The American Bahá’í/Volume 27/Issue 8/Text

←Previous

The American Bahá’í Volume 27, Issue 8

Next→

Return to PDF view Proofread once

[Page 1]

Brazilian Chamber honors Faith, Amatu’l-Bahá

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

It is with feelings of deep gratitude to Bahá’u’lláh that we share with the Bahá’í world the news of an historic event which has just transpired in Brazil.

As representative of the Bahá’í World Center, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum attended, as honored guest, a special session of the Brazilian Federal Chamber of Deputies called for the purpose of marking the 75th anniversary of the introduction of the Bahá’í Faith into that country.

Glowing tribute was paid to the life and work of Amatu’l-Bahá herself, as a defender of the cause of world peace and unity, an advocate of the interests of indigenous peoples, and a promoter of the social development of the earth's inhabitants and the safeguarding of the environment.

The session was attended by 90 Federal Deputies and was reported by both the press and the broadcast media. The addresses of the 14 Deputies who spoke included many appreciations of both the principles of the Faith and the benefits that their application has already brought to many localities in the country.

Highly gratifying, too, was the recognition expressed of the role of Leonora Holsapple Armstrong, the Bahá’í pioneer through whose sacrificial efforts the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh was established in Brazil.

Bahá’ís present were deeply touched when, at the invitation of the Deputy who had been asked by the Speaker to close the session with a Bahá’í prayer for unity, the entire company arose and stood in reverent silence as Bahá’u’lláh's words were recited.

The following day, Amatu’l-Bahá had a cordial meeting with President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Brazil's Head of State.

This momentous acknowledgment of the transforming power of the Faith, so generously expressed by the governing institution of one of the world's major nations, demonstrates both the caliber of the Brazilian believers and the growing receptivity of the world to the Message of the Cause.

FROM THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE August 22, 1996

Sister Institutes attract hundreds craving unity

By TOM MENNILLO

The power of cultural diversity to enrich our lives was reinforced for more than 500 people of all backgrounds who gathered in Houck, Arizona, at the Native American Bahá’í Institute's second annual pow-wow and in Hemingway, South Carolina, at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute's 11th annual Peace Fest.

Pow-wow spotlights indigenous culture

A wonderful mixture of people of all ages, social classes and ethnic backgrounds made the August 16-18 pow-wow at NABI a savory experience.

Attendees shared prayers, regional cuisine, and perspectives on healing and education. They even took to the pow-wow ground together for "intertribal" social dances.

Unity prayers in Persian, English, and Diné (Navajo) set the tone during Friday evening's Grand Entry of flags and dancers.

Later, the dancers came to the fore. Young and old, male and female, they...

Counselor Barnes boosts Peace Fest

Colors, artistry, faiths and food blended harmoniously to make the Sept. 13-15 Peace Fest a feast for the eyes, ears, heart and mind, and definitely the palate.

All of those elements were present Friday night at the reception honoring winners of the school essay contest and recipients of the Ambassador of Peace award.

Laurie Cohen, better known as "CJ the DJ" on WLGI Radio Bahá’í, presented a $50 check and a striking plaque to each of the three top essayists: fifth-grader Jeremy Britt, eighth-grader...

Messages charts progress of Cause during Third Epoch

The National Spiritual Assembly is pleased to announce the publication by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust of Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986: The Third Epoch of the Formative Age. The anticipated publication date is November 12.

Until November 1 the Publishing Trust is offering this title at a special pre-publication price.

The themes, significance, structure and other features of this important publication are summarized in the following excerpts from the foreword and a note from the compiler.

From the foreword: The continuation of divine guidance—the primary theme of this book—is a unique feature of the Bahá’í Faith....

Thus the fundamental purpose of...

Friends draw bead on Plan goals

This is the last in a series of articles by Associate Editor Tom Mennillo based on his recent 18-day, 8,000-mile cross-country fact-finding trip on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly during which he asked Bahá’ís in communities from coast to coast to express their hopes, cares and plans as the community enters the critical opening year of the Four Year Plan.

By TOM MENNILLO

In what activities must we—as individuals, communities and institutions—engage to get from where we are now to where we expect to be in four years?

The friends I met in June had many ideas, and already they had begun to act on them in inspiring ways—recognizing that everything they do in the months and years to come contributes to advancing the process of entry by troops.

I've aligned these activities to the six factors identified by the Universal House of Justice as essential to promoting entry by troops.

They are: strengthening Spiritual Assemblies; efficient administration and prompt consolidation; strategic, flexible teaching plans; reaching people of capacity; relating the Faith to contemporary social and humanitarian issues; and goal-directed behavior.

Strengthening Assemblies

Shoghi Effendi wrote that the machinery of the Administrative Order was erected to accelerate the "process of individual conversion." Similarly, the Universal House of Justice has linked the Faith's ability to deal with entry by troops to the development and strengthening of local Assemblies. [Page 2]

‘Abdu’l-Bahá on teaching the Cause of God

The following discourse on teaching by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is reprinted from Star of the West, Vol. III, No. 19 (March 2, 1913).

On teaching

Surely it will require great wisdom to bring this Truth before the world; but we are assured constantly that to him who endeavors to teach for the sake of God only—wisdom will be given in sufficient measure by the Holy Spirit.

The teacher should teach as offering a gift to a king, humbly and submissively, not with force of insistence, imperiously—that is, strenuously—but with gentleness and sweetness: submitting the argument and truth to the heart and intellect of the hearer as the servant of God, and therefore His servant—taking care at all times to adapt the offered food to the condition and station of the listener, giving milk for babes and meat for those grown stronger.

This food is to be offered for the sake of God only, not for the hearer's sake, not for the benefit of your self, but simply because God wishes His Manifestation to become known and to become loved by those who come to know Him.

If one teaches one whom he loves because of his love for him—then he will not teach one whom he loves not; and that is not of God. If one teaches in order to derive the promised benefit to himself, this too is not from God. If he teaches because of God's Will that God may be known—and for that reason only—he will receive knowledge and wisdom, and his words will have effect—being made powerful by the Holy Spirit, and will take root in the souls of those who are in the right condition to receive them. In such a case the benefit to the teacher in growth is as ninety percent compared to the ten percent of gain to the hearer, because he becomes like a tree bearing fruit through the power of God.

We are urgently instructed that the only real way to attain growth in the knowledge of the Truth of God is not by hearing but by doing; by being alive with the fire of the love of God and imparting as best we can to others the Tidings of the coming of the Kingdom. This is the day of teaching. We are all commanded to teach, but only in the way and for the purpose above named.

It is plain that this means entire self-abnegation, cutting the self from the world, abandoning all else save God and His Will, and in all humbleness doing His service for His sake only.

We are taught that if we offer the Truth of these teachings to any one, and they are refused, we must not be at all anxious, but leave them to themselves and pray for them. We must use such wisdom as we have in presenting—but at no moment must we have anxiety for that person, but only for the spreading of the Truth of God; because at this time He (God) desires to be known.

Steffes Council holds Honor Event

The Bahá’í Marian Steffes Council held its annual Honor Event on April 20, this year honoring all of the American Indian organizations in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area by presenting them with Community Service Awards.

In turn, the Steffes Council was given a Certificate of Achievement by the Oneida Nation in recognition of its efforts to honor all American Indian organizations, schools, churches and groups.

During the Honor Event, each group was given time to tell everyone about its programs and what it is doing for the Indian people. The event was informative, and many new friends were made.

HUQUQU’LLÁH

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

Dr. Elsie Austin, 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, Unit 612, Silver Spring, MD 20901 (phone 301-589-8481).

Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449).

Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333-1506).

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

Charlotte youth conference, Week of Teaching invigorate NC community, lead to 27 enrollments

Charlotte, North Carolina, is much richer as a result of the Charlotte Bahá’í Youth Conference and Week of Teaching held from July 12-19.

Twenty-seven people including three members of visiting Bahá’í Youth Workshops declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh during the week. Hundreds more residents benefited from programs and performances sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Charlotte.

The three-day conference featured several workshops: "We Are One" (Hoda Hosseini); "The Four Year Plan" (Counselor Tod Ewing and Auxiliary Board member Jean Scales); "The Most Challenging Issue" (Bob James and Chuck Egerton); "Heroes and Heroines" (Mehrdad Badiian); "Christian Topics" (Bruce Barker); "Year of Service" (Noah Bartolucci); "Spiritual Warriorhood" (Sophie Berhane); "Music in Worship" (Eric Dozier); and "Entry by Troops" (Phillip White).

Talks by Counselor Ewing, Mr. Dozier and Artemus Stover highlighted the evenings.

Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, sent a video postcard to the conference featuring youth at the Bahá’í House of Worship. Special to Charlotte residents was a segment with their own Charla Edmonstone.

Performances included those by the Bahá’í Youth Workshops; the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Gospel Choir; dancer Andy Edmonstone; singers Mary Davis, Chris and Lynn Rosser, Amy and Leanna Rosser, and the Singing Pellegrinos; a dialogue with Andy Edmonstone and Denise Humphries; the Word, a children's gospel choir; and Dell Campbell.

Following the conference, the Charlotte Bahá’í Youth Workshop, led by coordinators David and Kereshmeh Henderson, organized several days of teaching.

Bahá’í Youth Workshops from Charlotte, Indiana, Florida and Ohio performed at Founder's Hall, the First Union Atrium, Outlet Marketplace, City Fair, Hope Haven, Selwyn Life Center, Belmont Community Center, the Uptown Shelter and the Amy James Community Center.

Service projects were carried out at Crisis Assistance Ministry, Regal Heights, the Cresdale Community in Matthews, the Metrolina Food Bank and Helton Manor.

The youth seemed to be everywhere performing, serving and teaching.

A grand proclamation on July 19 ended the week of teaching, with Workshops performing their best routines. The Charlotte Assembly thanked the participants and gave each a certificate as he or she came up on stage and stated name and hometown.

The 24 residents of Charlotte who declared during the week included seven at the Uptown Shelter. One of the new believers saw a Workshop come into his grocery store and declared, saying he had been waiting since 1974 to see the Bahá’ís again!

The Spiritual Assembly of Charlotte joyfully enrolled the declarants at its July 24 meeting.

Charlotte already had been blessed with more than two dozen declarations since last December, mostly from Spanish-speaking area residents.

Two more Spanish-speakers declared on July 7 after they arrived at the home of Mehrdad Badiian with two new believers to find out for themselves about their friends' religion.

And on July 23, three more people declared their belief, including two originally from Zaire.

Wilmette Institute set to begin second year of Spiritual Foundations teacher-training program

The Wilmette Institute will begin next May the second year of its four-year program, Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization, designed to raise up a new generation of deepened and articulate teachers of the Faith.

Each year's program is self-contained, so students can enroll in any given year. The second year's program will be devoted to "the individual and the family."

Each program consists of preparatory home-study reading assignments in May and a three-week residential session in Evanston, Illinois, during the summer followed by nine months of home study.

Completed applications, with letters of recommendation, are due by next February 1. To receive an application packet, contact the Wilmette Institute, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091-1811 (phone 847-733-3591; fax 847-733-3502). [Page 3]

Friends

The Supreme Body says Assemblies will function properly when the members know their duties and conduct themselves according to principle in their personal and official lives. If they do that, Assemblies will gain the love and support of the friends and attract the "increasingly disillusioned members of society."

The friends with whom I met listed a number of elements as critical to the strengthening of Assemblies. Among them:

• That a balance be achieved in meeting the local, national and international needs of the Faith. This will give institutions at every level the material resources they need to meet challenges and take advantage of opportunities. Communities in which Bahá’ís have contributed sacrificially to the Arc Projects say they have an especially clear vision that what once was labeled impossible is now within reach.

• That mature Assemblies involve themselves more and more in raising new Assemblies and in training newly functioning Assemblies. The need is especially strong in South Carolina, and the Assembly in Florence has made that a priority.

• That Assemblies learn to blend the various leadership styles and skills of their members. Retreats have been used effectively by Assemblies in the Washington, D.C., area to examine how they function, study the Four Year Plan, and set goals.

• That community members gain a higher understanding of their responsibilities under the Covenant to instantly and completely obey the Assembly. A course on the Covenant is one of several four-week classes offered thus far as part of a training institute in Columbus, Ohio. Many communities also are enhancing their observances of the Day of the Covenant.

• That new capabilities be developed to administer the affairs of an ever larger, more diverse community of believers. The Assembly in Los Angeles is finding solutions in that regard from which all communities someday will benefit.

For example, the Assembly has a department devoted solely to helping the believers with personal problems. Staff and volunteers at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center also carry out administrative functions that would rival in complexity those of some National Assemblies.

That Assemblies increasingly tap the guidance and expertise of members of the Institution of the Learned. Bahá’ís in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, area were in an all-day session with two Auxiliary Board members when I arrived in that beautiful city. The session built on consultation between the Assemblies and the Learned by unleashing the energies of believers in line with local goals.

Lisa Shademan prepares to cut a surprise cake from the friends in Columbus, Ohio, welcoming the writer and his family back to the city where they declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

Administration/consolidation

This speaks directly to a community's teaching structure. When it is efficient, says the Universal House of Justice, "tasks are carried out with dispatch and in accordance with the administrative principles of our Faith."

That also means making consolidation an essential element of teaching and ensuring that it is "prompt, thorough and continuing," the Supreme Body says. The reward will be increased human and financial resources for the Faith.

• All Assemblies in the Denver, Colorado, metropolitan area collaborate fully on intercommunity projects and events. A vivid example was provided recently when help from all quarters made a classical concert sponsored by the Assembly in Littleton a teaching and Arc fund-raising success.

• In many areas, each Assembly spearheads at least one facet of community life, such as Holy Days and Bahá’í school classes.

• Intercommunity cooperation can extend to the unit level. Bahá’ís in Lincoln, Nebraska, planned a picnic to help everyone in a far-flung area get better acquainted and start thinking of ways to work together year-round in service to the Cause.

A spiritual practices class facilitated by an Auxiliary Board member has been embraced in South Carolina as a vital tool for the transformation of new and veteran believers alike.

Such training institutes across the country are beginning to put knowledge and skills in Bahá’ís' hands. Some are quite modest, with local believers conducting them in homes. Others draw speakers and students from long distances and use large facilities.

• Bahá’ís in the Columbus, Ohio, area have already completed two four-week training institutes and are gearing up for a third series of courses on such subjects as science and religion, progressive

Messages

the Universal House of Justice is to ensure the continuity of divine guidance that flows from the Source of the Faith, to safeguard the unity of its followers, and to maintain the integrity and flexibility of its teachings.

The Universal House of Justice proclaimed in a letter dated October 1963 that the Third Epoch of the Formative Age had begun. Outlining what would become the distinctive characteristics of the new epoch, it said the Bahá’í Faith "must now grow rapidly in size, increase its spiritual cohesion and executive ability, develop its institutions and extend its influence into all strata of society."

Moreover, "its members, must, by constant study of the life-giving Word, and by dedicated service, deepen in spiritual understanding and show to the world a mature, responsible, fundamentally assured and happy way of life, far removed from the passions, prejudices and distractions of present day society."

The nature of individual and community maturity for which the Universal House of Justice called is evident as one reads the book. Through the release of translations and compilations of Bahá’í writings and through a voluminous correspondence in which perplexing questions about various personal and social problems are discussed, the Universal House of Justice guides individuals and communities in their efforts to live a Bahá’í life. Matters of spiritual growth, sexual morality, relations between husband and wife, family life, prejudice, politics, possession of firearms, ranks and stations in the Faith, the tests of Bahá’í community life, and the suffering of humanity are a few of the topics of individual and community life that are addressed.

...[T]he study of the messages contained in this volume yields a treasure of insight, knowledge, and understanding of the principles guiding the unfoldment of the Bahá’í Faith and the efforts of the individuals and communities as they strive to adopt the pattern of life prescribed by Bahá’u’lláh. Moreover, the inclusion of virtually every major message of the Third Epoch enables one to survey significant developments in the organic growth of the Bahá’í world community, to follow its increasing maturity and acquisition of new powers and capacities, to perceive a continuity in its development, and to detect patterns in the interplay between the forces of light and darkness, between crisis and victory.

Individuals, communities, and institutions will find the book an important aid in making decisions as they apply themselves to meeting current challenges and will derive continual inspiration and encouragement from the majestic pronouncements, authoritative elucidations, and ennobling, luminous, and loving counsels of the Universal House of Justice.

The messages themselves are sufficient proof that the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh is unbroken, that the channel of divine guidance remains open, and that "the Day which shall not be followed by night" has at last dawned upon the world.—National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

From the compiler's note

[This book] brings under one cover 456 letters, cables, telexes, and electronic mail messages from the Universal House of Justice to Bahá’í institutions, to Bahá’ís gathered at special events, to individuals, or—in one case—to the peoples of the world. Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986 includes numerous features that have been introduced for the reader's convenience.

A table of epochs of the Heroic and Formative Ages of the Bahá’í Faith and a list of significant milestones, anniversaries, and events in the Third Epoch offer a brief overview of recent Bahá’í history.

Each message has been given a heading and assigned a number, and the paragraphs or other divisions of text within the messages have been numbered to facilitate reference. An extensive index is included, its locators corresponding to the numbering system used in the text.

...Because the compilation of messages covers almost a quarter of a century, footnotes have been added to explain historical details, allusions, technical terms, sources of most quotations, cross references to other messages on the same topic, and references to further details in the glossary or in other books....

A glossary has been included to give background information and define technical Bahá’í terms. A bibliography provides information about books and compilations referred to in the text and footnotes. [Page 4]

PIONEERING

Friends respond to Four Year Plan pioneer call, plan service

In response to the friends' dazzling record of international achievement in the Three Year Plan and to the critical needs of the Faith in these last four years of the century, the National Spiritual Assembly has adopted the Four Year Plan goal of dispatching 5,700 dedicated, well-prepared international pioneers and traveling teachers.

Already in the first four months of the Plan, a larger number of youth have arisen to give a period of full-time service to the Cause than in any such period in the Three Year Plan.

In May, 14 young people attended the first Pioneering/Bahá’í Youth Service Corps Institute of the Plan, while nearly 20 attended a second Institute in September on the threshold of departures to such far-off posts as Australia, Bolivia, Botswana, Colombia, Honduras, South Africa, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

More than 40 African-American believers recently enlisted as pioneers and traveling teachers to Africa in response to the call for service from the House of Justice. Several are already serving in Africa or planning to take advantage of winter vacation times to serve as traveling teachers there.

The work of the pioneer or traveling teacher encompasses such broad and fundamental goals as "...spreading the Message to the generality of mankind...." promoting "a significant advance in the process of entry by troops" and reinforcing "the cohorts of God in every land."

It includes a diversity of locally-needed lines of action such as deepening new believers, consolidating communities, helping local Spiritual Assemblies, teaching children and youth, becoming involved in projects of social and economic development, introducing the Faith to people of prominence, students and other receptive groups, promoting the development of teaching institutes and other centers of learning, and many more.

The urgency of the times requires us to be spiritually and materially prepared so that our efforts may bear fruit. Both the individual and the institutions have a vital role to play in this preparation.

