The American Bahá’í/Volume 27/Issue 4/Text

The American Bahá’í
Volume 27, Issue 4

Volume 27, Number 4

RIDVAN 153 MESSAGES FROM UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE ... to the Baha’is of the World

To the Baha’is of the World Dearly loved Friends,

Our hearts overflowing with gratitude to the Blessed Beauty, we acknowledge the abundant manifestations of His grace during the Three Year Plan, which has run its course with the advent of this Ridvan Festival. The animating spirit of the Holy Year, which lent impetus to the launching of the Plan at Ridvan 1993, pervaded this period of concentrated endeavor, rendering our world community more consolidated, more resilient, more mature, and more confident than before. At the same time, the community’s prestige attained new heights. While this Plan has not ended on a note of dramatic, numerical expansion, even though significant growth of membership occurred in various countries, it has nonetheless resulted in a qualitatively enriched com munity—one prepared to exploit the immediate prospects for the advancement of the Faith.

The magnificent progress of the projects on Mount Carmel is pre-eminent among the measurable achievements of this period. Indeed, despite numerous difficulties, the stage of accomplishment anticipated in our message announcing the Three Year Plan is entirely evident. All phases of construction have been initiated. The structural framework of the Center for the Study of the Texts and the extension to the International Archives Building has been raised up and the work on these buildings has advanced toward initiation of the exterior and interior finishing work. The erection of the permanent seat of the International Teaching Center, the third structure currently being built on the Arc, is progressing rapidly. Seven terraces below the Shrine of the Bab

are now completed, foreshowing the unfolding splendor from the foot to the ridge of God’s Holy Mountain. A watchful public is awed at the tapestry of beauty spreading over the mountainside.

The ph ‘al reality of the progress thus far so marvelously realized is proof of an even more profound achievement, namely, the unity of purpose effected throughout our global community in the pursuit of this gigantic, collective enterprise. The intensity of the interest and support it has evoked has expressed itself in an unprecedented outpouring of contributions, reflecting a level of sacrifice that bespeaks the quality of faith and generosity of heart of Baha‘u'llah’s lovers throughout the planet. That contributions toward the Mount Carmel

See WORLD page 5

By TOM MENNILLO It was a microcosm of what the American Baha’i community will experience in coming months.

For four days, delegates to the 87th National Convention struggled mightily to comprehend the tools handed them in the Ridvan 153 letters of the Universal House of Justice—tools designed to significantly advance the process of entry by troops during the Four Year Plan.

In the end, through exertions fueled by a spirit of love and unity, they forged a conviction that must precede any action toward success of the Plan. It lay in the unshakeable belief that victory is possible.

The delegates weren't alone, of course, as they met at the Holiday Inn O’Hare International in Rosemont, Illinois, to begin their deliberations on the awesome task ahead.

‘ounselors Stephen Birkland, Wilma Ellis and David Smith lent their thoughts, advice and inspiration to the proceedings, while the members of the National Spiritual Assembly provided continual support and guidance.

“Old soldiers” in the Cause such as Marguerite Sears and Mildred Mottahedeh were among 1,500 observers.

And the performing groups “Tapestry” and the Baha’i Gospel Chorale uplifted hearts and spirits at every turn.

National Assembly elected

Midway through the convention, the delegates paused to carry out the other sacred duty with which they are charged: electing the members of the National Spiritual Assembly who will guide the community in the coming,

ear.

Elected during the Saturday morning session at the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette were Juana Conrad, William E. Davis, Alberta Deas, Robert C. Henderson, Firuz Kazemzadeh, Patricia Locke, Jack McCants, Dorace W. Nelson and James F. Nelson.

e newly elected National Assembly met immedi

87TH BAHA’i NATIONAL CONVENTION Delegates tackle Plan with zest

en ne Ta Ld .

National Spiritual Assembly Chairman James F. Nelson (right) introduces his colleagues on the newly elected Assembly: (from left) Robert C. Henderson, Juana Conrad, William E. Davis, Patricia Locke, Jack McCants, Firuz Kazemzadeh, Alberta Deas, and Dorothy W. Nelson. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

ately to elect its officers for 1996-97. They are James Nelson, chairman; Dorothy Nelson, vice-chairman; Robert Henderson, secretary-general; Juana Conrad, assistant secretary; Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary for external affairs; and William Davis, treasurer.

Spiritual atmosphere prevails

Delegates were reminded at the outset of the spiritual nature and broad responsibility of their twin duties to elect the National Assembly and make recommendations to it.

James Nelson, noting that we are in a new age for humankind, said the Baha'i convention was the only place in America where an election was being held that weekend ina spiritual atmosphere.

He added that the convention’s import was heightened by its positioning at the start of the “last lap of this century’s work.”

Counselor Ellis confirmed that a spirit of love and acceptance was in the air, as evidenced during a day-long

See DELEGATES page 14

... To the Followers of Baha’u’llah in North America: Alaska, Canada, Greenland and the United States

To the Followers of Baha'u'llah in North America: Alaska, Canada, Greenland and the United States

Dearly loved Friends,

As members of the North American Baha‘i community, you enter the Four Year Plan with a brilliant record of

rogress in fulfilling the mandate issued

y ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. In the eight decades since you received this mandate, your prodigious exertions have carried the Message of Bahd‘u'llh to all parts of your continent, and throughout the length and breadth of the planet. You have played a critical role in the establishment of the framework of the Administrative Order and in the sustained proclamation of the Faith. These Tablets launched you on a worldwide enterprise which you, and the generations to succeed you, are called upon to continue during the vast period of time stretching throughout the Formative Age and into the GoldenAge of the Baha’ Dispensation.

In your pursuit of the provisions of the Four Year Plan on national, re See NORTH AMERICA page 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

> Anew Assembly is raised in Fayetteville, N.C.

> Jeffery Huffines named U.S. UN representative 12

> Complete listing of summer school schedules 2

[Page 2]THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 2

TEACHING

In Fayetteville, NC, a new Spiritual Assembly is born

Fayetteville, North Carolina, is the proud “owner” of a brand new local Spiritual Assembly.

Until recently, the goal city south of Raleigh-Durham had three devoted believers.

Then a concerted effort brought Baha’ teachers from all over North Carolina and parts of South Carolina and Virginia to the home of Ft. Bragg.

Now there are 11 believers in Fayetteville, with more on the way.

The call for teachers went out from Auxiliary Board member Jean Scales and the North Carolina Teaching Committee in support of the Three Year Plan goal of raising Assemblies in all cities of more than 50,000 population. Roxanna Hadden of Durham was project coordinator.

Traveling teachers found a Fayetteville populace deeply troubled but receptive to the message of Baha‘u’llah. Violence that appeared to be racially motivated was Se beuia the city, and residents were looking for a vision of hope. The Baha’fs supplied that and more, using a variety of teaching methods.

Through late March, teaching efforts added two souls to Fayetteville’s rolls, bringing the total to five.

On the final weekend of the month, with Ridvan approaching, efforts intensified. Approximately 20 Baha’i teachers came into town including members of the Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Gospel Choir and a corps of believers from Raleigh who had canceled their teaching committee meeting to join the effort.

The nearby Cumberland County Spiritual Assembly rented a table at a Fayetteville flea market. The race unity display immediately drew people.

Sal Garcia, of American Indian, Hispanic and Irish descent, spoke at length with the teachers about his sadness over the condition of the world. He lit up when the teachers discussed progressive revelation, and he rejoiced at the idea that there was a family of mil

THE AMERICAN BAH

Published every 38 days (plus one special issue) for a total of 10 a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Second class postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

Executive Editor: Jack Bowers Associate Editor: Tom Mennillo

The American Baha'i welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Baha'i Faith. Articlesshould be clear and concise; color or blackand-white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Please address all correspondence and other materials to The Editor, The American Baha'i, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091-2886. Send address changes to Management Information Services, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201— 1611.

lions dedicated to the oneness of humankind. He declared on the spot.

Another visitor, Jim “Running Fox” Moss, turned out to be a long-lost brother. He is a Cherokee Indian who said he became a Baha’f in 1970 “but the Bahd’is got lost for awhile.” Although he hadn’t had any contact with the friends for 25 years, he never stopped teaching the Faith. So when the Baha’is set up their table that day, this man was reunited with his spiritual family.

Also scheduled that weekend and the next were public meetings coordinated by David Hoffman of Guilford County, near Greensboro, on the topic “The Promised Day Is Come.”

After an orientation, Baha’is armed with invitations and a book on teaching Christians that was developed in the Greensboro area hit the streets in teams of two or three. They were arranged by diversity of race, gender and personality style (shy /outgoing).

The approach to people went something tke this: “Hello. We're Baha’is from different parts of North and South Carolina. We have an invitation for you to a program we're hosting in your neighborhood at the Cumberland Community Foundation on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. The topic is ‘The Promised Day Is Come.’ We chose that title because we believe that the great day that Jesus Christ spoke about when all of the peoples of the world would finally be gathered together has come. This is the day for the unity of mankind. Have you ever heard of the Baha’f Faith? We have some wonderful and colorful pictures of Baha'is from around the world. Would you like to see them and hear a little about this wonderful Plan of God that is uniting all mankind? Or is this not a good time for you?”

While there were no declarations the first afternoon, the teachers met man) receptive souls—Hispanic, Asian, African-American, and white. During little more than three hours one team recorded names, addresses, phone numbers and brief notes on six people who, while not ready to declare their belief, liked what they heard and welcomed Baha’is to visit again.

When the teachers were debriefed, everyone agreed that the race unity issue was really the key. Every time the teachers led people into a discussion of the need ir harmony among, the races, ears perked up.

The evening public meeting was a model of cooperation. Most of the local friends were present and everyone played meaningful roles, providing presentation equipment, refreshments and publicity for the event and accommodations for the traveling teachers.

The next day three teaching teams remained to knock on doors inviting people to the afternoon program.

A team led by Charles Bullock, coadministrator of the Louis G. Gregor Baha'i Institute, was led by the Concourse to Fletcher McNeil.

The elderly gentleman wasn’t home, so the Bahd’is left an invitation in his door. A few minutes later Mr. McNeil returned, and, waving the materials in his hand, he ran out into the street to catch up with the Baha’fs.

“Tell me about this religion,” he said. So the friends spent 20 minutes in the

street explaining the Faith to him. By the time he invited the teachers into his home, he was confirmed in faith. They sang and cried together, and he signed his card.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hoffman’s team was getting nowhere. Doors were slamming in their faces, and the few discussions felt awkward. Then, ata small apartment complex, they met a young man named Kirkland Smalls.

“T’ve already gotten this invitation,” he told the teachers, “and unfortunately I'll be leaving town later this afternoon.”

But as the team was about to leave, Mr. Hoffman asked, “Have you ever heard about the Baha’i Faith,” and started telling Mr. Smalls how itis uniting the peoples of the world.

With that, the young man opened the screen door and invited the team in. He seemed to gravitate to each and every concept as he was taken through the teaching book. In response, he spoke about how he found the lessons taught in his church to be confusing and that he was finally hearing all the things he knew to be true in his heart. He instantly became a Baha’{ upon invitation.

No seekers came to the Sunday meeting, which was fine because the friends were so on fire with the results of the weekend that they simply wanted to express their joy. They brought their chairs into a semi-circle and recited prayers that led to spontaneous song. The room was filled with that rare, inexplicable spirit and atmosphere that only teaching the Faith of God can

summon.

Before leaving, Mr. Hoffman and his 10-year-old daughter, Haley, were drawn aside by Willie Lanier of Cumberland County.

“Thave something I want you to see,” she said, and led them across the back of the property and onto a path to the church next door.

Behind the church was a beautiful natural worship setting. The area was surrounded by ancient-looking trees and gardens. Hand-carved wooden benches were focused ona simple platform.

On the platform was an altar, and behind it was a cross made of wood. A plaque on the side read: “This altar and cross are dedicated to the Glory of God.”

The next weekend saw three more souls declare their belief in Baha’u’llah. The raising up of an Assembly was assured.

But of course, the process doesn’t stop there.

The new believers are being deepened in the Faith, and plans are being made to continue the teaching effort in Fayetteville.

A newspaper reporter interviewed the Baha'is for an hour. Presentations of Baha‘f materials also have been made to city officials.

And, most important, the spirit engendered by their Fayetteville experience has led the Baha’is to increase their teaching elsewhere in the threestate area, such as in Danville and Lynchburg, Virginia.

National Spiritual Assembly among hundreds of groups supporting national ‘Stand for Children’ Day in D.C.

The National Spiritual Assembly is one of several hundred organizations that have endorsed a national gathering to demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of children. “Stand for Children Day” will be held June 1 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, Dc.

The Children's Defense Fund has issued a call for the event as a day of “family and community renewal, celebration and commitment to children...a day for all Americans to transcend our differences and affirm that which unites us as a people: a loving desire to raise moral, healthy and educated children.”

Local Spiritual Assemblies and individual Baha'is should feel free to take this opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the welll-being of children and to proclaim the healing Message of our Faith.

The National Spiritual Assembly has been involved for many years in efforts to protect and promote the rights of children, and has worked to urge the US. Congress to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“Stand for Children Day” is non-partisan and is meant to challenge leaders in religion, culture, business and government to help improve the health, safety, school readiness and quality of life of all children.

The National Assembly will not play a coordinating role in the event, but encourages anyone interested in tak

ing part to contact directly the national organizers of Stand for Children Day who are able to provide posters, flyers, publicity and other forms of assistance. The address is Stand for Children, Washington, DC 20009 (phone 202-234-0095 or 800-233-1200; fax 202-234-0217; email

First Video/Stage Conference for Baha’is is held at Center in San Francisco, California

Between 40 and 50 Baha'is took part February 16-18 in the first Baha'i Video/Stage Conference at the Baha'i Center in San Francisco, California.

The accent was on inspiring young Baha'is to become torch-bearers for the Faith. Among those attending were both young and old from as far away as Atlanta, Georgia, and Juneau, Alaska.

After an inspiring address by keynote speaker Marcia Day, participants took part in various workshops devoted to artistic disciplines including dramatic performance (conducted by Robert and Quddus Sinclair), video production (Tim Perry and Larry Curtis), script-writing (Linda Cicada) and an impromptu director's workshop with Ladjamaya Green-Mahoney.

After Saturday evening performances by a number of experienced Baha'i entertainers, the conference was thrilled by the declaration of the sister of a Baha'i from Atlanta:

[Page 3]‘Azamat B.E. 153 * May 17,1996 3

UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

North America

Cer te Keli telo(

gional and local levels, in conformity with the detailed plans to be formulated in the weeks ahead, you should constantly bear in mind the one central aim of the Plan: advancing the process of entry by troops. There can be no doubt that this process, propelled by mysterious spiritual forces beyond the of the skeptic, will in due course quicken the souls of a multitude from every background in North America and dramatically increase the numerical strength of your communities.

‘Training institutes and other centers of learning are an indispensable element of a sustained endeavor to advance this process, and to ensure that the essential deepening of new believers is not neglected, that they develo the necessary skills to effectively teac! the Faith, and that an opportunity is provided for all Baha’is, new and veteran, to embark on a systematic study of the fundamental verities of the Revelation of Bahd’u’llah. We look to your communities to make an energetic response to the call for such institutes, and to develop a wide variety of approaches fitted to the needs of the diverse pop nene of your population.

In one of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, ‘Abdu'l-Baha, exhorting the North American believers to strive to attain the exalted station of Apostles of Bahd’u'llh, specifies firmness in the Covenant to be a prerequisite for this achievement. We urge you to manifest unwavering adherence to the provisions of the Covenant, while ever striving for a deeper understanding of its challenging features and of its implications, which far transcend the familiar arrangements of present society.

You are in a most enviable position to provide a mighty impetus to the teaching work. Through the alertness and perseverance of your institutions and the effect of your exertions, there is now a general awareness of, and reS| for, the Cause in your region, and

Faith has soni” a reputation for universality and liberality of thought. Well may you rejoice at this remarkable achievement, and well may you contemplate the present needs of the Cause with eagerness and confidence.

Your accomplishments have prepared the way for even more spectacu lar successes in the years immediately ahead. Now as never before should you strive mightily to free yourselves from the obstacles of apathy, attachment to worldly pursuits, and lethargy, which stand in the wy of so glorious a realization. As the people around you yearn increasingly for a society in which rectitude of conduct revails, which is animated by a noility of moral behavior, and in which the diverse races are firmly united, your challenge is to demonstrate the efficacy of the Message of Baha’u’ll4h in ministering to their needs and in recreating the very foundation of individual and social life. The whole of North America stands in desperate need of the inspiring vision, the dynamic sense of purpose and the idealism, which can be provided only by those who are imbued with the spirit and truths of the Baha’i Writings.

The community of the Greatest

Name must increasingly become re nowned for its social cohesion, and for the spirit of trust and confidence which distinguishes the relationship between believers and their institutions. In the earliest years of his ministry, the Guardian stated, “...| hope to see the friends at all times, in every land, and of every shade of thought and character, voluntarily and joyously rallying round their local and in particular their national centers of activity, upholding and promoting their interests with complete unanimity and contentment, with perfect understanding, genuine enthusiasm, and sustained vigor. This indeed is the ene IY and i venrning: of my life, for it is the fountainhead from which all future blessings will flow, the broad foundation upon which the security of the Divine Edifice must ultimately rest.” Realization of this longing requires that you commit yourselves to the whole earted support of your institutions. In turn, those of you called upon to serve as members Gheach bodies should ever be mindful of the attitude and manner prescribed for the conduct of their duties, and should strive continually to approach the exalted standard set out in the Teachings.

In the Divine Plan bequeathed to you by ‘Abdu’l-Bahd is disclosed the glorious destiny of those who are the descen dants of the early inhabitants of your continent. We call upon the indigenous believers who are firmly rooted in the

Baha‘i Teachings to aid, through both deed and word, those who have not yet attained hat seve of suncerstand ing: along the to their destiny a that they ae to be ga into the divisiveness and militancy around them, and that they strive to make their own distinctive contribution to the pur of the goals of the Four Year Plan, both beyond the confines of North America and at home. They should be ever mindful of the vital contribution they can make to the work of the Faith throughout the American continent, in circumpolar areas and in the Asian region of the Russian Federation.

We direct the attention of the believers of African descent, so beloved by the Master, to the pressing need for pioneers, who will contribute to the further development of the Cause in distant areas, including the continent of Africa for which they were assigned a special responsibility by the Guardian when the

irst systematic campaign was launched for its spiritual illumination.

Although their contributions to all aspects of Bahd’f service on the home front and elsewhere will be of great value, they can be a unique source of encouragement and inspiration to their Acree rotiers and sisters who are now poised on the threshold of great advances for the Faith of Baha‘u’llah.

Increasingly over the years, the Baha’i community in North America has been aupmented by the addition of a substan ial number of believers who have come from the Cradle of the Faith. We urge all the friends of Persian background, who constitute a most valuable source of ability and experience, to dedicate themselves, to an extents! ing their past services, to the accomplishment of the ls of the Four Year Plan, under the leadership and guidance of the institutions of the Faith in North America. The unity of thought and endeavor between the friends from East and West will offer a shining example of the power of Bahd’u’ll4h to demolish traditional barriers and will be a powerful source of attraction to the Cause.

The Alaskan Bahda’is are privileged to live in an area described by the Guardian as “a region destined to play an important role in shaping the spiritual destinies of the great Republic of the West of which it forms a part, and to contribute, in no small measure, to the establishment of the institutions of His World Order throughout the American continent.” The invaluable contribution they have made to the establishment of the Faith in Siberia in recent years, together with their significant advances in strengthening the home front, provide compelling evidence of their capacity to take full advantage of the opportunities before them in the Four Year Plan.

The valiant Canadian Baha’i community was praised by the Guardian for “the staunchness of the faith of its members, their unyielding resolve, their ceaseless efforts, their willingness to sacrifice, their exemplary loyalty, their steadfast courage,” a description fully confirmed by the record of its achievements during the Three Year Plan. It has played a disproportionately great and much-appreciated role in the defense of the Faith, in its propagation to all corners of the earth, and in the establishment of its institutions in other lands, both near and far, and is in an enviable position to build upon these successes in the new Plan on which it now embarks.

Our thoughts turn often to the Baha’i community of Greenland, whose staunchness of faith and dogged perseverance have won our admiration and

raise, and have resulted in the Faith’s mun firmly established in that distant land. Inspired by the promise set out in the Tablets of the Divine Plan that “af the hearts be touched with the heat of the love of God, that territory will become a divine rose-garden and a nly paradise, and the souls, even as fruitful trees, will acquire the utmost freshness and beauty,” let them now go forth to claim new victories on the home front and to transform their nation through the power of the Divine Teachings.

Some four decades ago, Shoghi Effendi described the members of the United States Bahai community as “the outstanding protagonists of the Cause of God; the stout-hearted defenders of its integrity, its claims and its rights; the champion-builders of its Administrative Order; the standard-bearers of its crusading hosts; the torch-bearers of its embryonic civilization; the chief succorers of the down-trodden, the needy and the fettered among its followers. ...” Any survey of the distinguished accomplishments of these dearly loved friends during the pest three years provides striking evidence of the continuing peels bility of this description, and of the immense contribution they are making to the advancement of the Cause. We look to the members of the Baha’i community in the United States to perform, during the Four Year Plan, heroic deeds of service to the Cause, which will astonish and inspire their fellow-believers throughout the world.

In North America, there are opportunities for the advancement of the process of entry by troops, the like of which presenuy exist in no other place on earth. Three unique characteristics combine to give rise to this condition: the unparalleled strength of your local communities, particularly evident in the activity of your local Spiritual Assemblies and in the consecration of the Baha’f youth; the positive impression of the Faith which has been con veyed, not only to the generality of the population, but also to leaders of thought and people of influence; and the composition of your nations, which have welcomed to their shores immigrants, students and refugees from all parts of the planet, drawn from all the major racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds of humanity. You, who live in a continent described by ‘Abdu’l-Baha as “the land wherein the splendors of His light shall be revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith shall be unveiled, the home of the righteous, and the gathering-place of the free,” are called upon to take full advantage of these favorable circumstances. Dear Friends, now must you commit yourselves to the work of the Cause afresh, liberated from any doubts, uncertainties or hesitations which may have impeded you in the pee Every stratum of society must be rought within your embrace, as you vigorously advance toward the goal of entry by troops at this time when powerful spiritual forces are at work in the hearts of the people. Neither the affluent nor the indigent should be excluded from your purview. Receptive souls should be sought in the sophisticated circles of urban society, on the campuses of colleges and universities, in centers of industry and commerce, on the farms and villages of the mountains, plains and prairies—wherever are to be found human beings in search of the divine Truth. You should strive to create a Baha’f community which will offer to the entire world a vibrant model of unity in diversity. The influence of your exertions can extend well beyond the confines of North America; in particular, French Canadian believers can perform an invaluable service to the Faith in the French-speaking nations and islands throughout the world, the Baha’is dwelling in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions can powerfully reinforce the work of the Cause in the circumpolar areas, and the friends of Hispanic background have fertile fields before them throughout Latin America. Let all believers consider the extent to which they can use familial and ethnic ties to other regions of the world for the fulfillment of the global mission conferred on the recipients of the Tablets of the Divine Plan. At this critical hour in the fortunes of humanity, our eyes turn with eagerness and hope to the Baha’fs of all parts of North America, who constitute a reservoir of human and material resources unmatched elsewhere in the Baha’i world. As you proceed along your prescribed path, you should be ever mindful of these words addressed to you by the Author of the Tablets of the Divine Plan: “I ferventl hope that in the near future the whole eart may be stirred and shaken by the results of your achievements. The hope which 1u'l-Bahd cherishes for you is that the same success which has attended your efforts in America may crown your endeavors in other parts of the world, that through you the fame of the Cause of God may be diffused throughout the East and the West, and the advent of the Kingdom of the Lord of Hosts be proclaimed in all the five continents of the globe.” lur ardent prayers at the Sacred Threshold will surround and accompany you at every step of the momentous undertaking to which you are now summoned. The Universal House of Justice Ridvan B.E. 153

[Page 4]THe AMERICAN BAHA 4

Is employment your only reason for not pioneering?

When was the last time you thought about finding a job? How about in another country so you could pioneer? Landing a job overseas can be difficult, but there area lot of jobs out there. You simply have to look in the right places and persevere.

For finding jobs, there are leads shared by the Office of Pioneering that are gathered from a variety of sources. Then there are various organizations and agencies that hire internationally, including the U.S. government.

You could network in your given profession or trade and check trade publications. Also, the reference section in your library is an excellent source for information—for example, Careers in International Affairs, Careers, The Overseas List: Opportunities for Liv International summer schools and other Baha’'i-run events

ALASKA:

July 13-17—Chilkat Summer School, Haines. July (end)—Youth Camp at Kenny Lake

BELGIUM:

August 1-15—European Baha’i Youth Teaching Project, with study course on “Entry by Troops,” participation of Counselors and the Panacea Baha’i Youth Workshop.

CANADA:

June 7-9—"Media, Baha’i Community and External Affairs,” Marion Jack Institute. June and July—A\lcan International Youth Training Program, Yukon Baha‘f Institute. June 21-24— Summer school at Camp Mariste, near Rawdon, Québec. June 28-July 1— Family summer school, Corner Brook, Neqiatneland. July 7-12—Family Week, “Social and Moral Development,” Marion Jack Institute. July 713—Doris Richardson Baha’i School for Children, Grand Manan, New Brunswick. July 21-27—Camp Cameron, for children ages 8-12, coordinated by the local Spiritual Assembly of Kanata. July 28-August 2— Parenting program, Sylvan Lake Baha’{ Center. August 25-30—Youth Week including Survival Course, Sylvan Lake Baha’i Center. August 2530—Festival of the Arts, Sylvan Lake Baha’i Center. August 25-31—Family Week, “Holy Family of Baha’u’llah,” Marion Jack Institute. August 30-September 2—North Island Summer School.

