Pueblo, c/o Pueblo, CO 81004. Phone: 719-485-3430 or 719-546-9656.

Unit 34. Colorado, Western Garfield Co. Public Library, 413 Ninth St., Glenwood Springs; Sat., Sept. 30, 1pm-5pm (Reg.: 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of Glenwood Springs, c/o Glenwood Springs ‎Co CO‎, 81602. Phone: 970-845-0999.

Unit 35. Connecticut Manchester Comm. Tech. College, 60 Bidwell St., Manchester; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Manchester, c/o Manchester, CT 06040. Phone: 203-643-9877.

Unit 36. DelMarVa Holiday Inn, Route 13, Dover; Oct. 8, 9am (convention followed by dinner barbeque) (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Dover, c/o Peterson, Dover, DE 19904. Phone: 302-674-5221.

Unit 37. Florida, Central U. of Central Fla., Student Ctr., 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando; Oct. 8, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Orange Co. East, c/o Orlando, FL 32825. Phone: 407-277-2896.

Unit 38. Florida, Northern Jacksonville Bahá’í Ctr., 2140 St. John Bluff Rd., [Page 21]

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

Jacksonville; Oct. 1, 9:30am-3:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Jacksonville, c/o Nadji, Jacksonville, FL 32246. Phone: 904-221-4212.

Unit 39. Florida, Southeast-A: (Note: Unit elects 3 delegates.) Holiday Inn Hotel, 1301 Belvedere Rd., West Palm Beach; Oct. 1, 9am-1pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Palm Beach Co. North, P.O. Box 9472, Riviera Beach, FL 33419. Phone: 407-845-1919.

Unit 40. Florida, Southeast-B: Heritage Park, The Fountains Room, Peters Rd. & Figtree Ln., Plantation (Note: Park charges minimal entry fee.); Oct. 1, 10am-1pm, followed by lunch in Pavilion No. 5. (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Plantation, Plantation, FL 33322. Phone: 305-581-4513.

Unit 41. Florida, Southeast-C: Red Barn Picnic Area, Florida Power & Light Turkey Point Plant, 9700 SW 344 St., Florida City; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Dade Co. South, Miami, FL 33157. Phone: 305-252-3294.

Unit 42. Florida, Southwest: Newtown Comm. Ctr., 1845 34th St., Sarasota; Oct. 1, 9:15am-4pm (Reg.: 8:15am). Mail ballots: LSA of Sarasota Co. N., Sarasota, FL 34232. Phone: 941-755-4768.

Unit 43. Georgia, Northeast: Young Farmers’ Bldg., 313-A N. Alexander Ave., Washington; Oct. 1, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Richmond Co., P.O. Box 14031, Augusta, GA 30919. Phone: 706-738-3104 or 736-1702.

Unit 44. Georgia, Northwest-A: (Tentative) W.P. Jones Park Bldg., 3770 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth; Oct. 1, 9am-3pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Duluth, c/o Bentley, Duluth, GA 30136. Phone: 404-476-8012 (Kathy).

Unit 45. Georgia, Northwest-B: Life Chiropractic College, 1269 Barclay Circle, Marietta; Oct. 1, 9am-5pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Atlanta, 430 Lindbergh Dr. No. M6, Atlanta, GA 30305. Phone: 404-264-9591 or 842-8246.

Unit 46. Georgia, Northwest-C: Bahá’í Unity Ctr., 2370 Wesley Chapel Rd., Decatur; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of De Kalb Co. South, 2370 Wesley Chapel Rd., Bahá’í Unity Ctr., Decatur, GA 30035. Phone: 404-981-0525.

Unit 47. Georgia, Southern-A: Old Byron Elem. School, Main St., Byron; Oct. 8, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Peach Co., Ft. Valley, GA 31030. Phone: 912-825-1465.

Unit 48. Georgia, Southern-B: Goodyear School, 3001 Glynn Ave. (Rte. 17), Brunswick; Oct. 1, 10am-2:30pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Glynn Co., P.O. Box 20561, St. Simons Isl., GA 31522. Phone: 912-634-8689.

Unit 49. Georgia, Southern-C: Ella Young residence, Albany; Oct. 1, 1pm-3pm (Reg.: 11am; lunch before convention). Mail ballots: LSA of Albany, Albany, GA 31707. Phone: 912-888-0878 or 912-430-6880.

Unit 50. Iowa: Iowa State U., Ames; Sat. Sept. 30, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 7am). Mail ballots: LSA of Ames, P.O. Box 1278, Ames, IA 50014. Phone: 515-232-8848.

Unit 51. Idaho, N/Washington, E: West Central Comm. Ctr., 1603 N. Belt, Spokane; Oct. 1, 9:30am-3:30pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Spokane, P.O. Box 9018, Spokane, WA 99209. Phone: 509-536-5104.

Unit 52. Idaho, Southern: Burley Inn, 800 N. Overland Ave., Burley; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls, ID 83404. Phone: 208-524-0859.

Unit 53. Illinois, Northern No. 1: Timber Lake Club House, 1600 Colorado, Aurora; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Glen Ellyn, c/o Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Phone: 708-469-4807.

Unit 54. Illinois, Northern No. 2-A: Holiday Inn Express, 1550 E. Dundee Rd., Palatine; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Arlington Hts., P.O. Box 4402, Arlington Hts., IL 60006. Phone: 708-577-8196 or 244-8196.

Unit 55. Illinois, Northern No. 2-B: Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette; Oct. 1, 4pm-9pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Skokie, P.O. Box 572, Skokie, IL 60077. Phone: 708-568-0314 or 733-3494.

Unit 56. Illinois, Northern No. 2-C: Chicago Bahá’í Center, 3321 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Chicago, 3321 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago, IL 60616. Phone: 312-225-1919.

Unit 57. Illinois, Southern-A: Illinois Central College, No. 1 College Dr., East Peoria; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Peoria, c/o Peoria, IL 61614. Phone: 309-691-2855.

Unit 58. Illinois, Southern-B: Comfort Inn, 3080 S. State, Route 157, Edwardsville; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Edwardsville, P.O. Box 545, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Phone: 618-692-6171.

Unit 59. Indiana: Martinsville, High School, 1360 Gray Rd., Martinsville; Sat., Oct. 7, (times tentative) 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Bloomington, P.O. Box 1004, Bloomington, IN 47402. Phone: 317-831-3160.

Unit 60. Kansas: Wichita State U., Campus Activities Ctr., 2nd Floor, Commons Rm., Wichita; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Wichita, P.O. Box 1979, Wichita, KS 67201. Phone: 316-686-7299.

Unit 61. Kentucky: Western Hills High School, 100 Doctors Dr., Frankfort; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Frankfort, c/o Frankfort, KY 40601. Phone: 502-695-5213.

Unit 62. Louisiana: New Orleans Bahá’í Ctr., 1001 Howard Ave., Suite 500, New Orleans; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of East Jefferson Parish, P.O. Box 9176, Metairie, LA 70055. Phone: 504-832-0088.

Unit 63. Massachusetts-A: Northampton High School, Route 9, Northampton; Sat., Oct. 7, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Springfield, P.O. Box 104, Springfield, MA 01101. Phone: 413-567-7566.

Unit 64. Massachusetts-B: Masconomet Regional School, 20 Endicott Rd., Topsfield; Oct. 1, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Salem, c/o 11 Church St., #302, Salem, MA 01970. Phone: 508-744-3401.

Unit 65. Massachusetts-C: Boston Bahá’í Ctr., 595 Albany St., Boston; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Boston, P.O. Box 1207, Boston, MA 02104. Phone: 617-262-4672.

Unit 66. Maryland, W/D.C.: Rockville Sr. Citizen Ctr., 1150 Carnation Dr., Rockville; Oct. 1, 2pm-7pm (Reg.: 1pm). Mail ballots: LSA of Montgomery Co. South, P.O. Box 34119, Bethesda, MD 20827. Phone: 301-365-8252.

Unit 67. Maryland, Central: (Tentative) Riverhill High School, 12101 Route 108, Clarksville; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Howard Co., P.O. Box 488, Columbia, MD 21045. Phone: 410-730-6540 (voice mail box 6005 for final location & time).

Unit 68. Maine: U. of Southern Maine, Bailey Hall, Gorham; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Augusta, c/o Augusta, ME 04330. Phone: 207-622-2406.

Unit 69. Michigan, Mainland-A: Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Rd., Davison; Oct 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Ypsilanti Twp., Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Phone: 313/572-9191 or 572-0450.

Unit 70. Michigan, Mainland-B: Muskegon Comm. College, 221 S. Quarterline Rd., Muskegon; Oct. 1, 9am-3:30pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Muskegon, P.O. Box 92, Muskegon, MI 49441. Phone: 616/777-3308.

Unit 71. Michigan, Mainland-C: Detroit Bahá’í Ctr., 17215 James Couzens Dr., Detroit; Oct. 1; 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Detroit, P.O. Box 14487, Detroit, MI 48214. Phone: 313-884-5670.

Unit 72. Minnesota, Northern: College of St. Scholastica, Somers Hall, 1200 Kenwood Ave., Duluth; Oct. 1, 11am-3pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Duluth, c/o Duluth, MN 55811. Phone: 218-722-8072.

Unit 73. Minnesota, Southern: Olmsted County 4-H Bldg., Corner of 16th St. SE & 3rd Ave. SE, Rochester; Oct. 1, 12noon-5pm (Reg.: 11am). Mail ballots: LSA of Rochester, c/o Rochester, MN 55904. Phone: 507-289-4682.

Unit 74. Missouri-A: U. of Missouri, Univ. Center East, Rolla; Oct. 1, 9am-3pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Phelps County, c/o Rolla, MO 65401. Phone: 314-364-0845.

Unit 75. Missouri-B: Tegeler Hall at St. Louis U., 3550 Lindell, St. Louis; Oct. 1, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of St. Louis, P.O. Box 15771, St. Louis, MO 63163. Phone: 314-776-4727.

Unit 76. Mississippi: Wilson Inn (I-55 & High St.), 310 Greymont Ave., Jackson; Oct. 8, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Jackson, P.O. Box 1489, Jackson, MS 39215. Phone: 601-982-0709.

Unit 77. Montana: Park Plaza Hotel, 22 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena; Oct. 1, 9am-3pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Lewis & Clark Co., c/o Kendell, Helena, MT 59601. Phone: 406-458-8155.

Unit 78. Navajo-Hopi: Sage Cafe, Ganado; Oct. 1, 9am-4:30pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Gallup, c/o Bright, Gallup, NM 87301. Phone: 505-722-0039.

Unit 79. North Carolina, Central-A: New Garden Friends Mtg., 801 New Garden Rd., Greensboro; Sat. Sept. 30, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Greensboro, c/o Greensboro, NC 27455. Phone: 910-282-3294.

Unit 80. North Carolina, Central-B: Cape Fear Museum, 814 Market St., Wilmington; Oct. 1, 10:30am-3pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Wilmington, c/o Wilmington, NC 28401. Phone: 910-452-9914.

Unit 81. North Carolina, Eastern-A: Glen Eden Comm. Ctr., 1500 Glen Eden Dr., Raleigh; Sat. Sept. 30, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Cary, P.O. Box 4053, Cary, NC 27519. Phone: 919-380-9673.

Unit 82. North Carolina, Eastern-B: Mail ballots: Bahá’ís of Greenville, c/o M. Crisp, Greenville, NC 28734. Phone: 919-752-2638.

Unit 83. North Carolina, Western-A: WNC Bahá’í Center, 5 Ravenscroft Dr., Asheville; Oct. 1, 9:30am-2:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Buncombe County, P.O. Box 7242, Asheville, NC 28802. Phone: 704-253-9489.

Unit 84. North Carolina, Western-B: For information, call the Bahá’í National Center, Office of the Secretary, 708-733-3529.

Unit 85. North Dakota: Carnegie Arts Ctr., 105 2nd Ave. SE, Minot; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Minot, c/o Minot, ND 58703. Phone: 701-839-1015 or 857-2402.

Unit 86. Nebraska: Riverside Inn Motel, Hwy 34 & Locust St., Grand Island; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Grand Island, c/o Grand Island, NE 68801. Phone: 308-381-2789.

Unit 87. New Hampshire: New England College, New Science Bldg., Henniker; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8:15am). Mail ballots: LSA of Nashua, P.O. Box 139, Nashua, NH 03061. Phone: 603-883-6891. [Page 22]

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Conventions

Continued from page 21

Unit 88. New Jersey-A Wilhelm Bahá’í Properties (“The Cabin”), 126 Evergreen Place, Teaneck; Oct. 1, 12:30pm-5pm (Reg.: 11:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Bloomfield, P.O. Box 1798, Bloomfield, NJ 07003. Phone: 201-338-0724.