Everyone who considers international service, whether it be short- or long-term pioneering, Bahá’í Youth Service Corps (BYSC) for youth 18-21 years old, or traveling teaching, is encouraged to follow the following steps in preparation for that service:

Contact your local Spiritual Assembly to consult with them. If you are an isolated believer or in a group, contact a nearby Assembly that knows you or the Auxiliary Board member in your area. Ask the Assembly to guide you in your spiritual and material preparation, to help you to gain insights which will aid your success in the international field, and to pray for you as you work toward fulfilling your desire to serve internationally. Ask the Assembly to send a summary of your consultation, with their recommendations, to the Office of Pioneering.

• Complete the appropriate Pioneer/BYSC Volunteer Form or Traveling Teaching Volunteer Form, available from the local Spiritual Assembly, and send it to the Office of Pioneering, including a current resumé, if possible.

• Assess your own experiences, inclinations and possibilities in light of your goal to serve the Cause internationally.

Consult with the Office of Pioneering staff about your service. Your volunteer form and the Assembly's summary will provide information that will enable us to consult on where your talents and capacities can best be used in service to the Cause. We may have information about jobs, educational and other opportunities, and can give you suggestions for visiting or settling in most countries of the world. We will help put you in touch with the appropriate institutions such as the Continental Pioneer Committee and/or Continental Board of Counselors responsible for your area(s) of interest, and ultimately introduce you to the appropriate National Spiritual Assembly(ies) to facilitate your plans for going abroad.

• Deepen on the writings, and read literature particularly pertinent to this service. A recommended reading list is available from the Office of Pioneering.

• Sign up to attend a Pioneering/ Bahá’í Youth Service Corps Institute, the dates of which are published regularly in The American Bahá’í.

• Continue to teach, serve, deepen and pray and live a Bahá’í life each day to build the spiritual habits necessary for success as a pioneer or traveling teacher.

The call has been raised, the tasks of the hour are clear, the steps toward this service laid out.

"...There are still vast areas of the world where no Bahá’ís have set foot. There are millions desperately thirsting for this Water of Life. There are countries where believers are laboring day and night to foster the growth of the tree of the Cause, and are in urgent need of reinforcements. It is our fervent prayer at the Sacred Threshold that stalwart, self-sacrificing friends will arise and that a wave of pioneers and traveling teachers will surge forth to raise the banner of the Cause and reinforce the cohorts of God in every land." (The Universal House of Justice, June 27, 1993)

Bahá’ís in North Port, Port Charlotte, Florida, proclaim equality of sexes at first Women's Expo in Punta Gorda

The Bahá’ís of North Port and Port Charlotte, Florida, proclaimed the equality of men and women along with other principles of the Faith this spring at the first Women's Expo in Punta Gorda.

An array of literature was displayed and given to interested persons at the Bahá’í table, and a video tape of the World Congress in New York City was shown repeatedly.

On the second day of the event, Bahá’í Mary Davis' song, "The Key to Peace," was played on the public address system, followed by an announcement about the Bahá’í table.

Bahá’ís were interviewed for an article in the local paper, the Port Charlotte Sun-Herald, which ended with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s quotation that men will not achieve "the greatness which might be theirs" if women cannot realize their fullest potential.

BOOKS AVAILABLE!

Now available: A Manual for Pioneers, an enlightening and light-hearted book written by the Hand of the Cause of God Rúhíy-yih Rabbani, for $5, and Quickeners of Mankind, the only compilation of the Bahá’í Writings on pioneering including the Writings of the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, the Universal House of Justice, Hands of the Cause of God, and Counselors, for $1.50. We encourage everyone to order these wonderful and informative publications by contacting the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 847-733-3508; fax 847-733-3509; e-mail ).

Foreign Service exam set for November 16

The Foreign Service exam is the first step in the process used by the federal government to select candidates for the U.S. diplomatic corps. A career as a Foreign Service Officer is highly international, working overseas at U.S. embassies and consulates.

To receive information on the exam and registration materials, send a letter requesting the "1996 Application for the Foreign Service Officer Examination" to: Foreign Service Written Examination, U.S. Department of State, P.O. Box 12226, Arlington, VA 22219. For more information on the exam and on other job opportunities, you can explore the U.S. Department of State's Web site at www.state.gov.

Friends reporting travel and teaching

It is evident that larger numbers of Bahá’ís are becoming aware that "The movement itself from place to place, when undertaken for the sake of God, hath always exerted, and can now exert, its influence in the World." To make your contribution to keeping records toward this important goal, please note the following information: the Office of Pioneering needs information about your international trips of any nature, since the beginning of the Four Year Plan (May 1, 1996). Please include the names of all countries and main localities visited, the dates of your trip, the names of all Bahá’ís traveling, and the main purpose of your travel. Business trips, personal projects, vacation trips, family visits, conferences, meetings and teaching projects, among others, are all included in these statistics and duly designated. Please inform the National Teaching Office about those trips taken on the homefront for which some teaching activity was included.

To make this easier for you, simply fill out and send us the short form below by mail or by fax, or tell us by phone or e-mail 24 hours a day. For travel on the homefront, please report to the National Teaching Office, 847-733-3494 (fax 847-733-3502; e-mail ). For international travel: the Office of Pioneering, 847-733-3511 (fax 847-733-3509; email ). We look forward to hearing from you.

If you have traveled internationally, please return this form to the Office of Pioneering. If you have traveled to teach within the United States, please return this form to the National Teaching Office. The address for both is: 1233 Central St., Evanston IL 60201. Fax: (847) 733-3509

Names: Street: City, State, Zip: I.D. #s:

COUNTRIES or LOCALITIES DATES FROM / TO MAIN PURPOSE

Comments: [Page 5]

Highlights of Bahá’í Activities in Africa

HIGHLIGHTS OF BAHÁ’Í ACTIVITIES IN ANICA 1987-1995

Highlights of Bahá’í Activities in Africa compiled by James A. Williams $5.95 SC (HBAA)

Bahá’u’lláh has promised that His Faith will be embraced eventually by all the peoples of the world. Every continent now has the flag of the Lord of the Age planted firmly upon its soil. To observe the gradual fulfillment of this prophecy is exciting and awe-inspiring. Highlights of Bahá’í Activities in Africa is the first booklet in a series designed to further inspire Bahá’ís and give seekers a glimpse of how an awakening humanity on each continent responds to the transforming power of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, laws and institutions. As a teaching tool, it will assist in enhancing the sense of a growing, global Bahá’í community. Even a hurried glance through its pages will assure a seeker of the Faith's integrity in 40 African countries and of the praise and respect the Faith has truly earned.

Compiled by James A. Walla 5-1/2"x8-1/2", 80 pp. Wayfarer Publications

The Black Men's Bahá’í Gatherings

The Black Men's Bahá’í Gatherings by James A. Williams and Ted Jefferson $4.00 SC (BMBG)

This insightful essay on the general plight of black men in America and a beautiful commentary depicting the spiritual healing power of the Black Men's Bahá’í Gathering was written by two attendees. In it, they relate the history, purpose, philosophy, issues, and, above all, the experience of a meeting that has become to many Bahá’ís of African descent one of the most cathartic experiences they have had as a black man or as a Bahá’í, the result of which is to enable them to be "in the front ranks of the march leading our brothers and sisters, regardless of skin color, to the 'Promised Land,' to their true Home."

5-1/2"x8-1/2", 30 pp. Wayfarer Publications

Messages from the Universal House of Justice

SPECIAL OFFER! ORDER BEFORE NOV. 1!

Messages from the Universal House of Justice The Third Epoch, 1963-1986 $24.95 SC (MUHJ)

A compilation of the major communications from the Universal House of Justice covering the Third Epoch of Bahá’í history. Comprising more than 700 pages, over 450 letters and statements have been collected in this volume. This book is complete with bibliography, glossary, and an index by paragraph number for ease of reference and study. Long awaited, much anticipated, this edition will be available by Nov. 1.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust

Order before the publication date of Nov. 1 and receive this long awaited edition at the special pre-publication price of $19.95.

This price represents a $5 savings over the regular post-publication price of $24.95. In addition no shipping charges will be assessed on pre-publication orders, which potentially saves you an additional $2.50 for a combined savings of $7.50!

This book is scheduled for release by the end of 1996 (November), so don't wait. Order now!

The Bahá’í Faith: Its Principles and History

The Bahá’í Faith Its Principles and History $.50 PA (BFPHS) BULK PRICING AVAILABLE

A colorful revision of a long out of print pamphlet titled Teachings for a World Faith. Updated and revised, this pamphlet is bulk priced to facilitate its use in teaching. 1-9 copies at $.50 ea., 10-49 copies at $.40 ea., 50-99 copies at $.35 ea., 100 copies and up at $.30 ea.

3"x5", 30 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States

Zikrullah Khadem

COMING THIS FALL!

SPN: Zikrullah Khadem La Itinerante Mano de la Causa de Dlos by Javidukht Khadem $10.00 SC (SZK)

A Spanish translation of a biography of Hand of the Cause of God Zikrullah Khadem. Written by his wife, the book recounts over 60 years of service to the Bahá’í Faith which stand as a testimony to the transforming power of one man's love for the Central Figures of the Faith and Shoghi Effendi. It will inspire readers to live as Mr. Khadem did—with love, humility, and unwavering devotion to the principles of the Bahá’í Faith.

5-5/8"x8-3/4", 365 pp., contents, foreward, preface, Introduction, photographs, appendix, notes. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Spain

The Dawn-Breakers

The Dawn-Breakers Nabil's Narrative by Nabil-i-Zarandi HC $29.95 (DB)

Available once again for a new generation of Bahá’ís! This is a copy of the original hardcover edition printed in 1932, complete with facsimiles of the Báb's tablets to the Letters of the Living, original photographs of the people and places associated with the early history of the Faith, genealogical charts, footnotes, glossary, index, and a guide to pronunciation. Translated by Shoghi Effendi, The Dawn-Breakers is the most comprehensive and authoritative eyewitness account of the beginnings of the Bahá’í Era. This is a limited printing so don't wait to take advantage of this opportunity to purchase this edition for yourself, a family member, or a friend.

6-1/2"x9-3/4", 685 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, US [Page 6]

Healing Racism Education's Role

edited by Nathan Rutstein and Michael Morgan SC $24.95 (HRER)

Written by 16 Bahá’ís who are experts in race relations and eyewitnesses to the ravages of racial prejudice, the articles in Healing Racism: Education's Role define this national dis- ease. The authors tell how to diminish racism's effects through classroom education emphasizing the oneness of humanity and the cousinship of all human beings. Bahá’ís will find it useful for introduction into any school system. This book serves as an inspirational guidebook for teachers and parents as it takes the reader through the educational system from early grades to the university campus.

9-1/4"x6", 361 pp. Whitcomb Publishing

Follow the Instructions

by Jenabe E. Caldwell $7.95 SC (FTI)

In this book vignettes from the activities of Bahá’í teachers are used to illustrate the spiritual principles that govern our lives as Bahá’ís and assist us in our teaching work. The aim of this book is to instruct and inspire others who are arising to teach using the examples of many teachers already in the field.

5-1/2"x8-3/4", 168 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, India

The Bahá’í Faith and Its Literature

An offering of Writings Describing the Founder, the Teachings, and the Aims of the Dahk' Faith

PACKAGE OF 20 $1.50 (SCAT20), PACKAGE OF 80 $4.00 (SCAT80)

Often in our efforts to introduce the Faith to seekers we are faced with situations where there is not enough time to properly as- sess what literature would be appropriate or would interest the person whom we are teach- ing. This pamphlet is a catalog for seekers who wish to investigate further the writings of the Bahá’í Faith. It allows seekers to choose from among selected texts in areas that are of interest to them. It includes a brief introduction to the Bahá’í Faith and an overview of the different types of Bahá’í literature. This teaching tool is perfect for situations where initial contact with individuals is minimal, such as public meetings, exhibition booths and mail campaigns.

5"x8", 16 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, US

Bahá’ís Believe In...

Teaching Cards 10 PK. $3.25 (BBI10), 100 PK. $27.00(BBI100) Poster $8.95 (BBIP)

These eye-catching four-color presentations of the basic tenets of the Bahá’í Faith are specifi- cally designed to assist the indi- vidual Bahá’í in his or her teach- ing work. Available as business card-size handouts and poster- size displays.

cards, 2-1/4"x3-1/2"; poster, 16-1/2"x23-1/2" Bahá’í Publications Australla

Sustainable Communities in an Integrating World

a statement by the Bahá’í International Community SC $1.00 (SCIW), 10 PK. $5.00 (SCIW10)

As civilization approaches the 21st century, great efforts are being made to develop commu- nities that are "socially vibrant, united and prosperous." For these efforts to have a lasting effect certain conditions must be met and the answers to fundamental questions of sustainability must be recog- nized. In this statement presented to the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) by the Bahá’í International Community, the question of "What are the prerequisites for establishing sustainable commu- nities?" is answered. The arguments presented should be within the scope of every Bahá’í’s ability to reproduce so that we may further the understanding of those with whom we come in contact.

8-1/2"x11", 6 pp. Bahá’í International Community

Sacred Acts, Sacred Space, Sacred Time

Bahá’í Studies, Volume 1 by John Walbridge SC $22.95 (SA)

This is the first book in a new series from George Ronald Pub- lishers developed for students of the Bahá’í Faith and those teach- ing courses on the religion. In Sacred Acts, Sacred Space, Sa- cred Time John Walbridge ex- plores several areas of the sa- cred in the Bahá’í Faith including Bahá’í law and its background, the rites of life and death, teachings on wealth, pilgrimage, mystical writings, the Bahá’í calen- dar and festivals. This first in the series will be especially interesting to those with an academic interest in the Bahá’í Faith, those who wish to undertake a serious study of the religion and those who want to study it at a level deeper than is possible with introductory books.

5-12"x8-3/4", 322 pp., Index George Ronald Publishers

In His Remembrance

by Sombol CD $15.95 (IHRCD), CS $10.95 (IHRCS)

A collection of 12 songs in Per- sian from the best of New Zealand recording artist Sombol.

65 minutes Echo Music

Lessons In Virtues: Honesty and Kindness

$7.50 CS (CHK)

Join Chipper the Racoon and his many furry friends in ex- citing adventures that also teach valuable lessons. Learn- ing has never been more fun with this combination of songs and narrative that helps illus- trate to children the value of virtues. Each story is designed to entertain and to teach virtues in a way that your child can understand.

30 minutes Tree House Productions

He Cometh with Clouds

A Bahá’í View of Christ's Return by Gary Matthews SC $21.95 (HCWC)

No impending event has ever been hailed with keener antici- pation than the Second Coming of Christ. Nearly a hundred gen- erations of Christians have turned their faces to the skies, eager to greet the Lord as He descends in power and glory, seen by every eye. Millions have implored God to hasten the Day when―as the Scriptures foretell the stars will fall from heaven, the dead will rise to stand before God and Christ in final judgment, and the saints will be "caught up...in the clouds" to reign with their Lord over "new heavens and a new earth." Does God keep his promises? Will Christ return, or has He already come? Gary L. Matthews inves- tigates the Bible's teachings about the second Coming and explores the relationship between Christ and Bahá’u’lláh.

5'1/2"x8-3/4", 416 pp. George Ronald, Publisher

Portraits of Some Bahá’í Women

by O.Z. Whitehead SC $16.95 (PSBW)

Western women have always been in the forefront of teaching the Bahá’í Faith. Here are short portraits of seven such women whose services to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh have spanned the 20th century. Some well-known, others less so, all devoted their lives to the promotion and de- velopment of the Faith they loved.

5-1/2"x8-1/4", 184 pp. George Ronald Publishers

A Feast of ABC's

by Gail Radley illustrated by Malcolm Lee SC $9.50 (FABC)

A delightful ABC book for chil- dren about the Nineteen Day Feast by a well-known and popular writer for young people. Features children of many nationalities in its charming illustrations.

7"x10", 56 pp. George Ronald, Publisher

Poems of the Passing

by Ruhiyyih Rabbani HC $29.95 (POPH)

The author of this moving an- thology was for 20 years the wife, companion and confiden- tial secretary of the Head of her Faith: Shoghi Effendi Rabbani, the great-grandson of Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. Although she had been writing poems off and on all her life, the shock and grief of the sudden passing of him who was the head of her Faith, as well as her beloved husband, called forth from the depths of her heart this stream of deeply moving expressions of grief. It is the author's ardent hope that in sharing them with others they may echo the grief of separation in this world from our loved ones and the confident hope of reunion with them in an eternal realm of spiritual progress and mercy.

5-3/4"x8-3/4", 136 pp. George Ronald, Publisher [Page 7]

Ává

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

Though a relative newcomer to the Bahá’í music scene, Ává 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 Bahá’í events to greatly enthusiastic crowds. She is back in this country just in time for the release of her first album, self-titled Ává, 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 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

Jules from the Heart

by Juli Redson-Smith CD $15.95 (JHCD), CS $10.95 (JHCS)

Created out of love for Bahá’u’lláh and for the purposes of encouraging the friends, teaching the Faith and promoting Bahá’í ideas, Jules from the Heart is the first musical release from Juli Redson-Smith. Juli is a professional singer and actress. On stage she has played the lead in many musical productions, and she has sung with the World Congress Choir as well as other professional music groups. This recording contains original, upbeat music that ranges in style from folk to light rock and inspirational. Includes sacred Bahá’í text set to music and songs based on Bahá’í principles. You will enjoy this inspiring music many times over.

44 minutes

A Sacrifice to Thee

by Matthew Levine CD $15.00 (STTCD), CS $10.00 (STTCS)

This recording, while inspired by Bahá’í themes, has a universal appeal making it an excellent teaching tool. Close to 100 musicians were involved with this project including the Seattle Girls Choir Prima Voci and Barbra Streisand’s pianist, Randy Waldman. Also included is National Public Radio’s (March 1994) broadcast about the Bahá’ís killed in South Africa. Ten selections ranging from choral and pop to gospel styles comprise this recording, which constitutes the pinnacle of songwriter Matthew Levine’s career. One not-so-obvious testament to the recording’s universality is that production was made possible through the efforts of Bahá’ís, Christians and Jews.

36 minutes

Stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

by Jacqueline Mehrabi illustrated by Hugh Sean O’Rourke $17.95 HC (SABH), $8.95 SC (SAB)

‘Abdu’l-Bahá was the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh, Founder of the Bahá’í 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-Bahá are beautifully demonstrated in this delightful collection of short stories. This new edition of a longstanding favorite launches a new series of books on the members of the holy family for children.

6-1/2"x8", 48 pp., illustrations Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United Kingdom

The Bahá’í World, 1994-95

HC $23.95 (BW95H), SC $12.95 (BW95S)

This comprehensive annual survey of the activities of the Bahá’í International Community is an attractive and useful public information tool, ideal for presentation to dignitaries, journalists, and libraries.