COLOMBIA:

July 1-21—Summer service project including week-long “Ecological Camp” and study of selected Ruhi Institute courses. Reasonable costs.

ITALY:

Summer schools and wide variety of conferences and seerening rograms year-round at the Center for Baha'i Studies in Acuto. Reasonable costs.

RUSSIA:

June 20-July 15, July 15-August 10— Teachers needed for children’s summer camp near Yakutsk. July 12-17— Youth Conference organized by the European Baha'i Youth Council, tentatively planned for Kazan, Russia. JulyAugust—Teaching projects in southeastern Russia (Vladivostok area) and then in European Russia (Krasnodar area) following the Youth Conference.

ing and Working in Developing Countries. The reference librarian can suggest others.

Many friends inquire about opportunities listed in the classified section of The American Baha'f . Most of these opportunities have been gleaned from publications such as “International Employment Hotline” or “AMDOC/ OPTIONS.”

Opportunities in schools operated by Baha'is or needs for volunteers for Baha‘ institutions have often been referred to the Office of Pioneering by other National Assemblies, Baha’i Institutions or pioneers.

If you are worried about your credentials, not all international employment requires advanced degrees. One example shared with us was of a middle-aged woman trained as a psychologist who left a job directing a museum association to join the Peace Corps and teach English at a university in Rwanda, then worked with refugees in Malaysia as a UN volunteer, and later joined the U.S. foreign service and served in two countries before retiring.

The Peace Corps can be one of the best means of pioneering, and its alumni seem to provide a substantial resource of professional development workers for international organizations. Some of the advantages of the Peace Corps are that language training is provided by the Corps, volunteers are situated in areas where it is often hard to locate pioneers, and they become intimately acquainted with the country and the facts of life in development.

The Peace Corps not only recruits volunteers but staffers as well. Paid staff positions include administrative specialists, agriculturists, education specialists, rural development specialists, doctors and medical contractors. The personal and professional experiences available through the Peace Corps are seen as a valuable training opportunity for international service and encouraged by the Universal House of Justice.

One of the best sources for information on available U.S. government jobs and how to apply for them is the book How to Find an Overseas Job with the U.S. Government, by Will Cantrell and Francine Moddero. You can find it in your library or write to Worldwise Books, PO. Box 3030, Oakton, VA 22124.

Overseas jobs with the U.S. government are not just for diplomats. The majority are for technical or support personnel—engineers, communications officers, building and maintenance specialists, doctors, nurses, medical technicians, administrative specialists, information specialists and secretaries.

Periodically, government jobs are advertised in major newspapers. The best way to find out about these positions is to contact the personnel office of the agencies doing the hiring. Addresses for these personnel offices, along with hiring criteria for each position, are listed in the book.

The U.S. Information Agency hires journalists, engineers, printing specialists, librarians, English teachers, administration specialists and secretaries, as well.

The U.S. Commerce Department

hires economists, business specialists and secretaries for its Foreign Commercial Service assignments.

The Agency for International Development has an ongoing need for accountants, agriculturists, economists, auditors, health/population/nutrition officers, housing/urban development officers and rural development officers. USAID also hires small-business consultants including economists, writers, lawyers, health specialists, agriculturists and biologists on a contract basis.

English teaching is one of the meio fields of overseas employment for Americans and the demand is high, percculany in the Far East, with Japan,

orea, China and Taiwan offering many opportunities. If you are seriously interested in working overseas as a teacher of English, it is recommended that you obtain at least a certificate in ESL/TESL (English as a Second Language/English as a Foreign

Tanguages)

Still having difficulty? Try applying fora grant instead. Widely assumed to be only for academics, grants, fellowships and scholarships are available to an increasing number of professionals, enabling them to live and work overseas. The Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) can help you decide what projects to pursue and also help draft your proposal.

Practical steps to take in anticipation of overseas employment:

¢ Study a foreign language (French or Spanish alone would open much of the world to you.)

Acquire any type of international

experience airoupht summer study programs, internships, work camps, and/or Baha’{ teaching projects.

¢ Carefully evaluate your skills and knowledge, then research the international market to determine where your skills can best be applied.

° Be patient and persevere.

Tangler family a rarity in U.S. community with five generations of living Baha’is

With the Faith barely more than a century old in this country, there aren't many families that include as many as three or four generations of Baha'fs, let alone five. But there is at least one.

Howard Tangler and his wife, Betty, became Baha'is in 1962 while living in Glenview, Illinois. A year later their daughter Pamela declared her belief in Baha'u'llah, and following her marriage her husband, Joseph Myers, also accepted the Faith.

Nine years ago Mr. Tangler's mother, Margaret Tangler, became a Baha'i at age 81. And this past January Pamela and Joe Myers’ married daughter, Hannelore Myers Farmer, became a Baha‘ in Amarillo, Texas.

When Mrs. Farmer and her daughters, five-year-old Britney and oneyear-old Autumn, joined the Amarillo

If you have traveled internationally, please return this form to the Office of Pioneering. If you have traveled to teach within the United States, pees return this form to the National Teaching Office. The address for

th is: 1233 Central St., Evanston IL 60201.

community, it brought the number of generations of living Baha'is in the Tangler family to five (last December, Margaret Tangler celebrated her 90th birthday).

SENSITIVE INTERNATIONAL TEACHING AREAS Programs (SITA)

Coordinated by the Office of Pioneering. Now also available ona regional/local basis in many areas of the country. What is a SITA? Why should you know about SITA programs and deepenings? For answers to these and other uestions, contact the Office of ioneering, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 708-733-3506; e-mail

[Page 5]Continued from page 1

Projects have met the three-year goal of $74 million marks yet another measurable and exceptional achievement, inspiring confidence that the necessary financial support for these projects will continue until their completion by the end of the cen tury.

‘the signs of progress during the past three years were evident in a wide and varied field. The remarkable efforts to expand and consolidate the community, the increased ventures in social and economic development, and the unprecedented thrust of the external affairs work combine to portray a community endowed with new capacities.

In the arena of teaching, there was a general increase of activity as indicated by the formation of 12 new National Spiritual Assemblies during the course of the Plan and by the surge of pioneering and travel-teaching. Believers in many countries were galvanized by the fresh approach suggested in the pioneer call released during the Plan. The number of pioneers from and to various countries was high, and there was a veritable flood of traveling teachers operating both at home and abroad. Systematic approaches to collective teaching activities and well-focused long-term teaching projects were fruitful and were more evident than ever before in a number of countries.

The energy and creativity attendant to the various developments in expansion and consolidation owed much to the spirit of enterprise shown by the International Teaching Center. Its constant direction and encouragement of the Continental Boards of Counselors; its recommendation of new methods for the deployment of pioneers, as endorsed by the Universal House of Justice in the pioneer call released in the early months of the Plan, and its regular assistance to the Continental Pioneer Committees placed in its charge; its unflagging attention to the educational needs of the community as expressed in its interactions with Counselors concerning the inclusion in teaching, preiccis of deepening programs for new believers, the devising of courses and workshops for training in different capacities, the training of children’s teachers, and the multi lication of children’s classes; its stimulation of efforts to establish training institutes in different parts

_ of the world—all have produced resounding results. Major credit must also go to the Teaching Center for the influence it exerted through the Counselors on the adoption of core literature programs in an increasing number of countries. Through such prorams a few titles essential to the propagation of

e Faith and the deepening of the believers were selected, printed in large quantities and made available at reduced prices. The outstanding progress in the evolution of this vital institution operating at the World Center was palpable in its preparation and conduct of the Counselors’ Conference last December which set the course for the work of these high-ranking officers of the Faith during the immediate years ahead.

A relevant development was the notable rise in the assumption of responsibility by indigenous believers for the teaching and consolidation work in their own countries. In greatly troubled areas, such as Angola, Cambodia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, the friends claimed important victories, whether in pursuing teaching activities which resulted in numerically significant enrollments, or in establishing and reactivating Baha’i Assemblies, or in initiating and sustaining development projects. In places with recently formed National Spiritual Assemblies, such as countries of the former Eastern Bloc, the friends have shown an admirable capacity for administerog tie affairs of the Cause.

highlight of this period was the upsurge of vigor, courage and creativity in Bahd’f island communities throughout the world. The categories of activity were wide-ranging, involving the raising up of local teachers, the training and dispatch of scores of traveling teachers to neighboring islands, the inauguration of primary schools, the multiple occasions for proclamation of the Faith, the sponsorship

of events attended by high-ranking officials and influential persons. The fact that in recent years a number of government leaders of island nations have visited the Baha’i World Center is indicative of the vitality of the activities of the believers in these small lands scattered throughout the seven seas. Taken together, all the foregoing examples of the attitudes and efforts of the friends in different settings demonstrate a heightened commitment to the teaching work and a growing maturity and resilience reflective of the depth of faith motivating Bahda’is from diverse populations.

Consonant with these observations were the outstanding contributions of the youth to expansion and consolidation. Their activities took on added dimensions during the three-year period. Actuated by youth conferences and other gatherings attentive to their interests, youth throughout the world invested immense amounts of time, energy and zeal in the teaching work as traveling teachers within and outside their countries and as teams in collective pacing Pros and, in so doing, they stimulated hundreds of new enrollments and the formation of many local Spiritual Assemblies; involvement of youth in music and the arts as a means of proclaiming and teaching the Cause distinguished their exertions in many places; the spread of dance and drama workshops was particularly effective; participation of eoue in external affairs opened new possibilities for the Faith in this field; commitment to a year of service was more widely demonstrated; at the same time there was a notable increase in the number of youth acquiring formal training and achieving academic, professional and vocational excellence—altogether an indication that the youth are doing more in direct service to the Faith while at the same time contributing to the general development of society.

Signs of the consolidation of the community were also discernible in the greater involvement of the friends in social and economic development, particularly in the field of education. In one outstanding instance, a government asked the Baha'is to take responsibility for the management of seven puplle schools, and they did so with the backing of the Office of Social and Economic Development at the World Center. Worthy of note is that in Africa Baha’ communities in exile because of political unrest in their home country continued to develop farming and other projects that went far toward ensuring self-sufficiency. Efforts at improving the status of women gathered momentum in a number of countries where, in addition to Baha’i participation in projects sponsored by other organizations, the

jaha’f institutions set up committees and offices to attend to the interests of women. The Baha’f International Community’s Office for the Advancement of Women emerged as a symbol of this upswing.

In a number of countries, too, there was significant Baha’ participation in government-sponsored programe to improve health; in other instances

aha’t Gare initiated such programs and carried them out. The work in social and economic development was also distinguished by the firm establishment and consolidation of a number of major projects and organizations. Three pilot literacy projects were begun as a first step in a literacy campaign which the Office of Social and Economic Developaient intends to extend throughout the world. The Baha‘ initiation and involvement in development Pivecs also resulted in proclamation of the Faith as they attracted the participation of the public and the interest of mass media.

A thrust in the external affairs work exceeding all previous records for a similar period boosted the proclamation of the Cause. A prodigy of effort in all parts of the world redounded to a much greater visibility of the Faith than obtained before and to a consequent rise in the prestige of the Baha’{ international community. The broad lines of progress were evident in the ease with which Baha’i communities, large and small, sponsored or parca in public events; in the emergence of the Baha’is as a force in society recognized by governmental and non-governmental organizations and many prominent persons; in the ready accessibility of the media. Indeed, the wide coverage accorded Baha’i events and interests by the print and electronic communications media was beyond calculation.

‘Azamar B.E. 153 * Mav 17,1996 5

In the sweep of activities throughout the world, certain specific developments stood out: the frequency with which high public officials would invite Baha’fs to participate in or assist with events or Pee the successful initiatives of Bahd’fs in in juencing government action; the establishment of Baha’f academic programs and courses in colleges and universities and the adoption of curricular material for public schools; the use of the arts by Baha’i institutions, groups and individuals in proclamation events.

During 1995, two major United Nations events exemplified the gathering momentum of an emerging unity of thought in world undertakings, and these engaged the active attention and participation of the Baha’f community. First, the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen during March involved 250 friends from more than 40 countries who mounted an impressive effort to acquaint the summit participants and the related NGO Forum with the Teachings. It was on this occasion that the statement “The Prosperity of Humankind,” produced by the Baha’f International Community’s Office of Public Information, was first distributed and discussed. Follow-up activities all over the world included the holding of conferences and seminars, as well as the distribution of the statement. Second, the Fourth World Conference on Women and the concomitant NGO Forum held in Beijing during September drew the attendance of more than 500 Baha’fs from around the world, in addition to the official delepeton of the Baha’f International Community. In that same year, a third event, the observance of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, prompted the Baha’ International Community’s United Nations Office to produce and distribute a statement, entitled “Turning Point for All Nations,” containing proposals for the development of that world organization.

Also of particular note among the external affairs activities were two occasions involving the prominent participation of Amatu’l-Baha Ruhfyyih Khanum. Last spring she headed the delegation of the four official Baha’f representatives to the Summit on the Alliance between Religions and Conservation, patronized by His Royal Highness Prince Philip and held at Windsor Castle. During October Rthiyyih Khénum was the keynote speaker at the Fourth International Dialogue on the Transition to Global Society held under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Orga “nization (UNESCO) and organized by the Baha’f

Chair for World Peace and the Department of History at the University of Maryland.

Nor can we neglect to mention certain other significant marks of the period under review. An edition of the Kitdb-i-Aqdas in the original Arabic was published with, for the first time, notes in Persian, supplementing the text as in the English edition. The Law of Hugqtiqu’llah became more deeply rooted in the hearts of the believers throughout the world, and during the final year of the Plan, the Trustee of Huqtqu’llah, the Hand of the Cause of God ‘AliMuhammad Varqé4, took up residence in the Holy Land. This significant step also means that all three Hands of the Cause of God—Amatu’l-Baha Rahiyyih Khénum, Mr. ‘Ali-Akbar Furttan, and Dr. Varqa—are now residing at the World Center, bringing inspiration to pilgrims and visitors, and to the friends serving at the World Center.

It is against such a background of heartening developments that we embark at this Ridvén upon a Four Year Plan that will carry us to Ridvan 2000. We earnestly and lovingly call upon our brothers and sisters of every land to join us in a mobilization of effort that will ensure to generations of the fastapproaching 21st century an abundant and lasting

aoe

Four Year Plan aims at one major accomplishment: a significant advance in the process of eney by troops. As we have stated earlier, such an advance is to be achieved through marked progress in the activity and development of the individual believer, of the institutions, and of the local commu

nity. "The phrase “advance in the process of entry by troops” accommodates the concept that current cir See WORLD page 6

[Page 6]Tue American Bani = 6

Continued from page |

cumstances demand and existing opportunities allow fora sustained growth of the Baha'i world community on a large scale; that this upsurge is necessary in the face of world conditions; that the three constituent participants in the upbuilding of the Order of Baha’u’llah—the individual, the institutions, and the community—can foster such growth first by spiritually and mentally accepting the possibility of it, and then by working toward embracing masses of new believers, setting in motion the means for effecting their spiritual and administrative training and development thereby multiplying the number of knowledgeable, active teachers and administrators whose involvement in the work of the Cause will ensure a constant influx of new adherents, an uninterrupted evolution of Baha’i Assemblies, and a steady consolidation of the community.

Moreover, to advance the process implies that that process is already in progress and that local and national communities are at different stages of it. All communities are now asked to take steps and sustain efforts to achieve a level of expansion and consolidation commensurate with their possibilities. The individual and the institutions, while operating in distinctive spheres, are summoned to arise to meet the requirements of this crucial time in the life of our community and in the fortunes of all humankind.

The role of the individual is of unique importance in the work of the Cause. It is the individual who manifests the vitality of faith upon which the success of the teaching work and the development of the community depend. Baha’u’ll4h’s command to each believer to teach His Faith confers an inescapable responsibility which cannot be transferred to, or assumed by, any institution of the Cause. The individual alone can exercise those capacities which include the ability to take initiative, to seize opportunities, to form friendships, to interact personally with others, to build relationships, to win the cooperation of others in common service to the Faith and society, and to convert into action the decisions made by consultative bodies. It is the individual’s duty to “consider every avenue of approach which he might utilize in his personal attempts to capture the attention, maintain the interest, and deepen the faith of those whom he seeks to bring into the fold of his Faith.”

To optimize the use of these capacities, the individual draws upon his love for Baha'u'llah, the power of the Covenant, the dynamics of prayer, the inspiration and education derived from regular reading and study of the Holy Texts, and the transformative forces that operate upon his soul as he strives to behave in accordance with the divine laws and principles. In addition to these, the individual, having been given the duty to teach the Cause, is endowed with the capacity to attract particular blessings promised by Baha’u’llah. “Whoso openeth his lips in this Day,” the Blessed Beauty asserts, “and maketh mention of the name of his Lord, the hosts of Divine inspiration shall descend upon him from the heaven of My name, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. On him shall also descend the Concourse on high, each bearing aloft a chalice of pure light.”

hoghi Effendi underscored the absolute necessity of individual initiative and action. He explained that without the support of the individual, “at once wholehearted, continuous and generous,” every measure and plan of his National Spiritual Assembly is “foredoomed to failure,” the purpose of the Master’s Divine Plan is “impeded”; furthermore, the sustaining strength of Bahd’u’ll4h Himself “will be withheld from every and each individual who fails in the long run to arise and play his part.” Hence, at the very crux of any progress to be made is the individual believer, who possesses the power of execution which only he can release through his own initiative and sustained action. Regarding the sense of inadequacy that sometimes hampers individual initiative, a letter written on his behalf conveys the Guardian’s advice: “Chief among these,

you mention the lack of courage and of initiative on the part of the believers, and a feeling of inferiority which prevents them from addressing the public. It is precisely these weaknesses that he wishes the friends to overcome, for these do not only paavze their efforts but actually serve to quench the flame of faith in their hearts. Not until all the friends come to realize that every one of them is able, in his own measure, to deliver the Message, can they ever hope to reach the goal that has been set before them by a loving and wise Master. ...Everyone is a potential teacher. He has only to use what God has given him and thus prove that he is faithful to his trust.”

As for the institutions, entry by troops will act upon them as much as they will act upon it. The evolution of local and national Bahd’{ Assemblies at this time calls for a new state of mind on the part of their members as well as on the part of those who elect them, for the Baha’i community is engaged in an immense historical process that is entering a critical stage. Baha’u’lléh ha given to the world institutions to operate in an Order designed to canalize the forces aa new civilization. Progress toward that glorious realization requires a great and continuous expansion of the Baha’i community, so that adequate scope is provided for the maturation of these institutions. This is a matter of immediate importance to Baha’u’llah’s avowed supporters in all lands.

For such an expansion to be stimulated and accommodated, the Spiritual Assemblies must rise to a new stage in the exercise of their responsibilities as channels of divine guidance, planners of the teaching work, developers of human resources, builders of communities, and loving shepherds of the multitudes. They can realize these prospects through increasing the ability of their members to take counsel together in accordance with the principles of the Faith and to consult with the friends under their jurisdiction, through fostering the spirit of service, through spontaneously collaborating with the Continental Counselors and their auxiliaries, and through cultivating their external relations. Particularly must the progress in the evolution of the institutions be manifest in the multiplication of localities in which the functioning of the Spiritual Assembly enhances the individual believers’ capacity to serve the Cause and fosters unified action. In sum, the maturity of the Spiritual Assembly must be measured not only by the regularity of its meetings and the efficiency of its functioning, but also by the continuity of the growth of Baha’i membership, the effectiveness of the interaction between the AssemPy and the members of its community, the quality of the spiritual and social life of the community, and the over-all sense of vitality of a community in the process of dynamic, ever-advancing development.

The community, as distinguished from the individual and the institutions, assumes its own character and identity as it grows in size. This is a necessary development to which much attention is required both with respect to places where large-scale enrollment has occurred and in anticipation of more numerous instances of entry by troops. A community is of course more than the sum of its membership; it is a comprehensive unit of civilization composed of individuals, families and institutions that are originators and encouragers of systems, agencies and organizations working together with a common purpose for the welfare of people both within and beyond its own borders; it is a composition of diverse, interacting participants that are achieving unity in an unremitting quest for spiritual and social progress. Since Baha’is everywhere are at the very beginning of the process of community building, enormous effort must be devoted to the tasks at hand.

As we have said in an earlier message, the flourishing of the community, especially at the local level, demands a significant enhancement in patterns of behavior: those patterns by which the collective expression of the virtues of the individual members and the functioning of the Spiritual Assembly are manifest in the unity and fellowship of the community and the dynamism of its activity and growth. This calls for the integration of the component elements—adults, youth and children—in spiritual, social, educational and administrative activities; and their engagement in local plans of teaching and de velopment. It implies a collective will and sense of purpose to perpetuate the Spiritual Assembly through annual elections. It involves the practice of collective worship of God. Hence, it is essential to the spiritual life of the community that the friends hold regular devotional meetings in local Baha’f centers, where available, or elsewhere, including the homes of believers.

To effect the possibilities of expansion and consolidation implied by entry by troops, a determined, worldwide effort to develop human resources must be made. The endeavor of individuals to conduct study classes in their homes, the sponsorship by the institutions of occasional courses of instruction, and the informal activities of the community, though important, are not adequate for the education and training of a rapidly expanding community. It is therefore of paramount importance that systematic attention be given to devising methods for educating large numbers of believers in the fundamental verities of the Faith and for training and assisting them to serve the Cause as their God-given talents allow. There should be no delay in establishing permanent institutes designed to provide well-organized, formally conducted programs of training on a regular schedule. Access of the institute to physical facilities will of course be necessary, but it may not require a building of its own.

This matter calls for an intensification of the collaboration between the Continental Counselors and National Spiritual Assemblies. For the success of these training institutes will depend in very large measure on the active involvement of the Continental Counselors and the Auxiliary Board members in their operation. Particularly will it be necessary for Auxiliary Board members to have a close working relationship with institutes and, of course, with the local Spiritual Assemblies whose communities will benefit from institute programs. Since institutes are to be regarded as centers of learning, and since their character harmonizes with, and provides scope for the exercise of, the educational responsibilities of the Auxiliary Board members, the intimate involvement in institute operations should now become a part of the evolving functions of these officers of the Faith. Drawing on the talents and abilities of increasing numbers of believers will also be crucial to the development and execution of institute programs.

As the term “institute” has assumed various uses in the Baha’f community, a word of clarification is needed. The next four years will represent an extraordinary period in the history of our Faith, a turning point of epochal magnitude. What the friends throughout the world are now being asked to do is to commit themselves, their material resources, their abilities and their time to the development of a network of training institutes on a scale never before attempted. These centers of Baha’f learning will have as their goal one very practical outcome, namely, the raising up of large numbers of believers who are trained to foster and facilitate the process of entry by troops with efficiency and love.

“Center your energies in the propagation of the Faith of God,” Baha’u’llah thus instructs His servants, adding, “Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to ofr point him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation. ...” Just as one deputizes another to teach in one’s stead by covering the expenses of a pioneer or traveling teacher, one can deputize a teacher serving an institute, who is, of course, a teacher of teachers. To do so, one may make contributions to the Continental Baha’f Fund, as well as to the local, National and International Funds, earmarked for this purpose.

In all their efforts to achieve the aim of the Four Year Plan, the friends are also asked to give greater attention to the use of the arts, not only for proclamation, but also for the work in expansion and consolidation. The graphic and performing arts and literature have played, and can play, a major role in extending the influence of the Cause. At the level of folk art, this possibility can be pursued in every part of the world, whether it be in villages, towns or cities. Shoghi Effendi held high hopes for the arts as a means for attracting attention to the Teachings. A letter written on his behalf to an individual thus conveys the Guardian’s view: “The day will come when

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UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

the Cause will spread like wildfire when its spirit and teachings will be presented on the stage or in art and literature as a whole. Art can better awaken such noble sentiments than cold rationalizing, especially among the mass of the people.”

While the friends and institutions everywhere bend their energies to implementing the requirements of the Plan, work on the great projects on Mount Carmel will continue toward their anticipated completion at the end of the centey, By the end of the Plan at Ridvan 2000, the buildings for the Center for the Study of the Texts and the extension of the Archives Building will become operational; the International Teaching Center building will have advanced to the final finishing stage. The section of the public road which now interrupts the

ath of the terraces above the Shrine of the Bab will

ave been lowered and a broad connecting bridge with its own gardens will have been built; five of the upper terraces will also have been completed. The remaining four upper terraces and the two at the foot of the mountain will be in an advanced stage of development. Other particular efforts will be ursued at the World Center as well. Attention will given to such matters as the universal application of additional laws of the Kitdb-i-Agqdas, the Preparation of a new volume in English of selected ritings of Baha’u’llah, the further development of the functions of the International Teaching Center, and the devising of measures for increasing the number of pilgrims and visitors to the World Center.

The Baha’i world community will expand its endeavors in both social and economic development and external affairs, and thus continue to collaborate directly with the forces leading toward the establishment of order in the world. By improving its coordinating capacity, the Office of Social and Economic Development will assist in building, as resources and opportunity permit, on the progress already made with hundreds of development projects around the world. In the arena of external ety efforts will be aimed at influencing the processes toward world peace, particularly through the community’s involvement in the promotion of human rights, the status of women, global prosperity, and moral development. In the pursuit of these themes, the Baha'i International Community’s United Nations Office will seek ways to reinforce the ties between the Baha’fs and the United Nations. Similarly, the Office of Public Information will assist the Bahd’i institutions to utilize these themes toward greater proclamation of the Faith. Defense of the rights of the Baha’fs in Iran and increased efforts to emancipate the Faith in that country and other countries where it is proscribed will constitute a vital part of our dealings with governments and non-governmental organizations. In all such respects the Baha’t friends and institutions are urged to be alert to the importance of activities in external affairs and to give renewed attention to them.