Unit 89. New Jersey-B Grice Middle School, 901 Whitehorse, Hamilton Sq. Rd., Hamilton; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Hamilton Twp., P.O. Box 2529, Hamilton, NJ 08620. Phone: 609-586-2931.

Unit 90. New Mexico, Northern UNM Continuing Education Bldg., Rooms C, D & I, 1634 University NE, Albuquerque; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Paradise Hills, Albuquerque, NM 87114. Phone: 505-268-3045.

Unit 91. New Mexico, S./Texas, West-A Dona Ana Branch Comm. College, Rm 129 & 131, Espina & Gregg, Las Cruces; Oct. 1, 9am-12noon (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Las Cruces, P.O. Box 1491, Las Cruces, NM 88004. Phone: 505-522-5976 or 526-0450.

Unit 92. New Mexico, S./Texas, West-B Ramada Inn, 501 N. Marland Blvd., Hobbs; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Hobbs, P.O. Box 5161, Hobbs, NM 88240. Phone: 505-397-3092 or 234-8745.

Unit 93. New Mexico, S./Texas, West-C El Paso Bahá’í Ctr., El Paso; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of El Paso, El Paso, TX 79924. Phone: 915-751-6388.

Unit 94. Nevada, Northern YWCA of Reno-Sparks, 1301 Valley Rd., Reno; Oct. 1, 9:30am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Sparks, P.O. Box 505, Sparks, NV 89432. Phone: 702-358-5834.

Unit 95. Nevada, Southern Paradise Comm. Ctr., 4770 S. Harrison, Las Vegas; Oct. 1, 11am-3pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Paradise Twp., c/o Marzoline, Las Vegas, NV 89121. Phone: 702-458-5152.

Unit 96. New York, Eastern-A Oakwood School, Spackenkill Rd. & Rte 9D, Poughkeepsie; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Beacon, c/o Ruhe, Beacon, NY 12508. Phone: 914-831-7567 or 838-1277.

Unit 97. New York, Eastern-B (NOTE: Unit elects 2 delegates.) NYC Bahá’í Center, 53 E. 11th St., New York; Oct. 1, 1pm-5pm (Reg.: 12:30pm). Mail ballots: LSA of White Plains, c/o Washburn, White Plains, NY 10601. Phone: 914-949-8286.

Unit 98. New York, Eastern-C Roslyn Comm. Ctr., 53 Orchard St., Roslyn Hts.; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of North Hempstead Twp., c/o Great Neck, NY 11021. Phone: 516-627-1919.

Unit 99. New York, Western-A Buffalo State College, Classroom Bldg., 1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo; Oct. 1, 8:45am-5pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Buffalo, c/o Buffalo, NY 14214. Phone: 716-837-9152 or 851-4333.

Unit 100. New York, Western-B Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tompkin County Education Ctr., 615 Willow Ave., Ithaca; Oct. 1 (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Ithaca, P.O. Box 572, Ithaca, NY 14851. Phone: 607-272-5320.

Unit 101. Ohio, Northern-A Comfort Inn, Rte 30 & Trimble Rd. exit, Mansfield; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Mansfield, c/o Van Buren, Mansfield, OH 44902. Phone: 419-526-3726.

Unit 102. Ohio, Northern-B Baker Hall, Case Western Reserve U., 10950 Euclid Ave., Cleveland; Oct. 1, 9am-5pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Cleveland Hts., P.O. Box 18092, Cleveland Hts., OH 44118. Phone: 216-291-2512.

Unit 103. Ohio, Southern Lohrey Ctr., 2366 Glenarm Ave., Dayton; Oct. 1, 9:45am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Dayton, P.O. Box 1881, Dayton, OH 45401. Phone: 513-294-6869.

Unit 104. Oklahoma, Eastern Mail ballots: LSA of Stillwater, c/o Brawley, Stillwater, OK 74079. Phone: 405-624-5465.

Unit 105. Oklahoma, Western Oklahoma City Bahá’í Ctr., 1201 S. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Edmond, c/o P. Koskie, Edmond, OK 73013. Phone: 405-359-7013.

Unit 106. Oregon, Eastern Hermiston Comm. Ctr., SE 2nd, Hwy 395, Hermiston; Sat., Oct. 7, 1pm-5pm (Reg.: 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of Pendleton, c/o Pendleton, OR 97801. Phone: 503-276-1868.

Unit 107. Oregon, Western-A Tigard Senior Ctr., 8815 SW O’Mara St., Tigard; Oct. 8, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Beaverton, c/o Beaverton, OR 97008. Phone: 503-690-1910.

Unit 108. Oregon, Western-B Regional Bahá’í Ctr., 8720 N. Ivanhoe, Portland; Oct. 1, 2pm-5pm (Reg.: 1:30pm). Mail ballots: LSA of Portland, P.O. Box 4245, Portland, OR 97208. Phone: 503-281-2955 or 225-0255.

Unit 109. Oregon, Western-C YWCA of Salem, 768 State St., Salem; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8:15am). Mail ballots: LSA of Salem, P.O. Box 403, Salem, OR 97308. Phone: 503-581-4926 or 371-8633.

Unit 110. Oregon, Western-D Umpqua Comm. College Campus Ctr., 1140 College Rd., Roseburg; Oct. 1, 10am-4:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Douglas Co., c/o Dighton, Oakland, OR 97462. Phone: 503-459-9763.

Unit 111. Pennsylvania, Eastern West Chester U., Main Hall on High St., West Chester; Oct. 1, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Philadelphia, Bahá’í Center, Philadelphia, PA 19131. Phone: 215-879-8866.

Unit 112. Pennsylvania, Western Carlow College, Kresge Auditorium (theater), 5th flr., 3333 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh; Sat., Oct. 14, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Pittsburgh, P.O. Box 5566, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Phone: 412-864-0499.

Unit 113. Rhode Island Community Ctr., Beach St., Town Beach, North Kingstown; Oct. 1, 9:45am-4pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Providence, c/o Keiser, Providence, RI 02909. Phone: 401-943-3013.

Unit 114/115. South Carolina, Central-AB (NOTE: Unit elects 2 delegates.) Columbia Jr. College, 3810 Main St., Columbia; Oct. 1, 10am-1pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Richland Co. North, P.O. Box 210351, Columbia, SC 29221. Phone: 803-798-7116.

Unit 116/117. South Carolina, Central-CD (NOTE: Unit elects 2 delegates.) Sunlight Comm. Ctr., Orangeburg; Oct. 8, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Grtr. Orangeburg, c/o Orangeburg, SC 29115. Phone: 803-533-0018.

Unit 118-121. South Carolina, East No. 1A-D (NOTE: Unit elects 3 delegates.) The Canterbury house, Hartsville; Oct. 1, 10:30am-4pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Society Ave., c/o Hartsville, SC 29550. Phone: 803-332-6436.

Unit 122-125. South Carolina, East No. 1E-H (NOTE: Unit elects 3 delegates.) Florence Bahá’í Ctr., Florence; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Florence, c/o Florence Bahá’í Ctr., Florence, SC 29501. Phone: 803-667-1540.

Unit 126-129. South Carolina, East No. 2A-D (NOTE: Unit elects 3 delegates.) 2601 Fourth Ave., Conway; Oct. 1, 2pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Conway, P.O. Box 348, Conway, SC 29526. Phone: 803-248-8820.

Unit 130. South Carolina, East No. 2E Home of Nancy Jones, Kingstree; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Kingstree, c/o Kingstree, SC 29556. Phone: 803-354-7121.

Unit 131. South Carolina, East No. 2F J.J. Mitcheom Ctr., Hwy 261 W., Hemingway; Oct. 15, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Donnelly, P.O. Box 544, Hemingway, SC 29554. Phone: 803-558-3695.

Unit 132. South Carolina, East No. 2G Louis Gregory Bahá’í Inst., Williams Hill Rd., Hemingway (date & time TBA). Mail ballots: LSA of Williams Hill, c/o Louis Gregory Bahá’í Inst., RR 2, Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554. Phone: 803-558-5093.

Unit 133. South Carolina, North-A Unit 134. South Carolina, North-B (Joint convention.) Old Armory, ‎Forturne Fortune‎ Springs Park, Park St., Winnsboro; Oct. 1, 10am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots for Unit #133: LSA of Spartanburg Co., c/o Spartanburg, SC 29303. Mail ballots for Unit #134: LSA of Rock Hill, c/o Thomas, Rock Hill, SC 29730. Phone: 803-877-0563.

Unit 135. South Carolina, South No. 1A Reeves’ Residence, Summerville; Oct. 1, 11am-3pm (Reg.: 10am). Mail ballots: LSA of Summerville, c/o Utley, Summerville, SC 29483. Phone: 803-871-9026 or 871-6375.

Unit 136. South Carolina, South No. 1B Burke Fine Arts Auditorium, 244 President St., Charleston; Oct. 1, 9:30am-3:30pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Charleston, P.O. Box 21887, Charleston, SC 29413. Phone: 803-763-3843.

Unit 137/138. South Carolina, South No. 1-C/D (NOTE: Unit elects 2 delegates.) Bernard residence, Beaufort; Oct. 1, 9am-1pm. Mail ballots: LSA of St. Helena Is., P.O. Box 429, St. Helena Isl., SC 29920. Phone: 803-986-0916.

Unit 139. South Carolina, Western Mail ballots: LSA of Pickens Co., c/o Six Mile, SC 29682. Phone: 803-868-9470.

Unit 140. South Dakota-A Custer Comm. Ctr., 440 Crook, Custer; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Custer, P.O. Box 502, Custer, SD 57730. Phone: 605-673-5116.

Unit 141. South Dakota-B State Library, 800 Governors Dr., Pierre; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm. Mail ballots: LSA of Pierre, P.O. Box 214, Pierre, SD 57501. Phone: 605-224-1273.

Unit 142. Tennessee, Eastern Ramada Inn-Cedar Bluff, 323 N. Cedar Bluff Rd. (I-40 exit 378, Cedar Bluff exit) Knoxville; Oct. 1, 9am-4:30pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Knoxville, c/o Knoxville, TN 37914. Phone: 615-521-7829.

Unit 143. Tennessee, Western Recreation Lodge at Natchez Trace State Park, Wildersville; Oct. 8, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Memphis, P.O. Box 111101, Memphis, TN 38111. Phone: 901-423-2035.

Unit 144. Texas, Central-A Round Rock Comm. Ctr., 215 E. Main St., Round Rock; Oct. 1, 9am-1pm (Reg.: 8:15am). Mail ballots: LSA of Williamson Co., Georgetown, TX 78628. Phone: 512-930-5403 or 255-3612.

Unit 145. Texas, Central-B LBJ Student Ctr., Southwest Texas State U., 601 University Dr., San Marcos; Oct. 1, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of San Marcos, P.O. Box 1341, San Marcos, TX 78667. Phone: 512-392-9816 or 353-3339.

Unit 146. Texas, Eastern No. 1-A Conference Ctr., Collin County Comm. College, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano; Oct. 1, 12:30pm-5pm (Reg.: 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of Plano, P.O. Box 260031, Plano, TX 75026. Phone: 214-424-7010.

Unit 147. Texas, Eastern No. 1-B Bahá’í Faith Ctr., Tyler; Oct. 1, 10am-2pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of [Page 23]

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

Tyler, Tyler, TX 75707. Phone: 903-561-3904.

Unit 148. Texas, Eastern No. 1-C Tarrant County Bahá’í Ctr., 723 E. Border, Arlington; Oct. 1, 9am. Mail ballots: LSA of Ft. Worth, P.O. Box 11696, Ft. Worth, TX 76110. Phone: 817-921-2627 or 332-5437.

Unit 149. Texas, Eastern No. 1-D Radisson Hotel Central, 6060 N. Central Expressway, Dallas; Oct. 1, 9am (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Duncanville, P.O. Box 381653, Duncanville, TX 75137. Phone: 214-780-1667.

Unit 150. Texas, Eastern No. 2-A The Northwoods Unitarian, 1370 N. Millbend Dr., The Woodlands; Sat., Oct. 7, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of The Woodlands, The Woodlands, TX 77381. Phone: 713-363-1417.

Unit 151. Texas, Eastern No. 2-B Houston Bahá’í Ctr., 2121 Oakdale, Houston; Oct. 1, 9am-1pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: LSA of Harris Co. NW, c/o Spring, TX 77379. Phone: 713-376-1903.

Unit 152. Texas, Northern/Central Haynes Bldg., 812-B. West 8th, Plainview; Oct. 1, 9:30am-3:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Amarillo, P.O. Box 50214, Amarillo, TX 79159. Phone: 806-359-6505.

Unit 153. Texas, Southern South Texas High School, San Benito Campus, Helen Moore Rd., San Benito; Oct. 8, 10am-3:45pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Harlingen, P.O. Box 830, Harlingen, TX 78551. Phone: 210-425-7675 or 544-8292.