In this year’s volume:

• coverage of the elections of the seven new National Spiritual Assemblies
• report on Bahá’í involvement in the World Summit for Social Development
• Bahá’í contributions to the United Nations International Year of the Family
• survey of Bahá’í youth activities around the world
• "The Mission of the Báb: Retrospective 1844-1944"
• "The Language of the Heart: Arts in the Bahá’í World Community"
• Bahá’í International Community statement "The Prosperity of Humankind"

Regular features:

• introduction to Bahá’í history, teachings, and activities
• survey of the year’s events
• statistics
• directory of Bahá’í agencies
• basic Bahá’í reading list
• glossary
• selected new publications
• selections from the Bahá’í sacred writings
• media survey
• highlights of BIC activities
• "World Watch"
• update on the situation in Iran
• update on Mount Carmel projects
• index
• many color photographs

9-1/4"x6", 346 pp.; World Centre Publications

Planning Calendar for Spiritual Assemblies and Committees

CA $5.45 (PCSA)

Bahá’í dates and names marked every day, Holy Days, Feasts and special commemorations all in one handy place. Civic calendar format, with calendar pages on the right hand side, and suggestions for your meeting agenda on your left. Includes months through March 1997. Designed to be used alone or fit into a 3-ring binder. Great for newsletter preparation as well.

9"x11-1/4", 36 pp. White Mountain Publications

Be Thou Assured

compiled by the Continental Board of Counselors in the Americas SC $1.25 (BTA)

A compilation of extracts from the Bahá’í writings on the ultimate triumph of the Cause through perseverance, determination and steadfastness of the individual believer.

5-1/2"x8-1/2", 24 pp. White Mountain Publications

Order Form

Ship To __________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

Daytime Telephone ( ) ___________________________________

Payment Method

—Check

—Charge ($10.00 minimum—Visa, Master, Amex) ________________________

Expiration Date _________________

ITEM	QUANTITY	COST
SHIPPING CHARGES
TOTAL

Tennessee Residents Please Add 7.75% Sales Tax For orders shipped outside the U.S., please add 15% (min. $3.00) Shipping charges within continental U.S. add 10% ($2.00 min., $10.00 max.)

1-800-999-9019

Bahá’í Distribution Service • 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37343 • 1-800-999-9019 • Fax: 1-423-843-0836 • Internet: [Page 8]

Today I am Going on a Teaching Trip!

from the pages of Brilliant Star

based on a workshop by Auxiliary Board member Dr. Tahereh Ahdieh ©1996

I went to a Bahá’í school last Thanksgiving weekend. There were a lot of great workshops. My favorite one was a teaching workshop taught by our Auxiliary Board member Dr. Tahereh Ahdieh.

Dr. Ahdieh is a real doctor, but she also serves the Faith by helping many Bahá’í communities get excited about teaching.

I liked her workshop. She asked how we felt in the morning when we got up to go to school each day. You should’ve heard the groans. Then she asked how we feel when we get up to go on a teaching trip. Excited, that’s how I feel. So, she told us to make a simple switch of words. Instead of saying, “Tomorrow I will go to school.” Say, “Tomorrow I will go on a teaching trip at my school!”

If you do this it will help you be happy and excited. It worked for me. You can try it, too. The steps are all here.

Make your teaching plan. Plan one day each week to turn into a teaching trip. From start to finish, picture in your mind the friends you would like to teach. Start in the center with step #1 and check off each circle as you do that action.

#1 Find Friends to Teach

• ○ I found my face and colored it in.
• ○ I thought of five friends whom I could teach.
• ○ I wrote their names next to the pictures that looked the most like them.
• ○ I thought of some relatives I could teach and wrote in their names.
• ○ I colored in the faces of people I want to teach.

#2 Plan Ahead

• ○ I thought about which Bahá’í event I could invite my friends to.
• ○ I wrote the events on my calendar.
• ○ I invited a friend to the next event.
• ○ I said prayers for teaching and unity.

#3 Make a Plan

• ○ I planned a time each day to read the Sacred Writings.
• ○ I made a list of Bahá’í books.
• ○ I chose a book to read.
• ○ I planned a time each day to pray.
• ○ I chose a prayer to memorize.
• ○ I made a teaching kit.

#4 The Night Before

• ○ I read in my book.
• ○ I said prayers for my friends.
• ○ I practiced the prayer I’m memorizing.
• ○ I planned some special things to do at school to be kind to people.
• ○ I’m excited and curious about what will happen.

#5 That Morning

• ○ I read in my book.
• ○ I said prayers and practiced my prayer from memory.
• ○ I packed my teaching kit
• ○ I packed “Little Ben” books.
• ○ I’m ready to look for chances to be a good example.
• ○ I’m ready to find opportunities to teach.
• ○ I arrived on time.
• ○ I plan to do my best work.

#6 Friendship Tips

• ★ Look for ways to serve.
• ★ Be kind and loving to everyone.
• ★ Invite friends to firesides.
• ★ Give loving notes to your friends.
• ★ Be happy!

“Make a special point of praying ardently not only for success in general, but that God may send to you the souls that are ready.” — Shoghi Effendi Compilation of Compilations, Vol. 2, p. 316

Order Now!

Call Bahá’í Distribution Service at 800-999-9019 to order single issues by theme at $3.50 each.

Call Subscriber Services at 847-251-1854, Ext. 11 to begin a subscription: $18 one year (six issues).

Send your teaching plans and stories to Brilliant Star! Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201

Illustrated by Cindy Pacileo ©1992 Reprinted from Brilliant Star, Special Edition 1996

Don’t forget to purchase your copy of “Special Edition 1996: Teaching with the Bonds of Love” from BDS, $3.50 each. [Page 9]TOTAL ENROLLMENTS August: 251 Total for year: 791

Contributions increase slightly in August but remain below monthly target figure

The news of the Funds' summer decline has begun to prompt a response: giving to the National Fund rose to $954,000 in August, up from $704,000 the month before.

This action by the friends has made it possible for the National Spiritual Assembly to avoid additional borrowing and to carry on vital repair work at the House of Worship and at the schools.

While improving, there is still room to grow: the monthly minimum projected at the beginning of the year was $1.2 million.

Contributions to the Arc Projects continued to slide: the August total was $289,000, well below the level necessary to meet our part of the $10 million worldwide goal for this year.

Giving to the Bahá’í International Fund and the Continental Bahá’í Fund was well below last year's level, and indeed below the average recorded for the Three Year Plan.

THE FUND (As of August 31, 1996)

National Bahá’í Fund YTD Goal: $4,800,000 YTD Actual: $3,361,375

All International Funds YTD Goal: $3,000,000 YTD Actual: $2,242,808

thru Aug 95 National Bahá’í Fund: $4,199,162 International Bahá’í Fund: $981,200 Arc Projects Fund: $12,269,118 Continental Bahá’í Fund: $84,228 Other Earmarked: $145,073 Total/All Funds: $17,678,781

thru Aug 96 National Bahá’í Fund: $3,361,375 International Bahá’í Fund: $184,376 Arc Projects Fund: $1,958,136 Continental Bahá’í Fund: $100,296 Other Earmarked: $232,419 Subtotal/Int'l Funds: $2,242,808 Total/All Funds: $5,836,602

Debt Watch Loans Outstanding Aug 95: $0 Aug 96: $800,000

National Bahá’í Fund: Goal & Actual Where we are: $3,361,375 Where we need to be: $4,800,000

All International Funds: Goal & Actual Where we are: $2,242,808 Where we need to be: $3,000,000

Arc Projects Fund Where we are: $1,958,136 Where we were last year: $12,269,118

International Bahá’í Fund Where we are: $184,376 Where we were last year: $981,200

Continental Bahá’í Fund Where we are: $100,296 Where we were last year: $84,228

Left photo: 3-year-old Patricia Hakim hands Joe Ford, treasurer of the Spiritual Assembly of Hamilton County (Tennessee), the final dollar needed for the Bahá’í communities in the Chattanooga area to meet their goal of contributing $245,638.99 to the Arc Projects Fund during the Three Year Plan. The 17-month drive was $57,000 short only a week before Ridván, but the friends rallied. Some who had already redeemed their personal pledges contributed more to help others who could not fulfill their goal, and some who were not able to pledge on November 19, 1994, also pitched in. Right photo: Chattanooga-area Bahá’ís form a representation of the buildings, monuments and terraces on God's Holy Mountain at the campaign-ending victory celebration. (Photos by Kim Mennillo)

Some nuts and bolts from the Office of the Treasurer

Would you like to help the Office of the Treasurer and Development with its work? So far this year there have been about 900 inquiries about various aspects of the contribution process (on about 20,000 contributions!), and all but a handful of these have taken place when the believers didn't use the forms provided, gave confusing instructions, or used different names.

Here are a few suggestions to help speed things along and increase accuracy:

Use the contribution slip: What's a contribution slip, you may ask. It's the little tear-off piece at the bottom of the receipt you got from your last contribution. It has your ID number on it and some carefully planned spaces for you to allocate your contribution, make earmarking instructions, etc.

If you use it, the people assigned to this task don't have to look up or guess at your identity, your instructions, and so on—a huge help!

The contribution form was created with a lot of thought and testing, and can accommodate most of your wishes and instructions relating to your gift so please don't cross out, write over or make up new categories unless you really have to.

The Office receives a number of forms each year for gifts to the National Fund where the believer has crossed out all the pre-planned options and then written "Bahá’í National Fund" on one of the other lines.

One size doesn't fit all: The contribution slip has your name and Bahá’í identification number on it, and generally that is what's used to process your offering to the Fund.

Please be aware that if you use your personal slip for your spouse's contribution (or your Group or Assembly contribution!), the contribution almost certainly will be credited to you and not the intended donor. As a result, time can be lost in correcting the entry.

This procedure is going to change in a little while, with a new accounting system at the National Center, but for the time being it is preferable that you indicate clearly each separate contribution.

What's in a name: If the name you use every day, or that is on your driver's license or other documents, is not the same as the name that appears on the mailing label on this issue of The American Bahá’í, then please advise the Membership Office and have them make the necessary changes.

Persian names can sometimes be problematic, as the friends have occasionally changed them after some years in the U.S. but the changes have not been given to the National Spiritual Assembly.

It can take as much as an hour, with research and phone calls, to assure that the name on the check is the same one in the membership listings, and that time is an expense to the National Fund.

Your Bahá’í brothers and sisters in the Office of the Treasurer want to help you express your love for the Faith by making it as easy as possible; they only want to know your wishes, and the forms and procedures that have been created will help them do that quickly and reliably. Your help is deeply appreciated!

Portland responds to church burning

The Spiritual Assembly of Portland acted immediately when a Portland, Oregon, church was burned.

The Assembly met soon after hearing that Immanuel Christian Fellowship had been burned and decided to contribute $100 to the church and offer the use of the Portland Bahá’í Center for the congregation's services. Additionally, the Assembly responded to a call by the mayor of Portland for a meeting of religious leaders.

A note of thanks was sent to the Assembly by Pastor Mark E. Strong: "It's wonderful to know that although this malicious crime was perpetrated against the Immanuel congregation, we have many people standing with us. We knew that God was close by, but we found out that you weren't too far away either."

In the wake of the church burning, the Assembly gathered information from federal and local authorities about security for places of worship and shared it at the Feast. [Page 10]

FOUR YEAR PLAN

revelation and race unity, as well as classes for new believers and Bahá’í teachers.

Previous institutes have been conducted on the Covenant, the spiritual principles of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb and the Dawn-breakers, and consultation. Each course is held on a different night of the week and incorporates homework and testing.

• Bahá’ís in Columbus say there's a new spirit of cooperation in the air between Assemblies and assistants to Auxiliary Board members. The assistants took an active role in planning the area's ambitious Embrace 2000 teaching project and are striving to involve the entire community in achieving its goals.

Columbus also is employing various means to consolidate believers. Six groups named after Letters of the Living study various texts and get to know one another on a deeper level. The Tabarsi Fellowship allows men to work out issues in a non-threatening environment. A community development weekend called "Common Threads: Weaving the Fabric of Community" helped answer people's needs for belonging and reconciliation.

• In Fairfax County South, Virginia, the entire community has gotten involved in three levels of committees—most vital, lesser priority, and narrow interest—that foster teaching and community life.

Teaching plans

All strata of society must be reached with our message, says the Universal House of Justice. How? By balancing resources and harmonizing efforts in a strategic plan tailored to address the needs of particular groups.

This flexibility manifests itself in a unity in diversity of actions, encouraging various methods of teaching and recognizing that "each person cannot do everything and all persons cannot do the same thing."

• Several small teaching groups (television, e-mail, quilting, youth and seniors) in the Reno, Nevada, area have brought together Bahá’ís interested in a particular method of teaching or target population.

These believers deepen on the writings, make and carry out teaching plans, evaluate their progress, and then teach some more.

When enrollments result from their efforts, the declarants are brought into the teaching group—a great way to begin the consolidation process and consecrate new believers to arise in service.

The systematic effort to provide a welcoming and nurturing environment for Chinese students at the University of Missouri's Rolla branch campus has led to many opportunities for service.

• Southern communities in particular see Bahá’í Centers as catalysts for growth. Seekers in "Bible Belt" Memphis, Tennessee, invariably ask, "Where is your church?" So the friends there are working toward a vision around which community members can unify and commit their energies and resources.

In the same vein, the Bahá’ís of Flagstaff, Arizona, created a master plan eight years ago for developing the Bellemont Bahá’í property just west of the city. Bellemont, site of a regional summer school, will build facilities in four stages: septic system, bath house and recreational facilities; the main complex; dormitory; and family/visitor quarters.

Reaching people of capacity

While we must teach everyone, says the Universal House of Justice, special efforts should be made to attract people who have skills and attributes that will help the Faith meet "the challenges being thrust upon it."

Perhaps the most striking current effort is the Television Teaching Institute sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Reno, Nevada. TTI has won awards and been nominated for many more for its evocative and professionally made programs.

Just as important, TTI has built bridges of understanding with the area's Jewish, Catholic, Japanese, Romani, arts and health-care communities and with children.

Area Bahá’ís of all ages have learned new skills through TTI that they can apply in service to the Cause, and non-Bahá’í media professionals have lent their talents to the initiative as well.

• Another initiative drawing as many as 100 leaders of thought at a time is the monthly unity dinner in the Boston suburb of Medford, Massachusetts. The one in which I took part saw a steady stream of people from the academic and professional ranks pile plates high with delicious food from many cultures and break off into impromptu firesides that lasted until about 2 in the morning.

TAB Across America

• Planning in every community I visited has yielded goals that approach the general public in a multitude of ways, from devotional meetings to individual firesides and block parties; that use the Word of God and emblazon the name of Bahá’u’lláh; imaginatively use arts, culture and the media; and draw on every age and experience level in the community.

Contemporary issues

This is one of the measures that contributes to success in teaching, our Supreme Body tells us. It points out that "the Order brought by Bahá’u’lláh is intended to guide the progress and resolve the problems of society" and that the Bahá’í community is "clearly in the vanguard of the constructive forces at work on the planet."

As the old order crumbles, a viable alternative becomes necessary. Our efforts to advance the Bahá’í administrative system will demonstrate that we can "minister to the crying needs of humanity."

• The Temerity Woods project in Rolla, Missouri, has developed a 40-acre site with buildings available for Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í organizations to use at cost. Several conferences on gender issues have been held there.

Also, a feasibility study has been completed for a microenterprise initiative that would help rural land owners supplement their income.

And a cooperative program with several home-schooling families has the potential to enhance the educational and socialization experience of children ages kindergarten through high school.

The Spiritual Assembly of Denver and the Bahá’í Justice Society have collaborated to form the Corinne True Justice Center, a mediation and youth crime prevention program.

• Interfaith involvement is a major thrust of Bahá’ís in Salt Lake City, Utah, where the hierarchy of other faiths is often reticent to cooperate but individuals are eager to understand one another better and cooperate to improve the community.

Color Me Human conferences galvanized by the efforts of two youth have placed the Faith in the front rank of forces for race unity and human rights in the area.

Birmingham, Alabama, believers also have drawn on the "God-given power of race unity" to help change hearts in this city, which is forever linked to the civil rights struggle. Most recently, Bahá’ís there have sponsored a panel discussion at the Civil Rights Institute in conjunction with UN Day of Peace activities.

• Bahá’ís in the Oklahoma City area have played a key role in the process of healing physical, emotional and financial wounds caused by the federal building bombing. A new, inclusive interfaith organization was formed and has engaged in many humanitarian projects.

Goal-directed behavior

Once teaching goals are identified, the believers and their Assemblies must collaborate to achieve those aims. The Universal House of Justice says the need is urgent and notes that ultimately the individual must make it happen: "...it is on the initiative, the resolute will of the individual to teach and to serve, that the success of the entire community depends."

This, the Supreme Body says, is because "the key to the conversion of people to the Faith is the action of the individual Bahá’í conveying the spark of faith to individual seekers, answering their questions and deepening their understanding of the teachings."

As the activities described above attest, individuals and institutions across the United States are working hand in hand to achieve the primary aim of the Four Year Plan. Where barriers to unity exist, they're being broken down. Where inertia has been the norm or where lack of tangible results has left the friends discouraged, new life is being breathed into all facets of Bahá’í life.

This can-do spirit is embodied in a letter given to me by Joel E. Hudgins, a Bahá’í from Westminster, Colorado. In it, he explains that he has been nagged by a feeling that something must be done to help us achieve "nationwide recognition as a Faith that is on the move and growing rapidly."

After praying and contemplating on this for the past two years, Mr. Hudgins began drafting a manuscript titled The Songbird of Truth.

The book targets the general public, especially those of college age, and can be used by Bahá’ís, he says, to deepen on attribute development and personal transformation.

His goal is "to dedicate the rest of my life in marketing this book to people all over the country and possibly the world, with proceeds (after expenses) going to the Arc, the International Fund and the National Assembly."

A sacrifice? You bet.

But I have a feeling he won't settle for any less from himself.

Would that we all do the same. [Page 11]

Chicago Bahá’í Youth Workshop has busy summer

Summer 1996 proved to be the most active season to date for the Chicago Bahá’í Youth Workshop.

Workshop members dedicated themselves to a grueling but rewarding schedule that included performances on almost every Saturday and Sunday from the end of may to the beginning of September.

The Workshop reached out to all strata of society by taking the Message of Bahá’u’lláh into the neighborhoods and parks of Chicago. A contract with the Chicago Park District enabled the Workshop to perform at many neighborhood festivals and Park District-sponsored events.

Performances addressed the most vital and challenging issue, as well as social ills such as black-on-black crime, drug abuse and alcoholism. A vision of unity and spiritual rejuvenation was offered as the solution to these afflictions.

Workshop members boldly proclaimed that the source of their concepts of the oneness of humanity and the equality of men and women was teachings addressed to all people by Bahá’u’lláh.

That message was proclaimed at two of the most notorious housing projects in the country—the Robert Taylor Homes, often cited as having the largest concentration of poverty in North America, and Cabrini-Green, where the previous week a shoot-out on a playground ended a standstill in the violence that has plagued the area for years.

Two performances at the Cook County Youth Detention Center for inmates ranging in age from 8-17 deeply impacted the Workshop, adding further to the level of seriousness about the responsibility of carrying Bahá’u’lláh’s message to all people.

The staff at the detention center were visibly impressed by the impact the Bahá’í youth had on the young inmates. As the inmates returned to their rooms they were quietly chanting the Workshop's signature number, "How Ya Living?"