The formation this Ridvan of two National Spiritual Assemblies lends a propitious beginning to the Four Year Plan. We are delighted to announce that our two representatives to the inaugural National Conventions are the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahd Rihfyyih Khanum, Moldova; and Mr. Fred Schechter, Counselor member of the International Teaching Center, Sao Tomé and Principe. Regrettably, due to circumstances entirely beyond their control, the National Spiritual Assemblies of Burundi and Rwanda cannot be re-elected this year. The number of these institutions worldwide will consequently remain at 174.

Ridvan 2000, the point at which the Four Year Plan is to be concluded, will come many months before the end of the 20th century. At that juncture in time, the Baha’f world will look back in appreciation at the extraordinary developments and dazzling achievements that will have distinguished the annals of the Cause of Bahd’u’lléh during that eventful period—a period which ‘Abdu’l-Bah called the “century of light.” Not the least of the accomplishments then to be recognized will be the completion of the current projects on Mount Carmel which, together with the other edifices on that holy mountain, will stand as a monument to the progress which the Administrative Order will have attained by that time in the Formative Age. The highlight of such appreciations will, God willing, be the holding at

the World Center of a major event to mark the completion of the buildings on the Arc and the opening of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab to the ublic. f Beloved Friends, we enter this Plan amid the turbulence of a period of accelerating transition. The twin processes prompted by the impact of Bahd’u’llah’s Revelation are fast at work, gathering a momentum that will, in the words of Shoghi Effendi, “bring to a climax the forces that are transforming the face of our planet.” One is an integrating process; the other is disruptive. Out of the “universal fermentation” created by these processes, eace will emerge in stages, through which the uniPing effects of a growing consciousness of world citizenship will become manifest.

Toward that end, recent world developments have, paradoxically, been both shocking and reassuring. On one hand, the disarray of human affairs produces a daily diet of horrors that benumb the senses; on the other, world leaders are often taking collective actions that, to a Baha’i observer, signify a tendency toward a common approach by nations to solving world problems. Consider, for instance, the unusual frequency of the global occasions on which these leaders have gathered since the Holy Year four years ago, such as the one in observance of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, at which the attending heads of state and heads of government asserted their commitment to world peace. Noteworthy, too, are the promptitude and spontaneity with which these government leaders have been acting together in responding to a variety of crises in different parts of the world. Such trends coincide with the increasing cries from enlightened circles for attention to be given to the feasibility of achieving some form of global governance. Might we not see in these swiftly developing occurrences the workings of the Hand of Providence, indeed the very harbinger of the monumental occasion forecast in our Writings?

Even though the establishment of the Lesser Peace is not dependent on any Bahé’{ plan or action, and although it will not represent the ultimate goal humanity is destined to reach in the Golden Age, our community has a responsibility to lend spiritual impetus to the processes toward that peace. The need at this exact time is to so intensify our efforts in building the Baha’ System that we will attract the confirmations of Baha’u’llah and thus invoke a spiritual atmosphere that will accrue to the quickening of these processes. Two main challenges face us: one is to mounta compalen of teaching in which the broad membership of our community is enthusiastically, systematically and personally engaged, and in which the activation of an extensive training proeram will ensure the development of a mass of

juman resources; the other is to complete the construction projects on Mount Carmel toward which every sacrifice must be made to provide a liberal outpouring of material means. These twin foci, if resolutely pursued, will foster conditions toward the release of pentup forces that will forge a change in the direction of human affairs throughout the planet.

However short the path to peace, it will be tortuous; however promising the anticipated event that will set its course, it must mature through a long period of evolution, with its attendant tests, setbacks and conflicts, toward the moment when it will have emerged, under the direct influences of God’s Faith, as the Most Great Peace. In the meantime, people everywhere will often face despair and bewilderment before arriving at an appreciation of the transition in progress. We who have been enlightened by the new Revelation have the sacred Word to assure us, a Divine Plan to guide us, a history of valor to encourage us. Let us therefore take heart not onl from the Word we treasure, but also from the deeds of heroism and sacrifice which even today shine resplendent in the land in which our Cause was born.

For some 17 years our persecuted brethren in Iran have demonstrated a constancy of faith and courage that has produced a vast proclamation of the Faith, forcing it out of obscurity. Here then is living evidence in our own time of the potencies of crisis and victory. Please God, it may not be too long before our Iranian brethren are relieved of the yoke they bear and are ushered into the glories and won ders of a victory that only the Blessed Beauty can bestow. Their experience is a signal and an example to us all wherever we may live; for eventually, opposition, as the Master has told us, will rear its head on all the continents. Though it may be of a different character from place to place, it will no doubt be intensive. But, thanks to the strengthening grace of Bahd’u’ll4h and the demonstration of eines ness Py these noble friends, we shall know how to meet the shafts of the enemy without fear. Indeed, the Lord of Hosts has promised to deliver to His people an overwhelming and decisive triumph. As humanity is tossed and tormented by the ravages inflicted upon it by a civilization gone out of control, let us keep our heads and hearts focused on the divine tasks set before us. For amid this turmoil opportunities will abound that must be exploited “for the purpose of spreading far and wide the knowledge of the redemptive power of the Faith of Baha’u’llah and for enlisting fresh recruits in the ever-swelling army of His followers.” This Plan to which we are now committed is set at one of the most critical times in the life of the planet. It is meant to prepare our community to cope with the accelerating changes that are occurring in the world about us and to place the community in a position both to withstand the weight of the accompanying tests and challenges and to make more visible a pattern of functioning to which the world can turn for aid and example in the wake of a tumultuous transition. Thus, this Plan acquires a special place in the scheme of Baha’f and world history. Those of us who are alive to the vision of the Faith are particularly privileged to be consciously engaged in efforts intended to stimulate and eventually enhance such processes. May you all arise to seize the tasks of this crucial moment. May each inscribe his or her own mark on a brief span of time so charged with potentialities and hope for all Aumanity. Lest you become distracted or preoccupied with the drastic happenings of this age of transition, bear ever in mind the advice of our infallible guide, Shoghi Effendi: “Not ours, puny mortals that we are, to attempt, at so critical a stage in the long and checkered history of mankind, to arrive at a precise and satisfactory understanding of the steps which must successively lead a bleeding humanity, wretchedly oblivious of its God, and careless of Baha'u'llah, from its calvary to its ultimate resurrection. ...Ours rather the duty, however confused the scene, however dismal the present outlook, however circumscribed the resources we dispose of, to labor serenely, confidently, and unremittingly to lend our share of assistance, in whichever way circumstances may enable us, to the operation of ie forces which, as marshalled and directed by Baha‘u'llah, are leading humanity out of the valley of misery and shame to the loftiest summits of power and glory.” The Universal House of Justice Ridvan B.E. 153

Baha'i from North Carolina travels cross-country by train to teach Cause

Here's a suggestion for those who are interested in traveling teaching: All Aboard!

Last summer Celeste Hicks traveled for 45 days and 8,000 miles on Amtrak trains from Greensboro, North Carolina, to Seattle, then to Boston. From there she took a bus up the coast of Maine to the Passamaquoddy Reservation. After returning to Boston, she continued on to Greensboro by train.

The entire train trip cost only $338 using Amtrak’s “All Aboard” fare, which allows a certain number of stops within a 45-day period for one fare.

“I was able to do Baha’{ teaching while traveling on the train as well as on each coast, but I realize that I could have scheduled stops along Amtrak’s routes had I been able to coordinate with those communities that may have wanted a traveling teacher,” said Ms. Hicks. “I didn't have e-mail at that time and see that had I been able to coordinate, I could have been a better ‘connected’ teacher.”

She noted that Amtrak travelers meet “a great group of people” and said the travel is “relaxing and relatively worry-free, and quite economical.”

She also suggested that communities near Amtrak stations who want traveling teachers to visit use email to find them

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from the pages of

Brilliant Star.

“For the whole universe . . . there are cycles of great events ... When a cycle is ended,

a new cycle begins.”

— ‘Abdu’l-Baha Some Answered Questions, p. 160

God has decorated

the entire universe

with patterns. American Indians see that life is like a circle. Everything in nature begins and grows. Everything ends or dies. These endings make room for new beginnings. In each pattern we find hope for the future.

Reprinted from Brilliant Star, July-August 1995

Use Your Hidden Talents to Serve and Teach! Find the hidden message. Cross out all the words that appear 5 or more times or are longer than 11 letters. Cross out all the negative answers or excuses.

Think about how to use your hidden talents to serve others and teach the Faith!

Evanston, IL 60201 1-708-733-3453}

NOT REGARD SHOULDN'T MAN BUT DON'T AS A

MINE RICH IN BUT GEMS __DIFFICULTIES_~— OF WOULDN'T : INESTIMABLE DIDN'T NOT BUT : VALUE NOT EDUCATION BUT 5 CAN WON'T — NOTHING BUT t z ALONE NEVER CAUSE IT 5 CAN'T NOT TO HAVEN’T 3 BUT REVEAL ITs COULDN'T ' NOT TREASURES = NO CONFUSIBILITY Jz s

[Page 9]

Encore Favourite Music of Jack Lenz various performers $18.00 CD (ECD) A collection of songs by artists such as Doug Cameron, Nancy Ward, and John Rutledge, all of which were produced by Jack Lenz and chosen by him for inclusion on this album of his favorite projects. This album includes memorable songs like “Mona with the Children,” “To the Planters of Trees,” and “Let It Be this Generation.” An excellent anthology of the best of Jack Lenz’s productions. Live Unity Productions

St heey PZ Naw — Nez Mx,

Ava

$16.95 CD (ACD), $10.95 CS (ACS)

Though a relative newcomer to the Baha’f music scene, Ava is already a seasoned performer and musical artist. Making her formal debut at the World Congress, she has since criss-crossed the country and entertained at dozens of Baha’f events to greatly enthusiastic crowds. She is back in this country just in time for the release of her first album, self-titled Avd, having recently completed tours of the South Pacific and Europe. The lyrics on the album are taken from a range of Persian poetry, both classical and modern, and the memorable arrangements of Tom Price lend a contemporary, sometimes plaintive, sometimes jazzy, feel to the album. This is the type of album you will play over and over again

CL be. fos DG hg By a Liloas Va aligetes SIT

Oratorio to Baha’u’lah Songs from the Baha'i World Congress

$18.00 CD (OBCD)

For those of you who have waited to purchase the music of the Baha’f World Congress, here is the chance to have as a separate album all of the music performed as the songs of the Oratorio to Bahd’u’lléh from the first day of the Congress on this one compactdisc. Once again relive the emotion and spirit of that wonderful occasion. Recorded in Russia with the Mila Moscow Orch and in Canada with the Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra.

and walk away singing the melodies in your head. This collection of songs in Persian is dedicated to the recent martyrs in Iran.

Global Music

Stories About Baha’i Funds Marzich Salt OS ey Fy 2c G $5.00 SC (SAB)

This is a collection of stories about the sacrifices being made around the world on behalf of the Baha’ Funds. These accounts, some poignant, some humorous, and all of them inspiring, help us to connect with the hearts and

minds of those who are embodiments of faith and sacrifice as they contribute to the life-blood of the Cause of God. 5-1/2"x8", 117 pp.

Baha’i Publishing Trust, Indla

Stories of ‘Abdu’I-Baha by Jacqueline Mehrabi illustrated by Hugh Sean O'Rourke $17.95 HC (SABH), $8.95 SC (SABF) ‘Abdu’ l-Bahé was the eldest son of Baha’ u’ lah, Founder of the Baha’f Faith. He was loved and respected by all who knew Him. Children would gather around Him wherever He went, instinctively recognizing His kindness and noble qualities. The love humor and wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahé are beautifully demonstrated in this delightful collection of short stories, which will appeal to children of all ages. This new edition of a longstanding favorite — completely redesigned and with brand new illustrations — launches a new series of books on the members of the holy family for children. 6-1/2"x8”, 48 pp. Illustrations Baha'i Publishing Trust, United Kingdom L To Dine with the Blameless Ethiopians by Kemba Mazloomian $10.95 SC (TDBE) 5 This is the inspiring story of a young African-American woman whose travels in southern Africa in the service of the Baha’f Faith became a journey of unexpected self-discovery. In bringing the healing message of Baha'u'llah ided by prejudice, in sharing the wonder of lands so different to her home, and in braving the everyday problems faced by traveling teachers, pioneers, and indigenous believers from many backgrounds, Kemba’s engaging voice speaks to the reader as if to a close companion on her adventures. We see how the knowledge Kemba acquired — of the world, and of herself — became a new source of strength and confirmation, and helped her to redefine her sense of identity as a woman, as an African-American, and as a Baha’ sf. 5-1/4"x7-1/2", 112 pp. Baha'i Publishing Trust, United Kingdom

Live Unity Productions

Towards the Most

Great Justice

Elements of Justice in the New

World Order

edited by Charles Lerche

~ $16.95 SC (TM ~The Peers book put justive-at the heart of the debate about the new World Order: as in basic sos, in national life; and in relations between states. The contributing authors, specialists in the disciplines of international relations, social and economic devel a personal quali cial relationshi

opment, jurisprudence,

Desire of the Heart

Narges

$15.95 CD (DHCD), $10.95 CS (DHCS)

East meets West on this recording of Persian songs and chants, based on the writings of the Baha’{ Faith. Narges’ hauntingly beautiful singing is accompanied by western harmonies and arrangements. The result is an ethereal blend of Middle Eastern melodies with violin, cello, piano, organ, bell, and choir sounds, which creates a truly spiritual and mystical atmosphere. Produced by Steven Fischer.

Millennia Records

\S

Wa SS

ane

gender studies, and eco nomics, explore Bahé’u’Ildh’s treatment of justice as it applies to relations between the sexes; the restructuring of the international economy along more equitable lines; human rights; and the problems of humanitarian intervention in a global society. 5-1/2"x8-1/2”, 212 pp., introduction, bibliography, notes,

references, index

Baha'i Publishing Trust, United Kingdom

Reciting the Verses of God

edited by Shahin Vafai and Dwight Allen $17.95 HC (RVGH), $11.95 SC

(RVGS) This book of daily readi

on Baha’f virtues to help the reader

achieve spiritual discipli

lections are taken exclusively from the writings of Baha’u’lléh and

emphasize certain spiri

tues over a number of help reinforce the underst

of the virtue and to focu

translated writings.

5-1/2"x8-1/2", 390 pp. Baha'i Publishing Trust, India

practice. Designed specifically

short to encourage their use by younger family members. Includes quotes from the Kitdbi-Aqdas and other recently

ings focuses

ie. The se val virdays to anding on its

[Page 10]

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My Pilgrimage to Haifa

November 1919

by Bahiyyih Winckler

HC $9.95 (MPH)

This is the delightful story of a twelve-year-old Baha'fs pilgrimage to Haifa, Israel, in 1919. Relating the spiritual adventure that began when she stepped off the boat in Haifa, she supplements her story with pictures she took with her Brownie box camera, some of which are published here for the first Among the memorable experiences described are visits the shi s of Baha'u'lléh and the Bab and afternoon teas with the Greatest Holy Leaf, 'Abdu'l-Bahd's sister, from whom the author eceived priceless gifts and even learned how to make Persian rice. Most significant are the gentle lessons and loving attention of ‘Abdu'l-Bahd at mealtimes and during personal vivits. The clarity with which the author has recorded her precious memories es for a unique story that young and old alike will treasure. A-1/2"x7", 120 pp., photographs

Baha'i Publishing Trust

The Law of Love

Enshrined

Selected Essays by John Hatcher and Willlam Hatcher

$21.95 SC (LLE)

This collection of nine provacative essays is organized around the idea that all social enterprises and all laws regulating them - are really expressions of God’s love for human creation. The first four essays present vital doctrinal issues: proofs of the existence of God, and clarification of “The Most Great Infallibility” in relation to the Prophets of God. The next four essays discuss the Kitab-i-Aqdas - as fulfilling ancient prophecy, as enshrining the universal law of love, as promoting the equality of women and men (in spite of apparent gender distinctions), and as presenting a model of penology for future legislation. The collection concludes with the broad perspective of “The Concept of Spirituality”, an essay of great personal usefulness and longstanding acclaim. 5-1/2"x8-1/4”", 285 pp., bibliography, references and notes

George Ronald Publishers

‘Abdu’I-Baha in America

Agnes Parsons’ Diary

edited by Richard Hollinger $24.50 HC (APDH), $19.95 SC (APDS)

Published for the first time! This. is the intimate day-by-day account kept by Agnes Parsons of ‘Abdu’lBahd’s stay in Washington, D.C. and in Dublin, New Hampshire, during His journey to America in 1912. Her diary is supplemented here with passages from Mahmud’ Diary, taken from new translations corrected by the Bahd’f World Center. Mrs. Parsons kept meticulous notes on ‘Abdu’ |-Baha’s activities and lectures as He stayed at her house in Washington, and at her summer home in Dublin. She provides us with unique insights into His thoughts and private moments. Now wesee the Master with new eyes, as He meets with the notables of Washington society, advises her on the care of her children, and speaks to large gatherings of seekers in herhome. Don’t miss this opportunity to rediscover ‘Abdu’ lBaha’s wisdom and love! 5-1/2"x8-1/2", 167 pp., notes

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SRODUL-DAHA IN AMUNICA

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Sacred Moments

Dally Meditations on the Virtues by Linda Kavelin Popov

$14.95 SC (SMS)

Virtues are the gifts within all of us: honesty, generosity, peace, loyalty, trust, and reverence. But how can we cultivate these virtues in our lives day to day? Sacred Moments laces together the wisdom found in the world’s religions, personal anecdotes, and quotations from celebrities, philosophers and regular folks to provide a simple tool for daily reflection and meditation. 5”°x7-3/8”

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The Heart of the Gospel

by George Townshend

$11.95 SC (HG) “World-history at its core and in its essence,’ wrote George Townshend, ‘is the story of the spiritual evolution of mankind...The Bible makes the tracing of this evolution its own special subject.’ The Heart of the Gospel unfolds this vast perspective and is the fruit of the author’s long study of comparative religion. Using only the text of the Bible, the author provides a new reading of Scripture which is compelling and timely. The Heart of the Gospel is a guide-book for those who seek a universal view of religion and the contemporary world.

4-1/4"x7", 150 pp.

George Ronald Publishers

Meditation

by Wendi Momen

$11.95 SC (M)

In many places in the Baha’f writings we are to ‘meditate upon this’, ‘to ponder’, ‘to reflect’. Meditation is one of the six ‘essential requisites for our spiritual growth’. It is one of the purposes of the Baha’{ fast. Through meditation ‘the doors of deeper knowledge and inspiration’ are opened. Such an important feature of life surely merits development. However, many of us do not know what meditation is or how to go about it. This book uses the iptures as the focus for meditation. It briefly S$ a number of techniques and practices that one might employ to develop this faculty and provides verses from the Baha’{ writings upon which to meditate. 4-1/4"x7", 138 pp., bibliography

George Ronald Publishers

A Short History of

| the Baha’i Faith

by Peter Smith

| $8.95 SC (SHBF)

This book provides a brief yet comprehensive survey of what is now reckoned to be the second most widespread religion in the world. Dr. Smith deftly traces the development of the religion from its origins in the mid-nineteenth century Babf movement in Iran through to its subsequent global expansion to the West and the “Third World”. With brevity and skill he offers an accessable account of the life and teachings of Baha’ u’ lah, the prophet-founder of the Baha’ { Faith, and of His successor ‘Abdu’l-Bahd. He also examines some contemporary developments.

5-3/4"x8-3/4”", 168 pp., Illustrations, Index, bibllography

Oneworld Publications

The Heart

“Gospel

DSO

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE BAHAL FALTH

The Hidden Words by Baha’u'llah

SC $1.50 (HWA) Thishandsome edition of the Hidden Words has been printed with a four color cover and two color text on a sturdy paper stock and burst bound for lasting quality. Designed and priced especially for use in teaching, copies may be purchased in bulk at $1.25 for 10 or more copies and at $1.10 for 50 or more copies. Local Spiritual Assemblies will receive an extra 10% discount in addition to these prices.

3-1/8"x4-3/4", 80 pp.

Baha'i Publications Australla

wawalole RH

Ne

The God of Buddha

by Jamshed Fozdar $19.95 SC (GBS)

To the student of religion, especially to Buddhist scholars, the importance of this book lies in restoring Buddhism to its proper pedestal in the whole panorama of ever-recurring religious revelation and eliminating it as an anomaly within the fabric of religion. By bringing this one great exception, Buddhism, back into the fold of revealed religions, Mr. Fozdar has shown that recurring religious revelation, predicated on the belief in the Supreme, is as pertinent, if not more so, to the problems besetting a feverishly groping humanity of the twentieth century as it was for our more placid ancestors of a distant and tranquil past. Even more urgent for our times, Mr. Fozdar endows his thesis from the Buddha’s own words concerning a renewal of spiritual springtime, namely, the recurring manifestation of the Supreme through periodic “Buddha risings” for bringing humanity into ever more fruitful and happy relationships. 6"x9”, 184 pp., glossary, Index Casa Editrice Baha'i

The Prosperity of a Humankind, Persian Beni Translation Rea a statement by the Baha'i =e Intemational Community $1.95 PA (PPH)

Recently translated into Persian,

this statement released by the Office of Public Information at the

een request of the Universal House of rans Justice, The Prosperity of Human

kind, discusses the concept of global prosperity in the context of the Baha’f 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.” 8-1/2"x11", 23 pp. Office of Persian Affairs

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[Page 11]‘Azamar B.E. 153 Mav 17,1996 11

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Coming of Age

Youth in Service

Baha'i Media Services

VT $14.95 (ECAN)

Produced for the Army of Light National Youth Conference in Dallas, Texas, Coming of Age documents in their own words the Baha’f youth’s approach to service and the fulfillment of their role in the World Order of Baha'u'llah. A vital and dynamic catalyst in the growth of the Baha’f Faith, and confident in the promises of Baha’u’ ll4h, their vision of the future inspires acts of selflessness an love.

AO mins.

US Baha'i Media Services

The Life and Poetry of Tahirih

$10.95 CS (TC)

This is the second in the series of tapes on “Great Baha’f Poets”. This tape features the life and works of the foremost woman of the Babf dispensation, Tahirih. The narration and chanting is performed by Shokouh Rezai with musical accompaniments that feature the tar, violin and tonbak.

Live Unity Productions

Ya Baha Madadi

Badi Yazdi

CS $10.95 (YBM)

A collection of eight uplifting songs, inspi Sacred Writings, and sung by Badi Yazdi. Baha’ fs around the world are sure to find this music very rich, joyful, and memorable.

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Rancho Santa Margarita

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THE MOST HOLY BOOK

The Kitab-i-Aqdas: Multimedia (V 1.5)

Knowledge Wave Software $24.95 SW (KAMM)

The Kitdb-i-Aqdas: Multimedia is a Windows interactive cross-reference tool that facilitates interaction with The Most Holy Book. \ts hypertext format allows the user to easily click and receive relevant supplementary information from the various sections of the book, namely Notes, Questions and Answers, Synopsis and Codification, Some

Supplementary Texts, and the Glossary, as well as excerpts from God Passes By. You can also hear the audible pronunciation of many Arabic and Persian words, search for any

combination of words or phrases, copy text into your word processor, make personal annotations and bookmarking, and read excerpts from God Passes By and relevant letters from the Universal House of Justice. It is a very attractive tool for both youth and adults! Minimium system requirements:

386SX (16MHz), 4 MB RAM, 5 MB of hard disk space, VGA graphic card, sound card (optional), and a mouse.

Knowledge Wave Software

The Kitab-i-Aqdas: The Most Holy Book (Arabic/Persian)

by Baha’u'llah

$30.00 HC (PKA)

The Universal House of Justice announces with great pleasure that this Arabic and Persian edition of The Most Holy Book is now available. The text of the Kitdbi-Aqdas itself remains in Arabic. This has been written by a skilled calligrapher in Naskh script and appropriately illuminated. The other sacred writings comprised in the volume will be in the original language, Arabic or Persian, while the introduction, notes and other supplementary material of the English edition have been translated into Persian.

6-1/2"x8-1/2", 269 pp.

World Centre Publications

The Style of the Kitab-i-Aqdas Aspects of the Sublime

by Suheil Bushrui

$16.00 HC (SKA)

Professor Bushrui comments on the sublime style of the original text of the Kitdb-i-Aqdas - the Most Holy Book of the Baha’f - and attempts to convey to the nonArabic spea 2 1g, characteristics of a book which, according to Bushrui, is “niether poetry nor rhymed prose but makes free use of both”, a book wherein the puchesy and subtlest of meanings are

6-1/4"x9-1/4", Tapp. University Press of Maryland

Brilliant Star Game Kit $19.95 (BSGK)

Nine of your favorite card and board games for all ages from pre-school to adult straight from the pages of Brilliant Star. Family Fun! Feast Fun! Deepening Fun! Teaching Fun! A portion of the purchase price will be contributed to the National Fund.