Unit 154. Utah Mail ballots: LSA of Salt Lake County, P.O. Box 57775, Salt Lake City, UT 84157. Phone: 801-486-3670.

Unit 155. Virginia, Northern-A Lord Fairfax Comm. College, Alson H. Smith Technology Ctr., Special Event Ctr., Route 11, Middletown; Oct. 1, 1pm-5pm (Reg.: 12noon). Mail ballots: LSA of Fairfax Co. Central South, P.O. Box 10514, Burke, VA 22009. Phone: 703-250-6855 or 553-2452.

Unit 156. Virginia, Northern-B The Colonies Condominium Clubhouse, 7700 Provincial Dr., McLean; Oct. 1, 9:30am-1pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Alexandria, c/o Alexandria, VA 22301. Phone: 703-836-2475 or 308-0476.

Unit 157. Virginia, Southeast Camp Skimino, 448 Fenton Mill Rd., Williamsburg; Oct. 8, 10:30am-4pm (Reg.: 9:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Newport News, c/o Smith, Newport News, VA 23602. Phone: 804-874-1033.

Unit 158. Virginia, Southwest Salem Senior Citizens Ctr., 110 Union St., Salem; Oct. 1, 10am-3:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Albemarle Co., P.O. Box 7055, Charlottesville, VA 22906. Phone: 804-979-5589.

Unit 159. Vermont Highrise, N. Hollow Rd., RR No. 1, Box 46, Rochester; Oct. 1, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Brattleboro, P.O. Box 221, Brattleboro, VT 05302. Phone: 802-254-2115.

Unit 160. Washington, Northwest-A ‎Skagut Skagit‎ Valley College, 2405 E. College Way, Mt. Vernon; Oct. 1, 9:30am-4pm (Reg.: 8:30am). Mail ballots: LSA of Mt. Vernon, P.O. Box 2096, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273. Phone: 360-428-8071.

Unit 161. Washington, Northwest-B Visitation Retreat, 3200 SW Dash Point Rd., Federal Way; Oct. 1, 9:30am-4:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Federal Way, P.O. Box 3935, Federal Way, WA 98063. Phone: 206-874-6136 or 874-8507.

Unit 162. Washington, Northwest-C Sunset Elementary School, 4229 180th SE, Issaquah; Oct. 8, 2pm-5pm (Reg.: 1:30pm). Mail ballots: LSA of King Co. East Ctrl. Dist. No. 12, P.O. Box 722, Issaquah, WA 98027. Phone: 206-641-7012 or 455-1515.

Unit 163. Washington, Southwest Brighton Creek Conference Grounds, 4516 State Hwy 702, McKenna; Oct. 1, 10am-5pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Bremerton, c/o Bremerton, WA 98312. Phone: 360-377-1977.

Unit 164. Wisconsin, N/Mich., Penin. UW-GB Ecumenical Ctr., 2420 Nicolet Dr., Green Bay; Sat., Sept. 30, 10am-4:30pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of DePere, c/o DePere, WI 54115. Phone: 414-337-0948.

Unit 165. Wisconsin, Southern-A DeForest Comm. Ctr., 505 N. Main, DeForest; Oct. 1, 10am-3pm (Reg.: 9am). Mail ballots: LSA of Sun Prairie, c/o Sun Prairie, WI 53590. Phone: 608-846-9819.

Unit 166. Wisconsin, Southern-B Mail ballots: LSA of Milwaukee, c/o Milwaukee, WI 53209. Phone: 414-774-6643.

Unit 167. West Virginia Mountainlair, West Virginia U., Morgantown; Oct. 1. Mail ballots: LSA of Morgantown, Morgantown, WV 26505. Phone: 304-291-3496 or 293-4692.

Unit 168. Wyoming Laramie Inn, 421 Boswell Dr., Laramie; Oct. 8, 9am-4pm (Reg.: 8am). Mail ballots: Bahá’ís of Laramie, c/o Hutton, Laramie, WY 82070. Phone: 307-742-4833.

Spiritual Assembly of San Jose, California, hosts dinner for more than 30 television personnel from China

On May 21, the Spiritual Assembly of San Jose, California, hosted a dinner for more than 30 members of Tianjin Television Station—actors, actresses and writers—from the ‎Peoples People’s‎ Republic of China.

The Tianjin television crew were in San Jose to produce a mini-series on the life of Patrick Chang, a Chinese-American student at Stanford University who is about to receive his PhD in economics.

About Mr. Chang, the San Jose Mercury News wrote: “If Patrick Chang’s life reads like a movie script, that’s because it is. Paralyzed from the chest down in a diving accident when he was 13, Chang overcame his disability to graduate from Stanford University at 19 and is closing in on a doctorate at only 21.

“And to top it off, he donated his $200,000 trust fund to set up a scholarship program in his father’s hometown in China.”

Thanks to the hospitality and love they received from Bahá’ís Poova Murday and his wife, Lu (managers of the hotel where the cast and crew stayed), the group and Chang family accepted the local Spiritual Assembly’s invitation to attend a farewell banquet in their honor.

The event, at the Arena Hotel, was put together in a short time through the efforts of many Bahá’ís.

After words of welcome and dinner, entertainment was provided by a well-known Chinese harp player.

The lead actress in the TV series and another member of the crew offered more songs, after which a cake was served with the inscription “Uniting the Hearts, from San Jose to China.”

The director of the mini-series was recognized and presented a framed certificate of appreciation and a folder containing copies of “Tomorrow Belongs to the Children,” “World Citizen,” “The Prosperity of Humankind” in English and “One Country” in Chinese.

Other guests received their own copies, and they in turn presented the Assembly members and hotel managers gifts from China.

Louis G. Gregory/ Magdalene Carney Teaching Initiative Needed: Teachers Where: Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute Goal: Entry by Troops! Responsibilities/Needs Include: 1. Teacher obedience to directives 2. Door-to-door teaching 3. Speakers for proclamation 4. Presenters to dignitaries, people of prominence, special interest groups 5. Users of audiovisual materials for teaching, deepening and proclamation 6. Deepening older Bahá’ís through home visits 7. Deepening new believers—adults, youth and children—through four-hour programs, one-day programs, weekend programs, or home visits 8. Support services All teachers will attend an orientation program. Volunteers and those requiring further information should contact the South Carolina Coordinating Committee, 800-735-4445, or Administration at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, 803-558-5093, Route 2 Box 71, Hemingway, SC 29554.

Pictured at a special ‘Teacher Appreciation Tea’ held April 2 and sponsored by the Denver area’s Gemstone Bahá’í School are teachers Don Budy and Betty Budy with young Bahá’ís (left to right) Alyce Wilson, Paul Burnham and Alex Wilson.

Denver Bahá’ís honor children’s teachers with ‘appreciation tea’ at Bahá’í Center

On April 2, a special “Teacher Appreciation Tea,” sponsored by the Gemstone Bahá’í School, was held at the Metro Denver (Colorado) Bahá’í Center to recognize public school teachers of local Bahá’í youth and children.

After welcoming teachers and giving them a tour of the recently acquired Metro Denver Center, Gemstone teachers and students presented a program centered around the sacred Writings pertaining to teachers and education.

The teachers, who came from nearby cities including Arvada, Aurora, Cherry Creek, Highlands Ranch and Westminster, were introduced by the student who invited them and given a carnation ‎boutonnier boutonnière‎.

At the end of the program, each was given a quotation by Bahá’u’lláh set in a handsome brass frame.

Teachers were then invited to share refreshments which included a cake with a message of thanks to them. [Page 24]

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS . . .

ALICIA ALBERS WRIGHT, a Bahá’í from Oakland, California, is one of only 10 medical students in California to be chosen for a 1995 Family Medicine Preceptorship by the California Academy of Family Physicians Foundation. The award carries a $1,000 stipend for a four-week internship with a community family physician. Mrs. Wright attends medical school at the University of San Francisco.

DR. DAVID A. BROWN, a Bahá’í from Custer, South Dakota, is the recipient of the 1994 Dissertation Award from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) section on Pediatrics. In June, Dr. Brown was invited to present an address at the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) in Washington, D.C. Dr. Brown, a board-certified physical therapist, works part-time with students with disabilities in Custer schools and is full-time director of physical therapy at the South Dakota Developmental Center in Custer.

KEYVAN NAZERIAN, a Bahá’í who retired last year as a veterinary medical officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and now works at the Bahá’í National Center, has been honored by the USDA for his work in developing two genetically engineered vaccines to protect poultry health and in transferring the technology for commercialization. One of the vaccines protects against Marek’s disease, a highly contagious form of cancer in chickens; the other protects chickens and turkeys from the tumor-causing reticuloendotheliosis virus.

TONY JAYNES, a Bahá’í from Omaha, Nebraska, has been chosen from among nominees submitted by more than 200 Goodwill agencies around the world as 1995 Goodwill Industries International Graduate of the Year. Despite suffering from Marfan syndrome, which causes visual impairment and heart problems, Mr. Jaynes completed a Goodwill training program and works as a computer programmer/analyst for U.S. West Communications.

LISA SCHREIBER, a Bahá’í from Santa Barbara, California, was recently honored by her employer, Digital Sound Corporation, with its President’s Quality First Award which recognizes outstanding employees. The award consists of a plaque and $5,000 bonus check.

ERIC C. JOHNSON, an 18-year-old Bahá’í from Enterprise, Alabama, was graduated this year as valedictorian of his high school class and received a number of honors including a four-year scholarship worth $28,900 to Louisiana State University where he plans to major in computer engineering.

THERESA FOX, a young Bahá’í from Peoria, Illinois, has been accepted into the Honors College at Michigan State University where she plans to major in advertising. At Peoria High, she was a member of Quill and Scroll, editor of the school newspaper, a member of the National Honor Society and of the Speech Team that was judged best in Improvisational Speaking at the state Speech Tournament.

JENNIFER MCNAIR, a young Bahá’í from Long Island, New York, was graduated as valedictorian of her 1995 high school class. Among her other honors were the Outstanding Young Achiever Award from NatWest Bank, the American Chemical Society’s award for Outstanding Achievement in High School Chemistry, and the first Henry Viscardi Scholarship. An active Bahá’í, Jennifer coordinated two regional Bahá’í youth conferences on Long Island and was instrumental in arranging for Bahá’ís to deliver the invocation and benediction at both junior and senior high school commencements at her school this year. She will attend St. Joseph’s college on a full four-year academic scholarship.

NEDA JAM, a young Bahá’í from San Jose, California, was awarded the Girl Scout Gold Prize, a Hewlett-Packard educational scholarship and two others on graduating this year from Pioneer High School. While there she was a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation, was editor of the school yearbook and was ranked fourth in a class of 225. After serving this summer at the Bosch Bahá’í School, she plans to attend the University of California-Davis.

BENJAMIN PALOFF, a Bahá’í from Margate, New Jersey, was honored at a White House ceremony in June as one of 141 U.S. high school seniors who were designated 1995 Presidential Scholars. Mr. Paloff received his honor for poetry, one of only 20 students recognized for their contributions in fine arts. Also honored (for the second time) as a “distinguished teacher” was PETER MURPHY, Mr. Paloff’s mentor at Atlantic City High School, who is also a Bahá’í.

No less than three young Bahá’ís from Encinitas, California, were named valedictorian of their respective elementary school graduating classes this year. They are ARIA BRUSS (La Costa Elementary), CARMEL BULKIN (Flora Vista Elementary) and LEILA SERADJ (Del Mar Pines Elementary).

WILLIAM MCCANTS, a Bahá’í from Greenwood, South Carolina, who is a sophomore at Lander University, has been chosen as one of 14 Presidential Ambassadors for the 1995-96 academic year. The Ambassadors serve as campus tour guides and hosts at events where alumni, faculty, parents, guests or prospective students are in attendance. Mr. McCants, history major, ended his freshman year on the dean’s list with an all-A average.

Bahá’ís of Merced, California, host fourth Southeast Asian Roundtable Discussion

Bruce Butler makes a presentation at the fourth annual Southeast Asian Roundtable Discussion with the help of Auxiliary Board member Marsha Gilpatrick and translator Dr. Chue Chang.

The Bahá’í community of Merced, California, was host June 23-25 to the fourth annual Southeast Asian Roundtable Discussion.

Taking part in the conference were nearly 80 adults and youth from American, Cambodian, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Persian and Vietnamese cultures.

Participants traveled from Florida, Illinois, Oregon, Washington and all over California to support Southeast Asian teaching and consolidation in the U.S.

Close collaboration between Auxiliary Board member Marsha Gilpatrick and a number of local Spiritual Assemblies helped make the event a wonderful success.

In the planning stages, teachers and Southeast Asian Bahá’í community leaders agreed that the conference should focus on the present needs of the Southeast Asian community, namely (1) involvement of parents in the schools of their children and youth, (2) family life, and (3) social and economic development.