Members of the Nation of Islam observe the Bahá’í float that followed the Chicago Bahá’í Youth Workshop in this summer's 67th annual Bud Billiken Day parade. The Nation later asked the Workshop to take part in the Black, Brown and Red Unity Festival at Chicago's Mosque Maryam.

The highlight of the summer for many Workshop members was a performance for hundreds of thousands of spectators August 10 during the 67th annual Bud Billiken Day parade, the largest African-American parade in the U.S.

The Billiken parade was established in 1929 by David Kellum, city editor of the Chicago Defender newspaper and a prominent member of the Chicago Bahá’í community. His purpose was to focus the attention of children in Chicago on the principle of the oneness of mankind and on developing spiritual qualities.

Workshop members wore "Racism Just Undo It" t-shirts while dancing, stepping and rapping along the two-mile parade route. Spectators cheered and applauded loudly, showing that they greatly appreciated the message sent to the community.

In mid-August the Workshop was among the participants in a city-sponsored "Magic Kids Fest" at Chicago's summer hot spot, Navy Pier. The Saturday evening concert, entitled "One Better World," featured entertainers from all over Chicago with the well-known dancer and philanthropist Ben Vereen as emcee.

The Youth Workshop coordinated the martyrs' step dance and a rap with another group's modern dance and acrobatic talents. The applause rang long and loud as the Bahá’í youth performed in tribute "to all those who have sacrificed for the sake of a cause."

When Mr. Vereen appeared onstage at the end of the performance he urged the audience to "Stand up! Stand up!" and applaud the efforts of the performers.

He then encouraged the audience and other performers to look to the Bahá’ís who, he said, "have the solution—spirituality."

After the performance two Workshop members presented a copy of the book Bahá’u’lláh to Mr. Vereen. The next day the youth returned to Navy Pier for two afternoon Magic City performances at the Chicago Children's Museum.

Members of "Good Vibes," another group that had performed the previous day, came to see this second performance, after which they accompanied the Workshop members to the House of Worship in Wilmette where the Faith was directly shared and questions asked and answered until well past the Temple's closing time.

Two weeks after having seen the diversity and positivity of the Bahá’ís in the Billiken Day parade, the Nation of Islam invited the Workshop to perform August 23 at its Black, Brown and Red Unity Festival at Mosque Maryam on Chicago's south side.

A prayer in Swahili opened the program, which focused on the creation of unity and offered spiritual solutions to the problems facing the African-American community.

Many Workshop members felt that presenting the Message of Bahá’u’lláh at the Mosque was one of the most important things the Workshop had ever done.

The group ended its summer proclamation campaign at the world-renowned Field Museum by kicking off "Unity Month," sponsored by the Human Relations Foundation of Chicago. Foundation Commissioner Clarence Woods personally invited the Workshop to take part in the "Unity is Fun at the Field" program.

The Chicago Bahá’í Youth Workshop has been invigorated by the successes of the summer and will no doubt continue to proclaim boldly the Message of the Lord of the Age.

Magic City Presents: One Better World

Starring: Ben Vereen The House-O-Matics Poi Dog Pondering Jellyeye Drum Theater Good Vibes Alyo Children's Dance Hula Haumana O'Manulani Moves Dance Theater Brothers and Sisters United Chicago Park District "Jump" Co. Spirit Bahá’í Youth Group Child's Play Touring Theater The Happiness Club

Chicago Park District "Jump" Company and Bahá’í Youth Workshop Present: COLORLESS.

From the beginning of time, our omnipotent creator had a supreme view of each race and its nations. These nations, represented by colors came to be united to give our universe a vision of love not war. Peace not hate. Unity and not segregation.

With a rebelling force, the Supreme Rings of the universe separated from it's creator, causing each color to be different their own way of life. Each Ring of Life put a diving line amongst themselves, making it impossible for peace to dwell among them.

Not knowingly the colors created a barrier of struggles, problems, and situations that keep their creator from helping them.

Their solution was to find a way to unite once again. If all the other children of the world could hold each others hands. It would give off such a strength that all the walls of war, racism, and hate would fall.

Florence Bahá’í community profiled in local newspaper

The Bahá’ís of Florence, Alabama, were profiled last March in a half-page article with three photographs in the Northwest Alabama Times Daily newspaper.

The article pointed out the diversity of the community whose members include black and white Americans as well as Persians and Asian-Americans, discussed the principles of the Faith including the Bahá’í belief in progressive revelation, and told about the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

WANTED

News articles and feature stories by or about Bahá’í youth. If you have news or other information to offer, please send it to the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. [Page 12]

Pow-wow

entered the grounds in painstakingly crafted regalia to relate their people's stories through such intricate steps as the grass, jingle and fancy shawl. Traditional and, for obvious reasons, "tiny tots" dances were real crowd pleasers.

At the call for intertribal dancing, native dancers and several attendees snaked their way around the grounds. Host and NABI co-administrator Joel Orona welcomed the guests' participation. And while some might have been out of sync with the music, they definitely were in step with its spirit.

All the while, drum groups representing the four directions took turns beating the cadences and chanting the stories of the particular dances. One was the Bahá’í drum organized by Roman Orona.

Saturday dawned hot and dry with clear visibility for dozens of miles into the high plains and mesas surrounding NABI.

First up was the 5K Run along sandy paths and roadways of the Institute and the Navajo Reservation. Twenty-nine hardy souls ran—or walked—the course, up from 16 entrants last year. The winning times also were a record: 19:23 for the first male finisher, Robert Anderson, and 25:04 for top female runner Evelyn Avery. Six men and six women were awarded trophies; the remaining competitors earned ribbons.

After breakfast, the health forum and the educational workshop got under way.

The health forum, "Unifying the Paths to Healing," brought 36 practitioners together in the prayer hogan to learn from each other's experiences, explore how each discipline puts the Bahá’í teachings on health into practice, and take action on what was learned.

Dr. Hannah Rishel facilitated the consultation of this diverse group of doctors, nutritionists, chiropractors, reflexologists, nurses, health administrators, therapists and a Navajo medicine man.

Over in the classroom building, 25 people discussed American Indian models for education. A group from the National Youth Indian Leadership Project, a NABI client on organizational development, also attended.

Under the tutelage of Dr. Orona, they examined integrative approaches to curricula that nurture self-esteem and preserve native culture while fostering Indians' identity as global citizens. He noted that we are all part of a holistic circle in which each component has an impact on all—adding its light to others' so the light becomes more intense.

Meanwhile, young people from the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps and other volunteers directed by co-administrator Esther Orona were registering the growing throng of pow-wow attendees and pointing many of them to areas on the campus where they could camp for the weekend.

Another group of volunteers prepared, served, and cleaned up after meals. Still more volunteers engaged children in making drums, dream-catchers and other crafts. And there was a staffed table with information on the Bahá’í Faith.

Afternoon and evening brought the dancers back for the Grand Entry and many colorful dances. Interspersed throughout the festivities were quotations from the Bahá’í writings about unity.

(Above) And they're off! The 29 entrants in the 5K Run hit the sandy trails and roads within and around the Native American Bahá’í Institute. Last year's winner, Anderson Six, is at right. This year the Reservation police officer finished second to Robert Anderson. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

(Left) A spectator joins one of the jingle dancers as an inter-tribal social dance brings all the dancers and many of the crowd onto the field in fellowship. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

Progress reports also came in from the health forum and educational workshop.

Dr. Rishel said the care-givers had found that prejudices are built into healing practices which keep practitioners from collaborating with those who practice other modalities. But this is the day of unity, she noted, and all healing comes from God. So the health forum participants were working to find connections that would aid them in truly serving people.

She invited attendees to the shade house and a tent where practitioners were offering free care services and information. Many guests took her up on the offer, to the delight of NABI staff.

From the educational workshop, Dr. Orona reported that a vision was taking shape of how indigenous peoples could foster their cultural identities, then progress by learning from others and by finding ways to serve others and contribute to their learning. This is the season, he said, when the world will take the full measure of the Indian people.

The pow-wow's ability to bring people together was wonderfully reinforced when a Navajo man approached the microphone to share with pride that his nephew would be leaving the next morning for junior college in Kansas.

At Dr. Orona's urging, the student and his family began to dance around the perimeter of the field. As they passed each section of the audience, attendees shook hands with family members, placed money in a hat, and joined the parade.

A better send-off couldn't have been hoped for.

The echoes of fellowship were heard long into the night, setting up Sunday morning's conclusion to the health forum and the educational workshop.

On the educational front, workshop participants heard from professionals—Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í—engaged in working models of learning centered on service.

They then consulted on a hypothetical rural Navajo community and its perceived lack of a central gathering place, such as a hogan, for personal enrichment classes, community activities or meetings. It soon became apparent that a building was not necessarily the answer to the community's problem; first, a way was needed for residents of all ages and circumstances to voice their needs.

Bahá’ís could most effectively contribute to the process, they decided, by working with helpful forces in the community to draw people into consultation and then carry out the community's wishes.

Participants in the forum and workshop departed NABI with a much clearer sense of the Institute's role and of how they can become partners with it in nourishing the development of strong communities of indigenous peoples in the Southwest.

But even as they left, the weekend's story was continuing to be written. Dozens of inquiries about the Faith had been made during the festivities, and two such seekers returned later Sunday with their spouses to hear more from the Institute staff.

NABI administrators are certain that future events will draw ever greater numbers to the campus and its programs. [Page 13]

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

Peace Fest

grader Marion McClary and 11th-grader Shannon Bradley.

Entries were fewer this year, said Ms. Cohen, perhaps because teachers made the assignment voluntary. But that didn't make the judging any easier. These students wrote because they wanted to, not because they had to, and it was borne out by the quality of their penned thoughts on race unity.

"These kids know what needs to be done and are willing to fight to get there," said Ms. Cohen.

The students' "purity of spirit and wisdom" also touched Counselor Kiser Barnes of the International Teaching Center.

Counselor Barnes, a former Marylander who spent nearly a quarter-century in Africa before being called to Haifa, quipped that he wished the young essayists had been with him in Nigeria when he rose to address a hostile university crowd about religion's indispensable role in establishing world peace.

Noting that against all odds the Bahá’í perspective made an impact that day 10 years ago, he averred, "So long as we make the effort, God in His mercy will render us victorious." yori

The Counselor urged his Peace Fest listeners to continue presenting The Promise of World Peace to leaders of thought and anyone else who is receptive. He called the 1985 statement from the Universal House of Justice the most significant ever issued on the topic apart from the revelation of Prophets and linked it to the progress that has been made since its publication.

Counselor Barnes' visit was part of a month-long trip to the States. Also taking part in Peace Fest was Hamid Farabi, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Trinidad & Tobago, who has family in the Hemingway area.

Two people who have labored for peace in a manner that would delight Counselor Barnes are Hazel Puyet and Clayton Richardson, founders of People to People in Hartsville, South Carolina. For their efforts to "promote peace at the most fundamental of levels," they were presented the Ambassador of Peace award by Virginia Kintz.

Mrs. Kintz said the white woman and black man put their heads together and founded People to People to address the slow progress by minorities. The organization has made an impact on the school dropout rate, established a scholarship program, and introduced the statewide Palmetto Project race amity initiative to the area.

In accepting the award, Mr. Richardson asked for copies of the winning school essays, saying the young writers are true partners of People to People.

Ms. Puyet said the Bahá’ís "really give me faith in the future" and expressed the hope that the Faith's growth will give hope to people seeking answers in their lives.

As though cued, the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Gospel Choir launched into an audacious presentation of promise and fulfillment interspersing a script with traditional spirituals. Choir director Eric Dozier compared the suffering of slaves in this country to the simultaneous suffering across the sea in the Siyah-Chal of the "One Who would make everything all right," Bahá’u’lláh, Who declared His mission in the same year the slaves were set free.

A great morning indeed greeted fest-goers on Saturday. For the first time in memory, there was no threat of rain for Peace Fest. The sun was shining brightly and a cooling breeze wafted across the campus.

Everyone was in for a multi-sensory treat that started at noon and continued for some 11 hours.

Performers ranged from steppers (Healthy Start from the Williamsburg County Teen Life Center) to rappers (Jamal Lally and Lion), jazz (Jazz etc.), dancers (Justine Roberts Dance Troupe and Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Youth Workshop), thespians (scenes from Driving Miss Daisy), South American musicians (El Viento Canta), a barbershop quartet (the Showstoppers), and gospel (Ernest and the Heavenly Ears).

The Orona family, consisting of Native American Bahá’í Institute co-administrators Joel and Esther Orona and their son Roman, brought the sounds and dances of the Southwest to an appreciative audience.

Afrika West Productions provided some of the day's biggest thrills. Its songs and rhythms of the mother continent had people dancing in the aisles and in front.

Even country music was represented. Wilford Johnson and a conscripted coterie of backup singers belted out tunes with a Bahá’í message to a twangy beat.

Last but certainly not least was the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Gospel Choir, providing a rousing finish with old favorites and new selections emblazoning the name of Bahá’u’lláh. You can believe everyone in the house was up clapping, singing and swaying.

Meanwhile, vendors sold their wares around the Institute grounds, with food-barbecue, of course-and crafts galore. Children (and adults) lined up at the dunking machine for their three throws. A wandering mime played pied piper to an increasingly long line of kids.

There was more to come, though. Sunday morning's worship service and fellowship luncheon brought to a fitting conclusion a spiritually uplifting weekend.

After prayers and more excitement from the gospel choir, Bhakti Larry Hough, president of People to People, added his thoughts to the festivities.

Taking the well-known phrase "If it's to be, it's up to me," Dr. Hough declared his life's mission to be peace and unity. It is a path strewn with brick walls and moats, he observed, but if each person touches another the chain reaction will change the world.

Roy Jones, director of employment for the Charleston County School District and a former administrator of the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, echoed Dr. Hough's remarks with an emotional appeal for Peace Fest-goers to draw on the past for the inspiration they need to act today and tomorrow.

Dr. Jones traced the history of west Africans-the strongest and most skilled of their villages-who came through the Middle Passage to Brazil and Barbados and finally to South Carolina to work the rice fields. They made South Carolina the richest colony and Georgetown County, home of the Institute, the richest of them all.

Dr. Jones said the theme that will emerge from this century is recognition of the oneness of humankind, and that belief in God's law of equality will make us magnets for spiritual strength and people's hearts.

Charles Bullock, co-administrator of the Institute, sent the assemblage on its way with a further call to action. "We're energized when we're together, but what we do when we're out there alone" will be the proof of our commitment, he said.

If Peace Fest couldn't generate that momentum, nothing could.

Penny Graves takes a solo turn during one of the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Gospel Choir's performances during Peace Fest. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

International Counselor Kiser Barnes (right) chats with a new friend during the Ambassador of Peace award reception. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

There's nothing like being mimed, as this bemused young lady found out. (Photo by Tom Mennillo) [Page 14]

Corinne True Justice Center is established in Denver

On August 31, Bahá’ís in the Denver, Colorado, area and the Bahá’í Justice Society dedicated the Corinne True Justice Center (TJC), the first conflict resolution training center in the U.S. owned by Bahá’í institutions.

Among the 100 guests attending the ceremony was Susan Geisler, representing the mayor's Office for Human Rights and Community Affairs, who expressed the support of that office while cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

The speakers included Auxiliary Board member Carol Brooks; Stephanie Fielding, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Denver and member of the Regional Teaching Committee for the Western States; longtime pioneer Dr. Dwight Allen; and Steven Gonzales, chairman of the Bahá’í Justice Society.

The TJC is a non-profit entity jointly owned by the Spiritual Assembly of Denver and the Justice Society, which is an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly with membership open to anyone interested in social justice.

The TJC is envisioned both as a response to the call of the Universal House of Justice for Bahá’í institutes and a step toward establishing institutions dedicated to serving humanity, emanating from the center of every city, as foretold in the Bahá’í writings.

Because the Hand of the Cause of God Corinne True was instrumental in establishing the first Bahá’í House of Worship in the western hemisphere, the Justice Center honors her name.

The TJC will train Bahá’ís and others in professional mediation and Bahá’í consultation. Those skills will then be offered to neighborhoods, families, law enforcement agencies, businesses, government, schools and wherever else they are useful in fostering harmony.

The Center also aims to bring Bahá’ís into meaningful contact with like-minded people, thus providing many opportunities for teaching.

The Justice Society plans to establish other such centers across the country, organizing some of the human resources available to local Assemblies.

For more information about the TJC or to apply for training programs, write to the True Justice Center, c/o Mrs. Stephanie Fielding, Denver, CO 80209.

Communities that are interested in establishing a center may write to Steven Gonzales, Phoenix, AZ 85044 (phone 602-940-7594).

1996 BAHÁ’Í CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AMERICAS

THEME: BAHÁ’Í DEVELOPMENT AT THE DAWN OF THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY: EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS, INSTITUTIONS AND COMMUNITIES

Participants will: consult on triple aspects of the Four Year Plan: human resources, institutions and communities; be illumined by the people-centered view of Bahá’í development; learn about non-material wealth of human experience offered by Bahá’ís from southern countries; and focus on the primary humble participant at work in the development field.

This hemispheric Conference will gather together many outstanding believers from Alaska to Chile representing the rank and file of Bahá’í servants who labor at the grassroots as facilitators of Bahá’í development.

DECEMBER 19-22, 1996 CLARION PLAZA HOTEL ORLANDO, FLORIDA

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: David Hofman (U.K.) and David S. Ruhe (U.S.) Retired Members of The Universal House of Justice

FEATURED SPEAKERS: Eloy Anello (Bolivia) William E. Davis (U.S.) Jaime R. Duhart (Chile) Todd Ewing (U.S.) Glen A. Eyford (Canada) Linda S. Gershuny (Haiti) Daryush D. Haghighi (U.S.) Holly E. Hanson (U.S.) Mas'ud Khamsi (Peru) Florence V. Mayberry (U.S.) Jack E. McCants (U.S.) Guitty M. Milani (Brazil) Mary S. Power (U.S.) Margaret K. Ruhe (U.S.) Donald R. Witzel (Venezuela) ...and many more

Hassan Abdel Fattah Sabri (Office of Social and Economic Development, Bahá’í World Center, 1983-1996) will share with participants his vast experience with Bahá’í development projects worldwide.

ENTERTAINERS: David L. Closson (U.S.) Narges Fani (U.S.) Jeff Jones (Canada) Jack Lenz (Canada) Thelma Thomas Khelghati (U.S.) Mary K. Makoski (U.S.) Joel V. Orona (U.S.) Dan Seals (U.S.) Nancy Ward (Canada) Andean Musical Group El Viento Canta (The Wind Sings) (U.S.)

The Rabbani Charitable Trust's 1996 Annual Award of Excellence directs the gaze of the Bahá’í world upon our eminent, revered and greatly loved Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, who continues to shed luster upon the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh as the Twentieth Century rapidly draws to a close.

Accepting the Award of Excellence on her behalf will be Mas'ud Khamsi (Member, International Teaching Center: 1983-1993).

Counsellor Eloy Anello will receive recognition as Bahá’í Development Pioneer for his dedicated service in grassroots application of Bahá’í spiritual and social principles, pioneering new concepts, and for significantly impacting upon Bahá’í development work throughout the Americas and beyond.

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED: Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Israel, Peru, Siberia, Suriname, Turks & Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela.