Pvt Cems The Same Game The Peace Process The Assembly Game»

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Refer: MARS CD ROM $99.00 SW (MCDR) Refer: MARS CD ROM (Upgrade) $49.00 SW (MCDRU) Refer: Lights of Guidance $30.00 SW (RLG) Instantly access nearly all of the writings Baha’u'lléh, the Bab, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, Shoghi Effendi, as well as Lights of Guidance. Search the entire database or any combination of books, for any word or combination of words. Then copy the passage to the Windows clipboard, to your printer or to a file. Works in DOS, Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. Owners of the floppy version of MARS should purchase the MARS CD ROM Upgrade. All floppy disk versions of REFER are sold separately. Crimson Publications

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the United Nations in New York.

Mr. Huffines replaces Rebequa Getahoun Murphy, the National Assembly's UN representative since May 1993, who recently resigned to take a position in a consulting firm.

Mr. Huffines, whose appointment became effective May 1, has served since November 1989

ton office.

as assistant to the deputy director for external affairs in the National Spiritual Assembly's Washing His foundation in external affairs activities and education of the Baha'f community should contribute greatly to the further development of the National Assembly's relationship with the UN.

The National Assembly expressed its deepest grati Jeffery Huffines named U.S. representative to Gnited Nations

The National Spiritual Assembly has named Huffines as the new U.S. representative to

tude to Mrs. Murphy for her service during a time of great challenge for the UN system.

Among other activities, she coordinated U.S. Bahd'f participation in the fourth World Conference on Women held last year in Beijing, China, was a leader in various UN50 activities, and was a principal drafter of the Baha'{ International Community's statement, “The Turning Point.”

Switzerland’s Landegg Academy begins Master of Arts programs in 4 disciplines

After consulting with Swiss regional educational officials and with the Baha'f World Center, Pandeag Academy in Wienacht has begun Master of Arts programs for full-time, part-time or distance learning students in ethics, conflict resolution, Baha'i studies, and spiritual psychology.

For youth and adults who wish to devote a year to systematic study in any one of these areas, Landegg also offers a fellowship diploma program.

The unique aspect of these programs is their orientation along the parameters of anew field of study designated as cape Spirituality.”

With considerable options for students to design their own customized program, Landegg Academy provides a comprehensive learning CP eee. aimed at training a new kind of scholar, one who is universal in perspective, scientific in approach, ethical in conduct, and humble in attitude.

Other categories of study available at Landegg include certificate and credit courses, professional services programs in such areas as marriage,

parenting and personal development, and specially designed programs for social, governmental and other academic pursuits.

Highlights of the 1996 calendar at Landegg include an International Youth Symposium on Moral Leadership, an Information Technology Forum, and in-depth studies courses cluding “Christianity and the Baha'i Faith,” “‘Abdu’l-Baha: The Mainspring of Oneness,” “The Book of Certitude,” “Consultation and Conflict Resolution,” “Foundations of Racial Unity,” and “The Millennium and World Peace.”

Given Landegg's unique location on the border of Switzerland, Germany and Austria overlooking beautiful Lake Constance, the Academy provides an ideal setting for serious study, research and reflection.

For information, write to Landegg Academy, CH-9405 Wienacht/AR, Switzerland (phone +41-71-91-9131; fax +41-71-91-4301; e-mail

cutznge pcos ntone wan WOT (ter!

Are you ready to challenge yourself to reassess the present historical moment with fresh eyes? The Spring 1996 issue of World Order meets that goal with diverse topics and

original essays. Brad Pokorny, in “Population and Development: An Alternative Path,” addresses over-population, poverty, and human suffering and deals with the fundamental question of the purpose of human life. Dr. Cyrus Varan challenges us to develop a larger vision of the world of being, while historian Dr. Robert H. Stockman enlarges our understanding of the origins of the Faith in Europe. And, finally, Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeb,

Commission on Global Governance.

Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091-2886.

in his review of Our Global Neighborhood, surveys the important work by the

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Payment must be enclosed. For Canadian or international orders enclose International money order or bank cheque drawn on » U.S. bank in U.S. dollars payable to Bah’ Subscriber Service.

‘To charge your VISA/MC account, give number, expiration date, and name on account. Telephone

= Participants in the Bahé’i women's conference held February 3-4 at Northern

world.

Arizona University in Flagstaff pause to admire artist Vicki Hu Poirier's tapestry, ‘Threads of Unity,’ which involved the fabric art of 60 women from around the

Baha’is in Flagstaff, Arizona, present women’s conference, ‘Key to World Peace’

Asmall group of Baha'is in Flagstaff, Arizona, supported by the local Spiritual AEGAR presented a two-day women's conference February 3-4 that drew an audience of almost 200, many of whom were seekers.

The conference, whose theme was “Women: A Key to World Peace,” was held at Northern Arizona University. Workshops, of interest to both women and men, included those on racism, spiritualization of the family, early Babi women, and socio-economic and cultural intolerance. Speakers came from California, Colorado and New Mexico.

The weekend was further enhanced by an art exhibit, children’s classes, a panel discussion that included many of the speakers, and an evening of entertainment.

In the weeks leading up to the event, the mayor, having received a copy of “The Promise of World Peace” from the local Bahd'is, read aloud a proclamation at city hall declaring “Women for World Peace Week” in Flagstaff.

Among the Baha'is interviewed on radio or television were two members of the National Spiritual Assembly, keynote speaker Dorothy W. Nelson and her husband, James F. Nelson, who also spoke at the conference.

New Mexico artist Vicki Hu Poirier, one of the conference emcees, graced the event with her special pest, “Threads of Unity,” involving the fabric art of 60 women around the world, which was used as a backdrop for the speakers onstage.

Another center of attraction was an art exhibit, displaying works created mostly by women and including sculpture, fabric art, jewelry, paintings (inucts Navajo sand paintings), architectural plans and photographs.

Ladjamaya Green-Mahoney of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, closed the conference with a one-woman presentation in song, dance, poetry and drama depicting the struggle of African-Americans from the days of slavery.

Do you havea post office box in one city and a residence address in another? Your Baha'i Locality Code pertains only to your residence address. When we receive changes and they include only the post office box number, we assign the Baha'i Locality Code to the city in which the box is located because we don't know your residence address. It is of the utmost importance that we have your residence address, as you could be part of a Group or could help form an Assembly in another Baha'i community. Please check with your secretary or phone the Baha'i National Center, Office of Membership & Records, 847-7333437, to confirm your Baha'i Locality Code.

[Page 13]‘AzamAt B.E. 153 * May 17,1996 13

THE LIFE-BLOO

Some questions to answer before making plans to acquire a local Baha’i Center

TOTAL ENROLLMENTS

AUT enseiieccvianstns tn LOZ Total for year ............2,092

THE FUND

(As of April 30, 1996—estimated)

YTD Goal YTD Actual

National Baha’i Fund —_ $12,500, $11,090,562 All International Funds $25,200,000 $23,492,587 thru Apr 95 thru Apr 96

National Baha’i Fund — $10,436,802 $11,090,562 International Baha’{ Fund $565,591 $1,369,382 Are Projects Fund $6,516,649 $21,409,102 Continental Bahé’{ Fund $228,038 $251,608 Other Earmarked $360,342 $462,495 Subtotal/Int’! Funds $7,670,620 $23,492,587 Total/All Funds $18,107,422 $34,583,149

National Baha’i Fund: Goal & Actual $11,090,562

Where we need to be

$12,500,000

All International Funds: Goal & Actual $23,492,587

$25,200,000

Where we need to be

> a ~ g. g a 2 Ss a

$21,409,102

Where we were last year | $6,516,649

International Baha’i Fund

ssn FWhere we were last year] $565,591 Continental Baha’i Fund

s10s

Are local Baha’i Centers the “coming thing”?

It certainly would seem so; news arrives weekly in the Office of the Treasurer of communities that are considering, or have already acquired, a local Baha’i Center. But many of the friends are asking whether now is really the time to take such a major

step.

Gpinions are often divided between those who say that the Arc must come first, hence everything else must wait, and others who say that the call for training institutes and centers for ieee is a clear indication that the time for local investment in Bahd’f Centers has come.

Perhaps both Froupe are right. What do we know about acquiring local Centers that might shed some light on the situation?

First, there must be unity of thought on the need and mission for a Center. In nearly every case where the believers have tried to shortcut around real consensus, the result has been disaster.

Some communities recover only after years of painful misunderstandings. The sense that “that can’t happen here” turns out usually to be misplaced; it can happen, and it generally does!

So, however good that great deal may look on a Bropery, or however much one or another member of the community really wants to buy a building, experience suggests that waiting for unity of thought is the best long-term course of action.

Next, the Arc really does come first! The push for a local Center can derail giving for the Arc, so careful thought and planning are key. We met the goal of the Three Year Plan, really at the eleventh hour— wouldn't it be great to meet the goals of the next four years every year, and so avoid a crisis?

We in this country gave more than half of the money needed in 1995-96; should we not take responsibility for at least that part of the yearly $10

million goals of the new Plan?

Each community is different, so there is no single answer on acquiring a local Baha’ Center. Perhaps the most important thing is to have real consultation among all those who will be affected by a Center, or who could make a contribution toward getting and maintaining one. Some of the questions communities will find relevant to this process are:

¢ Is the local need as urgent as the financial needs of the international, continental and national Funds?

¢ If we get a Center, will that cut our level of support for the senior institutions? The Arc is the first priority until the year 2000, and that has not changed.

How does a Center promote our community’s expansion?

¢ Where does it fit in our teaching plan?

¢ How will our community life be enhanced with a Center?

¢ What role would a Center have in our social and economic development plans, both inside the Baha’i community and in relation to the larger public in our area?

Does our Center plan include adequate provision for paying rent or a mortgage, for capital improvements and maintenance?

¢ What will we do to ensure that friends will be available and committed to carry out necessary tasks?

If answers to these and other key questions are not clear at the outset, they are worth working through, so that your Center will truly fulfill your high purposes.

The National Spiritual Assembly should be informed if your Assembly is considering (or has already acquired) a Center, as indicated in the Guidelines for Local Spiritual Assemblies, pp. 14-16. And the Office of the Treasurer is available to consult on these matters with the friends at any time.

Campaign of Glorious Privilege yields stories of sacrifice as friends assume responsibility, privilege of giving to Arc

The Sanpaien of Glorious Privilege is fast becoming part of our common history, but its effects on our consciousness as a community will last for years.

That, at least, seems to be the moral of some of the stories coming in to the Office of the Treasurer these days. Consider these two:

The children of Fort Wayne, Indiana, were promised a trip to the House of Worship by their local Spiritual Assembly. Some of the kids, though, felt that the $900 the trip would cost should go to the Arc Fund.

Earnest consultation followed, and sometimes it got pretty loud—a real full and frank exchange of views! Opinions were trending toward going on the trip anyway, when an important fact emerged: the youngest children would not be able to go on the

trip.

Daity was instant and complete: if we can’t all go, then none of us will. The local Spiritual Assembly, on behalf of the children of Fort Wayne, sent the money to the Arc.

Meanwhile, a local Spiritual Assembly in the western states was in over its head; they had, in a fit of righteous enthusiasm, committed themselves to giv

Do you have a story to tell about the Campaign and giving for the Arc? Please send it to the Office of the Treasurer, Baha’{ National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail

ing a unit, $9,000, to the Arc Fund.

Now, none of the friends in the community were very rich, and the unit was several times their previous record, so this was a big deal! They decided that drastic measures were called for, so they closed their local Center (which hadn’t been very heavily used anyway—all the teaching was going on in homes) and decided to send the money they saved this way to the Arc.

They also sponsored some fund-raising events inspired by the Campaign of Glorious Privilege, at one of which they didn’t even mention money.

By Ridvan, their Arc contributions stood at more than $48,000 and counting!

sent to one of the Trustees:

(phone 301-589-8481).

¢ Dr. Daryush Haghighi, 1506).

OH 44116.

Huqdqu’llah

Payments for Huqiiqu’llah should be made to “The Baha’f Huqtqu'llah Trust” and ¢ Dr. Elsie Austin, 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, Unit 612, Silver Spring, MD 20901 Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449),

Inquiries regarding Huqtqu’llah should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Baha'i Huququ’ll4h Trust,

Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333 Rocky River,

[Page 14]Tue American BAHA'I

NATIONAL CONVENTIO

Delegates

Continued from page |

pre-convention delegate deepening.

She lauded the delegates for their preparation, saying they “came here ready.”

And she reminded them of the gifts bestowed on Baha’fs by the Supreme Institution since the Holy Year:

the second Baha’f World Congress,

which a member of the Universal House of Justice told her was the greatest deepening the Baha'is of the world have ever had because it showed us what we can be and demonstrated the miracle of Baha’u’‘ll4h;

¢ the release in English of the annotated Kitdb-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book; and

strong leadership, as personified

by its challenge to us to provide $74 million during the Three Year Plan toward completion of the Arc Projects, a challenge that gave the believers an opportunity to show their love for the Faith.

“Sometimes we gobble up gifts and don’t savor them,” she said.

All the Universal House of Justice asks now, Counselor Ellis continued, is that we get busy preparing the way for entry by troops.

“It’s not a matter of if, but when. We have to obey,” she concluded. “Let’s give them the gift of victory.”

Counselor Smith also called the proceedings the most significant event going on in the United States, because forces will be unleashed to change the world.

“This is where the spiritual action is,” he said. “When we come together in the spirit of the Covenant, marvelous things happen.”

He asked the delegates and observers not to forget that, however immature the institution of the national convention might be, it has come a long way.

And he urged them to follow in the footsteps of Shoghi Effendi, who struggled after the passing of ‘Abdu’lBaha to conquer himself and turn his will over to God. .

Hopes, cares and plans

In the interests of maximizing consultation time, the National Spiritual AssembI dispensed with its presentation of the hopes, cares and plans outlined in the Annual Report.

However, it invited a dialogue between delegates and the National Assembly and National Teaching Committee on the themes raised therein.

First was the lag in enrollments and number of local Spiritual Assemblies.

Chairman Sylvester Scott, speaking, for the National Teaching Committee, noted the continuing imbalance toward proclamation activities and away from individual teaching.

He said the Message must be presented to thousands to attract hundreds. That means constantly engaging people one on one.

He also urged the friends to be more goal-oriented when planning activities, saying we need to teach with the intent of bringing people into the Faith.

Decentralization

The topic of decentralization also was raised by delegates.

In response, Mrs. Conrad described a process that began with discussions

during the Holy Year and was addressed in the May 19, 1994, letter of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly.

She described how local Assemblies were invited last summer to submit names for four regional committees, how Counselors and Auxiliary Board members added to and commented on the list, and how 99 of the nominees were invited over two weekends to meet with the National Assembly.

Mr. Henderson addressed the vision behind decentralization. Noting that

rowth and decentralization are related, he spoke of the need to build a structure to gather all of humanity in the house of Bahda’u’llah.

The regional committees will start with teaching functions, but ultimately will take on administrative duties.

The aim, he said, is to strengthen the bonds of unity between the believers and the National Assembly through a mechanism that allows more effective

lanning of teaching efforts that will

ring masses to the American Baha'i community.

Combating inactivity

In response to questions regarding inactivity in the Baha’{ community, Mrs. Locke urged the friends to be more audacious.

James Nelson echoed her by asking: Do we believe that people want to become Baha’is? Do we believe there will be entry by troops? Until we can answer those questions affirmatively, he said, we won't achieve growth.

If we don’t love, we won't get love in return, he said. We must deliver the Message with love and with the full conviction that love will be turned into faith and into work for the Cause.

Some delegates expressed a fear that the decentralization process will divert attention and resources from teaching.

Dorothy Nelson said the opposite will be true. Regional committees will assist those communities that seek that help by tying them in to resources elsewhere.

Mrs. Deas added that as we transform ourselves we will bring people into our embrace. She said we will need every resource we can find if we are to teach thousands and handle the entry of thousands into the Faith.

Mr. Davis pointed to how growth has been barely visible despite unprecedented activity. We need strategies to facilitate growth, he said, and decentralization is a mechanism for that.

Dissecting the message

Friday morning the Ridvén messages to the world and to North America were read.

Having thus received their “marching orders,” delegates proceeded to discharge their sacred duty of advising the National Assembly.

hat ensued over the bulk of three days was a remarkable level of consultation.

It began with the question of what the National Assembly can do to help American believers carry out the central goal of the Four Year Plan.

Almost immediately, a recommendation was made that the National Assembly appoint an African-American Teaching Committee.

14

April 26, 1996

The Universal House of Justice

Dearly Loved and Esteemed Members,

The delegates to the 87th United States Baha’{ National Convention gathered in the presence of Counselors Stephen Birkland, Wilma Ellis and David Smith were deeply moved and inspired by the two Ridvan messages to the Baha’is of the world and to the followers of Baha’u’llah in North America. How blessed we are to have such guidance in these challenging and turbulent times from our beloved Supreme Body.

The clarity of the messages in spelling out the one major accomplishment to be achieved in the new Four Year Plan—a significant advance in the process of entry by troops—has given a powerful focus to the convention and our consultation. More than 60 percent of the time of the convention was scheduled for consultation on this goal and how it is to be achieved: through the activity and development of the individual believers; the development and maturation of the institutions; and the flourishing and expansion of the Baha’i community as a whole.

In our consultation, we have paid particular attention to the indispensable need to establish permanent training institutes and other centers of learning for “educating large numbers of believers in the fundamental verities of the Faith and for training and assisting them to serve the Cause as their God-given talents allow.” Priority was also given to consideration of the vital contribution to be made by the descents of the early inhabitants of this continent, the believers of African descent, the believers who have come from the Cradle of the Faith, and the friends of Hispanic background.

In our deliberations we have been immensely encouraged by your assurances of “opportunities (in North America) for the advancement of the process of entry by troops, the like of which exist in no other place on earth, and of the three characteristics which have given rise to this condition: the unparalleled strength of our local communities, the positive impression of the Faith that had been created, and the diverse composition of [our] nation.” Our national community needed to know this.

At the same time we are awed by the immense responsibility of the American Baha‘f community, and indeed of the American nation as a whole, in fulfilling their roles in establishment of first the Lesser Peace and ultimately the Most Great Peace, the Golden Age of the Baha’i Dispensation. In carrying out the mission that we have been given at this most critical time in the life of the planet, we acknowledge that under the leadership of our believed National Spiritual Assembly we will be called upon to perform great deeds of heroism and sacrifice, to be absolutely firm in the Covenant and, as was so profoundly brought out in our consultation with the Counselors in preparation for the convention, to have a true understanding of the relationship between self-confidence and humility. We beseech your prayers in the Holy Shrines that we may arise and carry out, in both the letter and the spirit, the mission which we have been given.

Delegates to the 87th Baha'i National Convention

Delegates to the 87th National Convention of the Bahd’is of the United States

Dearly loved Friends,

Your wholehearted response to the central aim of the Four Year Plan has uplifted our spirits and heightened our hopes for your success. May the ardor of your dedication to the insescapable tasks at hand issue forth from your convention to encompass your widespread community, inspiring new measures of activity that will match the internal and external challenges arises now from the Divine Charter entrusted to your care, and will ensure that your home front will, in words addressed to you by our beloved Guardian, “at all costs, and, in the shortest possible time, be spiritually reinvigorated, administratively expanded, and merely. replenished.” Our high expectations for vou will continue to be the object of our ardent supplications at the Holy Threshold on behalf of the members of your cherished community.

The Universal House of Justice

As people from all backgrounds spoke cogently to both sides of the issues, it was apparent to all that delegates were not going to let passion undermine their precious unity.

Focused consultation

The tone thus set, consultation turned that afternoon and the rest of convention to focused topics, centered around maturation at three levels: individual, institutional and community.

At the individual level, the question was, “How can the National Assembly help the friends initiate teaching efforts and support their local and repone plans, the institutions, and the

‘unds?”

Delegates explored the decentralization process in more detail, especially as it relates to Assembly automation. A pilot program in selected western cities is testing a computer network that will form the backbone of a physical architecture for decentralization.

Responding to concerns about the Funds, Mr. Davis reiterated the National Assembly's plea for giving to the National Fund not to “disappear” during the summer months, when cash flow is needed most to SuRrert the teaching work and to pay for repair and restoration of Baha’{ properties.

He also reminded delegates that the

[Page 15]&

NATIONAL CONVENTION

Arc Projects Fund still requires contributions of $10 million per year. He used the Campaign of Glorious Privilege, a grassroots effort to raise money for theArc Projects, as a prime example of individual initiative channeled by the National Assembly.

Mr. Davis also areal that expansion in the number of counselors and their role brings with it added burdens on the Continental Fund.

Friday began two days of non-delegate workshops conducted on such topics as wills and trusts, pioneering, developing child-development centered communities, redistricting, the Wilmette Institute, and the Baha’{ Chair for World Peace.

Training institutes

Extensive consultation enabled delegates to get their arms around the concept of training institutes that are to play such a key role in achieving the aim of the Four Year Plan.

Mrs. Conrad explained that the National Assembly recently convened a conference that came up with five models of how these centers of learning might be structured in this country.

She and others said training institutes are to go beyond instructing the friends in the fundamental verities of the Faith. They will have a training function as well, giving believers the skills needed to significantly advance the process of entry by troops.

It also was emphasized that establishment of train questioning the authority of institutions.

Now it is a Covenant issue, he said. Institutions at some point will have to ask these individuals to reconsider their behavior and at a further point take administrative action.

In response to questions, Counselor Birkland advised delegates not to engage non-Baha fs and Covenant-breakers in online arpument. If they’re ignored, they will eventually lose momentum.

On the other hand, he told them, untruths posted by Baha’is should be corrected without getting into an argument. The friends may wish to solicit the advice of wise members of the community before responding. Disputes also can be taken to the Universal House of Justice for resolution.

Counselor Birkland said he is in touch privately with several of those who have questioned the authority of institutions of Faith. He also collaborates closely with the National Spiritual eerily in resolving their cases.

Institutions and community

The discussion led naturally into the next area of consultation, on the maturation of institutions.

Counselor Smith told delegates it must always be kept in mind that the Bahd’f institutions, from the Universal House of Justice to the Boards of Counselors, Auxiliary Boards, National and local Assemblies, are servants unto

Bahd’u’ll4h.

ing institutes The Universal mediately, even Walining institutes are not thous acts wit before full cur- | Merelyaplaceto =—— the. purpose of Hevelanea peen obtain information, but a canes we i : can’t get closer to

fact, the early ex- place to create the God than this, he perience of insti- capacity in individuals said, and this tutes will help to act as agents of Ridvan message shape curricula. is a new chapter change. in the expression

Firmness in the Covenant

One more matter of individual maturation remained: firmness in the Covenant.

Mr. Kazemzadeh related a case of calumny that resulted in the recent removal of a believer’s administrative rights. Over a period of several years, he said, that individual spread in person and via the Internet the false accusation that a member of the National Spiritual Assembly had blocked his Preamage to the Holy Land.

‘ounselor Birkland, who collaborated with the National Assembly in its interaction with the believer, spoke to the convention about the inevitable increase in challenges from outside and within the Faith.

Individual believers have always borne the responsibility to show wisdom in how we speak, he said. When we go outside the established parameters, we can hurt ourselves and retard the growth of the Faith.

With the advent of online communications, however, conversation no longer is ephemeral, said Counselor Birkland. Errors spread at the touch of a button could be passed along for years, so even more wisdom than ever is required.

He said the National Assembly has shown great restraint and tolerance with electronic expression. But recently a pattern has developed wherein individuals have crossed over the line into

of God’s purpose.

He said a pe riod of discovery awaits as we begin

to see the concept of institutes in its

new light. How will they raise up

people prepared to do the work of the

Faith? How might they vary in different circumstances?

They are not merely a place to obtain information, he said, but a place to create the capacity in individuals to act as agents of change.

Consultation also turned to how the National Assembly can encourage the flourishing and expansion of the Baha'i community.

Mr. McCants noted that one issue we don’t like to address is the Funds. People put their money where their beliefs are, he said.

He told delegates that when Universal House of Justice member ‘Alf Nakhjavani came to remind us of our responsibility toward keeping the Arc

Projects on track, we stood shoulder to shoulder and raised $21 million in this country.

“Your heart is in the right place,” he said. “You're ready for the Four Year Plan. You believe in entry by troops.”

A tribute

Inspiration for the work ahead was drawn Saturday night from the unceasing efforts over apts by former National Treasurer’s Office employee Lauretta Voelz.

After an introduction by Mr.

Henderson, Miss Voelz gave a brief, often humorous sketch of a career that began when there were but eight National Spiritual Assemblies in the world and 54 local Assemblies in this country.

Appropriately, this fond look into the

ast was followed by the debut of the latest Baha'i Newsreel, asummary of the Sea ee of the Three Year Plan.

Hugqdqu'llah report

The final day of convention began witha report on behalf of the Board of Huqtiqu’lléh by one of its trustees, Daryush Haghighi.

Dr. Haghighi said that once we deepen ourselves in the spiritual significance of this sacred law, any question of our participation is resolved. He urged convention attendees to make this law, like all

‘Azamat B.E. 153 « Mav 17,1996 15

eral outpouring of materials means.”

He called the second of these twin foci a metaphor for the first. The Arc will be beautiful but practical, he said, with the Universal House of Justice “setting up shop” there to direct the world with the teachings of Baha’u'lldh. In the same manner, we must develop Baha’i communities that are so beautiful they will attract

eople, but also more efficient in their ‘unction so the process of entry of troops may be advanced.

Referring to the five elements and six activities delineated in the document on promoting entry by troops, he said we are asked to create the milieu and then engage in the necessary activities.

But the Universal House of Justice has concluded that we lack the capacity now to do these, he said. The solution is institutes that train us to de velop that capac others, a part of ity.

our dally Ne Once we deepen i He 1, urged family environ. _ OUtSelvesin the spiritual ions to analyze ment. significance of the the community iekcnding from sacred law of ad oh ae Board, he illus- _ Huqdqu’ll@h, any ques- would excellence trated how par- tion of our participation look like? Where ticipation in is resolved. are we now?