Significant topics addressed included “The Relationship Between the Teachings of the Faith and Traditional Hmong Beliefs,” “The Importance of Family Unity,” and “Parent Involvement with Children’s Education.”

Three panel discussions examined answers from the Bahá’í writings to such relevant issues as “The Role in the Bahá’í Family” of Southeast Asian Bahá’í women, men and youth.

Dr. Marian Davis-Lawyer, a pioneer to Laos, told stories of moral education through hand puppets and displayed many pertinent books, while an activity that involved some of the participants in acting out “What It Is Like to Be a Newcomer” was humbling for all.

The final session was devoted to an evaluation of goals set at last year’s conference and suggestions about where the group would like to go in the areas of youth activity, the empowerment of women, travel teaching, proposals for grants, Bahá’í children’s classes, unity Feasts, and local Bahá’í Centers.

Bahá’ís in Round Rock, Texas, host second annual Appreciation Teas for teachers of Bahá’í students

For the second year, the Bahá’í community of Round Rock, Texas, has hosted Teacher Appreciation Teas for all teachers of Bahá’í students in the community.

This year three teas were held during “Teacher Appreciation Week” at Bahá’í homes capable of seating up to 40 teachers at a time.

Teachers were given invitations by their Bahá’í students, who then took part in the programs through music, reciting Bahá’í passages on education, or speeches related to the program theme.

Many of their parents also attended the teas.

Eighteen teachers attended the first tea, another dozen attended the second, and 17 attended the third. Each event included a printed program of Bahá’í quotations for teachers to keep.

The main purposes of the programs were to extend Bahá’í hospitality and honor and recognize the hard-working teachers.

The local paper ran an article about the events, and teachers were invited to attend Bahá’í firesides.

‘Divine Plan’ theme of 22nd Conference of Nur

“My Role in the Divine Plan” was the theme of the 22nd annual Conference of Nur held May 26-28 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The conference site was filled to capacity by 240 Bahá’ís and their guests from a nine-state area who attended sessions and workshops, with special programs for children and youth.

Among the speakers who enlightened the friends were Mohabat Ahdiyyeh (“Transformation of the Individual”), Haideh Yazdoni (“Uniting the Bahá’í Community”) and Dr. Soheil Bushrui (“O God, Make Me a Hollow Reed”).

Highlights included the auctioning of a lovely afghan made especially for the occasion by Lillian Leonard shortly before her passing. Thanks in part to her inspirational example, more than $10,300 was raised for the Arc Fund.

The Conference of Nur is sponsored each year by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg. [Page 25]

Hopi prophecy inspires this homefront pioneer

To the Editor:

In light of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement that "you must attach great importance to the Indians, the original inhabitants of America," and that "when the Indian people learn this new teaching there can be no doubt that through the Holy Message of the new Messenger they will have such a great light in their hearts that the whole earth will be illumined," I would like to share a most beautiful Hopi prophecy that so inspired my heart that I have become a homefront pioneer among the American Indian people. Perhaps it may touch others as well.

To verify its accuracy, I have taken the information from the book The Voice of the Great Spirit by Rudolf Kaiser. The Hopi prophecy follows:

"A great Chieftain of the Bow clan had two sons. It was to these brothers that a set of sacred stone tablets was given, and both were instructed to carry them to a place the Great Spirit had instructed them. The older brother was to go to the east, to the rising sun, and upon reaching his destination to start back looking for his younger brother who would remain in the land of the Great Spirit.

"His mission was to help his younger brother bring about the day of purification when the wrong-doers would be punished, after which real peace and brotherhood would be brought about.

"Both brothers were told that a 'great white star' would appear in the sky. The older brother may, after many years, change in color of skin, which may become white, but his hair will remain black. He will have the ability to write things down and will be the only one to read the sacred Stone Tablets.

"Once he returns to the younger brother, the tablets will be placed side by side to show the world they are true brothers. He will help his younger brother bring about real justice.

"When the true white brother comes he will be powerful, wear a red cloak, have a cloth on his head, and belong to no religion but his very own. He will bring the sacred Stone Tablet and none will be able to stand against him. All power in this world will be placed in his hand.

"With him (the older brother) there will be two great ones, both very powerful. The third one, the second of the two helpers to our true white brother, will have a sign of a symbol of the sun. The three will lay out a new life plan. The earth will become new as it was from the beginning.

"After the great shaking of the earth those who are saved will share everything equally. They will recognize the Great Spirit and they may intermarry and speak one tongue. A new religion will be set if the people desire it.

"The white brother will come with the people of the sun from across the great salt water with the missing tablet and establish a new and universal brotherhood of man. The elder white brother is referred to as Pahana (alternative spellings are Bahana, Bohana or Bahanna)."

Similar prophecies can be found in Mary Summer Rain's book, Phoenix Rising, as given to her by her mentor, No Eyes. She, No Eyes, speaks of the tablets and the coming of the Golden Age of mankind, and the white brother with the cloth on his head.

I was astonished by the description of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His turban and reddish robe, just as in the picture I have of Him. It was all so wonderfully obvious that the prophecy has been fulfilled in every way that my heart was directed to sell all that I had and go to share the glad tidings with these beautiful people.

Your prayers for divine guidance and assistance would be deeply appreciated.

Loni Smith Aurora, Colorado

Indians have much to share

To the Editor:

Several years ago our family (of French-Canadian and Choctaw descent) began hosting native inipi or sweat lodge ceremonies for Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.

The sweat lodge has been a vital element for prayer and purification among native peoples for hundreds of years. Tradition says that other races once had sweat lodges too but have since forgotten these ways.

All races, native and non-native, have come to our humble lodge to hear and take part in the teachings and songs of the inipi.

Though the lodge is but a way-point for many in their search for understanding, we have been honored by the declarations of nine new Bahá’ís since January 1994, one of whom is pioneering in Africa with the Peace Corps.

We have been blessed with many gifts of friendship as the lodge has attracted up to 30 people each month to share with one another and pray.

As Bahá’u’lláh has taught us about the revelations of old, the social teachings will change but the spiritual message endures. Even in the inipi ceremony, which may be a part of the oldest religion in North America, the subtle blending of the "old" and "new" is powerful. There is no conflict.

It is the spirit and its manifestations that touch all who come near. We are enjoined to consort with those of other religions, and our family is continually enriched by the understandings of those who would come and share with us.

Bahá’ís and Native Americans share similar traditions of hardship, sacrifice and unwarranted death. Our stories are related. Our destiny is beyond our dreams.

We are worthy of one another. May we come together and learn from one another.

Mike Harris Seattle, Washington

There is no 'retirement age' for our service to the Cause

To the Editor:

When a person passes through a certain invisible age barrier it becomes easy to think, "Now someone else can take my place in the Bahá’í community. I've served for years...my powers are failing. Someone younger and with more energy can take my place.

"No more record-keeping, typing, telephoning for me...no more cooking for a crowd. Someone with fresh enthusiasm can take over. No longer do I have the responsibility toward my community that I used to feel so strongly.

"Besides, the community expects me to become increasingly inactive. ...They know I'm getting tired. Well, now I'm free to do as I please, even sit and do nothing. How wonderful!"

And with the sense of freedom such thoughts may generate comes a certain sadness: "I'm no longer needed. I'm old!"

Of course, as we age our energy level decreases and our physical strength lessens—but our love for Bahá’u’lláh and His community can continue to grow, and our service to the Faith can become a great example.

There is an exciting fact that doesn't seem to have been internalized by us Bahá’ís: in terms of service to the Cause of God, there is no retirement age. You are very much needed, physical impairments and all. Simply figure out what it is your community needs that you can do and do it!

For example, nowadays many countries have closed their doors to foreigners; they don't want strangers taking jobs their own people need. But many of them welcome older persons who no longer need or desire employment.

Have you given serious thought to pioneering? Why not? You would be amazed by how easy it is to enter a country if (a) you bring in money, and (b) you don't intend to work. You'd be welcomed!

There are countries (such as Cyprus, whose Bahá’í community desperately needs pioneers) that have opened their arms to thousands of ordinary (that is, non-Bahá’í) retirees from many countries. They've come as young as possible to enjoy life on a Mediterranean island with a mild climate, brilliant sun, gorgeous flowers, miles of beaches and woodlands, and a relatively crime-free society.

It is strange to me that the ready-to-retire Bahá’í can't see that it would be no sacrifice to move here. With direct flights and e-mail to most anywhere in the world, we're practically in our own backyard. And oh, how the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is needed in countries like this!

Consider this letter an invitation from a busy, happy, arthritic 75-year-old in her eighth year of pioneering who sends you warm and confident prayers that the love of Bahá’u’lláh may always encircle you.

Ruth Hampson Cyprus

Remember, 'Allahumma' is prayer

To the Editor:

I am sure that the majority of Bahá’ís in the community share my appreciation for the overwhelmingly beautiful "Allahumma" prayer.

Unfortunately, I feel that many of the friends are unaware that it is in fact a prayer, not merely a song.

May I please take this opportunity to encourage the friends to maintain an appropriate demonstration of respect during the chanting of "Allahumma."

Reja Sabet New York, New York

LETTERS POLICY

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

The American Bahá’í welcomes letters to the editor on any topic of general interest. The purpose of the "letters" column is to allow a free and open exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another's views or to attack anyone personally. Opinions expressed in these columns are those of the writers, and are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the editors.

Letters should be as brief as possible (a 250-word maximum is suggested) and are subject to editing for length and style. Please address all letters to The Editor, The American Bahá’í, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. [Page 26]

Heartland (Illinois) Bahá’í School

During July 19 - 23 at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, more than 200 adults, children, and youth gathered for the annual Heartland Bahá’í School Summer Session. As directed by the National Spiritual Assembly, the Illinois Regional School Committee had adopted the theme, “The Destiny of America,” and presented many inspiring and deep seminars on different aspects of this theme, including several sessions with Auxiliary Board Member, Curtis Russell, such as “Our Destiny and How We Will Achieve It” and “Writings and Documents Related to Our Destiny.” In addition, Jane Russell presented an informative and provocative talk, “Gender Relationships: Spiritual Vertigo at the Edge of the New World Order.”

In the spirit of bringing the friends closer together, increasing their feeling of “family,” the school committee tried an experiment to create inter-generational “villages.” The villages were created by randomly assigning each individual as they registered to a separate village. Each village, named after a Bahá’í month, consisted of 10-15 people, of varying ages, with many children participating independently of their parents. A village “elder” was assigned before the school began, taking the responsibility for initiating get-acquainted activities, reviewing orientation materials, and guiding the consultations. Villages met after lunch every day for about 45 minutes, consulting about the programs they had attended, deciding on who and how each Village would participate in the morning devotional program and offering an artistic creation following consultations on specific quotations assigned to them relating to the theme, “The Destiny of America.”

Another wonderful event at the school was an archival exhibit prepared by Aden Lauchner entitled, “A Response to The Tablets of the Divine Plan in the Heartland of America.”

This exhibit was an unfolding story of the sacrifices, struggles and victories of the Heartland Bahá’ís in their love and response to the call of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to establish the Bahá’í Faith within the heart of America and then to spread it throughout the world. Many unique archival materials were shared, such as a collection of Shoghi Effendi’s communications with the Heartland, papers relating to the development of several central Illinois Bahá’í communities, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s early Tablets to Countess Aurelia Bethlen, who passed through central Illinois in the 1930s, many artifacts of noted photographer Arthur Killian, who often photographed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and paper and photographs of Ken Francisco, a pioneer from Springfield, Illinois, to Panama and a member of the first National Spiritual Assembly of Panama. Individuals who were able to investigate this exhibit were very aware of the archivist’s observation, “The Bahá’í archival gems deposited within the prairies of this vast nation are unfolding a history which is becoming more astonishing and spectacular with each passing year.”

Southern Flame (Florida) Bahá’í Summer School

Over ‎500 hundred 500‎ folks, including at least 75 children and 100 youth, representing all walks of life, gathered June 30-July 4 at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, to glorify the Name of Bahá’u’lláh, both through their study sessions and their teaching projects.

The Southern Flame Regional School Committee established the goal of creating an awareness of the importance of promoting the Cause of the Blessed Beauty as the most meritorious deed, which is both an obligation and a privilege. They were intent on involving everyone (whether child, youth, or adult) in some aspect of the teaching process to expose the people of Melbourne to the beauty of the spirit and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.

In addition to hearing inspiring presentations by National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants, as well as Bob Harris, Joy Cross, and Dr. Behrouz Sabet, the friends were actively involved in teaching the Faith to the Melbourne community. The Florida Bahá’í Youth Workshop performed, a public presentation was made about the Faith at the Melbourne Library, and invitations were distributed to community members to attend any one of several events being held during the school. The Florida Bahá’í Gospel Choir was an integral part of the Bahá’í Worship program held in the All Faith Center on Sunday and approximately 75 seekers and visitors, including the mayor of Palm Bay, attended the Fireside on Saturday night.