"The Bahá’í 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 towards the establishment of order in the world." — The Universal House of Justice (Message to the Bahá’ís of the World, Riḍván 153)

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Adult Fee (Before Nov 20: $99 / After Nov 20: $119) Children & Jr. Youth Fee (3-14 years; 8 am to Noon) (Before Nov 20: $39 / After Nov 20: $59) Youth Fee (15-20 years; attending morning adult sessions) (Before Nov 20: $59 / After Nov 20: $79)

Make Check Payable and Mail To: RABBANI CHARITABLE TRUST 1477 W. FAIRBANKS AVE., STE. 200 WINTER PARK, FL 32789

Bahá’ís in Okaloosa County find ‘something wonderful’ in plans for MLK observance

Just when you think no one is paying attention, something wonderful happens. Ask the Bahá’ís of Okaloosa County, Florida.

Several members of the Bahá’í community served on this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee.

At one of the first meetings, a hastily prepared poster of race unity items cut and pasted from The American Bahá’í was shown to the committee to let the members know of Bahá’í efforts nationwide. It looked as though no one was interested, with committee members giving the poster only a cursory glance.

Later in the meeting, the time came to choose a theme for the celebration. Suddenly, from nowhere and with only a moment's discussion, it was "Diversified Yet Unified."

On the following meeting's agenda was a logo for the celebration. One of the Bahá’ís brought in a Bahá’í T-shirt (four hands of various colors in a circle), and again it took only a moment to approve the logo.

Next came the advertising theme. It had now become a "Parade of Human Colors" and the colors were red, yellow, black and white. The program for the evening celebration was titled "Diversified Yet Unified: A Call for Unity in Our Diverse Society."

At the event, the newly formed Bahá’í Youth Workshop was first on the program, dancing and singing like angels.

The Workshop leader spoke briefly the Bahá’í principles of the oneness of humanity, setting a mood for those who followed: a unity prayer from an American Indian; a young 8-year-old Christian who recited Dr. King's "I have a Dream" speech; and a gospel song urging all of us to see, enjoy and love one another's differences, as it makes such a lovely garden. A children's choir remained on stage to give voice to unity and love.

The feeling in the auditorium when the celebration had ended was that of joy and a tremendous love for one another. Strangers, black and white, greeted each other as they met in the aisles.

Bahá’u’lláh had bestowed His glorious confirmation on the efforts and heartfelt prayers of those devoted few. They were now renewed in spirit and vigor. They had the momentum. And Race Unity Day was just around the corner. [Page 15]

NEWS FROM OVERSEAS

Young Bahá’ís set pace in India teaching campaign

The Permanent Teaching Institute of the State Bahá’í Council of Andhra Pradesh, India, held a youth training course for homefront pioneers last May 25-31 in Hyderabad. Taking part were three adults, 19 youth, two junior youth and four children. Fourteen of the youth, organized in two groups, took part in a four-day post-training teaching campaign in two areas in which they held three book exhibits. As a result, 111 new believers were enrolled under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh.

Also in India, a month-long teaching campaign last May/June in the District of Darjeeling, West Bengal, led to the enrollment of 96 new believers in several villages. Two friends went to Singel Tea Estate where they held evening deepening classes for local Bahá’ís and enrolled nine new believers. Two others went to Takdah for four days, held teaching classes, and enrolled 12 new believers there and 28 more in the village of Beshok. Some friends visited a school in Mungpoo, where there are three Bahá’í teachers. Young Bahá’ís taught the Faith to nine people in the local village, all of whom declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. On June 22, two Bahá’í girls organized a one-day teaching trip during which their parents accepted the Faith. The following day, the local Assembly of Singel Tea Estate organized a one-day teaching program with male teachers going to one village and females to another. As a result, the men’s group enrolled 12 new believers and the women’s group 23. All of the new believers were invited to attend the Nineteen Day Feast and deepening classes which are held twice each week.

Several traveling teachers recently spent six weeks in Gornal Altaisk, Russia, to teach the Faith. The inhabitants are the traditional Altai people and Russians including Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and people of the area’s traditional religion, all of whom live together in harmony. The friends distributed more than 500 booklets containing prayers, 500 pamphlets on the Faith, 50 booklets on "Bahá’í Community Life," and 25 copies of "The Prosperity of Humankind." They also met with the music director of the local radio station and the directors of both local television stations.

Many people learned about the Faith when the video "Temple on My Way" was shown during prime time on commercial TV. Afterward, the friends met with the director of the local tourist company, whose wife declared her faith in Bahá’u’lláh. Before the friends left the area, seven new believers had been enrolled in the Faith.

The Bahá’í Youth Workshop of Maui, Hawaii, gave a performance May 22 at Maui Memorial Stadium for all fifth-grade classes in Maui County. Its purpose was to use Bahá’í principles to counteract drug usage among young people. The program was sponsored by the county Police Department’s DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) program. At its conclusion, the Chief of Police congratulated each workshop member for the performance.

Pictured are some of the 16 adult Bahá’ís and three children who attended a day-long institute last July in Goroka, Papua New Guinea, whose theme was ’Promoting Entry by Troops.’ The coordinator, Ginny Warrime, was helped by Henry Enn and David Fiove. All are assistants to the Auxiliary Board.

On May 27, the Bahá’í community of Guyana, in collaboration with the Institute of Adult and Continuing Education (IACE), launched "On the Wings of Words" at the National Cultural Center to promote literacy skills among young people from 10-16 years old. On June 16, more than 200 volunteers gathered at the Pegasus Hotel to discuss in detail the vision of the project, which is to help young people increase their self-confidence, build a desire to learn, feel the power of words, and understand and put them into action.

On June 21, Liv Vitols, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of Norway, was interviewed for 25 minutes on Norwegian television. The interview was included in a series of six programs made by the department of religion at the country’s official television station, profiling the six major religions in Norwegian society.

The first joint meeting of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana and Suriname was held June 29-30 in Paramaribo, Suriname. The friends met to consult on significant issues including the Four Year Plan; social, economic and community development; external affairs, and inter-religious activities. Those present were especially excited by a proposed Amazonas Project for literacy and education throughout the area.

Front row (left to right) Phap Le, Nhi Li, new declarant Phuong Du; back row (left to right) new declarant Lai Du, Mr. Thuy, Truyen Le.

Last Ridván, the local Spiritual Assembly of Chiangmai, Thailand, sent five friends to visit government offices, radio stations and newspaper offices. They also visited the governor and presented him with Bahá’í literature. As a result, three newspapers published articles about the Faith, and a radio station asked local Bahá’ís to prepare a half-hour program each week. The program, "Food for the Heart," will focus on the relevance of Bahá’í teachings in everyday life.

The first local Spiritual Assembly of Mogilev, Belarus, was formed last April 22 after two new believers were enrolled the night before and another young man came as a homefront pioneer.

Mrs. Ranzie Mensah, a Bahá’í from Ghana who is a singer, proclaimed the Faith recently through a series of concerts and meetings with prominent people and the media in Poland. She performed gospel, spiritual, jazz and traditional African songs and dances as part of a program she has developed for schools, giving three performances in Kraków and Olsztyn, where an article about the concerts was published in the local newspaper and two radio interviews were held.

Two Bahá’ís, Anne and Keith Munro, were interviewed last March on the popular morning program, "This New Day," on Northern Ireland’s Radio Ulster. The key elements of the Faith were conveyed in a direct manner, and the questioning was sympathetic.

The Bahá’í community hosted an attractive booth this year at Mexico City, Mexico’s annual Book Fair. Among the six million visitors were the President of the Republic, Dr. Ernesto Zedillo, and his wife. The National Bahá’í Office of External and Public Relations presented to Dr. Zedillo copies of "Turning Point for All Nations," "The Prosperity of Humankind," "World Citizenship" and "Women"

Arrival of deepened Vietnamese Bahá’í helps enliven San Diego community

In San Diego, California, the recent arrival of Phap Le, a deepened Bahá’í and former member of the Spiritual Assembly of Saigon, Vietnam, has had a profound effect on the larger San Diego Bahá’í community.

Mr. Le regularly attends Feast and often reads a prayer in Vietnamese. The friends in the community for his quiet, persistent dedication and devotion to the Faith, and are seeing the results of his continued teaching efforts.

In spite of the Le family’s difficulties with the English language, the friends are making efforts to communicate with them and to show support and respect for their work in San Diego. Already, there have been four recent declarations in the Vietnamese community (two of whom are shown in the photograph above), with more certain to follow.

"Every individual believer—man, woman, youth and child—is summoned to this field of action; for it is on the initiative, the resolute will of the individual to teach and to serve, that the success of the entire community depends."—The Universal House of Justice, Ridván 1988 [Page 16]

CLASSIFIEDS

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

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

SERVICE opportunities at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. Needed are guides who are willing to greet the many visitors to the Temple (167,536 last year). A desire to be of service is the only requirement. Half-hour training and orientation is provided. Also needed: teachers to let the public know about Bahá’u’lláh and His Revelation. Multilingual skills a plus; training is required. Tour guides who know the history of the Temple and are deepened in the teachings of the Faith; one-hour training required. Garden teachers to teach under the stars from 10 p.m. to midnight during the summer months; half-hour training and orientation required. And ushers who enjoy being of service to the House of Worship but are unable to make a regular commitment of time. Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with garden teaching Fridays and Saturdays until midnight. If you can help, please contact Mary Lou McLaughlin, coordinator of volunteer services, Bahá’í House of Worship (phone 847-853-2300).

EXCITING overseas opportunities. Teachers of English are needed in a number of areas, including Beijing, Guangdong, Guangxi, Huaibei, Huainan, Liaoning, Ningxia, etc. For more information contact Ms. Gwili Posey, 847-733-3512 (fax 847-733-3509); e-mail

A VOLUNTEER, either youth, elderly or in-between, is needed to help maintain organic produce gardens as part of an agricultural project at the Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina. Short-term (weeks) to long-term (seasonal) help is needed—two to six hours a day in the gardens, which supply much of the food for the Institute, especially for the Summer Youth Academy. Bio-intensive, raised-bed, Machobane row-crop and traditional local methods of cultivation are used and taught. No experience is necessary, only the right attitude and work ethic. Get in touch with the fundamental basis of the community, "sustainable agriculture." If interested, phone the Louis Gregory Institute, 803-558-9874.

OUTSTANDING service opportunity in Washington State as the local Assembly of Pierce County #3 works to build what it believes will be the next national property. The lovely 24-acre conference site now exists, and its Bahá’í owners are in the process of transferring control to the local Assembly. Carpenters, plumbers, engineers, physicians, lawyers, architects, landscapers, laborers, gardeners, organizers and many more are needed to help build this "Geyserville of the Northwest." The facility is south of Tacoma and east of Olympia with easy access to Seattle. Housing is readily available with low- to high-end units nearby. Employment opportunities with Boeing, Intel, State Farm Insurance, public schools, Washington State University, and Fort Lewis (Army), McChord Air Force Base and others nearby. For information, please contact the Assembly chairman, Doug Moul, 206-843-1520, or the treasurer, Carol Spell, 360-458-3910, or send a letter with your information to the Spiritual Assembly of Pierce County #3, P.O. Box 67, Spanaway, WA 98387.

PIONEERING (OVERSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities overseas. AFRICA: Angola—country representative to assume responsibility for day-to-day management of all aspects of local Africare mission. Eritrea—design engineer needed for 2-5 month assignment to provide technical guidance and support in the structural design of an integrated irrigation scheme. Kenya—self-reliance sector manager for an IRC Kakuma refugee camp. Tanzania—English teachers. Zambia—principal for the William Mmutle Bahá’í Institute, teachers. Zaire—hospital coordinator to coordinate and supervise all health activities at Muguna camp hospital. AMERICAS: Honduras—teachers. Mexico—volunteer to teach English. ASIA: Cambodia—English teacher. Laos—English teacher. Korea—teachers. Macau—teachers. Sakhalin—teachers. Thailand—clinical coordinator needed at clinic treating refugees at Thai-Burma border. Volunteers to help with kindergarten, nursery classes, teach English, help with maintenance and building work. AUSTRALASIA: Solomon Islands—volunteer to train National Office staff. EUROPE: Belarus—Internet trainer with knowledge of Russian needed to help develop Internet access and training program for alumni of USIA-sponsored academic exchange programs. Romania—English teacher with certification in TESL or TOEFL. MULTI-REGIONAL: social workers and Registered Nurses needed to staff family advocacy programs at U.S. Air Force/Army bases in Germany, Italy, England and Turkey. The International Rescue Committee needs mechanics, finance managers, administrators, logisticians, water/sanitation engineers, physicians, nurses, paramedics and emergency response personnel. The Peace Corps is recruiting for South Africa: agriculturalists, educators, health professionals, skilled trades professionals, environmental workers, businesspeople, math, science & engineering majors; associate Peace Corps directors for Africa and other regions. For application information, phone 800-424-8580, or write to Peace Corps, Washington, DC 20526.

URGENT NEED for pioneers to the Bahamas, Bosnia, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Hungary, Macedonia, Serbia and Venezuela. For more information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 847-733-3512; fax 847-733-3509; e-mail ).

PIONEERING (HOMEFRONT)

ATTENTION winter Texans! Help "advance the process of entry by troops" in Harlingen, whose Spiritual Assembly is now renting a Bahá’í Center. If you plan to come to the Rio Grande Valley to escape winter's icy grip, please consider the opportunity to help keep the Center open or to host daytime events for seniors while most community members are working. For information, write to the Spiritual Assembly of Harlingen, P.O. Box 830, Harlingen, TX 78551, or phone 210-425-6385.

ACTIVE community of Sterling Heights, Michigan, is seeking two devoted Bahá’ís to help save its jeopardized Assembly, the only one in Macomb County. Sterling Heights (pop. 120,000), rated one of the five safest cities in the country and 12th best in which to raise a family, is between Detroit and the Louhelen Bahá’í School at Davison. The community supports weekly firesides, monthly talks at the public library, a quarterly adopt-a-road clean-up and many other activities. Attend either a strong local Sunday School (45 members) or one in Detroit, which also has a dynamic Entry by Troops Committee. A wide variety of jobs are available in the Detroit area. For information, please write to Deborah Bartlett, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Sterling Heights, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 (phone 810-254-3688; e-mail ).

NORTHWEST Cochise County, in southeastern Arizona, needs three Bahá’ís to form an Assembly. We are asking for believers, especially from the cities, to perform "heroic deeds of service to the Cause..." In our community, we wish to establish "a vibrant model of unity in diversity." The area is only a 30- to 40-minute drive to metropolitan Tucson. Many people in the area commute there to work or study at the University of Arizona, enjoying the rural atmosphere in the land of Cochise while reaping the cultural and economic benefits of the Tucson area. Please join us in service to the Cause during the Four Year Plan. Phone John Cook, 520-720-4555, and leave a message.

ARCHIVES

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Eunice M. Baker, Everett H. Baker, Gloria Baker, Roberta Balfour, Margaret F. Banurd, Mary Francis Baral, Dorothy Barbour, F. Gayne Barbour and Helen M. Barbour. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611, or to phone 847-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahá’í Archives is seeking copies of the following Bahá’í books by Shoghi Effendi in good or excellent condition: Bahá’í Administration (cloth 1953; paper 1974), Messages to America (cloth 1947), Messages to Canada (cloth 1965), The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh (cloth 1944; paper 1955, 1965). Anyone having copies they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

WANTED

WANTED: film student volunteer eager to seek employment in the industry and willing to commute to Los Angeles from oceanside Malibu while working as a part-time research assistant on the production of the "Dawn-Breakers" film series about the early history of the Faith. Must have office and computer skills. Residential accommodations offered in exchange for services rendered. Please fax a single-page resumé to Ruth Rosenwald, 310-457-9893.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Polk County, Florida, is seeking loaned artwork by Bahá’ís for a touring exhibit in celebration of the oneness of humankind, and would like to hear from communities interested in displaying the exhibit. Please contact Donald R. Newby at phone: 941-294-3687 (home) or 941-299-3964 (work); email: address: Winter Haven, FL 33880.

THE TSAVO WEST Bahá’í Institute is conducting a study of personal and group initiatives in the U.S. for publication internationally. Needed are descriptions of current initiative-based activities of all sorts including teaching, social/economic development, research, college clubs, publishing, World Wide Web, institutional services, etc. Please send your response by November 1 to Tsavo West, Initiative Study, P.O. Box 6081, Wilmette, IL 60091-67081 (e-mail ).

THE NATIONAL Spiritual Assembly of the Bahamas needs a copy machine, television set and VCR for teaching activities. If you are able to donate any of these items, please contact Hormoz Hormozi, 847-697-7805. Shipping to the Bahamas will be provided.

POETS: devotional poems suitable for use at Feasts, Holy Day observances and other events are being sought for a collection. For themes and guidelines, please contact Duane L. Herrmann, Topeka, KS 66619.

FOR SALE

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of Pembroke Pines, Florida, has for sale cassette tapes of Bahá’í prayers chanted in Persian and Arabic by Nosrat Solhjoo Scott. The cost is $10 per tape plus $1.50 for shipping (add 30 cents shipping for each additional tape ordered). Checks, made payable to the Bahá’í Fund of Pembroke Pines, should be sent to Pembroke Pines, FL 33026.

NEED concrete ideas for community or family celebrations of Holy Days and Ayyam-i-Há and for building a strong Bahá’í community and a love for the Central Figures of our Faith in children? A 13-page compilation of ideas created by a Bahá’í mother and children's class teacher is available. If you are interested in acquiring a copy, please send $3 (for postage and copying) to Linden Qualls, Yellow Springs, OH 45387-1400. For information, phone 513-767-7079.

A BAHÁ’Í is offering for sale through the Spiritual Assembly of San Bernardino, California, the 1894 edition of The Parliament of Religions at the World's Columbian Exposition. It contains a talk given by Rev. H.H. Jessup at the World Parliament of Religions that was the first public mention of Bahá’u’lláh in the western world. The price is $1,800, with one-third of the proceeds going to the Arc, one-third to the National Fund and one-third to the local community exclusively for teaching. Please contact the secretary, Agda Marilyn Kirley, San Bernardino, CA 92410.

ITEMS AVAILABLE

THE OFFICE of Assembly Development at the Bahá’í National Center has obtained a limited quantity of the booklet "Communicating with Deaf People: An Introduction," prepared by Gallaudet University's National Information Center on Deafness. The booklet provides an overview of the topic of deafness as well as a reference list for obtaining more information. Assemblies or Groups who feel the booklet might be of use to their community may order one free of charge by contacting the Office of Assembly Development, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-733-3490; fax 847-733-3486; e-mail ).

NATIONAL CENTER

LOCAL Spiritual Assemblies: would your Assembly like to attend a Weekend Visitors program at the Bahá’í National Center? Local Assemblies are now being given an opportunity to take part in these programs which include two days of tours, talks and presentations at the National Center. Your Assembly, with others who are attending, will be greeted by members of the National Spiritual Assembly, will hear updates and plans for national projects, and will have a chance [Page 17]

ADS

to convey news and concerns of your community. Among the tour sites are the holiest House of Worship and National Bahá’í Archives. If your Assembly is interested in attending and can arrange to bring, at your expense, a quorum of your members, please contact the Office of Assembly Development, which is seeking to ascertain the level of interest before setting specific dates for Assembly participation. Assemblies who are interested in registering for this opportunity may do so by contacting the Office of Assembly Development, 847-733-3490 (fax 847-733-3486; e-mail).