Huqtqu’llah brings blessings on those who pay and on the institutions they aid.

It’s not the amount paid that counts, he said, but the bounty of participation. Payments must be made voluntarily, in a spirit of joy and humility.

Dr. Haghighi referred to the conference last year at the Green Acre Baha’f School in which the institutions collaborated to further the believers’ understanding of the law. Among the suggestions that came out of the conference were that presentations on Hugqtiqu’llah be made at all regional schools and at meetings greeting new believers, and that someone in each community become a resource on Huqtiqu’llah.

The Counselors reflect

As consultation continued on the flourishing and expansion of the Baha’f community, the fruits of late-night informal gatherings by groups of delegates and friends became apparent.

One, centered on teaching Americans of African descent, devised a mandate for the proposed AfricanAmerican Teaching Committee.

Another made recommendations addressing the decline in American Indian believers and the paucity of social and economic Hevelontent projects treating the needs of indigenous peoples.

A group of youth also had met with Counselor Smith.

To wrap up the weekend, the convention heard from the Counselors again.

Counselor Birkland drew attendees’ attention to the two main challenges expressed in the Ridvan message to the world: “One is to mount a campaign of teaching in which the broad membership of our community is enthusiastically, systematically and personally engaged, and in which the activation of an extensive training program will ensure the development of a mass of human resources; the other is to complete the construction projects on

lount Carmel toward which every sacrifice must be made to provide a lib What needs to be

done to rate the

community a “9?

Unified, loving expression

Counselor Smith looked back at a convention filled with passion and the unified, loving expression of it.

He asked attendees to focus more and more on the advancement of women.

He pleaded with them to let no jealousy enter into the Cause; rather, we should rejoice in the service and successes of others who are acting in God’s name.

And he urged that when we share the Message, we share Baha’u’llah.

Counselor Ellis echoed the sentiment that the institution of the national convention has greatly matured. She said consultation, especially on the issue of African-American teaching, took half as much time and was twice as productive as it might have been in earlier years. Also, no offense was given or taken.

On firmness in the Covenant, she commented that we have the blessing of an apparatus to deal with challenges, not to punish the individual but to protect Baha’u’llah’s Faith.

he expressed joy that local Baha’i Centers were mentioned in consultation. Particularly in the South, she said, Centers are needed to get people out of the churches. When African-Americans come into the Cause in great numbers, she said, other minorities will follow.

Finally, Counselor Ellis urged that next year we hear more statements about individual initiative that start with “I did” instead of “you should.”

It was a fitting coda to a remarkable convention poised at the beginning of perhaps the most remarkable four years in our lives.

[Page 16]Tue American BAHAT = 16

Mal alse

part 14

Exposed concrete work in the buildings of the Center for the Study of the Texts and the International Teaching Center

With 85 percent of work on the roof of the Center for the Study of the Texts completed, we have now started to close the gap between the building and the retaining wall anchor cavity. At the site of the International Teaching Center, work is proceeding on level 3 of the building. The area formerly occupied by the access ramp has also been excavated, enabling the extension of the Teaching Center right up to its existing retaining wall.

A very interesting aspect of work on these building complexes is the construction of exposed concrete surfaces both inside and outside the buildings. This “fair faced” concrete is constructed in both gray and white.

Samples are made of different variations of white sand, gravel and cement for the exposed concrete to get it closest to the color of the stone used in the projects. Soon after the mix design is determined, the design of the formwork is finalized to establish a symmetry of lines.

Once the concrete has cured, the surfaces are bush hammered to create a softer visual impact in keeping with the natural stone. While white exposed concrete is used only externally in the Center for the Study of the Texts, in the International Teaching Center it is being used both inside and outside the building.

The use of exposed concrete finish in the projects is motivated by cost effectiveness—exposed concrete does not require plastering, painting, marble

Sasha ae eee and sucruta validity. me This beautiful and majestic path, which extends from the Shrine of the Bab to the city of art of the overall quality control, when the

contractor submits formwork patterns using spe- _ H4ifa inline with the greatest avenue of that blessed city, which is adorned with trees ee bane plywood panels imported from Fin- _ @nd verdant plants and illumined with bright lights, which is the object of admiration of lan ae pro ject marae sits am cede vari- the people of this region and a source of joy and pride to the authorities of this land, will ous details. Care is taken at no dents appear in the panels, that all joints are sealed, that the space subsequently be converted, as foreshadowed by the Center of the Covenant, into the between the reinforcement bar and the forms is ac- | Highway of the Kings and Rulers of the world.

See VINEYARD page 17 — From a letter dated Naw-RGz 108 addressed to the friends in the East by Shoghi Effendi

— » |

Work is in progress on the third level of the International Teaching Center, with

site of the Center for the Study of the Texts on February 25. the Seat of the Universal House of Justice in the background.

[Page 17]

‘Azamar B.E. 153 © May 17,1996 17

News highlights from the Mt. Carmel construction

Marble for the Center for the Study of the Texts arrives

The first consignment of four containers of marble bases, columns and capitals, weighing about 20 tons, has arrived on site from Italy. Another seven containers are on their way. Approximately 20 tons of steel fixings—pins, angles, brackets, bolts—to fix the marble have also been ordered, and should be received at any time. Preparations are under way for installation of these marble columns in the entrance portico of the Center for the Study of the Texts.

Contract for the lowering of Hatzionut Avenue is formalized

On February 9, contract documents were formalized with a well-known contractor in Haifa for lowering Hatzionut Avenue and constructing a tunnel for pedestrians and retaining walls for the bridge that will span the street linking the Terrace of the

Vineyard

Continued from page 16

cording to specification, and that all electrical and mechanical equipment is in the proper location before the concrete is poured.

To enhance the quality of the exposed concrete finish, a special release agent is applied to the panels. This acts as a separation between the panel and the concrete, making the removal of the formwork easier and giving a better finish. The quality and quantity of the release agent are critical for an excellent finish. If the right balance is not attained, ine result is a substandard finish.

» Another aspect of quality control is to check the

ality of the concrete itself coming from the silo.

'o achieve this, a special silo has been assigned to our projects to give us the perfect consistency in color and concrete mix. Arrangements are made that the trucks carrying the concrete arrive onsite with sPemopriate time overlaps to ensure a continuous pour. Great care is taken to see that the overlap time does not exceed the time limit required for the concrete mix to maintain its chemical integrity.

It is inevitable that in projects of such a scale as the Arc buildings, remedial work must at times be undertaken. In cases where air bubbles, or surface segregation of sand, cement and aggregate take place, a special mix is used to pa e areas and give the surface a uniform finish.

Pressure washing is another way in which residual materials from the formwork left behind on the concrete surface are removed. When the concrete surface is stained due to various other causes, it is washed with muriatic acid.

Achieving high quality exposed concrete is thus a real challenge and is obtained as a result of quality control techniques through many experiments and tests, and by constant supervision.

Landscaping lower Terraces

With major structural works and stone ornamentation completed on the seven Terraces below the Shrine of the Bab, attention is now focused on completing the landscaping of the inner and outer areas of these Terraces.

Planting designs have been finalized for the formal landscape centered around the Kings’ Pathway, and work on establishing flower beds within brick edgings is under way. Lawn grass has already been installed on Terraces 9 and 8, and sod has been purchased from an outside firm for the remaining Terraces.

Asignificant amount of work involved the preparation of the base and the installation of the ochrecolored crushed tiles for the inner areas of Terraces 8 to 3. The tiles’ terra cotta color makes a striking visual impact.

In the outer areas the scenario includes olive trees, ground cover, wildflowers and bulbs, stair-ste]

rockeries and pathways paved with stone. Wild Shrine of the Bab to the Arc Path and upper Terraces.

This challenging and critical stage of the Terraces project has received a crucial boost with the signing of this contract. i

Abillboard depicting the model of the bridge and briefly describing the project has been strategically placed on Hatzionut Avenue. Also, a joint announcement was carried by the Bahai World Center and the Municipality of Haifa in three major newspapers informing the general public of the nature of the work to be undertaken, and changes in the traffic arrangement in the section adjoining the Baha’i properties on this street.

Work on the German Templar Colony project begins

An exciting development related to the Mount Carmel Projects, but outside the aegis of the Faith,

flower plantings to the east of Terraces 9 to 5 are complete. The outermost areas are planted with drought-tolerant plants.

The wildflower and bulb season in Israel starts in December and lasts until April. Then, during spring and summer, the flowering trees and shrubs take over. In the years following the planting, the results become more spectacular as the plants become more established. During the past two years, large areas have been blaneed the remaining areas will be planted this year.

Some of the wildflowers that have been used are the Lupine—large plants with tall dark spikes; Corn Poppy—a plant native to Israel with a striking red flower; Globe Thistle—a tall rounded ornamental blue thistle; and two varieties of Silenes—one from Egypt, the other from Israel. The Egyptian Silene has lavender flowers, the Israeli Silene ies dark purple flowers. One Silene blooms earlier than the other, and when planted together the sequence of bloom is continuous.

Among the other works undertaken on the lower Terraces was the testing of fountains and runnels on Terrace 7, with quite satisfactory results. Brass hand railings and brackets for lamps have also been installed above Terrace 8.

On the upper Terraces

The strategic location of Terrace 19 as the uppermost of the Monumental Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab, situated at the crest of Mount Carmel, calls for a special design. Different in structure from the other Terraces, it comprises two levels with a balcony at each level approached by two sets of stairs on each side.

The lower level is the level of the Terrace, which will have fountain pools and other landscape elements. The upper level is connected to a tunnel for

destrians that will link it to Panorama Street and

eyond to the existing Louis Promenade through a set of staircases.

The 700 square meters of floor space within this structure is being used for storage purposes, to house irrigation and mechanical rooms, and to house a security station. The concrete structure of both levels is now complete.

Concrete work on the tunnel for pedestrians is also finished. The area between the road and building has been graded and compacted, and Panorama Street has Re asphalted and once again opened to two-way traffic.

Adjacent to this structure at street level, the 300meter long promenade is ready for pens stone, ornamental iron fencing and pedestals.

On Terrace 18, plumbing for the fountains is complete, and we are preparing to form the concrete pools. On Terrace 17, plumbing work is under way.

is taking place. Work on the restoration of the German Templar Colony flanking Ben Gurion Avenue in Haifa has begun.

The first stage of work is limited to the section immediately conjoining the site of the Entrance Plaza to Terrace 1 at the foot of the mountain. The west side of the avenue is first being taken up for restoration.

To facilitate the movement of traffic in both directions, the junction of Hagefen Street and Ben Gurion Avenue is being expanded, and a temporary detour established.

Earlier, in the coordination meeting of the Steering Committee, design submission for the boulevard of the Colony was taken up for discussion. Several aspects of the design were discussed; significantly, the lighting of Ben Gurion Avenue was adjusted to harmonize with the Terraces project and to maximize the monumental presence of the Shrine of the Bab.

Stories from the Arc Projects Fund

¢ “It is with heartfelt joy and gratitude that we send our love ane prestines, a

“Friends...including members of the National Spiritual Assembly and both Auxiliary Board members gathered in loving fellowship to study the various aspects of the Cause of Baha’u’llah such as the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bah, the Kitab-i-Aqdas, Consultation, Unity, Individual Teaching, the Huqtqu’lléh, the Arc, and Youth.

“Moved by performances about the martyrs in Iran, inspired by stories of sacrifice, and driven by the invigorating spiritual atmosphere, the particiHse gave much of their money, and one, inspired

y a story of sacrifice from Zaire, gave his wrist watch to the Arc Fund as well.

“In all, we humbly submit ..... dollars toward the

rojects on Mount Carmel, which we feel PS foundly connects us not only to the Center of the Faith, but with our brethren throughout the world.

“The winter school has given us new sustenance and enthusiasm to meet the challenging spring that will bring to a close the Three Year Plan. ...” (From a report received by the Universal House of Justice)

°

The two stories that follow share sacrifices made by the followers of Baha’u’llah in villages in the Pacific region.

¢ “The Baha’i friends...in their love for Baha’u‘ll4h and the Universal House of Justice wanted to contribute to the Arc Fund, but there was no cash in the village. They decided to contribute taroes—a root crop—to the Arc Fund.

“Each family contributed taroes until there were 21 filled bags. Then the youth of the village carried the taro bags over mountainous bush tracks, a full two days walk, until they reached the road where trucks were going to the main town.

“They sold the taroes in the capital city and raised 110.00 Kina (U.S. $83.00). They gave the money to their Auxiliary Board member to pass on to the National Spiritual Assembly for the Arc Fund, National Center Fund and National Fund. This is a large and sacrificial sum for these people and for their village.”

“Three villages in a remote region...are collaborating to raise money for the Arc Fund. There is no cash in the villages, so each village contributed three bags of betel nuts to the Fund during each Feast.

“The bags of betel nuts were transported down the river by canoe and then by road to the capital city. They were sold and the money was contributed to the Arc Fund, the National Center Fund and the National Fund. A total of 300.00 Kina (U.S. $225.00) was raised for the Funds this way. This is a huge and sacrificial amount considering the condition and economy of these villages and this country.” (From a report received by the International Teaching Center)

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CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Baha'i are published free of charge as a service to the Baha'i community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no per— sonal "6 commercial ads can be ac— cepted for publication. The rtunities pred to have not eee proved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exer-cise their own judgment and care in responding to them.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

BAHA'f PUBLICATIONS is seeking

applicants for the position of marketing ‘alist. The position will be filled at

the Baha'f Publishing Trust in Wilmette, Illinois, or at the Baha'i Distribution Service in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Applicants should have a imum of two

ears marketing experience in the pubishing industry, including copy writing and design, and five years experience in management or equivalent supervisory experience. Baha'i Publications is looking for someone who has expertise in designing and implementing marketing programs, has a thorough knowledge of available Baha’ literature, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to handle ongoing multiple projects with shifting deadlines, and an understanding of Baha'{ administration. Knowledge of PageMaker software and desktop publishing skills would be helpful. For information or an application, contact the Department of Human Resources, Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611, or phone 847-733-3429.

THE BAHA‘{ Encyclopedia Project is seeking an administrative assistant to provide support for its editorial team.

aintains a variety of files and records, inputs editorial corrections from hard copy to disk, helps with various research tasks. Must be proficient in using computers, Ope a minimum of 60 wpm, have sound judgment, strong writing and editing skills, and the ability to produce professional-quality work. Please send your resumé to Christine Stanwood, Bahd‘f National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611, phone 847-7333429, fax 847-733-3430, or e-mail

EXCITING overseas opportunities. Dorm parent, English teachers, bilingual secretary, technical specialist, technical support representative for Kodak, project manager for liquid-food industry, business development manager-Power Generation Division of GEC Alsthom, Price Waterhouse seeking finance manager, accountants.For more information, please contact Ms. Gwili Posey, 847-7333512, fax 847-733-3509, or e-mail

THE BOSCH Baha'i School has an immediate opening for an energetic and vibrant children's teacher who is available to serve for at least six months, and is also looking for spiritually mature college-age youth to serve as (1) Youth Service Corps volunteers and (2) recreation director during the summer months. The position as children's teacher is not a paid one at this time; however, room, board and a small stipend will be provided. Qualities sought include spiritual maturity, love for the friends and especially for children, experience teaching children of various age groups, exemplary behavior, friendliness, perseverance, flexibility, and a strong work ethic. Core Curriculum training is preferred but not essential.

Youth Service volunteers are needed to serve in hospitality, the kitchen, housekeeping, education, maintenance, and the bookshop/cafe. Housing and food are proved: Immediate openings and those later in the year. The recreation director's duties include lifeguard, pool maintenance, organizing group sports and recreation, helping with children’s classes when necessary, serving as yogurt shop assistant, and helping set up eung rograms. The position is not salaried, but room and board and a small stipend are provided. Some experience with groups of children is essential, and a lifeguard certificate is required. Please ask for applications and information from Linda Bedford, co-administrator, Bosch Baha'i School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-4233387; fax 408-423-7564; e-mail

THE U.S. BAHA’f Refugee Office needs an assistant to the Office coordinator. Requires flexibility in performance of routine and non-routine tasks and good typing and word processing skills. Drafts letters and reports without supervision, manages all information gathering and processing of Southeast Asian Bahd’{ refugees, and keeps track of the status of refugee, immigant and asylum cases. Also maintains computer files, data bases and office systems. Please send resumé to Christine Stanwood, Baha’f National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611, phone 847-733-3429, fax 847-733-3430, or e-mail

YEAR OF SERVICE in the nation's capital. Are you a motivated, enthusiastic ual or couple eager to spend a year or more serving the Faith in one of the world's most beautiful and exciting, cities? If so, the Baha'is of Washington would like to hear from you. The service opportinlly involves living in and managing the Washington Baha'f Center, which serves as a focal point for activities throughout the metro area. Responsibilities include being a loving and gra cious host(ess) to all who visit the Center; coordinating and scheduling space allocations for Center events; responding to mail and telephone inquiries about the Faith; distributing literature to seekers and maintaining the Center's telephone information lines; purchasing refreshments and supplies for certain events; physically setting up for events, and opening and closing the Center as needed; and monitoring and coordinating (but not necessarily carrying out) internal and external maintenance and upkeep. The service opportunity is unpaid, but a small furnished apartment in the Center is included at no cost. Please write to the Washington Baha'i Center, 5713 16th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20011, or phone 202-291-5532, ext. 5.

THE WORK/STUDY program at the Native American Baha'i Institute (NABI) presents a unique opportunity for youth service. Young people who are interested in pursuing Baha't service work with college or vocational studies are encouraged to apply to the Institute. Youth at NABI will be guided through a program that includes course work, the arts, travel, and community and Institute service. Join us at NABI and prepare for a lifetime of service to humanity. Write to NABL, P.O. Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506, or e-mail

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas. AFRICA: Eritrea—health planner/finance specialist needed by organization to provide technical and material assistance to improve child survival. Ethiopia—program manager needed by Save the Children for a food security and infrastructure program. Tanzania—English teachers. Zambia—

Baha’ teacher to develop and teach a kindergarten/primary school program. AMERICAS: Barbados—chiropractor. Honduras—caretaker couple for the Ahmadiyyeh Bahé‘ Institute, elementary school teachers for second, third, fourth and fifth grades, secondary school English, computer science, science, math, social studies. Puerto Rico—caretaker for the Amoz Gibson/Gordon Laite Baha’‘f Institute. Venezuela—couple to serve as caretakers at the National Center in Caracas. ASIA: India— volunteers needed at Baha’f-run provincial school in Lucknow. Korea—English teachers. Loas—volunteer teachers for a Baha’f-run management and Englishlanguage school. Macau—kindergarten and primary school teachers, secondary school English, math, science and history teachers. Philippines—personnel for upcoming high-rise construction projects. Sakhalin—teachers. Taiwan— general manager for Baha’f Office of the Environment. AUSTRALASIA: Kiribati—science/math teacher. Rota, Mariana Islands—teachers. Samoa— caretaker couple for the House of Worship, Montessori teacher. Solomon Islands—counselor for abused women, beautician. Tonga—teachers for primary school to be opened. Vanuatu—voluntary primary school teachers. MULTIREGIONAL: consultants needed by nonprofit organization involved in assisting the public health and medical communities in developing countries: physicians, nurses, clinical trainers, etc. Alaska— urgent need for older woman to share home of long-time pioneer to Unalaska; multicultural community, jobs available. Eleuthera, Bahamas urgently needs pioneers; rental housing available. Canada—volunteer administrative assistant and records clerk needed at the Maxwell International Baha’{ School. Urgent need for teaching and consolidation in Francophone areas. There is a cular need in French Polynesia, but traveling teachers and pioneers who. speak French would constitute a precious resource in any of the Frenchspeaking communities spread throughout Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

OPPORTUNITY for a Baha'i chiro ractor to practice and pioneer in Bar ados. If interested, please phone Dr. Mark Tanny, 809-422-2103.

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

PLEASE HELP! The 25-year-old Spiritual Assembly of Jamestown, New York, is in jeopardy and needs homefront pioneers. Jamestown (pop. about 15,000) is an outstanding community in which to raise a family, and is within driving distance of four Indian Reservations. Please phone 701-252-7109.

THE BAHA't community of Warren, Ohio, needs homefront pioneers to help form its Assembly. There is an opportunity for a board certified/board eligible OB/GYN to join an established Baha'i OB/GYN in practice. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Parisa Khavari,

Warren, OH 44483, or phone 216-395-0666.

SMALL-TOWN atmosphere, big-town amenities. Mt. San Jacinto JD in southern California needs two adult believers to replace pioneers and save its Assembly. The community is only an hour from beaches, mountains and deserts. Empayment opportunities are plentiful in

ealth care and education. Retirees are also welcome. For more information, phone 909-652-8825.

PLEASE CONSIDER attending college while you help one of Sonoma County's endangered local Assemblies near California's northern coast. The area has a mild climate, low crime rate and lovely scenery. Within a short distance of several goal communities is a nationally accredited college, run by Baha'fs, that

THe AMERICAN BAHA 18

offers Associate of Science degrees for assistants in occupational and physical therapy, Also in the county are Sonoma State University and a community college. We can help answer your questions about relocation and provide information on employment opportunities, Please phone Patricia anning at 800-437WISH or 707-795-0251, or Mike Fanning, 707-829-7834.

BINGHAMTON, a city of more than 50,000 in the southern tier of upstate New York on the Susquehanna River, needs a homefront pioneer to help reestablish its Assembly. Bingham, at the heart of the “triple cities” (Endicott, Johnson City, Binghamton) is home to Binghamtom University, a professional opera company and a symphony orchestra.Binghamton has long supported a strong local Assembly, but because some of the friends have moved or become pioneers, the city now has only three adult Baha'is. If you are interested in the area or would like more information, please contact Tim Porch,

Ithaca, NY 14850 (phone 607-2725320 or e-mail

RUIDOSO/Lincoln County, New Mexico, Bahd‘is need your help as homefront pioneers. Ruidoso, a resort and retirement community nestled in the pines at the base of the Sierra Blanca mountains and blessed with a moderate climate and lovely scenery, is an oasis in the desert and a popular location for summer homes. Teaching opportunities abound in this culturally diverse community which borders the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation and has a large Hispanic population. The Ruidoso/ Lincoln County Baha’f Group is active, loving, supportive and eager to welcome those who can help teach and build Assemblies. If you would like more infor- , mation about moving to the area, pleas’ write to the Baha’is of Ruidoso, P.O. Box 1561, Ruidoso, NM 88345, or phorie 505257-2987 or 505-336-7739.

ARCHIV

THE NATIONAL Bahd't Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Lily Charles Armstrong, May Arno, Nettie J. Asberry, Elizabeth Farland Ashraf, C. Newell Atkinson, Margaret H. Atwater (died Miami, FL, 1944), Mai M. Auforth, and Ona M. Ault. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from. the Guardian is asked to contact the National Baha'i Archives, Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611, or to phone 847-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Baha'i Archives is seeking copies of the following books in good or excellent condition: Some Answered Questions (cloth, 1955, 1964, 1968, 1970, 1981) and Tablets of the Divine Plan (paper, 1959, 1962, 1969, 1974, 1976). Anyone having copies they could donate is asked to send them to the National Baha'f Archives, Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 602011611.

TEACHING CAMPAIGNS

THE BAHA'l community of Fresno, California, and the nearby communities of North Fork, Sierra Madre JD, Clovis, Kerman, Reedley, Squaw Valley and a number of isolated believers have formed an I-ACT to help begin the process of entry by troops. The following are needed: Crusade coordinator to recruit full- and part-time teachers, monitor and schedule deepening classes, choose teaching team leaders, order materials, monitor followup activities and report the results of teaching efforts, maintain a database of seekers and declarants, and supervise

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consolidation efforts. One or two fulltime teachers with a burning desire to spread the Message of Baha'u'll4h. Experience in teaching is desirable but not required. All teachers will be required to attend a day-long training session. Housing and a $300-a-month stipend will be offered, but teachers who are self-supporting would be most welcome. Parttime teachers for any length of time from one day to one week, one month or whatever time one can spare. Limited hospitality may be available. Until such time as a coordinator is appointed, you may contact Richard Rowland, I-A‘ contact person, by e-mail at’ or by phone at 209-447 1633; or phone Walter King, 209-8464468, or Gary Colliver, 209-453-1109.

THE AMATU’L-BAHA Teaching Crusade in California's San Diego Count has openings for teachers including direct teaching, consolidation, manning the Bahd'{ Center, etc. Training provided. Retirees, youth, anyone between jobs i welcome. Room, board and a daily stipend provided. Contact Virginia Healy,

roject coordinator and secretary of the Biritual Assembly of Encinitas, by email (619-942-6383).

1 AM WORKING with the Research and Literature Review Office at the Bahd'{ National Center on developing a work about the Faith and the recovery process. My primary focus has been on alcoholism, but as I’ve made contacts the circle has widened to include sexual and physical abuse, mental illness, etc., and especially the many people who suffer from multiple calles Tam looking for Baha'is who are in recovery and are willing to talk/write (anonymously) about their experiences, about what they got/didn't get/needed from the community in the way of support, and about how their recovery (12-step, counseling, etc.) has worked together with their spiritual journey in the Faith. I am also interested in hearing from those who have taken part in the Baha’fs in Recovery Fellowship (BIRF) who would be willing to talk about how it helped or

hy it failed and whether it could be revived and under what circumstances. The goal of the writing project is to educate the community and Assemblies, and to offer support and hope for those who are suffering. If you would be willing to take part, please contact me by e-mail at

or via the Research Office c/o Baha'i National Center, Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail

or phone

NEEDED: a little help for an active Bah4'{ woman who is growing older but whose house and life are filled with events and activities—Baha’f visitors, major projects for the Faith. I need a younger Baha'i woman to help with driving, errands, some cooking, and a lot of the fun. Room and board and a small salary (run of the house—several Baha'i housemates have lived here in comfort and can supply references). Also, college and university are nearby for possible

art-time attendance. Let's talk. Write to lardy Oemin, Saginaw, MI 48602, or phone 517-792-2197.