The Southern Flame School Committee had also planned several fund raising events, including a “Run for the Fund” and a “Fund Ball,” raising over $45,000 for the Funds.

The entertainment this summer was incredible, from the rousing songs about Earthkeeping, Warm Fuzzies, and Not Whining from Dave and Helene Van Manen to the soothing, spiritually uplifting selections from Narges Fani, Phyllis Ruocco, Carla Baker, and the Florida Bahá’í Gospel Choir, to the earth-shaking performance by the Florida Bahá’í Youth Workshop, the uplifting power of music was felt by all.

One particular highlight of this school was the guided tour through the Historical Pavilion created by Zabine Linkins. Ms. Linkins has collected Bahá’í artifacts from around the world, including dust from the gravesites of many heroes and heroines of the Faith and from Fort Tabarsi, photographs of many of the early believers and most of the Hands of the Cause of God, a book from the first Parliament of World Religions, and a hand-written prayer book from Southeast Asia.

L.G.B.I. National Academy Service at N.A.B.I. Impacts All Involved

“It is difficult to write and convey the activities and spirit of what we are doing here at Native American Bahá’í Institute. Bahá’u’lláh is teaching each one of us what we need in our lives right now.... One of the most important lessons is that we are simply instruments for Bahá’u’lláh’s use.” “I believe that the meeting between these two regions is of the utmost importance. If you have not been to Native American Bahá’í Institute, please do not rest until you do.” “We have learned many lessons, including patience, opening ourselves to a new way of teaching, and many, many others.”

These excerpts from letters written by the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute National Academy youth begin to tell the story of the transforming experience their service at Native American Bahá’í Institute was for both them and the Native American Bahá’í Institute youth they worked with. As the photograph shows, this gathering of youth from many different walks of life was a very important step for them to take, setting the stage for future sharing events between the two institutes.

N.A.B.I. youth offer beautifully crafted Sage Bundles as friendship pieces to members of the L.G.B.I. National Academy during the parting ceremony held at the close of their period of service.

Regional Schools Fall Schedule

September
15-17: Green Lake Bahá’í Conference, Wisconsin; call 1-800-558-8898
22-24: Oklahoma Bahá’í School; contact David Gainey at 405/622-2655
November
3-5: Wisconsin Bahá’í School; contact Lisa Riemer at 414/338-3023
23-26: Florida Winter School; contact Christina Lowcock at 813/688-8162
December
29-31: Illinois Bahá’í School; contact Carl Clingenpeel at 708/898-6385

[Page 27]

EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS

North Carolina Bahá’í School

Fun, fun, fun at Southern Flame Bahá’í School!

Over 130 folks participated in a very special, family-oriented school held June 30 - July 3 in Mount Olive, North Carolina. The North Carolina Regional School Committee set the goal to build a Bahá’í family/community model similar to the one we all must strive toward to fulfil our spiritual destiny. By all accounts, they made good progress toward achieving their goal.

Summer School is always a time to renew old friendships.

Using an inter-generational format, the friends gathered together to study “The Destiny of America” and to honor former Counselor Member of the International Teaching Center, Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira. As the weekend progressed, hearts were touched, spiritual awareness was deepened, and a real sense of community and family began to develop.

The memorial to Dr. Pereira included a moving tribute to her life, emphasizing what a powerful role model she was for the Bahá’í community. After the memorial was held, everyone was divided into Family Groups to discuss the role models in their lives and to choose a particular attribute of their role model to celebrate that night. Each Family Group then prepared a parade entry to celebrate their attribute, such as a song, rap, dance, or poster. After singing “The ABCs of You” by Red Grammer, entertainment was provided by each Family Group.

Another highlight of the North Carolina Bahá’í School was the class provided on Creating Family Firesides. The goal of this class was to encourage whole families to prepare and give firesides to whole families by showing them just how easy it is to do. The step-by-step plan includes the following suggestions, which help every person in the family use his or her talents to give every member of another family a better understanding of Bahá’u’lláh’s Message:

To Prepare: 1. Choose a family that might like to learn a little about the Bahá’í Faith, then invite them to a Family Fireside. 2. Choose one part of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings to learn more about, such as race unity, courtesy, spiritual courage, or the power of prayer. 3. Find out what Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said about this message. 4. Choose a short Bahá’í verse to memorize, making the memorization a family activity. 5. Use the verse and family talents to make beautiful things to hang up, wear, or share at the Fireside.

To Do at the Fireside: 1. Each member of the family should participate, either by reading, telling a story, singing or acting out a part of the message which has been chosen to share. Plan well so everyone can do something they like. 2. Do a fun activity about the message with the guests, such as ‎learna learn a‎ song, create posters, play a game, or decorate an attribute tree. 3. Give every guest a small gift to take home, using the memory verse as a part of it so they can remember the message and share it with others.

Everyone learns more about Bahá’u’lláh at a Family Fireside.

All Mankind are flowers of the same garden

Green Lake Bahá’í Conference—Sept. 15-17

Please note that the Conference begins at 2:00 pm Friday, with a Special Conference Opening by National Spiritual Assembly member Firuz Kazemzadeh.

Fall Schedules at the Permanent Schools and Institutes

Bosch (408/423-3387) in October

• 12-15: Assoc. for Bahá’í Studies Conference
• 13-15: Youth Deepening Weekend
• 20-22: L.S.As. Team Development
• 27-29: Star Trek Teaching Weekend

November

• 3-5: L.S.A. Team Development
• 10-12: ARC Fund-raiser Weekend
• 17-19: Rendezvous of the Soul; Ruhi Training of Tutors
• 24-26: Law and Justice; The Glorious Journey

December

• 1-3: L.S.A. Team Development
• 8-10: Rendezvous of the Soul; Seekers and New Believers Weekend
• 22-Jan. 1: Advanced Academy
• 22-26: Health and Healing Symposium
• 28-Jan. 1: Dedication/David Hofman Library

January

• 5-7: College Club Symposium

Green Acre (207/439-7200) in October

• 6-8: Marriage Retreat
• 19-20: Pioneering Institute; Youth Service Corps Training

November

• 3-5: College Club Symposium
• 10-12: Life of Bahá’u’lláh and the Holy Family

Louhelen (810/653-5033) in October

• 6-9: Teacher Trainer and Parent Facilitator Workshop
• 13-15: Conflict Resolution
• 20-22: Professional Development Seminar
• 20-22: College Club Symposium
• 27-29: Bahá’í Institute on Aids, Sexuality, and Addictions Conference

November

• 10-12: Youth Conference

December

• 8-10: Teacher Trainer and Race Unity Trainer Workshop
• 27-Jan. 1: Winter School

L.G.B.I. (803/558-5093) in October

• 17: Institute Founder’s Day Celebration
• 20-22: Youth Leadership Weekend

November

• 3-5: Children’s Weekend
• 10-12: Women’s Conference

December

• 1-3: Junior Youth Leadership Weekend
• 8-10: Community Development Weekend

N.A.B.I. (520/521-1064) in October

• 1-3: Artist-in-Residence Program/Phoenix
• 7-8: LSA Maturation Models
• 19-24: Artist-in-Residence Program/Navajoland
• 25-Nov. 1: Artist-in-Residence Program/Los Angeles

November

• 11-17: Artist-in-Residence/Santa Clara, CA
• 20-30: Artist-in-Residence/Northern Arizona

December

• 1-15: Artist-in-Residence/Northern Arizona
• 18-30: Artist-in-Residence/Southern Arizona

National Education and Schools Office 1233 Central Street Evanston, IL 60201-1611 Office: 708/733-3492 FAX: 708/733-3502; e-mail:

[Page 28]این نیازها عبارت است از: سهیم بودن مادران و پدران در امور تحصیلی فرزندانشان، حیات خانواده، عمران اجتماعی و اقتصادی.

موضوع سخنرانی‌ها و برنامه‌ها عبارت بود از: ارتباط بین تعالیم بهائی و عقاید سنتی مانگ‌ها؛ اهمیت اتحاد در خانواده؛ سهیم بودن والدین در تحصیل فرزندانشان؛ اهمیت خانواده.

جلسات آخر کنفرانس به بررسی اهدافی که سال گذشته تعیین شده بود و همچنین پیشنهاد برای اهداف آینده انحصار یافت. این اهداف عبارت است از: فعالیت‌های جوانان؛ مسائل مربوط به حقوق زنان؛ سفرهای تبلیغی؛ کلاس‌های درس اخلاق؛ جلسات الفت و حظيرة‌القدس‌های محلی.

فعالیت‌های تبلیغی

TEACHING THE FAITH

مؤسسۀ بهائی مگدلین کارنی Magdalene Carney موفقیت چشم‌گیری در زمینۀ تبلیغ امر مبارک داشته، بدین ترتیب که هر هفته ۶ تا ۸ نفر را به امر مبارک هدایت کرده است.

همچنین مشروع Lake Okeechobee در فلوریدا به تدریج از اتکاء بر کمک مالی از جانب لجنه ملی نشر نفحات کاسته است.

در هر دو مورد خدمت زیربنای موفقیت بوده است. در مؤسسۀ مگدلین کارنی کلاس‌های مبارزه با بی‌سوادی برای کودکان و جوانان دائر است. آموزگاران این کلاس‌ها را معمولاً جوانان بهائی تشکیل می‌دهند.

این اقدام بر حیثیت مؤسسۀ مذکور افزوده و تبلیغ امر مبارک را آسان ساخته است.

در واقع روشی که مؤسسۀ مذکور برای توسعۀ اجتماعی به کار می‌برد توجه دولتمداران محلی را به خود جلب کرده تا جایی که اظهار تمایل کرده‌اند از روش مذکور برای ایجاد برنامه‌های مخصوص جوانان در محلاتی که خانه‌های ارزان قیمت ساخته شده استفاده کنند.

کالیفرنیا محافل روحانی سنتاکروز، سنتاکروز جنوبی و سنتاکروز شمالی تشریک مساعی کرده و به تبلیغ مردم اسپانیولی زبان واتسن ویل Watsonville پرداخته‌اند.

یاران دو بار در هر هفته با ساکنان - که بیشترشان کارگران مهاجر هستند - دیدار می‌کنند. بیشتر این کارگران نظر مساعدی نسبت به امر مبارک دارند.

از ماه پیش که این برنامۀ تبلیغی آغاز شد ۱۹ نفر تصدیق امر مبارک کرده‌اند. احباء برای تقویت مبانی ایمانی تازه تصدیقان با آنان تماس دارند و به تعداد بیشتری مبلغ آشنا با زبان اسپانیولی محتاجند.

فلوریدا احبای کی لارگو Key Largo با دائر کردن کلاس‌های درس اخلاق و تزیید معلومات به تحکیم اساس ایمانی تازه تصدیقان عزیز جامعۀ خود پرداخته‌اند. تعداد این عزیزان بالغ بر ۱۵ نفر است.

کلاس‌های مذکور، هر شنبه در میان، در یکی از کلیساهای قدیمی شهر که محل آن به ساکنان سیاهپوست نزدیک است، تشکیل می‌شود.

کنفرانس دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

FRIENDS OF IRANIAN CULTURE CONFERENCE

ششمین کنفرانس دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی از ۲۳ تا ۲۶ ماه می سال ۱۹۹۶ در هتل نورت شور هیلتون North Shore Hilton در شهر سکوکی Skokie - در نزدیکی مشرق‌الاذکار امریکا - تشکیل خواهد شد.

از جمله موضوع‌هایی که برای سخنرانی در این کنفرانس پیشنهاد شده عبارت است از: فن تاریخ‌نگاری و سبک‌های گوناگون تاریخ‌نویسی به زبان فارسی در دوره‌های گوناگون؛ تاریخ‌نویسان دورۀ قاجار در ایران؛ تحقیقات تاریخی جناب فاضل مازندرانی؛ نگارش تاریخ وقایع بابی در ایران؛ ارزیابی تاریخی؛ آگاهی تاریخی و رفتار اجتماعی؛ مطالب مربوط به زبان و ادبیات فارسی.

افرادی که مایل باشند دربارۀ موضوع‌های مذکور یا مربوط به آن سخنرانی کنند یا در جلسات پنل شرکت نمایند درخواست می‌شود با دفتر انجمن تماس حاصل نمایند. شمارۀ تلفن: (۷۰۸) ۷۳۳-۳۵۲۶ (۷۰۸) ۷۳۳-۳۵۲۸ (۷۰۸) ۷۳۳-۳۵۳۱

از هنرمندان عزیز و کسانی که مایل به اجرای برنامه‌های هنری مانند موسیقی و شعرخوانی و نمایش باشند، تقاضا می‌شود با مهندس منوچهر وهمن در کانادا تماس حاصل نمایند. تلفن ۶۸۱-۹۵۳۹ (۹۰۵) فکس ۶۸۱-۳۷۳۸ (۹۰۵)

سنگ‌های گویا

WHISPERING STONES

در پائیز سال ۱۹۹۱ مهندس هوشنگ سیحون، معمار و هنرمند نامدار بهائی بیش از ۲ ماه را در ارض اقدس گذراند.