PERIODICALS

DEEPEN Magazine, a project of Tsavo West Bahá’í Institute, is dedicated to bringing interesting and informative material to the Bahá’í community in a way that is both engaging and instructional. Recent articles have included transcripts of talks by Hands of the Cause of God and long-time servant of the Cause Lauretta Voelz. Features on teaching and attracting seekers are always a part of the magazine, along with camera-ready ads, posters and brochures. If you or anyone you know would be interested in submitting articles for consideration in Deepen, please write to Phyllis Medrano, Chicago, IL 60626 (phone 312-274-4224; e-mail).

William Sears

Mr. Sears' spirit permeates Desert Rose Bahá’í School

The spirit of the dearly loved Hand of the Cause of God William Sears is present each year at Tucson, Arizona's Desert Rose Bahá’í School, a center of learning that he helped bring into existence eight years ago.

Mrs. Marguerite Sears reports that Mr. Sears' vision of a permanent home for the school soon will be realized, as will the William Sears Bahá’í Institute, forerunner of a Bahá’í university.

The Desert Rose school is held every Thanksgiving weekend-from Thursday dinner to noon on Sunday. This year's eighth annual session will be held November 28-December 1.

Mrs. Sears says it is designed as a family gathering that inspires, deepens and motivates the attendees to offer greater service to the Cause, thus fulfilling a goal of the Four Year Plan to train believers who can foster and facilitate the process of entry by troops with efficiency and love.

For information about the Desert Rose Bahá’í School, phone 520-297-3106. For special reservations at the Ramada Inn in Tucson, phone 800-777-2999 and mention the school.

Margaret Chance, loving servant of Cause, dies at 84

Margaret C. Chance, who served for many years at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa, Israel, while her husband, Hugh Chance, was a member of the Universal House of Justice, died June 26 in Winfield, Kansas. She was 84 years old.

Mrs. Chance, a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, who was a teacher by profession, taught Bahá’í children's classes in Haifa and served as a guide at the Holy Shrines.

She and Mr. Chance were married in 1934, after which they lived in Muscatine and Davenport, Iowa, where Mrs. Chance taught school.

The Chances moved to Wilmette, Illinois, in 1962 when Mr. Chance was elected secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, and to Haifa the following year when he was elected to the Universal House of Justice.

The Chances remained in Haifa until 1993 when Mr. Chance retired from service on the House of Justice.

On learning of her passing, the Supreme Body sent the following cable to Mr. Chance:

"Deeply sympathize in your loss dearly loved Margaret. Her constant devotion Cause Bahá’u’lláh; her sacrificial services World Center over long period particularly as unstinting supporter your efforts fulfill weighty responsibilities membership House Justice, as guide Holy Shrines and as teacher Bahá’í children's classes; her high principles, cheerful disposition, gentle humor remembered with gratitude and affection.

"Rest assured our ardent prayers Sacred Threshold that her noble soul may progress throughout divine worlds and that you and your dear daughter may be surrounded by strengthening grace Blessed Beauty."

Mr. Chance received the following letter from the National Spiritual Assembly:

"We were saddened by the passing of your dearly loved Margaret while we rejoiced in knowing that she was released from the frailties of her physical being. She was surely embraced by the Supreme Concourse on being welcomed into the Abhá Kingdom where 'days of blissful joy and heavenly delight' are certain to be in store for her.

"Margaret's loving example will continue to be an inspiration to those who remember this deeply devoted and honorable women, particularly her fourth grade public school students who, more than 30 years later, still remember rising to say the short obligatory Prayer along with the Pledge of Allegiange at the start of each day.

"This generous-spirited maidservant of Bahá’u’lláh was a true educator. Her dedication, her cheerful manner, and her understanding of the meaning of service brought out the best in all who were privileged to know her.

"We beseech the Almighty to speed her noble soul toward its Creator. Our hearts embrace you and her cherished Maryann as we offer our prayers also for your solace in this time of separation."

Tragic accident brings Bahá’ís in Kansas, Japan closer

A tragic auto accident on Interstate 70 has brought the Bahá’í communities of Hays, Kansas, and Kameoka, Japan, closer together.

Kazuki Terashima and his sister, Terumi, were on vacation last August when their car crossed the median and flipped over a few miles west of Hays. They were thrown from the vehicle, which then landed on Kazuki, 18, crushing him. He later died.

Kazuki's parents, longtime Bahá’ís Tadashi and Hiroko Terashima, wanted to visit Hays to help heal their emotional loss. But they had never traveled in the United States, so the Bahá’ís of Kameoka contacted the Hays community for assistance in arranging the trip.

This March the Terashimas' request was fulfilled.

Accompanied by Bahá’ís Robert Bassett; his wife, Marilyn Ray; their two children, Sarah and Timothy, and LaNelma Johnson, the Japanese couple stood in the cold and snow of a field near the site of their son's death.

Mr. Terashima read Bahá’í prayers while Dr. Bassett laid a wreath on a fence post. The small party huddled together and sang.

Later, at the residence of Drs. Bassett and Ray, 14 people gathered for a prayer service. Besides local Bahá’ís, Mayor Sharon Leikam of Hays, an official of Hays Medical Center and two attending physicians were there to lend their support to the family.

A front-page article and two photographs in The Hays Daily News chronicled the day's events.

After leaving Hays, the Terashimas visited the Maxwell International Bahá’í School in British Columbia before returning to Japan.

Nearly 200 take part in Phoenix World Religion Day program

On January 13, nearly 200 people in the metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, area took part in a World Religion Day observance sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Scottsdale.

The program included talks by two distinguished speakers-Roger D. Adelson, professor of history at Arizona State University, who spoke about the role of Judaism, Christianity and Islam in world history during the past 500 years; and Deana Recker, a Bahá’í attorney, whose topic was the social and spiritual principles of Hinduism, Buddhism and the Bahá’í Faith and the common foundation of all religions.

Entertainment included performances of music from Czechoslovakia and East Indian and American Indian music and dance.

Vanderbilt's Bahá’í students plan series to introduce Faith

In response to a suggestion from Auxiliary Board member Mary K. Radpour, the Bahá’í Student Association at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, recently planned a five-part series of discussions entitled "An Introduction to the Bahá’í Faith."

After much advertising including flyers passed out at the Association's booth at the annual Student Organization Fair, banners posted on school bulletin boards, nearly 300 "table tents" in school dining facilities, and a new web site for the Student Association, some 42 people showed up for the first meeting in the series (including 25-30 seekers).

It was by far the largest fireside the six-member Bahá’í Association had ever hosted.

The meeting consisted of music by Josh Southerland, Juliet Seals and Netta Ferdowsi, an introductory talk by Carol Mansour, and a dinner provided by two other members of the Nashville community, Venus and Ziba Ferdowsi.

The plan is to continue advertising forthcoming meetings heavily, especially the third in the series, to be entitled "Bahá’u’lláh, the Glory of God."

Besides Vanderbilt, the area boasts three other schools of higher learning-Fisk, Belmont and Middle Tennessee State University. Those who are interested in attending Vanderbilt are invited to contact Stephen Vaccaro by e-mail: , by phone at 615-421-7927, or by mail at Nashville, TN 37235.

D.C.-area Bahá’ís take part in interfaith dialogue at Howard U.

Bahá’ís in the Washington, D.C., area were among the more than 200 people who took part March 21 in an interreligious dialogue, "Beliefs, Myths and Mysteries," at Howard University in Washington.

The Metropolitan Washington Bahá’í Chorale was among the groups providing entertainment at the interfaith conference which brought together Catholics, Protestants, Mormons, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Zoroastrians, Buddhists and Bahá’ís for a discussion of their faiths' customs and beliefs.

An article and several photographs about the dialogue, which was sponsored by the Interfaith Conference of Washington, appeared March 22 in The Washington Post.

Correction

In the column "Excellence in All Things" (August 1), Arash Rafiee is cited for having been graduated summa cum laude from Eastside High School in Taylors, South Carolina. The first name is incorrect; the graduate's name is Ashkan Rafiee. [Page 18]These photographs show volunteers at the Louhelen Bahá’í School carrying out some of the many services performed each year by those whose love for the school leads them to donate many hours to its upkeep and beautification.

Louhelen marks Homecoming weekend

The Louhelen School reverberated with music, laughter and stories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and pioneering in Africa amidst prayer and learning ways to relate the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh to today's burning issues.

Indeed, the Labor Day weekend Homecoming session welcomed old friends drawn to well-known and beloved faces alongside many new faces experiencing their new Louhelen home for the first time.

Saturday's standing-room-only dinner and music celebration featured master chef Gary's delectable Mongolian lamb stew, the talented 20-piece Washtenaw Community College Jazz Ensemble directed by Mike Naylor, and the heart-binding Detroit Gospel Choir.

Folk singer and songwriter Ed VandenDool spiritually touched the audience with Sunday evening's concert performance. Brother and sister Paul and Lauretta Voelz (truly national treasures) shared remembrances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who stayed in their childhood home during His visit to North America in 1912. They brought with them a document signed by the Master and prayer beads that were lovingly placed by Him on the sister's head.

Youth Service Corps experiences in South Africa were recalled fondly by author Kemba Thomas Mazloomian, while Holly Hanson's stimulating course explored ways to teach the Cause even to those who may not initially find themselves interested in investigating its Message.

New home construction project at Louhelen

Construction of the long-awaited, eagerly anticipated staff housing began this summer at Louhelen. Two modest, three-bedroom homes are being built to provide housing for families who provide long-term service to the school. The project, funded primarily by contributions from the friends, is scheduled for completion in the fall.

Volunteer service vital to Louhelen

Each year many volunteers arise to offer much-needed services at Louhelen. Adults, youth and children, carpenters, plumbers, teachers, dishwashers, gardeners, cooks, musicians, painters, accountants and others all find scope for exertion.

These lovely souls share a deep love for Bahá’u’lláh that inspires them to dedicate their time and energy for the benefit of everyone who comes to the school. The fruits of their labor are visible everywhere: the lovely gardens, the newly upholstered benches, the uniquely stunning wall treatments throughout the classrooms and main building, and the peaceful atmosphere of the prayer room.

These devoted believers truly realize the Guardian's vision, as expressed in a letter to friends serving at Louhelen, that "...the fruits that will grow out of their present labors will astonish them."

Hundreds of young people from age 12 into their 20s took part this summer in "Institute" programs at the Bosch Bahá’í School geared toward Junior Youth through college-age students. Youth directors from around California developed an excellent program. The Children's Academy, started two years ago for grades 4-6, will expand next year to include more sessions. Watch for further developments.

Oregon's Bahá’í winter school set for Thanksgiving

Menucha, western Oregon's Bahá’í winter school, was established more than 20 years ago by several Bahá’ís who were instrumental in holding the Astoria Children's Conference.

The conference was started in the '50s by Bahá’ís from Oregon and Washington who wanted their children to develop Bahá’í identities. At that time, Bahá’ís were few and far between in the Pacific Northwest, and many children saw other Bahá’í children only at this event.

The adults were there to serve—teach, cook, wash dishes, chaperone, drive—sometimes all of the above, a legacy that still runs through the Bahá’í summer schools in Oregon.

Many of these adults dreamed of an "adult" school where there would be intensive classes, fellowship, and someone else to do the cooking and cleaning. As a result, Oregon's winter school was established. Menucha, a conference center for non-profit groups, was located, and Thanksgiving weekend was chosen as the time for this retreat for adults and youth ages 15 or older.

There have always been quality teachers and interesting classes. Among the former teachers: Dr. Jalil Mahmoudi, Alla Dakserhof, William Maxwell, Kay Zinky, Henry Weil and Habib Riazati. This year, Auxiliary Board member Celia Johnson from Bremerton, Washington, and Chris Lay of Portland will conduct classes on the theme "Promoting Entry by Troops."

Free time is spent in the library, taking walks through the lovely grounds, playing pinochle, bridge or other board games, meditating or resting.

Attendance through the years has varied from 35 to more than 100. To secure rooms and services the friends have been used to, the Schools Committee has had to contract for at least 60 participants this year. That is the break-even number. Scholarships are often available through local Spiritual Assemblies.

Menucha starts this year on Thursday evening, November 28, and ends after lunch on Sunday, December 1.

The cost is the same as last year: adults, $125; youth/students, $109; and semi-private, $159. Please send a 50 percent deposit to Norman Ives, registrar, Coos Bay, OR 97420 (phone 541-267-3157; e-mail ). [Page 19]می کند اهم آنها نیاز به مشورت و انتقاد صریح و سازنده درباره شرایط داخلی جامعه محلی ست. ولی بار دیگر تأکید میشود که باید از انتقادها و مباحثات منفی که منتج به بی اعتبار ساختن محفل روحانی به عنوان یک مؤسسه بهائی می شود اکیداً دوری جست. زیرا در غیر این صورت نظم امر الله به خطر خواهد افتاد و آشفتگی و اختلاف در جامعه حکمفرما خواهد شد. (۱۳) دیسمبر (۱۹۳۹ ترجمه

حضرت ولی امر الله معتقدند که قسمت عمده دشواری هانی که احیای جامعه ... حس می کنند بدان مبتلا هستند از آنجا سرچشمه می گیرد که نظم اداری را نه درست فهمیدهاند و نه بدرستی آن را بکار می بندند. بسیاری از آنان به نظر میرسد آماده اند همواره از تصمیمات محفل روحانی خود انتقاد کنند و به آن تصميمات احترام .نگذارند اگر بهائیان به اساس مؤسساتی که به رغم نارسائی خود می کوشند فعالیت های بهائی را هم آهنگ نمایند و به تنظیم امور امری پردازند لطمه وارد آورند؛ اگر دائماً از اقدامات آنان و به تصمیمات آنان اعتراض نمایند و آن را انتقاد کنند بی ارزش جلوه دهند نه تنها مانع پیشرفت واقعی و سریع امر الله خواهند شد بلکه کسانی را که در خارج جامعه قرار دارند از خود خواهند .راند اینان به حق خواهند پرسید که ما چگونه انتظار داریم جهانیان را متحد سازیم وقتی که در میان خودمان از وحدت حقیقی محرومیم تنها یک راه حل وجود دارد و آن اینکه نظم اداری بهائی را ،بیاموزیم از محافل روحانی اطاعت کنیم و هر فرد در تکامل شخصیت و خلق وخوی خود به عنوان یک فرد بهائی مجاهدت نماید. هرگز نمی توانیم همان گونه بر دیگران اثر داشته باشیم که بر خود داریم اگر ما خود بهتر ،باشیم اگر در قبال نقاط ضعف دیگران محبت، بردباری و تفاهم نشان دهیم، اگر بکوشیم که هرگز انتقاد نکنیم بلکه تشویق کنیم دیگران نیز چنین خواهند نمود و خواهیم توانست بوسیله سرمشق رفتار و نیروی روحانی خود به امر الله حقیقتاً خدمت کنیم. همه جا وقتی که برای نخستین بار نظم اداری تأسیس می شود احباء در می یابند که تطبیق دادن خود با آن نظام بسیار دشوار است یاران باید بیاموزند که به خاطر حفظ وحدت جامعه از محفل روحانی اطاعت کنند، حتی اگر محفل اشتباه کند یاران باید شخصیتهای خودشان را تا حد معینی فدا کنند تا حیات جامعه بطور کلی رشد نما .نماید این امور مشکل است ولی باید بدانیم که چون امر الله بر طبق نظم اداری بهائی مستقر شود ما را به راه زندگی بسی بزرگتر و کاملتر رهنمون خواهد شد. (۲۶ اکتبر (۱۹۴۳ ترجمه

انتقاد بدخواهانه به راستی بلانی ست. ولی ريشة آن عدم ایمان به نظم حضرت بهاء الله یعنی نظم اداری بهائی و عدم اطاعت از حضرتش است که آن را تحریم فرموده اند. اگر بهائیان از احکام بهائی درباره ابداء رأی ،انتخابات قیام به خدمت و اطاعت از قرارهای محفل روحانی پیروی ،کنند این همه نیرونی که در راه انتقاد از دیگران تلف میشود میتواند در مجرای همکاری و حصول به اهداف نقشه به کار افتد (۱۸ دیسمبر (۱۹۴۹) ترجمه

انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

FRIENDS OF IRANIAN CULTURE

هفتمین کنفرانس سالانه دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی در تعطیلات روز یاد بود Memorial Day سال ۱۹۹۷ در شیکاگو تشکیل خواهد .شد اطلاعات بیشتر درباره این کنفرانس در شمارههای آینده این نشریه به آگاهی دوستان خواهید رسید. اکنون توجه محققان و هنرمندان عزیز را که علاقه مند به شرکت و ارائه اثر خود در این کنفرانس باشند به نکاتی چند جلب میکنیم و تقاضا داریم برای همکاری با هیأت اجرائی انجمن آنها را مراعات فرمائید.

از محققان و سخنرانان عزیزی که مطالبی مربوط به شناساندن نکات معینی مربوط به فرهنگ و تمدن ایران تهیه نموده و آماده ارائه آن در کنفرانس آینده باشند درخواست میشود لطفاً طرح و خلاصه آن را برای ملاحظه هیأت اجرائی انجمن به نشانی ذیل ارسال فرمایند:

Persian/American Affairs Office Bahá’í National Center 233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 شماره تلفن: ۳۵۲۸-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷)

عناوین ذیل به عنوان نمونه مطلب تحقیقی درج می شود. چنانچه دوستان به ارائه سخنرانی در این موارد علاقه مند باشند لطفاً با دفتر انجمن با شماره های ۳۵۲۶-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷) و ۳۵۳۱-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷) تماس بگیرند

• هنر برای اجتماع ارزش هنر نمایش در تربیت
• اجتماع و ترقی تمدن.
• وطن پرستی و جهان دوستی در ادبیات فارسی
• نظم جهانی در تفکر ایرانی پیش از اسلام و میراث آن در اسلام
• انعکاس اخلاق ایرانی در ضرب المثل های آن

با تجربه ای که در سالهای گذشته به دست آورده ایم از هنرمندان عزیز درخواست میشود چنانچه علاقه مند به برگزاری نمایشگاه آثار خود در کنفرانس های آینده انجمن باشند برای اجرای موفقیت آمیز این کار و برقراری هماهنگی با دیگر هنرمندان، لطفاً نکات و شرایط زیر را در نظر بگیرند:

۱- در محل نمایشگاه وسیله آویختن تابلو و قاب عکس به دیوار وجود ندارد. ۲- میزهائی به عرض ۱۸ اینچ و ۳۶ اینچ و طول ۶ فوت با رومیزی سفید برای نصب تابلوهای کوچکتر آماده است. ۳- تهيه سه ،پایه نور ،افکن دیوار متحرک و تاشو به عهده خود هنرمند است چنانچه این نوع وسائل را باید از منابع محلی کرایه نمود اطلاعات لازم را از انجمن دریافت نمائید. ۴- از آنجا که نمایشگاه بخش دائمی کنفرانسهای سالانه و مسؤولیت آن به عهدۀ هیأت اجرائی انجمن است لطفاً هر گونه نیاز یا قرار مربوط به بهبود کار نمایشگاه را فقط با هیأت اجرائی مطرح فرمائید و از تماس با اولیای هتل یا محل اجتماعات خودداری نمائید. ۵- برای تأمین مخارج برگزاری نمایشگاه از هر یک از هنرمندان انتظار میرود ۵ درصد از کل مبلغ فروش آثار هنری خود در نمایشگاه را به صندوق انجمن بپردازند. ۶- از همگی هنرمندان عزیز صمیمانه تقاضا میکنیم که از هم اکنون با دفتر انجمن تماس گیرند و دربارۀ نحوۀ مشارکت خود در کنفرانس آینده با هیأت اجرائی مذاکره کنند.