WANTED: a copy of Vol. 2 of the original Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd printed in Chicago (around March 1909 to May 1916?). Willing to buy. Would appreciate it if someone with a copy would contact me or be willing to forward copies of a few Pages. Write to L. Bedini,

Cortez, CO 81321, or phone 970-5652425.

MUSICIANS, dancers, writers, artists, healers: would you like to form a collective and help start a Creativity and Healing In-stitute to help suffering souls and promote entry by troops? I would

like to network with you in the hope of establishing a project to express a lov and spirit that will transform and heal hearts and lives. If the unity of the group is strong enough, this will happen! | am also interested in pioneering new forms and styles of music and art, especially new-age fusion. I play electric guitar and keyboards, and my musical influences are classical, rock, jazz, new age and avant-garde. Anyone who is interested in Supporting ouch a project is invited to contact Bob Charnes,

- Voorhees, NJ 08043 (phone 609772-2195; e-mail

LOOKING for other Baha’{ married couples who have attended a Christian Ministry Weekend called “United Marriage Encounter.” We would like to network with you to develop a Baha’{ suppot group to raise the level of God’s

love in marriage and family life. If you know of a similar kind of super group within the Faith, or would like to become a part of one, please write to Lino and Susan di Caro, Pekin, IL 61554, or phone 309-346-3267 (ring seven times to leave a message).

WANTED: traveling teachers who may be in or near the Des Moines, Iowa, area. The Des Moines Area Teaching Committee has established a program of public firesides called “Crossroads” with meetings held the second Thursday evening of each month; special programs can be arranged for anyone wishing to use the format. For details, please write to Napolun Birdsong or Pamela Knox,

Des Moines, IA 50317, or phone 515-263-2778 (daytime answering machine) or 515-961-0605 (evening answering machine).

WANTED as soon as possible: copies of Baha'f radio spots or scripts. Any length, any condition. Please mail to Vermont Media Task Force, P.O. Box 207, Shoreham, VT 05770, or phone 800613-8055 for information. And thank you for helping to make the Faith more visible to the mainstream media.

WANTED: professional speakers in various fields who are already planning business trips to Sacramento, California, or the Bay area. Must be willing to talk to leaders and groups in your field. Prior notice of your visit (1-2 months) would be appreciated: Contact the Spiritual Assembly of Sacramento, P.O. Box 160966, Sacramento, CA 95816, or phone 916-4577208.

THE NATIONAL Teaching Committee is seeking Baha'i Youth Service Corps volunteers, ages 18-23, to fill a variety of posts in the US. including service at the permanent schools and institutes and in such diverse communities as Phoenix and Holbrook, Arizona; Conway and Orangeburg, South Carolina; Buncombe County, North Carolina; Holland, Michigan; Los Angeles, California; St. Paul, Minnesota, and Kansas City, Missouri. There are also opportunities for young people who want to enroll in a college or university in a goal locality to serve as homefront pioneers. 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 at the National Teaching Committee office, 847-733-3493.

CREATE the best of both worlds. We are looking for “mature souls” who have the vision and desire, with an entrepreneurial spirit, to help generate income above their personal needs to support the Baha'{ Funds and social /economic development programs. Please fax your personal vision statement and/or resumé to 847-869-4245, or e-mail

YoutH Activities

A NETWORK of “Baha'f Youth Service Corps Resource Persons” is being developed to help raise up and prepare a

“AzamAt B.E. 153 ¢ May 17, 1996

growing number of youth for homefront and international service. In early January a letter was sent to all known “veterans” of homefront and international Baha'f Youth Service Corps (formerly Youth Year of Service). If you have served the Cause in this way and did not receive the letter, or would like to serve in some way, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha'{ National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611, phone 847-733-3511, fax 847-733-3509, or e-mail

A FIRST EDITION of The DawnBreakers, signed by Shoghi Effendi, has been donated by an individual Baha'{ to the Spiritual Assembly of Buffalo, New York, to help raise funds for the acquisition of a Baha'i Center in western New York state. Bids for the special edition of The Dawn-Breakers will be accepted starting at $10,000. Please send your offer to Shoori Loghmanee,

Williamsville, NY 14221, or phone 716631-0540.

ENJOY relaxing music while supporting the Arc Fund. The Spiritual Assembly of Lakewood, California, has available compact discs by flautist Travis Williams with all proceeds going to the Arc. Each CD includes three improvised

ieces based on Baha’{ prayers and per formed on a bamboo flute. The prayers are reprinted inside the cover, so the discs make great gifts for non-Baha't friends. Please send $10 (or more) plus $2 for shipping for each CD to the Lakewood Baha'f Fund, P.O. Box 241, Lakewood, CA 90714.

OUR FAMILY has a dark green, hardbound 1970 edition of The Dawn-Breakers, which is currently out of print, and is offering it for sale for the Arc through our local Spiritual Assembly. The community would like to raise at least $3,000 through sale of the book to help meet its pledge for the Three Year Plan. Please contact Al and Carol Black,

Lafayette, IN 47905, or e-mail

SCHOOLS AND CONFERENCE:

MUSICIANS, professional or amateur, are invited to take par June 20-22, 1997, in a “Musical Family Reunion” sponsored by the Baha'is of Newcastle and Weston County, Wyoming, with help from the Spiritual Assembly of Custer, South Dakota. The reunion will be held at a resort camp with jam sessions and informal group discussions each day and public concerts Saturday afternoon and evening. If you are interested in taking part, please write to Nancy Moore,

Newcastle, WY 82701 (phone/ fax 307-746-4932, or e-mail

MiscELLANEOU

BAHA'f POETRY competition. Entries must be postmarked by June 30 for inclusion in this year's competition to be judged by Patri ia Abram. Rules and guidelines are available by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to White Mountain Publications, Box 5180, New Liskeard, Ontario POJ 1PO, Canada, or e-mail your request to

The National Spiritual Assembly would like to remind the Baha'is that itis necessary to obtain permission from the Universal House of Justice before traveling to Israel, whether for personal reasons or to visit the Baha'i Holy Places.

19

Lenise Jackson-Gaertner, a Bahai from Colton, California, who is the founder of Mothers for Race Unity and Equality, was the facilitator at a recent workshop on race unity at the University of California-Santa Barbara. Mrs. Gaertner, a writer and community activist, serves as consultant for the University of Arizona's Center for Expansion of Language and Thinking, and is a consultant to the San Francisco School District. More than 40 people of culturally diverse backgrounds from Thousand Oaks to Artoyo Grande came together at UC-SB to work toward eliminating racism from their lives. The event was sponsored by the Bahd'is of Santa Barbara.

Charlotte campaign sees enrollment of three more Spanish-speaking men

Three more SpAniatr speaking, believers have joined the 17 who have declared their belief in Baha’u‘ll4h since last December in Charlotte, North Carolina.

At a Unity Feast, Emilio Ortiz declared. He is from Mexico.

The next day Oscar Mauricio Pinto declared.

Then, at a Naw-Ruz party, Guillermo Carcamo declared. He had heard about Baha‘u’'llah from his brother, Robarto Martinez, gotten in his truck and come to Charlotte from Miami, Florida.

Spanish-language firesides continue every Saturday night at Mehrdad and Christine Badiian’s home in nearby Fort Mill, South Carolina. Mr. Badiian and John Lansdowne also have presented a deepening on Baha'i laws for the new believers.

House of Worship profiled in new book about Chicago

The Baha'i House of Worship is featured in a new book, Chicago Sketches: Urban Tales, Stories and Legends from Chicago History.

The collection of 72 essays, written by June Skinner Sawyers and published by Wild Onion Books, devotes three pages to “The Building of a Great Temple along the North Shore.”

Besides including a photograph of the House of Worship, the essay quotes H. Van Buren Magonigle, a former president of the New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects, who said, “It [the Temple] is the first) new idea in architecture since the thirteenth century.”

[Page 20]EDU

20

THe AMERICAN BAHA'T

Summer School Programs and Schedules Regional Schools Sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly:

California, Southern; August 9-11; Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops; Running Sh eee near San Bernardino; no on-site registration; contact: Edye York, phone 983-11

Colorado East; June 14-18; Camp Jackson, Rye, Colorado (South of Pueblo); Advancing the Ere OEE by Troops; Registrar: Don Brayton, e-mail phone 719/687-3351.

Colorado, West (Four Corners Baha’{ School); July 24-28; Kamp Kiwanis, 18 miles south of Gallup, NM on SR 602; Adoancing the Proce for the Entry by Toops; Registrar: Bl Bright, Gallup, NM 87301, (505)722-0039.

Florida (Southern Flame); July 3-7; Florida Institute of Hecmokoay Melboire, Florida; Advancing the Process of Ent Troops; Registrar: Bill McSherry, PO Box 50643, Jacksonville, Florida 32240, phone 904/247-0885 (Bill) or 954/742-8116 (Toni Mayer).

Illinois (Heartland); July 17-21; Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois; Building Distinctive Baha'i Communities with Mary Kaye Radpour and Chris Ruhe; Registrar: Carl Clingenpeel, Aurora, Illinois 60504, 708/898-6385.

Iowa; July 12-16; Grinnell College, Grinnell, lowa; Wielding the Guardian's Three Weapons with NSA member Jack McCants, featuring a one-day New Believers’ Course, and Learning Centers for all ages) Registrar: Rita Landers, Davenport, lowa 52802, phone 319/323-8242 or 319/323-1717.

Kansas; May 24-26; Camp Aldrich, near Great Bend, Kansas; Advancing the Process of Enti Eee Registrar: Gray Bishop, Derby, Kansas 67037, phone 316/71 5378.

Kentucky; Aug. 30-Sept. 2; Make a Joyful Noise; call Sarah Lee 606/263-1820 for information.

Maryland/Virginia (Da) pring, School); August 9-12; Frostburg State University; Advancing the Process of ne Y Troops; Registrar: Ingrid Olson, 481 Herndon,VA 22070, phone 3, e-mail

Minnesota; pause 14-18; Samp Onomiy near Onamia, Minnesota; Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops; Registrar: Peter Olver, . Coon Rapids, Minnesota 55431, phone 612/422-1320.

Mississippi; June 7-9; Gray Eperopa: Conference Center, Canton, Mississippi; Facing the Challenge: Looking to the Future presented by Dr. Richard Thomas; Registrars: Alma and John Smith, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180, phone 601/ 638-5175.

Montana; August 4-9: Luccock Park, south of Livingston, Montana; Developing Baha'i Villages; Registrar: Sandi Marisdotter, Montana 59601, phone 406/143-75 .

Nebraska; August 16-18; Camp Comeca, at Cozad exit off I-80; Advancing the Process oj Entry by Ne Registrar: Colin Taylor, North Platte, Nebraska 69101, phone 308/534-4939.

New York (Soloman Hilton Summer School); August 9-18; Advancing the Process of En ty by Troops; Registrar: Kathy Grammer, lew York 10918, phone 914/739-6275, fax 914/469-5604.

North Carolina; June 27- July 1; Lenoir-Rhyne College, Hickory, NC; Developing Capacity Within: elie ery Cort ; Registrar: Sandra Miles,

Winston-Salem, NC 27105, phone 3i0/ 67-6888, fax 910/767-7033.

Oregon, Eastern; August 10-13; call Katherine Young 503/276-1868 for information.

Chester,

Oregon, Western (Badasht Conference); et 14-18; Camp Myrtlewood, 50 miles

west of Roseburg, OR; Promoting the Process of Entry by Troops; Registrar: Norman Ives, Coos Bay, OR 97420, phone 503/267-3157.

Oregon, Western; (tentative) July 19-26; Camp Carmel, near Portland, Oregon; Promot ing the Process of Entry by Troops; Registrar: Norman Ives, Coos

Bay, Oregon 97420, phone 503/267-3157.

South Carolina; May 31-June 2; Louis G. Gregory Baha‘ Institute, near Hemingway, South Carolina; Advancing the Process ay Entry Udy Troops, with Drs. Adrienne Reeves and Jane Failey; to register call LGBI at 803/558-5093.

Tennessee; August 30-September 2; Dubose Conference Center, Mount Eagle, Tennessee; a the Process of Eary by Troops; Registrar: Kaihan Strain, 7343,

iixson, Tennessee }, phone 423/842-1750. Utah; May 24-27; Camp Fostopules) Salt Lake City, Utah; The Individual, The Family, and the Four Year Plan; Registrar: Anne Webb, Bountiful, Utah

84010, 801/298-4507.

Virginia (Hemlock Haven Baha‘i Conference); June 14-16; Hungry Mother State Park; eae the Door to the City of God—For All People; Registrar: Sarah Jane Lee, PO Box 2156, Lebanon, VA 24266, phone 540/889-0445.

Virginia, (Massanetta Baha’i Conference); August 23-25; Massanetta Conference CenRich ter; Enti Troops; istrar: Brenner Pugh,

mond, tte on tee 804/353-0873"

Washington, Eastern /Idaho, Northern (Sheltering Branch Baha’f School); June 29-July 5;Camp Wooten Environmental Learning Center; Advancing the Process of Pa, ‘Troops; Rae Shannon McConnell, Richland, WA 99352, phone 509/

Washington, Western; July 26-August 1; Vision and Courage: The Four Year Plan; Ree trar: Carol Spell, Enumclaw, Washington 98022, phone 360/: 4842.

Wisconsin; July 15-19; Byron Center, Rt. 1, Box 78, Brownsville, Wisconsin 53006; Advancing the Process of Entry by is; Registrar: Lisa Riemer, West Bend, Wisconsin 53095, phone 41. 338.5023.

Wisconsin (Green Lake Baha’i Conference); September 13-15, Green Lake Conference Center, Green Lake, Wisconsin; Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops with NSA member Juana Conrad, Dr. Suheil Bushrui, and outstanding programs for youth and children; to register call 1-800-558-8898.

Bosch Baha’ School, 500 Comstock Ln., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone 408/423-3387, fax 408/423-7564, e-mail

June 14-16: Classroom Grand Opening Celebration. A National Spiritual Assembly representative will officially open the new classroom building. Special guest: Olya Roohizadegan, author of Olya’s Story.

June 22-30: Choral Camp with Tom Price, Victor Wong and Jamie Findlay. Administration and Development of Baha'i Choirs, Choral Conducting, Choral Composition and Bahai Song-writing, Vocal Training, and Sight Singing.

July 6-11: Youth on the March— Preparation for Summer Teaching Projects with Gary Bulkin, Auxiliary Board Member for Propagation, Margie Bulkin and Ed Diliberto. Emphasis on preparing teachers of the Cause.

July 13-18: The Kitab-i-fq4n with Brent Poirier. This study will build a greater degree of certitude and consecration in the individual believer.

July 13-18: The Local Spiritual Assembly: A Channel of God’s Grace with David Rouleau. Apply spiritual and administrative principles to the work of the Local Spiritual Assembly.

July 13-18: Teaching the Faith Through Tapestry with Vicki Hu Poirier. Have fun making a quilt for an Arc fund-raiser and learn how art can be a magnet for teaching the Faith.

July 20-25: College Intensive with Sean Lurie. A serious study of the Faith aimed at the college age student or those interested in a college-level study.

July 20-25: Race: Examining Myths of Tradition with NSA Member James Nelson. A fresh perspective on the issues involved with race relations and leave with methods to transform your communities.

July 20-25: Creating and Sustaining Unity in the Urban Community with Gloria Haithman-Ali. Discuss and learn of the challenges and opportunities for becoming an agent for change in urban communities.

July 20-25: The Covenant with Derek Cockshut. As the National Spiritual Assem

bly has requested that all Baha’is deepen our understanding of the Covenant, this course will approach the Covenant in a scholarly and practical way.

July 20-25: Artist-in-Residence, Mitchell Silas, Sandpainter.

July 27-Aug. 1: Youth Institute with Traci and Larry Gholar. Disciplined educa tional programs that address the intellectual, physical, and spiritual aspects of the students through lecture, study, physical exercise, prayer, and service.

Aug. 3-8: Junior Youth Institute with Joannie and James Yuille. See program description above.

Aug. 10-15: Junior Youth Institute with Nazi and Albert Huerta. See program description July 27-Aug. 1.

Aug. 17-22: Building Relationships, Friendships, and Opportunities to Teach with Michael Winger Bearskin. Session geared to inspire a deeper commitment of the individual towards spiritual relationships and community unity.

Aug. 17-22: Teaching Through Storytelling with Charlene Winger-Bearskin. Learn to captivate an audience by practicing the age old art of storytelling using traditional Native American stories with Baha'i ideals.

Aug. 17-22: The Covenant with Derek Cockshut. See description July 20-25. Aug. 24-28: Creating Teachers of the Cause with Counsellor Wilma Ellis. Dr. Ellis takes an honest approach to effective teaching styles.

Aug. 24-28: Great Teachers of the Cause with NSA member Firuz Kazemzadeh. A look at the early Standard Bearers of the Cause.

Aug. 24-28: The Covenant with Derek Cockshut. See description July 20-25. Aug. 24-28: Artist-in-Residence, Marjorie Smith, Puppetry.

Aug. 30-Sept. 2: Teaching Through the Arts with Jack Lenz, Muhtadia Rice and more! This session will be a wonderful end to the summer!

[Page 21]“AzamAt B.E. 153 © Mav 17,1996 = 21

EDUCATION AND SCHOO

Summer School Programs and Schedules

Green Acre Baha’i School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 Phone 207/439-7200, fax 207/439-7202, e-mail

May 24-26: Media Training Workshop with the Office of Public Information. Learn press-release writing, dealing with the media, interviewing, and more. June 7-9: Local Spiritual Assembly Development Weekend with the Baha’{ National Center Office of Community Development. Focus on the maturation process of the LSA and its role in the development of the community.

June 28-July 4: Hasten The Advent Of The Day with Habib Riazati. Prepare for entry by troops with this study of the teachings and the methods used to share them.

June 28-July 4: Overcoming Obstacles with Dr. Adrienne Reeves. Explore how wecan become “liberated from these petty preoccupations and gnawing anxieties” in order to offer the divine remedy to the multitudes.

July 5-10: We Have Come To Sing Praises with Van And Cookie Gilmer. A joyous exploration of using music as a medium for the Divine Message.

July 5-10: Consultation and Spiritualization with Barbara Markert, Auxiliary Board member for Protection. As we become more spiritualized, the process of consultation will more powerfully solve individual and societal problems.

July 12-17: Law and Justice In The Bahd4‘f Dispensation with attorney Anthony Vance, Secretary of the NTC of Kenya. Contrast concepts of the Baha’f Dispensation with those used in the past to determine solutions to individual disputes and societal problems.

say 2-17: Race Unity: Reaching New Heights with Thelma Khelghati and Mary K. Makoski. Look at models of race unity and the writings to wate on the “Most

Challenging Issue” in the Four Year Plan.

July 12-17: Jr. Youth Institute (Grades 6-8) and July 19-24: Youth Institute (Grades 9-12). Study of the writings, application to major issues confronting youth today, lecture, discovery groups, private study, recreation, music, artistic sharing, and a service project. Application required.

July 19-24: The Investigation Of Reality with Diane Iverson, Alden Kent and Douglas McAdam. An individual exploration of reality leading to participation in entry by troops.

July 19-24: Baha’i Approaches To Development. Learn about effective social and economic development, involving consultation, universal participation, the grassroots and a focus on spiritual principles.

July 26-31: Created Rich: Achieving True Prosperity with Roger and Marylyn Harrison. Setting clearer spiritual and financial goals as an individual, family, or community, and learning practical methods for pursuing those goals.

July 26-31: Fire & Gold: Benefiting From Life’s Tests with Brian Kurzius. Evaluate your current tests and discover solutions for them in the writings.

Aug. 2-7: Enthusiastically Embracing Growth with Bob Harris. The Four Year Plan is focused on growth, new believers, stretching our capabilities and expanding our capacity for serving the community.

Aug. 2-7: The Local Spiritual Assembly and Its Community with Janet and Rodney Richards and Barbara Harris. Acquiring the skills needed to create growing, dynamic, unified communities.

Aug. 2-7: The Life and Vision Of Shoghi Effendi with Constance Chen and Robert Ahdieh. Study the life and writings of the Guardian to develop habits of turning to the writings to make sense of current-day events and issues. Afternoon sessions by youth for youth.

Aug. 9-14: Light and Shadow with Mary K. Radpour, Auxiliary Board member. Reflect on life and relationships in these times of mental tests.

Aug. 9-14: Demonstrating The Faith’s Relevance For Today with Carol and Nathan Rutstein. Achieving consecration and success in teaching in a world brimming with distraction.

Aug. 9-14: Core Curriculum Teacher Training. Teacher training for the Core Curriculum explores the spiritual reality of the child, the station of the teacher, and the child-development-centered community.

Aug. 16-21: No Mere Expression Of Vague And Pious Hope with Michael and Kathy Penn. The equality of men and women with emphasis on this principle in structuring the world’s legal, social, political, and economic systems. The lives of Bahai women in Baha’ history will also be explored.

Aug. 16-21: Baha’i Choral Institute. Sing under the direction of Tom Price and participate in workshops in voice training, choral conducting, administration of Bahd’{ choirs, music composition, and songwriting.

Aug. 23-28: The Emerging World Order Of Bah4‘u’llah with Auxiliary Board member Dr. Eugene Andrews. Discuss spiritual and administrative implications for individuals, institutions and communities of the emerging World Order.

Aug. 23-28: Prides From The Bible with Gary Matthews. Look at the Biblical foundations of Baha'i belief, with emphasis on building bridges of trust and understanding by establishing common ground.

Aug. 30-Sept. 2: Releasing The Power: Covenant In Action And Growth Of The Baha’f Community with Counsellor Dr. Abdu’l-Missagh Ghadirian and Auxiliary Board members Barbara Markert and Dr. Eugene Andrews. Examine the relationship between the Covenant and the growth of the Baha’f community.

Louhelen Baha'i School, 3208 S. State Rd., Davison, MI 48423 Phone 810/653-5033, fax 810/653-7181, e-mail

May 31-June 2: Focused Productivity Workshop with Vaughn Loudenback. Workshop on communication, time management, and action to assist in achieving the goals of the Four Year Plan.

June 7-9: Shifting the Balance: The Partnership of Men and Women with NSA Member Juana Conrad; Dr. Michael Penn; Gospel Choir of Detroit; and Carolyn Wistrand as “Lua.” Study of the NSA’s Statement on Women andthe lives of women who played key roles in the unfolding of the Divine Plan.

June 16-22: Camp Louhelen with Joannie Yuille, Jerry and Mitra Sticklemeyer, Diana Wiedenhoeft, Charlotte Joyner, and Rona Schecter. Focus on daily habits of constructive spiritual living. Activities include classroom learning, devotions, music, art, games, sports, and overnight camping for children ages 8-12.

June 22-27: Baha’i Studies for College Age Youth with Connie Chen, Dr. Rick Johnson, and Dr. Michael Penn. When grounded in the teachings of Baha’u’llah, academic learning can become a powerful force for social progress.

June ae uly 3: Persian American Bahd’i Studies with Eyanat Rawhani, Member of the NSA of the Baha‘is of Canada; Keyvan Guela; and music with Narges Fani and Phyllis Ruocco. Explore unity in diversity, individual initiative, institutional guidance, and family life.

July 5-10: Institute for Youth and Junior Youth with Russell Ballew, Charlotte Joyner, and Nevin Jenkins. This institute for youth ages 12-16 fosters devotion, study, consultation, and skill development.

July 12-17: Education Seminar with Paul Lample, Bahd’f World Center Office of Social and Economic Development; Sunita Gandhi, Global Concepts (Education and Development); National baha’t Education Task Force; Eleanor Munkholm, Virtues Project; and Dr. Ray Johnson, Former Principal at Maxwell and New Era Schools. Educational institutions increasingly are called to instill moral principles, build bridges of understanding, foster cooperation, and respond to the needs of the age.

Explore practical approaches to extending the principles of Baha’{ education into the public arena.

July 19-24: Family and Friends, Session I with Kathy Penn, Dr. Michael Penn, and Dr. Rick Johnson. Advancing the process of entry Py troops will be explored through consideration of the spiritual transformation and empowerment of the individual, the life and writings of the Guardian, and the role of the Covenant in the growth of Baha’i communities.

July 26-31: Family and Friends, Session II with Continental Counsellor Tod Ewing, Raytheon Rawls, and The Settlement Institute. How to advance the process of entry by troops and build Baha’f communities through study of the writings, practicing the skills of consultation and promeane unity through the resolution of conflicts. A serious look at the Four Year Plan and methods for teaching in the local community and the family.

ar 2-7: Family and Friends, Session III with Habib Riazati. Careful study of the life and writings of Baha’u’lldh as they apply to the theme of advancing the

process of entry by troops.

Aug. 9-14: Youth Eagle Institute with Larry Gholar, Tracy Gholar, Anita Strickland, and Nasif Habeeb-ullah. Fostering the capacity of youth to arise and serve by developing their spiritual, intellectual, and physical capacities. Includes classroom activities, devotions, service projects, and recreation. For youth ages 15 and older.