هوای ارض اقدس در آن زمان بسیار بارانی بود، با این حال مهندس سیحون از همت نکاست و در طی این مدت بسیاری از مناظر تاریخی شهر عکا را با هنرمندی بسیار به صورت سیاه قلم کشید.

نتیجه ۴۴ طرح بود که آن را هنرمند محترم تقدیم معهد اعلی نمود تا با فروش آن به صندوق قوس کمک شود.

با همت والای یکی از یاران و کمک دیگر دوستان در ارض اقدس مجموعه‌ای تحت عنوان "سنگ‌های گویا" Whispering Stones با مقدمه‌ای به قلم دکتر روح، عضو پیشین بیت‌العدل اعظم فراهم آمد و یک هزار نسخه از آن با چاپ عالی تهیه شد.

"سنگ‌های گویا" نخستین بار در نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۲ در خلال کنگرۀ جهانی در معرض فروش قرار گرفت.

قیمت این مجموعۀ هنری ۱۰۰۰ دلار است و از محل فروش آن تا کنون ۷۸۵ هزار دلار به صندوق قوس تبرع شده است.

علاقه‌مندان به خرید این مجموعه می‌توانند با نشانی زیر در ارض اقدس تماس حاصل نمایند:

Mount Carmel Bahá’í Projects Project Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31 001, ISRAEL

اطلاعیه

آقای حبیب ریاضتی اطلاعیه زیر را برای درج در صفحات فارسی ارسال داشته‌اند.

پروژه وارد کردن نصوص مبارکه و سایر آثار بهائی فارسی و عربی (چاپی) در کامپیوتر

مقدمه: این پروژه در حدود سه سال قبل به امر بیت العدل اعظم الهی و با معاضدت مرکز مطالعه الواح و نصوص شروع گردید و هم اکنون نیز ادامه دارد.

هدف: هدف اصلی این پروژه آن است که جمیع نصوص مبارکه چاپی مربوط به حضرت اعلی، جمال قدم، حضرت عبدالبهاء، و حضرت ولی امرالله را بدون غلط وارد کامپیوتر شود. علاوه بر آیات مبارکه بسیاری از نوشته‌های امری دانشمندان بهائی نیز وارد کامپیوتر می‌گردد. این امر وسیله‌ای برای تحقیق و مطالعه وسیع‌تر دوستان عزیز بهائی و همچنین متحریان حقیقت امر رحمن فراهم خواهد نمود تا بتوانند به مآخذ مورد نظر در اسرع وقت دست یابند.

شرایط داوطلبان همکاری: الف. برای تایپ کردن ۱- داشتن کامپیوتری که قادر به ضبط مطابق سیستم DOS باشد، ۲- آشنائی با زبانهای عربی و فارسی (بالاخص عربی)، ۳- توانائی خواندن الواح خطی و خطوط شکسته، ۴- تعهد نمودن ۴ الی ۶ ساعت کار در هفته، ۵- تحویل سروقت وظائف محوله

ب. برای غلط گیری: ۱- آشنائی با زبانهای فارسی و عربی، ۲- تعهد نمودن ۶ الی ۸ ساعت کار در هفته، ۳- تحویل سروقت

نشریات امری به زبان فارسی

مظهریت شالوده الهیات بهائی

هشتمین کتاب از سلسلۀ نشریات "مطالعۀ معارف بهائی" که به همت مؤسسۀ معارف بهائی بلسان فارسی در کانادا منتشر گردیده کتاب مظهریت، شالودۀ الهیات بهائی است بقلم دکتر نادر سعیدی. در ۱۳۴ صفحه و چهار بخش، مباحث اساسی معتقدات بهائی چون جایگاه انسان در تاریخ، اصل مظهریت در تکامل روحانی و جمعی نوع بشر، توحید و معاد، کاربرد منطق و حکمت، لقاءالله، خود شناسی و امثال اینها مورد بررسی قرار گرفته است.

مؤلف دانشمند این اثر سعی نموده است که با توجه به نظریات فلاسفه و حکمای شرق و غرب به این بحث عمیق فلسفی بپردازد و خواننده را با این اصل اساسی ادیان الهی، بالاخص دیانت بابی و بهائی آشنا سازد.

قیمت این جزوه ۱۲/۵۰ دلار است و یاران الهی می‌توانند آن را مستقیماً از مؤسسه معارف بهائی بطلبند.

Institute for Bahá’í Studies in Persian P.O. Box 65600 Dundas, Ontario L9H 6Y6 Canada Telephone and Fax: (416) 628-3040

<*><*><*><*><*> [Page 29]

PERSIAN

بودجهٔ لجنات ناحیه‌ای به تناسب وسعت منطقه و نوع و میزان فعالیت‌های آنها از جانب محفل روحانی ملی تأمین می‌شود. در برخی موارد این لجنات می‌توانند از احبای ساکن حوزهٔ خود تبرعاتی قبول کنند. تعیین جزئیات این امور با محفل روحانی ملی است.

اعضای لجنات ناحیه‌ای توسط محفل روحانی ملی انتخاب می‌شوند، بدین ترتیب که محفل ملی از محافل محلی و هیئت‌های معاونت درخواست می‌کند افرادی را که واجد شرایط تشخیص داده شده‌اند، به طور محرمانه به محفل ملی پیشنهاد کنند. سپس محفل ملی از میان این افراد اعضای لجنات ناحیه‌ای را به مدت یک سال انتخاب می‌کند. لجنات مذکور مستقیماً به محفل ملی گزارش خواهند داد.

به تجربه رسیده است که دعوت از احبای یک ناحیه جهت مشورت با آنان دربارهٔ مشکلات و نیازهای آنان سبب می‌شود که تشکیل لجنات ناحیه‌ای تبلیغی از حمایت یاران برخوردار شود. همچنین شرکت مشاورین در جریان این فعالیت‌ها برای تقویت اساس لجنات مذکور از اهمیت ویژه‌ای برخوردار است.

در مشاورات محفل ملی با مشاورین قاره‌ای بسیار سودمند است که وسیله‌ای برای تبادل آراء سریع بین اعضای هیئت معاونت و اعضای لجنات ناحیه‌ای در نظر گرفته شود و جلساتی با شرکت آنها تشکیل گردد.

باید نتیجهٔ مشاورات بین اعضای هیئت معاونت و اعضای لجنات ناحیه‌ای تبلیغی به اطلاع مشاورین قاره‌ای و محفل روحانی ملی برسد تا تصمیمات لازم گرفته شود و راهنمایی‌های مناسب ارائه گردد.

جلسه محفل روحانی ملی

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEETING

موضوع اصلی مشاورات جلسات محفل ملی که از ۲۱ تا ۲۳ جولای سال جاری تشکیل شد، کاهش تمرکز فعالیت تشکیلات بود.

از آنجا که کاهش تمرکز مسئولیت‌های بیشتری بر عهدهٔ محافل محلی می‌گذارد، وسائل ایجاد ارتباط با آنها و دسترسی محافل به اطلاعات مورد نیاز اهمیت ویژه‌ای دارد.

بدین منظور دفتر سجلات و آمار Management Information Services برنامه‌هایی به محفل ملی ارائه نموده است که بر اساس آن تشکیلات ملی و محلی از طریق وسائل الکترونیکی با هم ارتباط بیشتری حاصل کرده، به آمار ملی دسترسی خواهند یافت و تحلیل امور مالی برایشان ساده تر خواهد شد.

محفل ملی نیز نظر به بلوغ و کارآئی محافل محلی اجازه داد که نشانی محافل محلی در دسترس عام قرار گیرد.

همچنین محفل روحانی ملی برای بالاتر بردن حیثیت محافل محلی تصمیم گرفت که هر گاه محفل روحانی جدیدی تأسیس می‌شود، مراسمی برای به رسمیت شناختن آن برگزار شود.

این مراسم فرصتی به دست می‌دهد که از مقامات دولتی و خبرنگاران و افراد برجسته دعوت شود در آن شرکت کنند و با اصول امر بهائی و تشکیلات اداری آن آشنا شوند.

منشی امور خارجی محفل ملی گزارش داد که اتحادیه سازمان‌های غیردولتی Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations در واشنگتن دی‌سی از معاون مدیر دفتر امور خارجی محفل ملی درخواست کرده است که با یکی از نمایندگان سازمان عفو بین‌المللی در اقداماتی که در مجلس سنای امریکا برای تصویب پیمان سازمان ملل متحد دربارهٔ حقوق زن صورت می‌گیرد همکاری کند. محفل روحانی ملی نیز با اخذ رأی درخواست مذکور را پذیرفت و آن را تصویب کرد.

محفل روحانی ملی نتوانست با اعضای لجنهٔ ملی نشر نفحات دیدار کند زیرا اعضای لجنه به دنبال موفقیت‌های چشمگیر احبای هیوستن و حومه در زمینهٔ تبلیغ به دیدار یاران آن نقاط و تشویق خدماتشان رفته بودند.

همچنین محفل روحانی ملی به تفصیل دربارهٔ دستور جلسه‌ای که در ماه آگوست با چند تن از اعضای هیئت مشاورین قاره ای خواهد داشت تبادل نظر نمود. از جمله مطالبی که برای ‎مذاره مذاکره‎ با حضرات مشاورین پیشنهاد شد عبارت بود از: مسائل مربوط به کاهش تمرکز، بحران کنونی وضع مالی در سطح ملی، تمهید مقدمات نقشه آینده که به احتمالی تا سال ۲۰۰۰ ادامه خواهد داشت، گسترش بیشتر مؤسسهٔ تبلیغی سرخپوستان، تأثیر زیانبار گروه‌هایی که مخالف آرمان‌های نظم جهانی هستند بر جامعه.

گزارش امین صندوق محفل ملی

NATIONAL FUND

طبق گزارش امین صندوق محفل ملی تبرعاتی که تا ۳۱ جولای سال جاری به آن صندوق رسیده هدف مالی برای سه ماه اول سال مالی را تکمیل نموده و در واقع وجوه تبرعات ۵۰ هزار دلار بیش از هدف سه ماهه بوده است.

این موفقیت سه عامل اصلی داشته است. نخست اینکه یاران تقاضای محفل ملی را مبنی بر اینکه تابستان امسال مانند سال‌های پیش نباشد، با دل و جان پذیرفته‌اند. عامل دوم اینکه یاران درکشان از اهمیت سهمی که صندوق ملی در حیات بهائی دارد عمیق‌تر شده است. عامل سوم همت والای دو تن از احباء بوده است که مبالغ کریمانه‌ای به صندوق ملی تقدیم کرده‌اند.

وجوه تبرعات تا آخر جولای سال جاری بالغ بر ۳ میلیون و ۱۵۱ هزار دلار بوده و این مبلغ ۵۱ هزار دلار بیش از هدف سه ماههٔ اول است. (هدف سه ماههٔ اول سال مالی ۳ میلیون و ۱۰۰ هزار دلار بوده است.)

برای تکمیل هدف سالانه که ۱۲/۵ میلیون دلار است باید هر ماه کمی بیش از یک میلیون دلار به صندوق ملی تبرع شود. اگر مبلغی را که آن دو بهائی فداکار تبرع کرده‌اند از جمع تبرعات سه ماههٔ اول کم کنیم حد متوسط تبرعات در هر ماه حدود ۷۵۰ هزار دلار خواهد شد.

تبرعات به صندوق قوس

تبرعاتی که برای صندوق قوس تا آخر ماه جولای سال جاری به دفتر امین صندوق ملی رسیده است بیش از ۱۱ میلیون دلار بود و این خود نزدیک به دو برابر مبلغی است که در سراسر سال ۱۵۱ بدیع دریافت شده بود.

تبرعات از اول سال تا آخر جولای بیش از ۷ برابر تبرعات سال گذشته در مدت مشابه بوده است. تبرعات ماه جولای سال جاری به تنهائی ۲۷ برابر تبرعات در جولای سال گذشته بوده است.

باید به خاطر داشت که ۱۵۰۰ نفر از احباء در زمان سفر جناب نخجوانی به ایالات متحده تعهد کردند تبرعاتشان را افزایش دهند بنحوی که ۴۰ میلیون دلار مورد نیاز ساختمان‌های قوس تا انتهای نقشه سه ساله تأمین گردد.