یاد آوری میشود که هفتمین کنفرانس سالانه انجمن مثل سال گذشته شامل سه کنفرانس همزمان است بخش فارسی بخش انگلیسی و بخش کودکان سن ۳ تا ۱۲ از مادران و پدران عزیز درخواست میکنیم با هیأت اجرائی درباره شرکت کودکانشان در این کنفرانس تماس حاصل نمایند.

نمونه اتحاد و یگانگی حقیقی

An Example of True Integration

اخیراً یکی از احبای با سابقه و ثابت قدم ویتنام و عضو پیشین محفل روحانی ،سایگون جناب فیله Mr. Phap Le از اردوهگاه پناهندگان در فیلیپین با خانواده شان وارد آمریکا شده و در شهر سن دیگو سکونت اختیار نموده اند. از آغاز ،ورود این خانواده با شوق فراوان در ضیافات نوزده روزه و دیگر فعالیتهای یاران شرکت نموده و دست به کار تبلیغ دوستان و هم وطنان خود شده.اند دامنه این تبلیغ و دیدار دیگر یاران ویتنامی و امریکائی به شهرهای اطراف (مثل لانگ بیچ و شرکت در مدرسه بهانی بوش کشیده شده است.

با علاقه ای که ایشان و خانواده به تبلیغ و انتشار پیام الهی دارند میل داشتند زبان انگلیسی بیاموزند. با آگاهی از این نیست یکی دیگر از یاران خدوم جناب روح الله حاج بنده با جناب فیله قرار گذاشتند که هفتگی در منزل ایشان به تدریس زبان انگلیسی بپردازند. این کار چندین ماه است که آغاز شده و همچنان ادامه دارد. در خلال این کلاس تزیید معلومات امری نیز جریان دارد. امید است این چنین نمونه های وحدت و همکاری میان یاران الهی روز افزون باشد.

الفت و محبت با سایر ادیان

Interfaith Fellowship

محفل روحانی ،پورتلند اورگان پس از اطلاع از به آتش کشیده شدن یکی از کلیساهای آن شهر بلافاصله پیامی همراه با مبلغ یکصد دلار به اهل آن کلیسا فرستاد. در این پیام از اعضاء کلیسا دعوت شده بود که برای اجرای مراسم دینی خود از مرکز بهائی پورتلند استفاده کنند. کشیش کلیسا در یادداشت تشکر خود به جامعه بهائیان پورتلند اظهار داشت "خوشوقتیم که بدانیم بسیاری از مردمان در این فاجعه با ما همراهند. می دانستیم که خداوند نزدیک ماست حال میدانیم که شما هم چندان دور نیستید." [Page 20]عهد و ميثاق الهی در آمده، اصلی که تنها ضامن نهائی صیانت امر الهی ست که در طول قرون و اعصار بر پایه منشأ الهی خود پایدار باقی خواهد بود.

به این ترتیب موضوع مورد بحث این است که آیا افراد مؤمنین مجازند که بدون وقفه و برای مدتی نا معلوم به تضعیف اساس ایمان هم مسلکان خود بپردازند و به آشفتگی فکری در داخل جامعه دامن زنند و بالاخره در ملاء عام اصول و طرز کار نظم اداری حضرت بها الله را مورد حمله قرار دهند؟

در کتاب مستطاب اقدس حضرت بهاء الله در اشاره به "آزادی" می فرمایند "انا نصدقها في بعض المقامات دون الاخر انا كنا عالمين. (مضمون بیان مبارک این است که حق در بعضی شرایط آزادی را تأیید فرموده و در بعضی دیگر منع فرموده) کتاب اقدس بند ۱۲۴ ص ۱۱۷. یکی از مواردی که در آن آزادی در جامعه بهائی محدود و معین شده است روش و مجاری بیان انتقاد است. در باره این موضوع مجموعه ای از منتخباتی از نامههائی را که از طرف حضرت ولی امر الله به افراد احباء نگاشته شده ضمیمه می نمائیم از راهنمائیهائی که در این نامه ها دیده می شود اصول زیر به روشنی استنباط میگردد:

ترجمة مجموعة مختصری درباره انتقاد استخراج از پیامهای ارسالی به افراد احباء از طرف دار الانشاء بيت العدل اعظم

اهمیت وحدت هم به عنوان هدف شریعت حضرت بهاء الله و هم به عنوان وسیله استقرار آن حضرت بهاء الله نه تنها اصول معینی را اعلان نموده اند بلکه نظامی را نیز ابداع فرمودند که وسیله تأسیس و ابقاء آن کمال مطلوب است و وفادار بودن یاران الهی به این دو عامل برای تحقق هدف وحدت جهانی حضرتش اساسی است.

بهائیان کاملاً مختارند که انتقادهای خود را به محافل روحانی خود عرضه نمایند و پیشنهادهای خود را تقدیم آن مرجع نمایند وقتی که بهائیان انتقاد، پیشنهاد و توصیه خود را با محافل خود در میان نهادند و نظریات خود را درباره خط مشی ها یا افراد اعضای هیأت های انتخابی بیان نمودند باید از صمیم قلب توصیه و تصمیم محفل را بپذیرند.

بین تحریم غیبت، که مشتمل بر اظهار نظرات نامطلوب درباره افراد یا تشکیلات به دیگر افراد بطور خصوصی یا عمومی است، از یک طرف و تشویق یاران به سبکبار نمودن خاطر خود بوسیله در میان گذاردن نگرانی هایشان با محفل روحانی محلی یا ملی یا با یکی از اعضاء هیأت مشاورین یا هیأت معاونت از طرف دیگر تمایزی روشن وجود دارد به این نحو، گرچه یکی از وظایف ضیافت نوزده روزه ایجاد فرصتی است که انتقاد سازنده و عمومی در آن مطرح گردد و در مورد شرایط عمومی داخل جامعه محلی مشورت صورت گیرد ولی شکایت در بارۀ رفتار یک عضو محفل روحانی باید مستقیماً و محرمانه به محفل روحانی تسلیم گردد، نه آنکه این نوع شکایات با افراد دیگر و یا در ضیافت نوزده روزه مطرح شود.

در عین اینکه انتقاد سازنده مورد تشویق قرار گرفته است انتقاد مخرب مثلاً پیوسته از تصمیمات محفل انتقاد کردن و به آنها اعتراض نمودن مانع از رشد سریع امر میشود و کسانی را که در خارج از جامعه امرند از امر الهی دور مینماید. در واقع از وخيم همه انتقادها و گفتگوهای منفی که ممکن است به اعتبار محفل روحانی به عنوان یک مؤسسه لطمه وارد آورد باید شدیداً دوری نمود زیرا در غیر این صورت نظم امر الهی به خطر افتد و موجب بروز اختلاف و اغتشاش در جامعه شود انتقاد بدخواهانه واقعاً بلانی ست که ریشه آن عدم ایمان به نظم بدیع حضرت بها الله است و قصور در تبعیت از قوانین بهانی درباره ابداء رأی انتخابات خدمت اطاعت از تصمیمات محفل.

اینکه انتقاد در جامعه بهائی چگونه بیان می شود و بموجب آن عمل میگردد و اینکه چگونه محافل روحانی در حق افراد احباء عدالت را اجراء می کنند عناصری از مفاهیمی بس عظیم تر است که باید طبیعت ثانوی افراد در مذاکرات و برخوردهای اجتماعی بهائی گردد. جامعه بهائی عبارتست از اجتماع افرادی که داوطلبانه بیکدیگر میپیوندند تا با اعتراف به دعوی حضرت بها الله به مظهریت ظهور الهی در این عصر الگوهای معینی از رفتار فردی و اجتماعی را ایجاد نمایند و مؤسساتی را بنا کنند که وسیله برپا داشتن این الگوها باشد بسیارند افرادی که آرمان هایی مشابه و اهداف امر بهائی دارند و از تعالیم بهائی الهام میگیرند و در عین حال با بعضی جنبههای آن مخالفند ولیکن کسانی که عملاً وارد جامعه بهائی می شوند آزادانه و بطیب خاطر تبعیت از همه تعالیم الهی را پذیرفته اند و فهمیده اند که هرگاه در جریان عمل به تعالیم تردید و اختلاف نظر رخ دهد داور نهائی بر طبق نصوص صریح الهی بیت العدل اعظم است.

بیت العدل اعظم با نهایت اشتیاق دعا می کنند که یاران الهی که در این مجاهدت با دشواری مواجه میشوند به هدایتی که به ایشان ارائه میشود اطمینان داشته باشند تعالیم الهی را از نو مطالعه نمایند و برای رضای جمال مبارک محبت خود را نسبت به یکدیگر تحکیم نمایند. همان طور که منشی حضرت ولی محبوب امر الله از طرف ایشان به یکی از احباء در ۲۵ اکتبر ۱۹۴۹ نوشته است بدون وجود محبت حقیقی به حضرت بها الله به امر مبارک و به مؤسسات نظم بديع و بین مؤمنين نسبت به یکدیگر امر الهی هرگز آن طور که باید نخواهد توانست عده بیشماری از مردمان را به خود جذب نماید. زیرا جهانیان در جستجوی محبت و عمل اند نه مقررات و مواعظ طرح ها و مجاهداتی که امر الله در پهنه گیتی در دست اجرا دارد چنان عظیم و خطیر است و نیاز مردمان جهان به پیام حضرت بهاء الله چنان فوری ست و مخاطراتی که بشر با آن روبروست چنان است و سیر وقایع چنان سریع است که نمی توان اجازه داد پیروان امر حضرت بها الله وقت و نیروی خود را در مجادلات بی ثمر تلف نمایند در این زمان بیش از هر زمان دیگر یاران الهی باید به کمال محبت با یکدیگر رفتار نمایند در افکار و اقداماتشان متحد باشند و در اکناف جهان به فداکاری و خدمت قیام نمایند.

بیت العدل اعظم علاقه شما را نسبت به اداره صحیح امور جامعه بهائی تقدیر می نمایند و تأکید می فرمایند که در مورد مسائلی که مطرح فرموده اید با استفاضه از نفس تعالیم الهی مداقه نمائید این مسائل را نباید با معیارهای فلسفه های معمول یا هر گونه نظام مدنی که فرضیات اولیه آنها در بسیاری موارد با نظم الهی حضرت بهاء الله متفاوت است سنجید.

با تحیات ابدع ابھی دار الانشاء بيت العدل اعظم

حضرت ولی امر الله

در چنین زمانی که دنیای سیاست آشفته است و در نتیجه فعالیتهای جوامعی که تنها حقایقی ناقص در اختیار دارند اجتماع در حال احتضار به نظر می رسد، یاران الهی باید متحد شوند و همچون اعضاء یک هیکل عمل کنند. هرچه وحدتشان افزایش یابد پیروزی آنان مطمئن تر خواهد بود و این وحدت حاصل نشود مگر به اطاعت از محافل روحانی درست است که محافل روحانی به بلوغ لازم نرسیدهاند و گاه ممکن است با بی حکمتی اقدام کنند ولی حمایت از آنها بیشتر به تقدم آن مؤسسات در جهت نظام اداری که واقعاً معرف نوایای این امر است کمک خواهد کرد تا انتقاد از آنها و نادیده گرفتن ارشاداتشان حضرت بهاء الله نه تنها اصول معینی را اعلان نموده‌اند بلکه نظامی را نیز ابداع فرمودند که وسیله تأسیس و ابقاء آن کمال مطلوب است. و هر دوی این عوامل برای تحقق وحدت جهانی ضرورت دارند ۲۷ فبروری (۱۹۳۳) ترجمه

بهائیان کاملاً مجازند انتقادهای خود را به محافل روحانی خود عرضه نمایند و آزادانه نظرات خود را در مورد خط مشیها یا افراد اعضای هیأت های انتخابی به محفل محلی یا ملی ابراز دارند، ولی باید از صمیم قلب توصیه یا تصمیم محفل را بر طبق اصولی که برای این گونه موارد در نظامات بهائی وضع شده بپذیرند. (۱۳ ۱۹۴۵) ترجمه

حضرت ولی امر الله ...با علاقه ای خاص پیشنهادهای متعددی را که در جلسه اخیر محفل روحانی ملی تقدیم نموده اید ملاحظه فرمودند. صداقت و روحیه انتقاد مثبت و بی مجامله ای که در پیشنهادهای شما نهفته است یقیناً در اعضای محفل مؤثر واقع شده و آنان را به درک تازه و عمیق تری از مسؤولیتهای بی مانندی که در این زمان بر عده دارند رسانده است ۱۹ اگست (۱۹۳۸) ترجمه

پرسیده اید که آیا بهائیان حق دارند آشکارا انتقاد خود را از تصمیمات یا خط مشی محفل روحانی ابراز دارند. نه تنها حق، بلکه مسؤلیت حیاتی هر عضو وفادار و هوشیار جامعه است که با صراحت و بتفصيل و در عین حال با رعایت احترام لازم نسبت به مقام محفل روحانی هر گونه پیشنهاد توصیه یا نظر انتقادی را که وجداناً احساس میکند برای اصلاح برخی شرایط یا گرایشها در جامعه محلی لازم میداند تقدیم محفل نماید و همچنین وظیفه محفل روحانی است که به این چنین اظهار نظرهائی که توسط هر یک از اعضاء جامعه تقدیم شده توجه دقیق مبذول دارد. بهترین فرصتی که برای این منظور در نظر گرفته شده ضیافت نوزده روزه است که علاوه بر جنبه های اجتماعی و روحانی آن نیازها و مقتضیات متنوع اداری جامعه را بر آورده وخیم [Page 21]

مرقومه دارالانشاء بیت العدل اعظم

ترجمه ۲ جولای ۱۹۹۶ خطاب به یکی از یاران الهی

یار عزیز روحانی،

مکتوب مورخ ۱۹ می ۱۹۹۱ به ساحت رفیع بیت العدل اعظم واصل گردید و صراحتی که در بیان نگرانی‌های عمیق خود ابراز داشته‌اید مورد توجه و تقدیر بیت العدل اعظم قرار گرفت و مقرر فرمودند مراتب ذیل در پاسخ نامهٔ مزبور ابلاغ گردد.

اظهارات دوستانی که به آنها اشاره نموده‌اید مورد بررسی قرار گیرد با پاسخ‌هایی که آنان در طی چندین سال از مؤسسات امری دریافت داشته‌اند مربوط نمایند این وضعیت را به جنبه‌های معینی از معتقدات بهائی مرتبط می‌سازد به این امید که در نتیجه چنین پاسخی بتوانند پاسخ برخی از پرسش‌هایی که ذهن شما را به خود مشغول داشته بیابند.

در محور رفع تعصب و دشمنی و استقرار عدالت و وحدت در جهان و رفع تبعیض و تفاهم در دل همهٔ مردان و زنان و ‎تفاهم در دل همه مردان و زنان  ‎ و ارتقاء نفس به مرتبه والاتری از رفتار روحانی در پرتو حیات بخش شریعت الهی قرار دارد. مأموریتی که حضرت بهاء‌الله برای حصول این اهداف تعیین فرموده‌اند وظیفه دو گانه بوجود آوردن جامعه‌ای ممتاز همراه با کمال بخشیدن به اخلاق و رفتار افراد آن جامعه است. برای ایجاد چنین تقلیب دو گانه و متقابلی، آن حضرت نه تنها قوانین و اصول و حقایقی را اعلان فرمودند که با نیازهای این زمانه هم آهنگ است، بلکه هسته مرکزی و نمونه مؤسساتی را تأسیس فرمودند که مقتدر است مراحل تکامل را بپیماید و به اراده الهی به جامعه جهانی با هدفی روحانی تبدیل شود.

نکتهٔ اساسی در آنچه از اظهارات یارانی که از آنان سخن می‌گویید استنباط نموده‌اید این است که تأکید می‌کنند که کاملاً معتقد به عهد و میثاق به معنای حقیقی و مطیع مؤسسات امری هستند، و فقط اختلاف نظرهایشان را با بعضی از قرارها و خط‌ مشی‌های آن مؤسسات ابراز می‌دارند و نسبت به اقدامات غیر عادلانه یا نادرست برخی افراد که مقام اداری مهمی را احراز نموده‌اند اعتراض دارند و برای جلوگیری از آنچه که به عقیده آنان سوء استفاده از قدرت بوسیلهٔ تشکیلات بهائی می‌دانند پیشنهاد تغییرات و اصلاحاتی را در نظامات بهائی پیشنهاد می‌نمایند. واضح است که در ابراز این قبیل اظهارات بعضی اصول مهم امری که مشخص می‌کند که نحوه و مسیر ابراز نگرانی و شکایت را مشخص می‌نماید و حال این گونه مسائل را در ضمن وحدت و تفاهم کل جامعه مسخر می‌سازد، نادیده گرفته شده است.

بجای آن که اعتراضات خود را نسبت به آنچه که سوء استفاده از قدرت بوسیلهٔ تشکیلات بهائی می‌دانند به مراجع و مؤسسات ‎فزونی شده پیش‌بینی شده‎ مربوطه برای این منظور در نظم اداری بهائی پیش‌بینی شده محدود نمایند، مؤسسات امر الله را در تماس‌های خصوصی و اجتماعی خود مورد حمله قرار داده و تهمت بی عدالتی را در موارد خاص چنان تعمیم داده‌اند که به نظر می‌رسد تشکیلات امری را بطور کلی، نه تنها متهم به عمل بر اساس بنیادهای متزلزل، بلکه متهم به فساد نظام‌مند می‌کنند. در این فضا، به ندرت فضائی برای سلسله انتقادات منفی تبدیل تدریجی تهمت‌های ثابت نشده به «واقعیت‌های» پذیرفته شده در ذهن بعضی از شنوندگان بوده است.

این دوستان، بر اثر این فعالیت‌ها و حمایت‌های متقابلی که از یکدیگر می‌نمایند، بتدریج بصورت گروهی از مخالفین جلوه‌گر شده‌اند که قصد دارند با رهنمائی و رنجش خصوصی را در جامعه برانگیزند و به این نحو تغییراتی در ساختمان و اصول نظم اداری بهائی به وجود آورند و آن را به افکار و اعتقادات شخصی خود نزدیک‌تر نمایند. این کوشش‌ها با برنامه‌های احزاب سیاسی مشابهت بسیار دارد و مخالفتی است که در قلب رکن کاملاً متفاوتی در حیات بهائی نقائص دارد. چنین کوششی مولد جز ستیزه جوئی است در حالی که حضرت بهاء‌الله صریحاً جز ستیزه جوئی و جدال را «نَهْيًا عَظِيمًا فِي الْكِتَابِ» فرمود.