Aug. 16-18: Multicultural Family Camp with Dr. Joel Nizen and Vicki Nizen. This Core Curriculum Race Unity training program is designed to assist parents and teachers to raise up a generation of children free of prejudice and truly united. Aug. 30-Sept. 2: Homecoming with Holly Hansen and One Planet Music Festival. The Louhelen Homecoming welcomes all of the Louhelen family to a weekend focused on teaching. This workshop will include the participative design of ways to extend the healing message of Baha'u'llah to the generality of humankind.

[Page 22]THe AMERICAN BAHA'I 22

SOCIAL / ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Part 3: Baha'i social and economic development

This is the third of four articles on Bahd't social and economic development adapted from a talk given in Orlando, Florida, in December 1993.—Ed.

By HOLLY HANSON

In two previous articles in this series we have considered the spiritual tools that the Baha'i Revelation gives us for social and economic development, and the essential place of our love for God—and God's love for us—in any effort to change society.

To understand what it means to apply the teachings of Baha‘u'll4h in a way that causes social progress, we can consider Baha'i development in a North American city right now. What would happen if we were to take these spiritual tools and apply them to that city's largest social problem, racism?

‘Abdu’l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi both gave crystal clear, concrete instructions to the American Baha'is concerning what they should be doing about racism and racial injustice. It is a useful example, first because the Baha'i Writings are so explicit about how to solve the problem, and second because the solution can be applied to the deep and painful divisions among ethnic, class or religious pros that are tearing apart so many societies around the world.

First, let us think about what we could do if, being our pure, well-intentioned and sincere selves, we chose to do something with which we are familiar.

Let us imagine we are members of a North American Baha'i community that consults about the needs of the wider community and its own resources and decides to start a tutoring program for students in a neighborhood where the quality of public school education is low and the social and economic stresses and challenges for young people are high.

The Baha'i Center is in that neighborhood, there are enough enthusiastic volunteers to keep the program going, and it meets a very real need. This is a wonderful thing to do, and it has a profound effect on some of the participants, but its goal is limited. It doesn't address the basic problem—a pervasive racism that is chewing these youns people up and spitting them out even though a few get caught in a net like tutoring.

In the culture in which we live, that is the best one can hope for. The system is rotten, but people with good intentions can save a few individuals. This is a wonderful thing, not a bad thing, but it is not all that is within our power.

We could turn instead to the Baha'i Writings for guidance and transform our very good, worthwhile effort into something more powerful by following the specific instructions that Shoghi Effendi has given us about how to eliminate racism in America.

Let us imagine that the members of a Baha'f community decide that as their contribution to the social and economic development of their community, they are going to follow those instructions.

Prescription for overcoming racism

First, with the tool of a vision of our actions that we get from the Writings, we have the goal of creating racial unity. Throughout this century, the Central Figures of the Faith have told American Baha'is that overcoming racism had to be their priority, that it was a prerequisite to success in other areas.

Next, we employ the tool of spiritual empowerment—because each believer must do rigorous, soulsearching spiritual work.

“Let the white make a supreme effort...to abandon once for all their usually inherent and at times subconscious sense of superiority, to correct our tendency to reveal a patronizing attitude, and to persuade the others of our /Benuineness and sincerity, and to not be impatient.

This is awesomely practical. First, we don't have to waste time wondering whether we are patronizing or whether we have a superior attitude, because the authority of our Faith is telling us we do. That is the vision tool.

And here is the spiritual power tool. Instead of being overcome with pain and guilt, we have the confidence and the self-acceptance of faith to encour age us to change.

The same spiritual potency can be discerned in the Guardian's instructions for people of color:

“Let the Negroes show the warmth of their re nse, their readiness to forget the past, and their ability to wipe out every trace of suspicion.”

Again, these are supremely painful, difficult tasks, and we cannot accomplish them merely by willin; racism to go away; we achieve them because G wants us to and Bahd'u'llah gives us the means.

In this same clear prescription, Shoghi Effendi explains what it is going to take to eliminate racism— genuine love, extreme patience, true humility, consummate tact, sound initiative, mature wisdom and deliberate, persistent and prayerful effort. These are virtues in action.

When we look at what the Writings tell us to do about racism, we see that they include statements about social transformation—about the structures, patterns and habits that we must change.

Basically, these are all the patterns of our lives that uphold and petpel uate subtle and pervasive racial separation. Shoghi Effendi said we must create real unity in every aspect of our lives, and he provides a checklist of where we have to establish unity to be faithful to our tasks.

One of these checklists says in our homes, in our hours of relaxation and leisure, in the daily conduct of business, in the associations of our children, in study classes, playgrounds and club rooms.

He also specified what kinds of interaction would set a Baha'i standard—not cold and empty formalities but close and intimate social contact.

If we turn to the Baha'f Writings and see that our goal is close and intimate social contact, how are we going to bring it about? It is clear that we need consultation, and the systematic plans devised by Spiritual Assemblies, to accomplish this.

Let us imagine that the same Assembly that chose to tutor underprivileged children decides to take action on this. In addition to the inner, personal tasks, they work on the outward, social aspects.

They set up a cooperative play group to bring toddlers and the toddlers’ mothers together. Some women establish a reading group, reading fiction by African-American, Native American, SwedishAmerican and Chinese-American women. They have been polite but distant friends at Feast for years, but as they sit in each other's rooms and talk about these books, and then about their own mothers’ lives, and the many similarities and differences amon, them, they develop an intimate understanding an love for one another that is something entirely new.

The Assembly decides that the public schools are the primary place in which racial misunderstanding and separation is being replicated, and where racial unity could be achieved, and pours its energy into high-quality after-school programs that enable children and youth to hear and understand one another, to develop goals and carry them out together.

There may be social service elements of the plan: there may be tutoring, or a community health program, or things of that nature, but the creation of close and intimate social ties is the overriding goal, and these other elements are dimensions of achieving the fundamental objective.

The difference between a plan that creates deep and intimate social bonds and a plan that delivers a social service is: whose life has to change?

If 1 am an upper-middle class American I can march in an anti-racism protest, or donate food, or even give my time as a tutor without questioning my own privileged place in society.

But if I start developing close and intimate social ties with those who are different from me and are suffering deeply in this society, if I begin to understand their life circumstances and the challenges they face, and they become as close to me as members of my family, I am not going to be able to accept it.

Tam going to make changes in my lifestyle, and I am going to mobilize all the resources available to me as a member of a privileged group to make whatever changes must be made so that my “family” stops suffering. ‘Abdu’l-Baha defines justice as recognizing everyone as members of one family.

What are the goals of a plan to establish close and intimate interracial social bonds in every aspect of our lives? Basically, to change the intellectual and social structure of the society, to eliminate racism by breaking out of the inner and outer patterns of thought and behavior that keep us polarized, like giant invisible magnets.

What are we going to receive if we take the risk, if we summon the courage to use the spiritual tools of our Faith to eliminate racism?

I think we do not know, we cannot know the answer to that question because taking these steps, following this prescription, will move us to a place at which North America has never been.

Shoghi Effendi wrote that obedience to the ordinances of Baha'u'llah would lead to a fusion of the races. Fusion is a powerful event. It is a melding, a coming together of disparate elements, so that when. they come together they release a tremendous burst of energy.

Fusion is what is happening in the sun. It is radiant, it is powerful, it is what we need and want. Where the energy unleashed by racial unity will take us we do not know, but wherever it is, we want to go there.

If we are willing to risk going beyond the plans and expectations of our society, and follow the guidance we have been given in our teachings, that is exactly where we are going to arrive.

Thinking about this can call to our attention one of the barriers that stand in the way of Baha'f development. Fusion is powerful. The world will be different than it is when we do this. We might think, “It is wonderful that Baha'u'llah's teachings will have such an effect in the world, but it probably won't happen in my lifetime.”

We must ask ourselves if we are afraid, if we might actually prefer not to be around when the power of the Faith becomes evident. It is natural for us to be attached to the Faith as we know it, but that isan attachment we must abandon.

Some living Baha'is can remember when every Baha'i in North America knew the name of every other Baha'i, and the friends couldn't imagine a time when this would not be so. But the Cause of God cannot be limited by our sentimental attachment to its formative stages. It is going to keep growing.

At this moment we stand on the threshold of a time when the power of the Faith in action will become manifest in the world, and everyone becomes aware of it. Are we going to be afraid of that growth and hold back from it? I don't think so.

Let us not think in small ways; let us not be trapped by false dichotomies in which we suppose that tutoring or a soup kitchen is Riceeioneuenc tects they satisfy material needs, and creating social unity is “that other thing” we are supposed to do because we are Baha'is.

If we truly want development, if we want Bahda'u'llah's new World Order to happen in the material world, the way we are going to make it ae pen is to do exactly what our Faith tells us to do. If it tells us to establish intimate interracial social bonds in every facet of our lives, then intimate interracial social contact is going to get society where it needs to go. It doesn't matter whether we understand this or not. We must have faith; we have to trust.

This is not an impractical plan. It is not an immaterial plan. ‘Abdu’‘l-Baha said that the greatest instrumentality for the redemption of the world is love and fellowship and unity.

If we want justice, if we want greater opportunities for the poor to obtain a decent education and respectable jobs, we need to change ourselves and our actions in ways that create unity.

This is social welfare in the light, and if we let in the light we are going to grow some awesomely lovely social plants. This brings us back to the issue of courage, discussed in a previous article.

Imagine saying to a colleague as you are leaving work, “I'm on my way to tutor secondary school students; it's a service project of the Baha'i community.”

Now imagine saying, “I'm on my way to drive my family across town so my children can establish close

See DEVELOPMENT page 31

[Page 23]NEWS FROM OVERSEA

23

1,250 enrolled in Guinea-Bissau, nearly 850 in India

Arecent report from Guinea-Bissau says that the Luz local teaching campaign is gathering strength and momentum, and boasts of some 1,000 new declarations of faith in Baha'u'llah. Meanwhile, the William Sears Campaign has registered 250 new believers.

°

Two recent teaching campaigns in India, the first in Orissa, the second in Rajasthan, led to the enrollment of nearly 850 new believers. Twenty young Bahd'fs taught in 42 towns and villages in Orissa following a youth conference, returning to Bhubaneswar on January 20 to report the enrollment of 691 new believers. Meanwhile, seven Baha'is were teaching in 40 villages and towns in the Aimer and Jaipur districts of Rajasthan, enrolling 157 new believers and forming 11 new local Spiritual Assemblies.

.

Renewed activity last August and September in Senegal's Enoch Olinga Teaching Campaign led to the enrollment of 167 new believers, the opening of six new localities to the Faith, and the formation of one new local Spiritual Assembly. Teams in the area began immediately to deepen the new Bahd'fs and to consolidate their communities.

°

The Light of Unity Bahdé'{ music group recently traveled from Céte d'Ivoire to Ghana, where the National Spiritual Assembly took advantage of their talents to proclaim the Faith, asking the friends to visit 13 localities in 30 days at which an average of 250 people attended the group's 16 performances. “People took great interest in the Message of Baha’u'lléh,” a grou representative wrote. “Two hundredsixteen people were enrolled in the Faith. ...We are convinced that this method is the path to entry by troops.” The Light of Unity group [ater took partin a border teaching conference in Benin/Nigeria, as a result of which a Baha'f group was established in Ketou with 15 believers. One National Spiritual Assembly member from Benin has already begun consolidation activities.

°

Last December, a Baha'f dentist and two young assistants held dental camps in Rangpur, Bangladesh, and seven surrounding villages, treating about 400 patients who were given advice about dental hygiene. Some received medicine, and a few had teeth

extracted. While in the area, the Baha'is shared the Message of Baha'u'll4h, as a result of which more than 100 people embraced the Cause. In Jagdishpur, where the Faith was proclaimed for the first time, 25 people were enrolled and a local Spiritual Assembly was formed. °

Two Baha'is in Togo undertook a teaching campaign last September in the area around Sigbéhoué, teaching in 23 villages, registering 92 declarations and opening 14 localities to the Faith. They also helped form four new local Spiritual Assemblies before initiating deepening and consolidation activities.

Teachers Ranel Goumou (left) and Gustave Bamba are pictured with some of their stu In the state of Alagoas, Brazil, along the country's eastern coast, 70 declarations of faith in Baha'u'llah have been received in recent months among members of the Kariri-Xocé tribe.

°

About 150 people from several communities took part last November ina Bahd'{-sponsored cultural festival at the Jamal longhouse of Kerangan Ara, in the Kapit Division of Sarawak, Malaysia, the first event of its kind to be organized by the Baha'is in that state. The spirit was so high during the twoday festival, which included Iban cultural dances, pocey and field events for women and children, that 43 people declared their belief in Baha'u'llah prior to and during the event.

°

Almost every Baha'i in Tlokweng, Botswana, who is five years old or older took part in a nine-day teaching emparn in January, as a result of which 40 people embraced the Faith of Baha'u'llah. The response was so inspiring that the friends continue to actively teach the Cause.

°

The first Spiritual Assembly of Syktyvkar, capital of the Komi Republic, west of the Ural Mountains in Russia, was formed last October 20.At that time, there were 17 Baha'is in the city.

°

The island of Atiu in the Cook Is lands was opened to the Faith with the

World Congress video leads young Baha’i in Iran to forge bonds of friendship with Papua New Guinea

Auxiliary Board member William Pandawa, who comes from a remote part of the Daga area of Milne Bay

rovince in Papua New Guinea, was featured in a video that was shown at the 1992 Baha'f World Congress in New York City.

Copies of the video tape containing William's story have been shown around the world including the small west Iranian town of Sanandaj, where it was seen by 20-year-old Rowshanak Nakha’i.

Ms. Nakha'i was so overwhelmed b the way in which the Faith of Baha’u'llah had spread to even the remotest areas of the world and touched their inhabitants that she decided to show

her happiness by rendering a colored embroidery of the Baha'i House of Worship in India and sending it to Mr. Pandawa as a gift.

After two years she completed the art work and sent it via Europe to Papua New Guinea where Counselor Sirus Naraqi presented it to Mr. Pandawa with a letter from Ms. Nakha'i during a ceremony attended by about 40 Baha’'fs at the Alotau Baha'f Center in Milne Bay Province.

The simple gift will always be cherished by Mr. Pandawa and the 5,000 other Bahd'fs in the Daga area as a symbol of the spiritual link between them i ae friends in the Cradle of the

‘aith.

enrollment of a husband and wife who expressed their readiness to serve Bahd'u'll4h in any way possible, according to a recent report in the Cook Island Baha'i News.

Meanwhile, a report from the Baha'is of Hungary includes news of the declarations of 25 residents in the town of Sarkad. “It is our hope and aspiration,” the message reads, “that this regon may be illuminated with the Most

reat Name, and that through the devoted efforts of our dear friends we may be able to establish several local Spiritual Assemblies in the Békéscsaba region.”

.

The Baha'is of Ghana report the formation last September of a new local Spiritual Assembly at Wa as a result of the country's ongoing Enoch Olinga Teaching Campaign. “So far,” the report continues, “21 people have declared their faith in Baha'u'llah. ...It is interesting to note that some of the new declarants are participating in the teaching.”

°

Eighteen young people representing each of the islands of the Eastern Caroline group took part in a recent six-day teaching institute. Presentations included those on prayer, the role of youth in the Faith, the relationship between Baha'{ teaching efforts and the Lesser Peace, the administrative order, the Funds, and teaching children's classes. “A strong sense of unity and common vision...was evident,” said a report from the institute, “and resulted in six youth declaring their belief in Baha'u'llah.”

Four participants in the 10th course of study sponsored by the Baha'i National Deepening Institute of Kazakhstan were enrolled in the Faith during the gathering: which was attended by 47 Baha'is from 13 localities in Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Tajikistan, the United Kingdom and U.S., as well as a number of non-Baha’{ teachers from Kazakhastan. The program—the first desi especially for teachers of children’s classes— included lectures on the history of the

dents at the Baha'i School of Gama Koni Koni in Guinea, West Africa. The school, founded in 1990, is one of four rural BahG’i schools in that country. Local believers established the schools to combat Guinea's extremely low literacy rate of only 19 percent.

Faith, the administrative order, spiritual transformation, and other issues deemed of special interest to young people in relation to moral principles.

.

Bermet Moltaeva, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Kyrgystan, traveled recently with three Bahd't visitors to the town of Narin where the group held firesides and deepenings for a week. As a result of these activities, five people embraced the Cause of Baha'u'llah.

°

“Thanks to the dedication of the young teachers of the Faith who are sacrificing their time to spread the Teachings of the Blessed Beauty,” reads areport from the Baha'is of Zimbabwe, “five local Spiritual Assemblies were formed in November. Four of them are in Norton, and one in Chirundazi, Mhondoro.”

.

Sen. Nick Bolkus, Australia's Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, attended a special service last November at the Baha'f House of Worship in Mona Vale to commemorate the Day of the Covenant. He was accompanied by an adviser from his personal staff in Canberra and an officer of the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs in Sydney. Prior to the service, the minister and his party attended a luncheon at the National Office with Counselor David Chittleborough and eight members of the National Spiritual Assembly. Sen. Bolkus was given a copy of The Baha'i World 1993-94 as a gift from the National Assembly.

°

A Chair for Baha’f Studies was established last December at the University of Lucknow, India. More than 300 guests attended its formal inauguration including the governor of Uttar Pradesh and the vice-chancellor of the university. The Baha'i Chair is in the Department of Western History. The keynote address was given by Dr. Dwight Allen, a Baha'i educator. This is the third Baha'i Chair to be established; the others are at the University of Maryland in the U.S. and the University of Indore in India.

[Page 24]

TION AND SCHOO

24

THe AMERICAN BAHA’

Children’s Academies Held at Bosch

“Tt was way better than OK!!” was the comment from one of the evaluations received back from Bosch’s Spring Children’s Academies. Eighty 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students spent part of their spring break at Bosch deepening their love for Baha’u'llah. This children’s program is designed very much after the popular youth institutes that Bosch holds in the summer. The curriculum for Children’s Academy is based on a quote from ‘Abdu’l-Baha: “In thy school, instruct thou God’s children in the customs of the Kingdom. Be thou a teacher of love, in a school of unity. Train thou the children of the friends of the Merciful in the rules and ways of His loving-kindness.”

Consequently, the Academy is a combination of classes, service, exercise, training in cleanliness, etiquette, manners, and lots and lots of fun! Activities included sports, games, obstacle course through the woods, a car wash, calisthenics, a candlelight dinner, bonfire, and walks through the woods. Classes were on prayer and meditation, creating teachers of the Cause, developing a deep love for Baha’u’llah, and etiquette. The whole orientation for these young Baha'is was to help them develop their own Baha’f identity so that they can become prepared for their experience as youth and their age of spiritual maturity. The Academy also helps them realize their own potential as teachers of the Cause.

The Cabin Counselors are a key to the success of the program. These young adults acted as loving mentors donating their time to help educate and train the students. The Academies could not be held without them.

Everyone enjoys the Bookstore/Cafe at Louhelen!

Advanced Core Curriculum Seminar Held at Louhelen

A highly successful Advanced Core Curriculum Seminar was held at the National Teacher Training Center located at Louhelen Baha’i School March 29April 1, 1996. The three-day seminar was attended by over 50 Core Curriculum trained teachers, parent facilitators, and race unity trainers who took full advantage of the opportunity to collaborate, consult, and deepen on a wide range of practical issues relating to the spiritual education of our precious children. Dr. Alberta Deas addressed the participants on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly, giving a vision of the accomplishments of the Three Year Plan, the challenges to be addressed in the Four Year Plan and the importance of Baha’ children and youth in achieving these many goals. In separate sessions, Dr. Deas assisted parent facilitators to understand the particular needs and opportunities facing African-American parents and inspired the race unity trainers both to continue and expand their meritorious service.

New Believers Program Offered at Green Acre

“We are Baha’is,” a weekend program for new believers, was offered at Green Acre May 10-12. This deepening course prepared by the National Baha’{ Education Task Force was for those who had recently enrolled in the Faith, were close to the Faith, or just wanted to experience a basic study. The program offered a warm weekend of spiritual focus and fellowship. Participants acquired a sense of the greatness of the Faith and its purpose, evoked a sense of joy in what it means to be a Baha'i, deepened in the history and teachings of the Faith, and refreshed and gladdened their spirits with time for reflection and prayers in “Abdu’l-Baha’s Room.

WLGI Radio Baha’i Staff Attends International Seminar

The 6th International Radio Baha'i Seminar was held in Cochabamba, Bolivia, from February 3-13, 1996. More than 50 staff members from Baha’f Radio stations around the world, including two staff members from WLGI Radio Baha‘j, gathered at a beautiful retreat in the mountains to study, pray, and consult together on the future of Bahd’i Radio and how radio can be used more effectively to teach the Cause of God. An intense nine-day deepening was held on the compilation Entry By Troops and led by Mr. Donald Witzel of Venezuela. Other classes were presented by Continental Counselor Enoy Anello, Manual Flores of Panama, Patricia Osorio of Chile, and Susan McLaren of Venezuela. Most of the sessions were conducted in Spanish, offering a challenge to those attending who were Englishspeaking, but translators assisted and everyone felt they were able to fully participate. The spirit and genuine

love the participants felt for each other brought them closer in their vision and determination to do whatever it takes to bring Baha’u'll4h’s healing message to listeners everywhere.

WLGI Staff Hard at Work in South Carolina

Conference Explores Violence-Free Relationships

Men and women as equal partners for a peaceful world was the focus of “Violencefree Relationships,” a conference held March 29-31 at Green Acre Baha’f School.

The program examined violence against women and children as the yardstick against which can be measured the violation of all human rights. Cosponsored with the Sarah Farmer Women’s Center, it offered resources to help individuals and families move away from force, competition and aggression toward new models of cooperation. Topics included the perspective of the child, the essentials of violence-free marriage and the specific roles that men can play.

A panel discussion on current trends and services featured an advocate for battered women and their families; a psychotherapist addressing treatment and the role of religious belief; and the director of a local women’s shelter, all non-Baha’‘{ guests. In addition to studying the January 24, 1993, letter of the Universal House of Justice on the elimination of violence and abuse, participants defined the areas of abuse and violence within the realms of their own experience. They explored solutions via application of the writings, small-group consultation, and the use of drama and artistic expression.

Conference enrollment included men, women, youth, and children, among them, about a dozen attendees who were not yet Baha'is. A local daily newspaper covered the activities with a story in its Sunday edition.

ao ra

These youth from the Baha’i College Clubs of the University of Arizona, Northen Arizona University, and NABI were gathered for planning a College Club Service Learning Program. The Program coincided with the Traditional Navajo Song and Dance on April 13.

[Page 25]‘AzamAt B.E. 153 * May 17, 1996

25

TION AND SCHOOLS

Collaborative Efforts Produce Results in South Carolina

Josephine McFadden moved back to Lake City, South Carolina, in January 1993 and thought her heart would break. Lake City had become a community that had been inactive for a number of years. She cried and prayed a lot because of what was happening to the youth in Lake City. They seemed to have given up hope, to the point of self destruction.

She saw a community that was crying, out for “they knew not what.” But she knew. They needed Bahé’u’llah. They needed the transforming power of His Word. But, she didn’t know how she was going to get them interested in the Word of Baha’u’ll4h, the Glory of God. During this time she was diagnosed with cancer and her mother with Alzheimer’s. One of the two grandsons she brought to Lake City with her was on a_ self-destructive course, just like the youth in Lake City. It seemed like Baha‘u’lléh was showing her through tests and trials the work He had for her to do. Thank God, it was not to be done alone, but with the love, mercy, and compassion of the friends. Helen Kintz, Mahin Koslow, Ursula Richardson and Josephine started praying at each entrance to Lake City for the healing of each soul, and an awakening of the capacity that is within each of us to recognize the voice of God in this day.

She began to see signs of the friends becoming aware of that capacity and love last summer when they had the Baha’i Revival and the Army of Light visited Lake City. Asa result of these

National Teacher Training Center Programs

These programs equip and empower individuals to serve their communities as Teacher Trainers, Parent Facilitators, or Race Unity ‘Trainers under the guidance of their Local Spiritual Assembly. Teacher and Race Unity Trainer workshops require a commitment to attend two weekend sessions. At this time, Parent Facilitator Workshops only require a one weekend commitment.

October 25-28 cont’d February 7-9, 1997: Core Curriculum Teacher ‘Trainer Workshop

September 20-23 cont’d December 6-8: Core Curriculum Race Unity ‘Trainer Workshop

July 12-17 and October 25-28: Core Curriculum Parent Facilitator Workshop

visits they had eleven declarations!

During the Fall months, consolidation activities and prayers continued. Then came the Fast and the Louis G. Gregory /Magdalene Carney Teaching Initiative.

During the month of March, which includes the special spiritual potency of the Fast, Lake City (about 25 miles from LGBI) was the target of intense teaching and consolidation. Daily, teachers left Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute (LGBI) to participate in a variety of activities aimed at finding receptive souls and building a base of believers to ensure the election of a strong Local Spiritual Assembly in Lake City at Ridvan 153 B.E.

A number of components of this faction of the Louis G. Gregory/ Magdeline Carney Teaching Initiatives, dedicated to the memory of Betsy Haynes, have positively contributed to its many fruits. The objectives/ goals were chosen after consultation with the Auxiliary Board Members, LGBI, a local believer of Lake City, and the South Carolina Baha’f Coordinating Committee (SCBCC). Requests for participation in the teaching work were handled by LGBI and the SCB CCand food, housing, transportation, and teacher training were provided by LGBI. Literature and teaching materials were provided by LGBI and the SCBCC and special arrangements and events were provided, such as sound systems, facility costs, food, advertisements, Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Gospel Choir and the Baha’i Youth Work

shop.

Attempts to focus on entire households were made.