نمونه‌های ایثار و فداکاری

یاران پس از سفر جناب نخجوانی و آشنائی با مأموریتی که معهد اعلی بر عهدهٔ ایشان نهاده بود، از راه‌های گوناگون به تقدیم تبرعات و دیگر خدمات پرداخته‌اند. بعنوان مثال:

• در جنوب کالیفرنیا یک زن و شوهر هر کدام تعهد به تقدیم یک واحد کردند و برای هر یک از فرزندانشان نیز ۹ هزار دلار تقبل کردند.
• احبای الهی در اطراف کشور سخت مشغول کار تبلیغند تا با وارد آوردن مردم وعدهٔ "يدخلون في دين الله افواجاً" را تحقق بخشند.
• در یکی از شهرها مرکز ایلینوی یک خانواده ۹ هزار دلار تعهد کردند و ۳۶ هزار دلار تبرع نمودند.
• در ایالت واشنگتن یک خانم بهائی از آنجا که یک گروه تبلیغی را نیازمند محلی برای سکونت می‌دید، کلید خانهٔ خود را تقدیم محفل روحانی محل کرد.
• داوطلبان بهائی با تقدیم خدمات بی دریغ خود در دوائر مختلف تشکیلات ‎ملفی ملی‎ باعث شدند که حدود ۴ میلیون دلار در مخارج صرفه جوئی شود.

و داستان این فداکاری‌ها همچنان ادامه دارد....

کنفرانس سالانه احبای جنوب شرقی آسیا

SOUTHEAST ASIAN ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

چهارمین کنفرانس سالانهٔ احبای هند و چینی از ۲۳ تا ۲۵ ماه جون سال جاری در مرسد Merced در کالیفرنیا تشکیل شد.

در این کنفرانس حدود ۸۰ نفر بزرگسال و جوان امریکائی و کامبوجی و مانگ و ژاپنی و کره‌ای و مالزیائی و ایرانی و ویتنامی شرکت داشتند.

این افراد از ایالات فلوریدا و ایلینوی و اورگان و واشنگتن و کالیفرنیا برای شرکت در کنفرانس مذکور و حمایت از فعالیت‌های مربوط به تبلیغ مردم جنوب شرقی آسیا به مرسد رفته بودند.

همکاری نزدیک یکی از اعضای هیئت معاونت با چند محفل روحانی به موفقیت کنفرانس مذکور افزود.

در ضمن برنامه‌ریزی برای این کنفرانس دائرکنندگان آن تصمیم گرفته بودند که موضوع کنفرانس بر محور نیازهای جامعهٔ هند و چینی تمرکز داشته باشد. [Page 30]

پیشرفت ساختمان‌های قوس

PROGRESS OF ARC PROJECTS

مرکز مطالعه نصوص

امور ساختمانی مرکز مطالعه نصوص همچنان به پیش می‌رود و با پیشرفت آن صورت ظاهری ساختمان به تدریج شکل می‌گیرد. صحن ورودی آن بتون‌ریزی شده و پایه‌های بتونی هشت ستون مرمر آن درست شده است.

در چند ماه گذشته کوشش عظیمی به عمل آمده است که حجم بتون‌ریزی برای بنای ساختمان افزایش یابد. بیش از نیمی از ۱۹ هزار مترمکعب بتونی که مورد نیاز مجموعهٔ مرکز مطالعهٔ نصوص و ساختمان الحاقی دارالآثار و محوطه پارکینگ‌ها است، ریخته شده است.

بنای هر چهار طبقه ساختمان الحاقی دارالآثار پایان یافته و ساختمان سقف آن در جریان است. این بنا از طریق یک راهروی زیرزمینی به ساختمان اصلی دارالآثار متصل خواهد شد. بخش اول راهروی مذکور خاک‌برداری شده است. در طی خاک‌برداری توجه تام مبذول گردیده که صدمه‌ای به ساختمان اصلی دارالآثار وارد نیاید.

ساختمان دارالتبلیغ بین المللی

۷۰ درصد زیربنای ساختمان دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی پی‌ریزی شده است. این ساختمان ۵ آسانسور خواهد داشت و امور اولیه نصب آنها انجام یافته است.

زیربنای ساختمان دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی پایه‌های محکم و عمیقی خواهد داشت و بتون‌ریزی آن به علت اموری چون انبساطی که از حرارت ماه‌های تابستان حاصل می‌شود، متضمن دقت فراوان است. وسائل دماسنج ویژه‌ای جهت سنجش حرارت بتون در لایه‌های سیمان نصب شده است.

باغچه بندی طبقات تحتانی

طرح طبقات ۹ تا ۶ زیر مقام اعلیٰ نمودار شاهراه ملوک است که سنگ‌ریزی شده و در دو طرف آن درخت‌های سرو کاشته شده و گلدان‌های پرگل و گیاه در کنار آن نصب گردیده است.

در آهنی بین طبقه هشتم و نهم و همچنین حوض‌های فواره‌دار سنگی مخصوص طبقه نهم نصب شده است.

پرچین‌ها بخش مهمی از زیبایی باغچه‌های طبقات را تشکیل می‌دهد. این پرچین‌ها در کنار پله‌های بین طبقات کاشته خواهد شد. سطح بالای پرچین‌ها را از پله‌ها می‌توان دید. بنابراین می‌باید چند ویژگی در رابطه با انتخاب نوع آن مورد نظر باشد. یکی اینکه باید از نوع متراکم و انبوه باشد و از زمین تا بالا را بپوشاند و بتوان آن را به آسانی کوتاه کرد.

چندین نوع گیاه برای پرچین مورد نظر بود و پس از آزمایش‌های گوناگون گیاهی که انتخاب شد Duranta repens بود. از گیاه مذکور حضرت ولی‌امرالله نیز در باغ‌های مقام اعلیٰ استفاده فرموده بودند. از زمان کاشتن این گیاه دو سال باید بگذرد تا به اندازه مورد نظر برسد بدین ترتیب که پهنای آن ۵۰ سانتی‌متر و بلندی آن یک متر باشد.

طبقات فوقانی

طرح کلی و ساختار طبقات ۱۵ تا ۱۸ پایان یافته و وسائل آبیاری و تأسیسات برقی و غیره نصب شده است. درخت‌کاری و تهیهٔ باغچه‌های سنگ‌پوشی شده در دامنهٔ شرقی کوه و همچنین امور مربوط به خاک‌ریزی سطح باغچه‌ها آغاز گردیده است.

طبقه ۱۹ از طریق یک تونل به Louis Promenade در خیابان Yefe Nof که توسط شهرداری حیفا ساخته شده، متصل خواهد گردید. ساختن تونل و نیز دیوارهای زیربنای طبقه ۱۹ پایان یافته است.

کاهش تمرکز تشکیلات امری

‎DECENRALIZATION DECENTRALIZATION‎

محفل روحانی ملی از سال گذشته اقداماتی برای تقلیل تمرکز امور امری به عمل آورده است. دارالانشاء معهد اعلی به اشارهٔ بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی در طی نامه‌ای دربارهٔ این موضوع توضیحاتی داده است.

در مرقومه دارالانشاء، بیت‌العدل اعظم ابراز اصول کلی طرح برنامه برای کاهش تمرکز بدون اینکه مقررات خاصی برای اجرای آن وضع شود، تعیین شده است و محفل روحانی ملی چنین تشخیص داده که انتشار آن در زمان حاضر برای احباء سودمند خواهد بود و از یاران تقاضا کرده که دربارهٔ محتوای آن مداقه و مطالعه نمایند.

نامهٔ دارالانشاء معهد اعلی در تاریخ ۲۷ جون سال ۱۹۹۴ مرقوم گردیده است و مفاد کلی آن در زیر درج می‌گردی:

مطالبی که در این نامه آمده است در ارتباط با اقداماتی است که برخی محافل ملی برای کاهش تمرکز امور اداری به عمل آورده‌اند. غرض این بوده است که این نامه وسیله‌ای برای کمک به مشاورات محفل باشد نه آنکه روش و رویه‌ای خاص را توصیه نماید.

شوراهای ایالتی بهائی

در بعضی کشورها نخست شوراهای ایالتی بهائی تأسیس شد. سپس لجنات ناحیه‌ای تبلیغ و اداره امور ایجاد گردید. چنان می‌نماید که شق اخیر برای جامعه بهائی امریکا مناسب‌تر باشد، با این حال در مرقومه دارالانشاء، شرحی دربارهٔ هر دو این تشکیلات داده شده است.

چند سال پیش شوراهای ایالتی بهائی نخست در هندوستان - با تصویب بیت‌العدل اعظم - تشکیل گردید. وسعت آن سرزمین و مشکلات ناشی از ایجاد ارتباط و تنوع زبان‌های محلی و نیاز به توسیع نطاق جامعه و تحکیم اساس آن علت تأسیس این شوراها بود.

بعدها بیت‌العدل اعظم ایجاد شوراهای مذکور را در مالزی و زئیر نیز تصویب فرمودند. در هندوستان اعضای شوراهای ایالتی را محفل روحانی ملی سالانه در روز ۲۳ می انتخاب می‌کنند. سپس محفل روحانی ملی انتخاب اعضای شوراها را تصویب می‌نماید. وظائف این شوراها عبارت است از:

• اجرای قرارهای محفل روحانی ملی،
• تصمیم‌گیری در حدود اختیاراتی که محفل ملی بدانان تفویض کرده است،
• اقدامات مربوط به تبلیغ امر در رابطه با نقشه‌های محفل ملی،
• سرپرستی اجرای برنامه‌ها و نقشه‌های محفل ملی از جانب آن هیئت،
• اداره اموری مانند تعیین لجنات تبلیغی و دیگر وظائفی که محفل ملی لازم بداند.

شوراهای مذکور اختیار طرد اداری افراد یا رفع آن را ندارند و فقط می‌توانند پیشنهادهای خود را به آگاهی محفل ملی برسانند.

همچنین شوراهای مذکور احباء را تشویق می‌کنند که به صندوق‌های گوناگون امری تبرع نمایند و خود مجرائی برای رساندن تبرعات به محفل ملی هستند.

بودجه شوراهای مذکور توسط محفل روحانی ملی معین می‌شود. اگر محفل ملی بخشی از بودجه را فراهم سازد، شورای ایالتی مختار است از احباء تبرعات قبول کند. نهایهٔ هدف این است که شوراهای ایالتی خودکفا شوند و بودجهٔ آنها توسط احباء ایالت تأمین شود.

به طور کلی محفل روحانی ملی اختیارات گسترده‌ای برای اقدامات گوناگون به شوراهای ایالتی تفویض کرده است و تنها در موارد بسیار مهم در امور آنها مداخله می‌کند.

لجنات ناحیه‌ای تبلیغ و اداره امور

در برزیل و فیلیپین و کلمبیا و بولیوی و کنیا لجنات ناحیه‌ای تبلیغی و اداری تأسیس شده و قرار است لجنات مشابهی در روسیه و کانادا نیز تشکیل شود.

وظیفهٔ اصلی این لجنات طرح و اجرای نقشه برای گسترش امر مبارک و تحکیم بنای جوامع امری با همکاری نزدیک با محافل محلی و احبای ساکن حوزهٔ فعالیت‌های آن لجنات است.

هدف این لجنات این است که محافل روحانی محلی قوی‌البنیان تأسیس نمایند که محور فعالیت‌های امری باشند و بتوانند اهمیت اساسی خود را در مورد توسعهٔ امر مبارک به ظهور رسانند و قابلیت خود را برای تنظیم امور جوامع محلی فعلیت بخشند.

لجنات مذکور مختارند نقشه‌های ویژه خود را بدون اجازه برای تعیین تکلیف از دیگر تشکیلات طرح و اجرا نمایند. البته محفل روحانی ملی باید از طریق دریافت خلاصه مذاکرات جلسات لجنه های مذکور از کم و کیف فعالیت هایشان باخبر باشد.

همچنین لجنات ناحیه‌ای مختارند که اعضای لجنات محلی تبلیغ را تعیین کنند و فعالیت‌ها و برنامه‌هایشان را هدایت نمایند. با این حال عضویت اعضای لجنات محلی باید به تصویب محفل روحانی ملی برسد.

لجنات ناحیه‌ای می‌توانند، سوای فعالیت‌های تبلیغی، تمشیت برخی از امور اداری را نیز بر عهده بگیرند. بعنوان مثال این لجنات می‌توانند سرپرستی امور انتخابات نمایندگان کانونشن ملی را عهده‌دار شوند. البته تعیین اینگونه فعالیت‌ها در اختیار محفل روحانی ملی است. [Page 31]

Women and peace: toward a lasting partnership

The following article is reprinted from the April-June 1995 issue of One Country, a quarterly publication of the Office of Public Information of the Bahá’í International Community.