One Baha’i was found “accidentally”

who had enrolled = approximately ten years ago. This led to the enrollment of his two brothers and mother. His father is also interested. A woman who studied the Faith fifteen years ago, who, in all probability had enrolled in the Faith then, since she was getting The American Bahd't, has now embraced the Faith with a deeper understanding. Her teenage daughter has enrolled and is involved in activities in the area.

Receipt of The American Baha'i was key in finding the friends. One of the newly enrolled brothers eagerly embraced the teachers because he had been reading his brother’s copies of The American Baha'i!

Consolidation programs have been ongoing. A deepening by the Auxiliary Board Member on the power of prayer was held and the Feast of Baha was a special celebration with Counsellor ‘Tod Ewing and over 30 people present. Three-quarters of the attendees were from Lake City.

One of the youth from Lake City was recently able to attend a Children’s Leadership Weekend program at LGBI. The mother reports that the youth’s work at school has improved since he has begun to memorize prayers, as has his overall behavior.

An Open Letter from the Wilmette Institute

Dear Friends, A major focus of the Four Year Plan is rapid acceleration of entry by troops. Local Baha’i communities will undertake the lion’s share of this task. In order to achieve this goal we need to increase our knowledge and master the skills necessary for more effective teaching, deepening and consolidation work. In other words we have to transform our community into a learning community. A requirement for such a transformation is the availability of qualified resource persons at the local level to render the needed

Weekly deepenings are being taught by the staff of LGBI, youth service corps volunteers, and the Auxiliary Board Member’s assistant for Lake City. LGBland a local believer transported 17new believers and seekers to the Naw-Ruz celebration at LGBI. Seven new believers attended the Youth Leadership Weekend at LGBI the second weekend of April.

There were twenty new declarants during the Fast, including six adults, five youth, and nine children. Allnew declarants have been revisited at least twice and the parents of children have been visited and given information about the Faith, resulting in permission for enrollment being granted.

Josephine McFadden continues to be at the helm of the activities in Lake City. She greets the teachers daily in her home; assigns areas for teaching, receives reports and monitors follow-up. Her radiant, sacrificial spirit spurs to action all who cross her path.

Lake City continues to grow. Workers for the Cause are coming forth. Support from the Institution of the Learned, the SCBCC, LGBI and Radio Bahd’f will continue as long as needed.

assistance for such activities. Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization program is specifically designed and implemented to help meet this demand.

Local Spiritual Assemblies may facilitate and enhance this process of transformation by identifying and encouraging individuals from their own locality to enroll in this program. Or, since some of the qualified and enthusiastic candidates cannot afford to meet the full cost of participation in this program, Local Assemblies may set up special scholarships to provide financial aid and invite the friends to make contributions for that purpose. Those participating in the Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization program, in turn, will be able to share what they learn in this program with their fellow believers by initiating local learning centers or teaching institutes, conducting deepening and training programs, assisting in teaching activities, and serving as the local resource person for the activities aimed at acceleration of entry by troops.

The time is short and the desired transformation needs time to come to full fruition. This open letter is an invitation to Local Assemblies to join with the Wilmette Institute to assist in the full achievement of the goal of the Four Year Plan.

We are still accepting applications to begin this program with the July residential session to be held in Wilmette July 7th through August 3rd. Scholars and instructors from around the world will come to Wilmette to provide classroom instruction and lectures aimed at educating the friends in comparative religions, philosophy, and Baha'i theology, as well as skills development aimed at preparing teachers of the Cause. If you or someone in your community is interested in beginning the program in July, please contact the Wilmette Institute registrar as soon as possible. We will also accept applications to begin the program with the home study beginning in September.

We stand ready to render our full assistance in the creation of a network of Baha’f learning centers throughout our community and look forward to hearing from you. Wilmette Institute, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091-1811, phone: 847/733-3592,

fax: 847/733-3502, email:

[Page 26]MINISTRATIO

Tue American BAHA'I 26

REDISTRICTING

Questions and answers for the Baha'i community

How many believers will be in each new electoral unit?

Under the old boundary lines the number of adult believers varied from a low of 76 to a high of 674. On the new map the electoral units are modified to a 25 percent variance from the mean population of 330 adults with known addresses. According to current figures the electoral units vary from 253 to 413 with the exception of San Diego which has a Baha'i population of 490. No city is divided into smaller electoral units. San Diego does not have enough believers to merit two delegates while its population was over the anticipated variance of 25 percent for one delegate.

¢ Will our electoral unit elect multiple delegates as we did in the past?

Probably not. All multiple-delegate units have been eliminated with the exception of New York City (which will now have two delegates) and Los Angeles (which will have four). This is in keeping with the guidelines from the Universal House of Justice that electoral units should be divided “in such a wa’ that each unit will be responsible for electing preferably one delegate only.” Unless you live in New York City or Los Angeles, your Unit Convention in October will elect only one delegate. For instance, under the old boundaries there were 10 Conventions that elected a total of 26 delegates. This inequity has been addressed.

¢ What will be the size of the new electoral units?

Previous maps took into account state lines for the most part to determine boundaries. Often, the electoral units mirrored the former District Teaching Committee areas. The current map does not take into account state lines except where those lines form a natural boundary. In some instances, the sizes of the electoral units are the size of cities, whereas in other, more sparsely populated areas, electoral units can cover parts of several states, thus allowing a fairer representation.

You may have noticed that the term Unit Conventions has replaced the term District Conventions in this information. In the past, the boundaries of electoral units were based loosely on the District Teaching Committee boundary lines, and before that, state lines were used to form state Conventions. The term Unit Convention is also used in the 1985 letter from the Universal House of Justice that addresses the Baha'i electoral process. The term Unit Convention will more adequately reflect the basis for the current electoral unit boundaries.

¢ I live in Kansas City, Missouri. Only a street divides our city from Kansas City, Kansas. Why can't we have a Unit Convention together?

One of the most exciting aspects of the newly redrawn map is that now, you and other communities like yours will have your Unit Convention together.

The Redistricting Task Force took into account topography, highways, geographic affinity and population clusters as much as possible. This led to more contiguous units that will allow the friends to foster, in the words of the Universal House of Justice, “greater efficiency and enhanced harmony.” Although the changes aren't perfect, they are a vast improvement over years past. Several communities living in close proximity to each other will have Unit Conventions together this year.

¢ Lam used to having my Unit Convention with the friends in my old electoral unit. I don’t reall know anyone in the new electoral district. How will I know for whom to vote?

Believers voting ata Unit Convention should consider the same qualities that one considers in voting in any Baha'i election: “The electors...must prayerfully and devotedly and after meditation and reflection elect faithful, sincere, experienced, capable and competent souls who are worthy of membership.” (Shoghi Effendi, in a letter dated February 27, 1923) The electors are further enjoined to “consider, without the least trace of passion or prejudice, and irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only those who can best combine the necessary qualities of unquestioned loyalty, of selfless devotion, of a well-trained mind, o! recom’ ability and mature experience.” (Shoghi Effendi, in a letter dated January 30, 1923) An individual should vote for the Baha'i whom they do know who best represents these qualities.

¢ Ilive in a state where there aren't many Bahd ‘is. Now my electoral unit is so large. I know it’s because the Bahai population here is sparse, but the problem is, how will we be able to find a central location in which to hold the Unit Convention?

In a few instances the National Spiritual Assembly has authorized the use of sub-units, especially in sparsely populated areas in which traveling distances are great. These sub-units are an option set forth in the Universal House of Justice's letter of July 21, 1985. Depending on the electoral unit's population, two or more sub-units of the Unit Convention may be planned by the host Spiritual Assemblies and the Conventions Office in the Secretariat. The votes from each sub-unit will be combined to elect one delegate for the entire electoral unit. The introduction of sub-units will allow for decreased travelin distances in these larger areas. Hopefully, this wi stimulate greater activity, encouraging the friends who otherwise would not be able to attend the Unit Convention to meet in smaller groups. The National Spiritual Assembly has approved the use of sub-units in only a handful of selected electoral units. The Conventions Office will notify those host Assemblies who can consider using sub-units. Ideally, these subunit conventions would be held on the same day so that voting results could be forwarded to one location and tallied; then, run-off election(s) could be held if necessary.

Florida school principal becomes firm ‘friend of Faith’ after performance by S. Florida Baha’i Youth Workshop

You can count Carol S. Blacharski as a friend of the Faith. All because of the South Florida Baha'i Youth Workshop.

Ms. Blacharski, principal of Carver Middle School in Delray Beach, Florida, saw a performance at her school by the Workshop. Afterward, she wrote this letter to its members:

“Dear Baha'i performers:

“Thank you so very much for your ins} powerful presentation to our student bi may 27, 1996.

“Thave been an educator for 28 years, and the performance your group gave was surely among the most outstanding and inspirational that I have ever experienced. Every single student, teacher and guest at this school was mesmerized by the performance and by the message that you so skillfully interpreted

ired and ly on Feb through dance.

“T do hope that you will continue to perform at schools, for the children at every school will have a real chance to understand how important it is for each of us to believe that we really are all members of the human race, and that each of us has a responsibility to begin to personally live the ‘dream’ that Dr. Martin Luther King stated so eloquently.

“Please use me and Carver Middle School as a reference for other schools. If [can do a little bit to help our world, then I believe it may be because I help to bring your message to others.

“Thank you again for your outstanding performance at Carver Middle School. You touched our hearts. You touched our souls. We have the chance to be better people because of your efforts.”

How will the new boundary lines affect large

Bahd’i locales like Los Angeles and New York?

In a continuation from other redistricting plans, no current city boundaries are divided into separate electoral units when Baha'i population counts indicate the need to elect more than one delegate. Los Angeles is still one unit but will elect four delegates; New York City has been reapportioned with two delegates. Westchester County, New York (which previously was grouped with New York City) will Join a neighboring electoral unit.

¢ What is being done to prepare the American Baha'i community for these significant changes?

The information disseminated in this issue of The American Baha'i (and the issue of April 9) is part of the over-all plan to inform and educate the community about these changes. The National Spiritual Assembly hopes that the Continental Board of Counselors and their Auxiliary Boards will help educate the friends about these changes in the electoral process. The host Spiritual Assemblies will also respond to inquiries from the friends. To help make their task possible, the host Assemblies will receive detailed information on their electoral unit maps, a written description of the new electoral area, a list of the communities, and a new Unit Convention Planning, Guide as some of the tools provided by the Conventions Office at the Baha'i National Center. The Department of Management Information Services has developed a software program to place the individual believer's electoral unit number on the address label of The American Baha'i, starting with this issue. Ballots mailed to Unit Conventions will include information on the new electoral units.

° Why wasn't redistricting carried out on a more regular basis in the past?

The task is enormous, and with the limited human resources at the Baha’ National Center, only partial redistricting was accomplished over the years. However, dramatic improvements in computer technology greatly enhanced our ability to compile the data necessary to recommend an allencompassing plan which was approved by the National Spiritual Assembly. Even with the advances in technology, many human resources were needed to bring such a large task to fruition.

What if I have suggestions about where boundary lines could best be drawn in the future?

Any man-made plan can be improved. Unfortunately, it is not feasible to make any changes in the redistricting plan for this year's Unit Conventions. If you have suggestions for future redistricting, please forward them to your host local Spiritual Assembly or Unit Convention planning team. They will be asked for their input in post-Convention reports. These Spiritual Assemblies will compile the suggestions and forward them to the National Spiritual Assembly. You may also submit suggestions directly in writing to the Conventions Office at the Baha'f National Center. The information will be compiled and analyzed prior to the next reapportionment.

How can I find out who will be the host local

Spiritual Assembly for my electoral unit?

Watch for details in an UPCOMUnE, issue of The American Baha'i. We hope to list the apppointments of host Assemblies in the paper sometime early this summer.

How can I find out which electoral unit I’m in?

The easiest way is simply to turn to the back page of this issue of The American Bahd’iand look on your address label for an alpha-numeric code five digits long. The letters “EU” stand for “Electoral Unit.” EU is followed by three numbers, the numbers of your new electoral unit. For example, “EU004” is Electoral Unit 4, and so on. For a complete description of your electoral unit, see the list in the April 9 issue of The American Baha'ti—and look in future issues for a complete listing of host Spiritual Assemblies and a contact number for more information about your new electoral unit and its Convention.

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[Page 31]“AzamAt B.E. 153 ¢ May 17, 1996

31

IN MEMORIAM

Consuls General attend Holy Day in Los Angeles

Lua Harmsen

Five-year-old Pennsylvania Baha’i plans Ayyam-i-Ha observance for classmates

If you need an example of promoting entry by troops, ask a child. Particularly five-year-old Lua Harmsen of Monroeville, Pennsylvania.

Lua planned to give her teacher an Ayyam-i-Ha present of cookies and a colored sand jar, both of which she had made the night before with the help of grownups at her community Ayyami-HA party.

But in the morning she was inspired to give every one of her classmates a present too. So she searched the house for 23 small toys and attached to them a card with ribbons left over from the cookie project.

The card read: “Happy Ayyam-i-Ha. February 26 through March 1 all over the world Baha‘is celebrate Ayyém-iHA as a festival of generc tality and service. Please accept this gift from Lua.” A quotation from Baha’u’llah also was included.

That afternoon, on the way to her kindergarten class, Lua’s beautiful sand jar slipped out of her hands and shattered into thousands of pieces of glass and a rainbow of colored sand on the floor of the school hallway.

After conquering her tears and overcoming her disappointment, Lua proceeded to class. She gave her music teacher the Red Grammer tape her mom, Rhea, had sent in as a gift to the schoel Bas the principal a pound cake and cookies, and, during “show and tell,” told her classmates about Ayyém-i-Ha (with mom’s help) and handed out her presen|

The teacher told the children to leave the tag on the presents so their parents could read it when they got home! Lua then gave her teacher the cookies—and a pound cake, as substitute for the sand

jar.

Lua’s last mission that day was to

ride the bus home and give her bus driver and best friend, Pat, a pound cake. But she forgot she had that pound cake in her backpack. So before she left school she ingeniously “borrowed” back her teacher’s pound cake, promising to bring another one the next day, and gave it to Pat on the bus.

All in all, through Lua’s “unrestrained as the wind” actions, 30 people heard the name Baha'i that day. It took generosity, work, fortitude in overcoming adversity, and a quirky bit of ingenuity.

No doubt Bahda’‘i children all over America have similar stories to tell that combine the beauty of their favorite holiday with the joy of giving the greatest gift of all, the name of Baha’u’llah!

On the evening of Saturday, November 11, the Baha’f community of Los Angeles hosted a celebration with a very special event for the anniversary of the Birth of Bahd’u’ll4h. Consuls General and their wives from several Latin American countries attended a dinner at the home of the Eghrari family.

The event was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Los Angeles, and was planned in detail by Vahid and Lourdes Saniei, members of the Latino Teaching Committee, together with Armando Alzamora, director of El Ruisefior/The Nightingale.

Auxiliary Board member Angelica Huerta, as well as Alejandro Jarquin and Tulio Gonzalez, offered their valuable assistance as coordinators.

Mrs. Eghrari, who generously offered her home and provided the dinner, welcomed the Consuls of Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Chile, as well as representatives from the Consulates of Honduras and Spain.

The event begin with appetizers and presentations. Shortly thereafter, a short program began with master of ceremonies Fernando Schiantarelli, who explained the purpose of the event and gave a brief introduction to the Faith, focusing on its administration. Lois Willows, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, cordially welcomed the guests.

Entertainment was provided by guitarist Thomas Valle and K.C. Porter with Lin Cheng, a concert violinist from China, each of whom received warm applause.

Counselor Arturo Serrano, visiting

“..we urge you, with all earnestness from the utter depths of our conviction as to the ripeness of the time, to lay aside your every minor concern and direct your energies to teaching His Cause—to proclaiming, expanding and consolidating it.”—The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 1988

from Mexico, gave a short talk on the importance of the Latin American communities of California. He said the destiny of California is in the hand of the Latinos.

He also referred to the Baha’i Writings that speak about the destiny of America, focusing on the principle of one world and one unified community, and discussed the importance of social and economic development projects.

Gloria Haithman-Ali, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, thanked the Consuls for their presence and presented to each copies of “The Promise of World Peace” and a rose as a token of friendship. She indicated the desire to continue a long and fruitful relationship.

The visitors expressed their pleasure

Development

Continued from Page 22

social ties across ethnic and economic boundaries; it's a project of the Baha'i community because we believe that we can overcome racism only by providing a model of deep ties of social and personal interracial intimacy.”

It's not quite the same, is it? This is difficult. But we are not going to lead humanity toward where Baha'u'llah wants it unless we do what He tells us to do.

When we obey the injunctions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahaé and Shoghi Effendi about the ways in which to overcome racism, we are leading a process of social evolution. That means we cannot know where we are going because no one has been there before.

But we don't have to be anxious about this because we do know what to do—the evolutionary, transforming force comes from putting into effect the teachings of Baha'u'llah.

We know these teachings. We know these principles and concepts and virtues that we must apply to cause social progress. We have studied them, thought about them, even memorized them. Making them real in the world is the next logical step, and we can do it.

Next: How to start Baha'i development activities.

and enjoyment. During dinner it was possible to converse with the guests, who voiced a desire to help each other in service to the Latin American community in its social development.

The most important commentaries by the Consuls concerned the education of children, the development of family life, sources of communication for the community in general, and medical assistance.

Undoubtedly they are ready to work closely with the Baha’i community. It the hope of the Latino Teaching Committee that future programs of social development can be undertaken with more frequency and, in doing so, be able to offer the Baha’f Faith as a solution for the problems that society faces today.

May E. Frisbie, a Baha’ for nearly half century, died March 16 in North Adams, Massachusetts. She was 102 years old. Mrs. Frisbie, who heard of

the Fait! 1942 while ig her brother in Wilmette, Illinois, became a Bahdii in 1946, and later moved to Bradenton, Florida, where she served for many years as a member of the local Spiritual Assembly. After moving to Massachusetts at age 91 to be with her daughter and sot -law, she sought out area Bah promoted the Faith in the local newspaper, and held firesides, Feasts and Holy Day observances in her apartment for several years until confined toa nursing home.

IN MEMORIAM

Gustave Aberman Cathedral City, CA March 24, 1996

Frank Allen Rochester, NH August 17, 1995 Juanita Barnett Louisville, KY March 11, 1996

Rodney Belcher Kampala, Uganda March 10, 1996

Eileen Bookey Bellingham, WA February 27, 1996 Michael Covey Independence, MO March 1996

Jessie B. Davis

Adrian, MI March 19, 1996

Gloria D. Desotell Springfield, MA February 26, 1996 May E. Frisbie North Adams, MA March 16, 1996

Amir Ghazanfari Columbia, MD February 18, 1996 Leticia Gonzales Bay City, MI April 9, 1996 William Graham Chico, CA February 22, 1996 Patricia Harris Clarkdale, AZ March 30, 1996

Lucinda Hyder Vicksburg, MS February 1996

Charles A. Jones Laplace, LA January 11, 1996

Yvonne Jordan Seminole, OK March 22, 1996

Elizabeth Kappus Burt, NY December 16, 1995

Freydoun Labib Colorado Springs, CO April 1, 1996 Hildegarde Lewis Wauwatosa, WI March 20, 1996

Jalil Mahmoudi Santa Monica, CA March 8, 1996

Michael Maloney Great Falls, MT March 4, 1996

Mahin Melany Bethesda, MD October 4, 1995

Walter Mitzel Jr. York, PA

April 5, 1996 Kenneth Myers Eureka, CA February 9, 1996 John A. Reese Long Beach, CA November 1995

Mohtaram Rezvanipour Los Angeles, CA December 27, 1995

Romina Sahand Columbia, MD March 14, 1996

Albert Saunders Berkeley Springs, WV January 20, 1996

Iraj Sedighian Santa Monica, CA April 11, 1996 Fanaollah Sobhani New York, NY February 27, 1996

John B. Taylor Salem, VA March 19, 1996

Carram Tedrick Great Falls, MT March 1996

Houshang Vahid-Ekbatani Mission Viejo, CA

July 19, 1995

Donald Washburn

Great Barrington, MA March 15, 1996

Beauris Whitehead Jr. New York, NY March 18, 1996

[Page 32]

at kearning the knowledge God exalted he

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The Baha'is of Manatee County, Florida, won a first-place ribbon for their exhibit in January's annual Manatee County Fair whose theme was ‘A Rainbow of Riches.’ The Baha'is of Manatee County have taken part in the event for the past 27 years, during which time they have won six blue ribbons (first prize), five red ribbons (second prize), two white ribbons (third prize) and one yellow ribbon (honorable mention). This year's exhibit was designed by Robert McComb.

‘To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The send all family members’ names, new address and Management Information Services, Bahs {National Center, 1233, Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. If acquiring a Post Office ‘box, your residence address (c) must be filled in. Please allow 3 weeks for processing. (This also updates National's data base.)

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

A. NAME(S):

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2 | 1D Title 1?

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[ [we donot have the same last name. [J the lst names and addrestes on our | [—] Ourhouscholdreceivesonlyonecopy |

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Tue AMERICAN BAHA'I 32

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY

23-26: Sixth annual conference of the Friends of Persian Culture Association, North Shore Hilton Hotel, Skokie, Illinois. For information, phone 847-733-3526, 847-733-3528, or 847-733-3531

24-26: 23rd annual Conference of Nur, Elizabethtown (Pennsylvania) College. Sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg. Theme: “To Assist Me Is to Teach My Cause.” Registration limited to 420. For information, phone 717-6653265 after 5 p.m. Eastern time.

24-26: Local Spiritual Assembly Development Weekend, Louhelen Bahd’t School. For information, phone 810-653-5033, fax 810-653-7181, or e-mail

24-27: Pioneer/SITA Institute, Baha’{ National Center, Evanston, Illinois.

24-27: Core Curriculum Training Weekend, Louhelen Baha’{ School. For information, phone, fax or e-mail as listed above.

24-27: 10th annual Marriage Enrichment Weekend, Bosch Baha’{ School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or

24-27: “Wings of the Eagle,” Gender Equality Conference, Louisville, Kentucky. Speakers to include Juana Conrad, Fafar and Jack Guillebeaux, Hoda Mahmoudi, Billie Mayo, Rebecca Murphy, Joyce Olinga, Michael Penn, Mary K. Radpour and others. For information, phone Nancy Ordaz, 502-241-8790.

24-28: Baha’f Youth Service Corps Training Institute, Baha’f National Center, Evanston, Illinois.

orum, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

‘eta Canyon Memorial Weekend Baha’f School, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Amarillo, Texas. For information, phone Pat Klem, registrar, 806-359-6505.

30-June 14: Volunteers are needed for NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) Forum paralleling the UN Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in Istanbul, Turkey. F information, phone the Baha’{ Office of Pioneering, 847-733-3512.

31-June 2: Symposium for Health Professionals, Louhelen Baha’f School. For information, phone 810-653-5033, fax 810-653-7181, or e-mail

31-June 2: Southeast Asian Helpers Roundtable Discussion Conference; also, Core Curriculum Teacher Training Session (Part 2), Bosch Baha’‘f School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

JUNE

1-3: South Carolina Baha’{ Summer School, Louis G. Gregory Baha’{ Institute, Hemingway. For information, phone 803-558-5093 or fax 803-558-2921.

6-9: International conference, Women and the Welfare of Humanity, Landegg, y, Wienacht, Switzerland. ‘nial History Conference, sponsored by the Institute for Baha'i ies, Baha’{ National Center, Evanston, Illinois. For special conference rates, phone the North Shore Hilton Hotel (847-679-7000). For conference information, phone Lynne Yancy, 847-733-3548, fax 847-733-3563, or e-mail

de:

Assembly Team Development Weekend, Bosch Bahd’{ School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

13-16: Personal Development Training Course, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

14-16: Special Fund-Raising Weekend and Grand Opening of New Class rooms, Bosch Baha’ School. Special guest: Olya Roohizadegan, plus many musical performers. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or email

14-16: Hemlock Haven Baha’ School, Marion, Virginia. Theme: “Opening the Door of the Kingdom of God to All People.” Concurrent Youth Retreat. For information, contact Sarah Jane Lee, P.O. Box 2156, Lebanon, VA 24266 (phone 540-889-0445), or phone Clint Dye, 540-873-6754.

20-23: Study course, Christianity and the Baha’{ Faith, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

22: South Carolina Baha'i Association of Educators’ Conference, University of South Carolina, Gambrell Hall. For information, write to Dr. Julian Daniels,

Waterloo, SC 29384, or phone 803-677-3833. Choral Camp with Tom Price, Victor Wong and Jamie Findlay, Bosch hook For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

Bi

27-30: Education Forum, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

JULY

1-27: World Order Studies, a three-year certificate program, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

4-7: Bellemont Baha'i School, near Flagstaff, Arizona, sponsored by the Spiritual Assemblies of Flagstaff and Coconino County t. Theme: “The Four Year Plan: The Most Important Years of Your Life.” Registrar: Ellen Stone, P.O. Box 2533, Flagstaff, AZ 86003 (phone 520-526-5979).

6-11: Youth on the March: Preparation for Summer Teaching Projects, Bosch Baha’f School. For information, phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

13-18: General Session, Bosch Bahd’f School. The Kitab-i-fqin with Brent Poirier, The LSA: Channel of God’s Grace with David Rouleau, and Teaching the Faith Through Tapestry with Vicki Hu Poirer. For information, phone 408423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

20-25: General Session, Bosch Bahd’f School. Race: Examining Myths of Tradition with James F. Nelson, Creating and Sustaining Unity in the Urban Community with Gloria Haithman-Ali, and The Covenant with Derek Cockshut. Also, College Intensive Session with Sean Lurie. For information, phone 408423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, or e-mail

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