When the history of how humanity finally achieved a lasting peace and global prosperity is ultimately written, it is quite likely that scholars will pinpoint the decade of the 1990s as among the most fruitful periods in laying the foundations for such a new world.

The end of the Cold War, of course, stands as a pivotal episode in the emergence of international peace, and that event might be said to have occurred in the late 1980s. But the end of the Cold War only signalized the end of an old era; it did not necessarily establish the basis for a new one.

In the 1990s, however, the United Nations has sponsored an unprecedented series of world conferences, starting with the Children's Summit in New York in 1990, and continuing with the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna in 1993, the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo in 1994, and the Social Summit in Copenhagen in 1995.

Some say that such meetings merely produce much talk and little substance. But whatever their shortcomings in terms of concrete commitments, a thoughtful reading of the collective documents—including NGO statements—that have emerged from each conference shows that a remarkable degree of international agreement has been reached on the norms and values needed to construct a just, peaceful and sustainable world civilization.

In September, the next gathering in this series will take place in Beijing. And the fourth World Conference on Women, likewise, promises to bring to the world's consciousness another essential element in the creation of global peace and prosperity: the achievement of full equality between women and men.

When one considers the entire series of conferences, it can be seen that the increasing presence and growing influence of the world's women—which the Beijing conference promises to showcase—will have been one of the most important factors in helping the world to see exactly which values and principles can contribute most to the peace and well-being of all humanity.

Women's advocacy over the last few years has changed dramatically the way the world looks at international economics, sustainable development, and human rights. The changes women have promoted in these areas are critical elements in the foundation for peace and prosperity.

In Rio, women brought to the attention of the world's leaders the degree to which they, as small farmers and household decision-makers, hold the key to sustainable development.

In Vienna, women helped the world see that human rights must be extended across all boundaries, whether of race, ethnicity, nationality or gender, if peace and justice are to be attained. Their status as the oppressed majority—women compose more than half of the world's population—gave no small amount of moral impetus to the conference.

In Cairo, women argued successfully that the education and empowerment of women are the best ways to bring down population growth and to promote fruitful development. Their role as mothers gave unassailable credibility to their views.

And in Copenhagen, women were instrumental in analyzing and calling attention to the impact of old world economic systems on the poor, most of whom are women, and in helping to project new ideas for alternative models of social development. (Women, of course, have been in the vanguard of social development; their value as experts is only now becoming recognized.)

While there are some who would still seek to marginalize the contributions of women, and who perhaps tend therefore to devalue the importance of the Beijing conference, we are of the view that it is in many ways one of the most important gatherings of the decade.

Members of the Bahá’í Faith, who today compose a worldwide community of more than five million in some 232 countries and territories, are united in the view that men and women everywhere must begin to forge a new and equal partnership. This is not only a matter of justice but the key to the realization of the age-old dream of universal peace and prosperity.

More than 80 years ago, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, said: "When all mankind shall receive the same opportunity of education and the equality of men and women be realized, the foundations of war will be utterly destroyed." In another passage, he continued: "...until this equality is established, true progress and attainment for the human race will not be facilitated."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, whose words Bahá’ís revere, also indicated that such a peace would be realized because of the essential qualities that women, when equality is achieved, can bring to all spheres of life.

"The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man has dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and aggressive qualities both of body and mind," he said.

"But the balance is already shifting—force is losing its weight and mental alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and service, in which woman is strong, are gaining ascendancy. Hence the new age will be an age less masculine, and more permeated with the feminine ideals—or, to speak more exactly, will be an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilization will be more evenly balanced."

Seen in the light of such inevitable progress toward a new partnership between women and men, the Beijing conference is already a success. The ideas and networking and connections that have been made by women around the world in advance of the event, and their influence in the preceding United Nations conferences, has had an incalculable effect.

The peace that comes as a result of the new values and norms that have been recognized and fortified by the work of these conferences will be established in no small measure thanks to the efforts of the world's women. To whatever degree the world at large further heeds the voices of the women who gather in Beijing, it will only gain.

Europe's first Irfán Colloquium (in Persian) is held at Bahá’í Permanent Teaching Institute in Acuto, Italy

Europe's first Irfán Colloquium (in Persian) was held in June at the recently established Bahá’í Permanent Teaching Institute in Acuto, Italy.

Irfán Colloquia, sponsored by the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund, are devoted mainly to scriptural studies and conducted separately in English and Persian.

In North America, the Colloquia are held in cooperation with the Institute for Bahá’í Studies and the National Assembly's Office of Persian/American Affairs.

The gathering in Acuto was privileged to have as a participant Houshmand Fatheazam, a member of the Universal House of Justice, who addressed the audience and conducted a discussion session.

Those presenting scholarly papers were Dr. Manuchehr Salmanpour, Dr. Badi' Panahi, Dr. Daryush Ma'ani, Dr. Houshang Mehrasa, Dr. Kamran Ekbal and Dr. Vahid Behmardi.

A special session was devoted to a panel discussion of issues and questions related to the Kitáb-i-Aqdas that need to be researched.

Text of the papers will be published in the proceedings of Irfán Colloquia in Persian.

The next Colloquium in Persian in North America is to be held September 8-10 at the Louhelen Bahá’í School. The ninth and 10th Colloquia (in English) will be held December 8-10 in Newcastle, England, and March 29-31, 1996, in Wilmette, Illinois.

IN MEMORIAM

Mobarek Anderson, 83, who was named by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Mobarek Anderson, a Bahá’í who as a child was given her name by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, died July 12 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was 83 years old.

Miss Anderson was born March 30, 1912, in Washington, D.C., shortly before ‘Abdu’l-Bahá arrived in that city during His historic 239-day visit to North America.

Her father, Alan A. Anderson Sr., was a close friend of Louis Gregory and his wife, Louise, who were responsible for bringing him into the Faith.

Mrs. Anderson promised her husband that he would be the one to name the baby. When he spoke to his friend Louis Gregory about it, Mr. Gregory suggested that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá be asked to name the child.

The Master gave His consent, and on April 23, 1912, at the home of Agnes Parsons, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s interpreter, Dr. Ali-Kuli Kahn, handed Mr. Anderson a piece of paper on which was written "Mobarek" [Mubarak], the Persian word for "blessed."

Doris Anderson Dexter, OR June 24, 1995

Mobarek Anderson Baltimore, MD July 12, 1995

Linda Diefenbaugh North Bend, OR February 1995

Douglas L. Emling Mt. Prospect, IL July 24, 1995

Paul D. Fletcher N. Miami Beach, FL July 24, 1995

Norman Atlas Santa Fe, NM June 22, 1995

Jeffrey A. Barnes Los Angeles, CA September 26, 1994

Laurice Beachum Marshallville, GA June 19, 1995

Ida Sue Burgess Salters, SC January 1995

Clara Conyers Salters, SC April 1995

James Densmore Luck, WI June 24, 1995

Annie Flute Lower Brule, SD June 22, 1995

Howard B. Fogg Thermal, CA June 2, 1995

Robert Grotyohann Shirley, NY June 1995

Lili Hafezi-Dutton Lauderdale, FL January 5, 1995

Rebecca A. Huff Macedonia, OH May 3, 1995

Ella J. Harnish Fontana, CA April 1995

Ruth S. James Jessup, MD June 28, 1995

Nida I. Kern Oak Park, IL July 17, 1995

William Lathon Sr. Louisville, KY July 14, 1995

Adelaide Marino Davie, FL May 24, 1995

Eugenia McClain Bethesda, MD May 17, 1995

Helen Nowakowski Summerville, SC May 18, 1995

Vincent Pleasant San Francisco, CA June 5, 1995

Andrew Shippee Sterling, CT July 14, 1995

Ernestine Shirley The Bronx, NY June 10, 1995

Jon Strickland Port Jefferson, NY July 1995

Phyllis Thompson Dallas, TX July 2, 1995

Willie Thompson Elloree, SC April 4, 1995

Virginia Uebner Quincy, IL July 22, 1995

Edna Uhrick Fort Wayne, IN July 3, 1995 [Page 32]

CALENDAR

File:The American Bahá'í 1995-09-08 32.jpg

Bahá’í Bookstore

More than 50 people visited the new Bahá’í library and bookstore in Hemet, California, at its grand opening February 10 during which the ceremonial ribbon was cut by Chick Connor. The facility is a joint venture of the Bahá’ís of Hemet and San Jacinto J.D. who wanted to open a Bahá’í Center but found that it requires a conditional use permit (cost: $2,000) and must be accessible to the handicapped with on-site parking, whereas a library/bookstore needs only business and occupancy permits. Before it was opened, area Bahá’ís donated furniture and books and spent many hours cataloguing more than 190 Bahá’í books, 100 books of general interest, videos and children’s books.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

15-17: Green Lake (Wisconsin) Bahá’í Conference. For lodging reservations, phone 800-558-8898.

15-17: Seekers Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

21-24: “A Reunion of the Human Family,” race unity conference, Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, Charleston, South Carolina. Also, tours of the Louis G. Gregory Museum. For information, contact Marvin (Doc) Holladay, 803-881-9599.

22-24: Building Bridges within the Americas/Construyendo Puentes de Cooperación para la Enseñanza de la Fe las Americas, a bilingual conference with Counselor Arturo Serrano, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

OCTOBER

6-8: Parent Facilitator Workshop, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181.

6-8: Marriage Retreat for married couples, Green Acre Bahá’í School. To register, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207-439-7202.

6-9: Teacher-Trainer Workshop, Louhelen Bahá’í School. For information, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181.

12-15: “Anarchy Into Order: Uniting the Nations,” 19th annual conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies, Hyatt Regency Hotel at the San Francisco, California, Airport. For information, phone the ABS at 613-233-1903.

13-15: Youth Deepening Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

14: “In the Spirit: An Affirmation of Women,” Women’s Conference, Live Oaks Vocational School, Milford, Ohio. Keynote speaker: Dr. Jane Faily. For information, phone Carolyn Mazloomi, 513-825-5707, or Rita Williams, 513-831-1684.

15-17: Fourth International Dialogue on the Transition to a Global Society, University of Maryland, College Park. Keynote speaker: The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum. Theme: “Divisive Barbarity or Global Civilization.” For information, contact: Bahá’í Chair for World Peace, Center for International Development and Conflict Management, University of Maryland, 0145 Tydings Hall, College Park, MD 20742-7231. Phone 301-314-7714; fax 301-314-9256.

19-22: SITA/Bahá’í Youth Service Corps/Pioneer Institute, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine. For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3506; fax 708-733-3509).

20-22: Assembly Team Development Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

23-28: Annual meeting of the International Society for Agriculture and Rural Development (ISARD), Acuto, Italy. For lodging and reservations, contact J. Varjavandi, telephone/fax :39-775-56061. To register, discuss papers or topics of panel discussions, contact I. Poostchi, Henley-on-Thames, UK RG9 1LP (phone 0491 574959).

27-29: “Star Trek” Teaching Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

NOVEMBER

3-5: Assembly Team Development Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

3-5: College Club Symposium, Green Acre Bahá’í School. To register, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207-439-7202.

10-12: “The Life of Bahá’u’lláh and the Holy Family,” Green Acre Bahá’í School. To register, phone 207-439-7200 or fax 207-439-7202.

10-13: “Celebrating Our Glorious Privilege,” special weekend dedicated to the memory of the martyrs, the Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh, and fund-raising for the Arc. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

11: Atlanta Gospel Choir Extravaganza, 7:30 p.m., Bahá’í Unity Center, Decatur, Georgia. Featuring choirs from Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington D.C. and elsewhere. For information, phone Paulette Trail, 404-426-7713.

17-19: Seekers/New Believers Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

23-26: Desert Rose Bahá’í School, Tucson, Arizona. Teachers to include Dr. Dan Popov, Dr. William Saunders, Poova Murday. For information, phone 520-297-3106.

23-26: 12th annual D.C. Thanksgiving Youth Conference, College Park, Maryland. Theme: “Back to the Basics: Reviving Our Souls from the Ground Up.” Speakers to include Dr. Elsie Austin, Robert Harris, Dr. Tahereh Ahdieh. For registration forms, write to Thanksgiving Conference, Dunn Loring, VA 22027 (phone 703-573-6364; e-mail)

24-26: After-Thanksgiving Session, “Law and Justice,” Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

DECEMBER

1-3: Assembly Team Development Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

8-10: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” Special Session on Relationships (geared for singles), Bosch Bahá’í School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

21-24: 1995 North American Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development, Clarion Plaza Hotel, Orlando, Florida. Theme: “Paths to Peace: Global Prosperity Through the Advancement of Women, Human Rights & Moral Development.” Honoring Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Chance and Mr. and Mrs. David Hofman. For hotel reservations, phone 800-627-8258 or 407-354-1703; airline discount reservations, phone 800-393-5050; general information, phone 407-740-5415.

‘Izzat B.E. 152 / SEPTEMBER 8, 1995