قوانین، احکام، اوامر و بیاناتی که همه ما به عنوان افراد بهائی پذیرفته‌ایم و متعهد شده‌ایم که آنها را اطاعت کنیم و به کار بندیم، شامل روشی روشن در زمینهٔ تصمیم‌گیری و نحوهٔ تنفیذ آن تصمیم‌های گوناگون است. بسی روشن است که جنبهٔ معنوی یا الهی تصمیم‌های گوناگون این موضوع آشنا هستیم که بر پایه این اعتقاد بنا شده که وحدت نه تنها راهی است که ما را به هدفی که حضرت بهاء‌الله وعده فرموده است رهنمون می‌گردد، بلکه تأکید به وحدت آنقدر شدید است که برای مثال هرگاه محفل روحانی تصمیمی اتخاذ نماید، انتظار از همگی افراد جامعه آن است که صمیمانه از آن تصمیم پشتیبانی نمایند و با اطمینان به وعده حضرت عبدالبهاء متکی باشند که فرموده‌اند حتی اگر تصمیم محفل روحانی خاطی باشد، از آنجا که با وحدت و یگانگی پیروی می‌شود، حقیقت جلوه خواهد نمود و خطا به صواب تبدیل خواهد شد (ترجمه). با مسائلی از قبیل نحوه بیان انتقاد، روش اصلاح اعمال ناصواب اعضاء جامعه، اجرای اصل اعتدال و موضوع چگونگی حفظ اصالت و تمامیت شئون افراد، و بالاخره نظم اداری و امر الله مقرر گردیده است.

ضمن پیروی از این تعالیم، اهل بهاء معترفند که افراد بشر به صرف قبول تعالیم الهی یکباره اشخاصی که از لغزش و خطا مصونند، نمی‌شوند. از پیروان ایشان انتظار می‌رود که در گذشت زمان با تقوای فردی خود روحانی شوند و در اثر ‎تفرسات تفرسات‎ ‎تشیکلاتی تشکیلاتی‎ و نحوه رفتار جامعه، حقیقت اعظم بار آمده‌اند و سایه بر جهان بشریت افکنده‌اند دل پر کنند. مؤسسات امر الله که افراد با اطاعت از احکام حضرت بهاء‌الله و بر اساس تبیینات حضرت ولی امر الله و تحت هدایت بیت العدل اعظم به تأسیس آنها همت گماشته‌اند در مرحله جنینی است و چه بسا از کمال مطلوبی که برای حصولش کوشش می‌شود بدور می‌مانند.

ضمناً این امکان نیز وجود دارد که برخی از افراد از اختیاراتی که بمناسبت سمت اداری خود که بدان انتخاب یا منصوب شده‌اند، سوء استفاده کنند. حضرت ولی امر الله در توقیعات مبارکه بارها به ضرورت صبر و بردباری، چه با یکدیگر و چه با محافل روحانی خویش، تشویق فرموده‌اند. ولکن در موارد خطیر، سوء رفتار، از جانب مؤسسات یا افراد، راهی برای رفع مشکل بیت العدل اعظم هیچگاه در اقدام قاطع برای رفع مشکل تأمل و تردید ننموده‌اند. در نظم اداری بهائی برای مقابله با این گونه ناهنجاری‌های اخلاقی پیش‌بینی‌های لازم به عمل آمده و طرح‌ریزی شده که اهل ایمان را برانگیزد، بدون آنکه اختلافاتی که موجب خرابی بنیان آن نظم گردد بروز نماید.

از وظائف بیت العدل اعظم - علاوه بر تشریح ‎فوانین قوانین‎، حل مسائل دشوار، توضیح امور مبهمه، حل اختلافات، اداره امور جهانی امر الله و تعیین مسیر اجرای فرامین تبلیغی حضرت ولی امر الله و تبیین معارف الهی - دفاع و صیانت از مؤسسات امری در برابر تجاوزات زیان‌آور نیز می‌باشد. همچنین افرادی بی حکمت و بدخواه و بد اندیش است. در بیشتر موارد، این نقائص در رفتار افراد یا در عملکرد محافل روحانی محلی و اعضاء هیأت معاونت و مشاورین قاره‌ای است. ولکن هرگاه وضع بسیار وخیم شود مرکز جهانی ناچار به مداخله خواهد بود.

اینک بطور اخص به موضوع موجود در آمریکا مورد نظر شماست. درست است که مکتوب ۱۹ می ۱۹۹۴ بعضی از جنبه‌های عملکرد محفل روحانی ملی آمریکا را مورد بحث قرار می‌دهد چه شد که این محفل سؤالی در پاسخ به درخواست هدایتش از بیت العدل اعظم صادر شده است. این فقط یکی از بسته‌هایی است که جامعه بهائی آمریکا با آن مواجه است. هرگاه که آن نامه را به دقت مطالعه کنید در رفتار افراد مؤمن و جامعه سلسله اصلاحات، در طرز مقابله دید که در یک نامه یاران بطور کلی، لازم دانسته شده است. در واقع نامه ۱۹ می موضوع مکاتبه‌ای را که در نامه بیت العدل اعظم در تاریخ ۲۹ دسامبر ۱۹۸۸ به آن اشاره شده بود تشریح می‌نماید. در آن نامه از یاران الهی مؤکداً خواسته شده که در مورد عقاید اموری در باره نحوه کار اجتماع تأمل و تجدید نظر کنند.

متأسفانه برخی از دوستان برای توضیح این مشکلات و برخی از دوستان برای توضیح این مسائل، مورد اعتماد افراد سابق‌الذکر قرار نگرفته است. بعضی از آنان مقتدرانه مکتوبات بیت العدل اعظم را اعلام نمودند ولی پس از آن به راه خود ادامه دادند و نکات اساسی را که گوشزدشان شده بود نادیده انگاشتند. بیت العدل اعظم بنا با هدایت بیت العدل اعظم مخالفت نموده‌اند. لحن کلام ایشان از بیان نگرانی در باره حفظ عدالت و حقوق افراد در جامعه بسیار فراتر رفته و به حد تحریک افراد به مجادله در باره بعضی از اساسی ترین معتقدات دیانت بهائی رسیده و به صورت حمله بر بنیان [Page 22]

پیام بیت العدل اعظم

ترجمه مورخ ۱۵ سپتامبر ۱۹۹۶ که با وسائط الکترونی خطاب به یاران الهی در سراسر عالم مخابره شده است

یاران عزیز الهی،

در ماه جون ۱۹۹۶ از آن یاران برای اقدام به مهاجرت اعم از مهاجرت‌های طولانی یا موقتی و نیز سفرهای تبلیغی در دوره نقشهٔ چهار ساله دعوت کردیم. حال بسیار مسروریم که اعلام داریم در طی سه سال حدود ده هزار و ششصد نفر از یاران برای خدمت به امر الهی به خارج از محدوده کشوری که در آن مقیم بوده‌اند سفر کرده‌اند و سبب تحسین و مباهات این مشتاقان گشته‌اند. آنچه بویژه حائز اهمیت است تعداد جوانانی است که مدتی را مصرف خدمت امرالله نموده‌اند.

جامعه جهانی Bahá’í در حال حاضر نقشهٔ چهار ساله را با هدف نظمی پیش برد است. مراحل آغازین تبلیغین به ظل امرالله آغاز کرده است. مهاجرین و مبلغین بسیار میتوانند به تحقق این هدف کمک‌های شایانی مبدل دارند و با اخلاق و رفتاری حاکی از فروتنی و محبت و انقطاع سبب تقویت اقدامات یاران که در هر سرزمین به منظور آنکه تا انتهای این قرن به توانائی و نفوذ جامعه Bahá’í بیفزایند به خدمت اشتغال دارند.

بزودی از محافل روحانی ملی تقاضا خواهد شد که برای اعزام مهاجرین و مبلغین برای خدمت در میادین بین‌المللی اهدافی تعیین نمایند. از عموم یاران در سراسر جهان انتظار داریم که چنان با شور و اشتیاق قیام نمایند که نه تنها اهداف مزبور تحقق یابد بلکه از اهدافی که در نظر گرفته شده فراتر روند. اطلاعات مربوط به نیازمندیهای مهاجرتی در فهرستی که دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی تهیه نموده و در اختیار محافل ملی و لجنات مربوطه و اعضای هیئت معاونت و مساعدین قرار گرفته موجود است.

با پیشرفت نقشهٔ چهار ساله منظری که در برابر ما نمودار می‌شود مایه شعف و سرور قلوب یاران است و روز بروز بر نیازمندی بشر به پیام حضرت Bahá’u’lláh افزوده می‌گردد. در این مرحله که برای بسیاری از خدمات خادمان صمیمی و مستعد و مشتاق مورد نیازند، آرزوی قلبی و دعای صمیمانه این مشتاقان در اعتاب مقدسه آن است که پیروان اسم اعظم با شوق خدمت به آستان مبارک با شهامت و استقامت و انقطاع و خلوص جزم برای پیشرفت امر مبارک قیام نمایند.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی، بیت العدل اعظم

پیام بیت العدل اعظم

ترجمه مورخ ۲۲ آگوست ۱۹۹۶ که با وسائط الکترونی به عموم محافل روحانی ملی مخابره شده است

خبر واقعه‌ای تاریخی را که اخیرا در برزیل روی داده است به اطلاع عالم Bahá’í می‌رسانیم. ایادی امرالله Bahá’í در برزیل، روئیه خانم به عنوان نماینده مرکز جهانی در اجلاسیه مخصوص مجلس نمایندگان دولت فدرال برزیل که به مناسبت هفتاد و پنجمین سالگرد نفوذ امر Bahá’í در کشور مزبور تشکیل شده بود حضور یافتند. در این اجلاسیه حیات و اقدامات حضرت امة‌البهاء به عنوان مدافع صلح و اتحاد جهانی و حامی منافع بومیان و مشوق توسعه و عمران اجتماعی برای مردم جهان و بالاخره حفاظت محیط زیست به نحوی شایان مورد ستایش قرار گرفت.

در این اجلاسیه نوزده نفر از نمایندگان مجلس حضور داشتند و گزارش آن توسط جراید و رادیوها و تلویزیون‌ها منتشر گردید. سخنان نمایندگان از ستایش از اصل امر Bahá’í و قدرشناسی از تأثیرات مفیدی بود که از به کار بستن اصول مزبور در بسیاری از نقاط برزیل حاصل شده است. همچنین Leonora Armstrong مهاجر باسابقه Bahá’í که در اثر مساعی و فداکاری‌هایش امر حضرت Bahá’u’lláh در برزیل استقرار یافته است، مورد تجلیل به عمل آمده، مایه خشنودی فراوان است.

وقتی که به دعوت رئیس مجلس از نمایندگان که رئیس Bahá’í درباره وحدت بشر پایان دهد کلیه نمایندگان و حاضران در جلسه به پا خاستند و در تمام مدتی که کلمات حضرت Bahá’u’lláh تلاوت می‌شد با نشانه احترام و با مراعات سکوت کامل ایستادند، اعماقی که در این اجلاسیه حضور داشتند شدیدا تحت تأثیر قرار گرفتند.

روز بعد امة‌البهاء ملاقات بسیار دوستانه‌ای با رئیس جمهور برزیل پرزیدنت فرناندو هنریکه کاردوسو Fernando Henrique Cardoso داشتند. این تصدیق و ستایشی تاریخی از نیروی تقلیب کننده امر Bahá’í است که با جهان اعتبارات فائقه توسط مقامات دولتی یکی از ملل بزرگ جهان ابراز گردید حاکی از لیاقت و استعداد احیای برزیل و نیز افزایش پذیرش جهانی پیام امر Bahá’í است.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی، بیت العدل اعظم

پیام بیت العدل اعظم

ترجمه مورخ ۶ آگوست ۱۹۹۶ که با وسائط الکترونی خطاب به عموم بهائیان عالم مخابره شده است

یاران عزیز الهی،

وصول اخباری که حاکی از پاسخ مشتاقانه آن یاران عزیز به نقشه چهار ساله است بسی مایه مسرت و اطمینان خاطر گردید. آنچه مخصوصا مایه خوشوقتی است کوشش‌های محافل روحانی در سراسر جهان به منظور تأسیس مؤسسات آموزشی و پرورش نیروی انسانی بنحوی منظم است. تعداد مؤسسات ملی و منطقه‌ای بسرعت رو به افزایش است و دلالت بر آن دارد که تا انتهای سال اول نقشه احتمال دارد متجاوز از یکصد مؤسسه مشغول فعالیت باشند. امید چنانست که هر یک از این مراکز آموزشی بنحوی روز افزون گروه‌هایی از یاران را آماده نمایند که لیاقت و توانائی لازم برای انجام خدمات بسیار متنوعی به امر الهی را دارا باشند و بدین ترتیب در هر کشور امکان ادامه و تقویت نفوذ در بین میلیون‌ها فراهم آید.

در بعضی از جوامع ملی شرایط اقتصادی چنانست که مؤسسات آموزشی ممکن است از ابتداء نیازمندی‌های مالی خود را تأمین نمایند. اما اکثر جوامع قادر به تأمین هزینه‌های مربوط به فعالیت مؤسسات آموزشی خود نیستند. این هزینه‌ها شامل مواد درسی، لوازم اداری و آموزشی، مخابرات، نگهداری و تعمیر ابزار و وسایل و گاهی حمل و نقل و تأمین معیشت خادمان و مدرسان است.

اما مهمترین رقم در بودجه این مؤسسات در بسیاری از کشورها کمک مالی برای کارمندان نیمه وقت و تمام وقت جهت اداره امور آموزشی و تدریس در آن است. با در نظر گرفتن این نیازمندی، توجه یاران الهی را در پیام رضوان به این دعوت حضرت Bahá’u’lláh جلب نمودیم که اعلام الهی باید قوای خود را در انتشار امر الهی نمایند و به این حکم الهی اشاره کردیم که می‌فرمایند: «در پیام مذکور سپس آمده است که اظهار علاقه هر نفسی که خود را لایق این مقام اعلی و توکل یک معلم برای خدمت در این قبیل مؤسسات یکی از طرق خواهد بود که یاران این مسؤولیت انجام پذیرد و توصیه شده است که یاران به صندوق‌های قاره‌ای و نیز به صندوق‌های محلی و ملی و بین‌المللی تقدیم دارند.

برای تسریع در این امر حیاتی این هیأت تبرعی معادل سیصد هزار دلار منظور داشته تا بین پنج صندوق قاره‌ای متناسب با شرایط و احوال هر قاره توزیع شود. گرچه این مبلغ در قبال مبالغی که برای ترویج منظور لازم است مبلغی مختصر است اما امیدوار چنانیم که یاران الهی بخصوص آنان که توانائی دارند به پیروی از این اقدام به این نیاز ضروری توجه کافی مبذول فرمایند. چون نیازمندی‌های مالی هر کشور با کشور دیگر تفاوت دارد مشاورین قاره‌ای بهترین منبع برای کسب اطلاع در باره میزان ترغیب مورد نیاز برای مناطق مختلف جهان خواهند بود. از مشاورین تقاضا شده است که اطلاعات لازم را در اختیار اعضای هیأت معاونت قرار دهند تا آنها نیز به نوبه خود بتوانند نفوسی را که مایل به تقدیم تبرعات برای این مشروع مهم جهانی در جامعه Bahá’í هستند راهنمائی نمایند.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی، بیت العدل اعظم

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است تقدیمی‌های Huqúqu’lláh را در وجه Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust ارسال فرمایند. به نشانی یکی از امنای Huqúqu’lláh ارسال فرمایند. Dr. Elsie Austin 9039 Sligo Creek Parkway, # 612 Silver Spring, MD 20901 Dr. Amin Banani Santa Monica, CA 90402 Dr. Dariush Haghighi Rocky River, OH 44116

[Page 23]

Youth Committee plans College Club weekends at permanent schools

During the fall and winter, as announced in the most recent issue of The American Bahá’í (September 8), the National Youth Committee will be holding a series of College Club Weekends at four of the permanent Bahá’í schools.

These weekends will afford an opportunity for college students in each area to gather, deepen on the goals of the Four Year Plan, exchange ideas, and develop plans of action for their campuses.

An Auxiliary Board member will speak at each session, focusing the participants' thoughts and ideas and helping them in their study and application of the Ridván message from the Universal House of Justice.

Participants will discuss a wide range of issues relevant to college clubs including:

• What is an "ideal" college club? • What are the Bahá’í positions on some of the "hot topics" on college campuses (for example, homosexuality, drug and alcohol use, affirmative action, feminism, racism, chastity, etc.)? • What are some of the practical concerns in organizing Bahá’í clubs? • How can Bahá’í clubs become leaders in social activism, especially in areas of race relations? • What is

Those who take part in the College Club Weekends will also be raising money for the Arc Projects fund throughout each weekend.

Each session will run from 7 p.m. Friday to noon on Sunday. The general format will be similar for all sessions, although some content will, of course, be determined by the particular speakers, participants and local college clubs who are involved in each session.

The dates and locations for each of the weekend sessions are:

October 4-6, Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, Hemingway, South Carolina. For information: 803-558-5093, e-mail

October 25-27, Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan. For information: 810-653-5033, e-mail

January 3-5, Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California. For information: 408-423-3387, e-mail

January 10-12, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine. For information: 207-439-7200, e-mail

To register, please contact the school whose session you wish to attend. For more information, please contact Ramine Yazhari, e-mail

The National Spiritual Assembly has expressed the hope that college clubs, an underused resource in the U.S. Bahá’í community, will play a major role in advancing the process of entry by troops during the Four Year Plan.

The National Youth Committee envisions this series of College Club Weekends as an effective means for college clubs to interact, deepen together, inspire one another, and devise plans of action for their return to campus.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Dr. David Earl, who pioneered to Japan, Korea, Palau and Guam, dead at age 84 in Michigan

David M. Earl, a former pioneer to Japan, Korea, Palau and Guam and long-time servant of the Faith, died August 23 in Scottville, Michigan. He was 84 years old.

Born in 1911 in Missouri, Dr. Earl spent his early years in Punjab, India, where his father was employed. He later returned to the U.S. where he was graduated from college and, in 1933, married Joy Hill.

After having studied the Bahá’í Writings, he was enrolled in the Faith in 1938 and actively served on local Assemblies and regional committees and as a teacher at Bahá’í schools. In 1952, the Earls pioneered to Japan, helping Agnes Alexander and others to re-establish the foundations of the Faith in that country.

Dr. Earl assisted in some of the early translations of Bahá’í materials into Japanese. He served on the National Spiritual Assembly of Northeast Asia from 1958-1964, during which time he was secretary for two years and chairman for three years. Dr. Earl was on the faculties of two universities in Japan while pursuing his doctorate degree in Far Eastern studies, completing his studies in 1957.

The Earls then pioneered to Korea from 1963 to 1965. In Korea, Dr. Earl served as chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly in 1964-65. In his professional work, he was in charge of the University of Maryland's program in Korea through which position he was able to travel and serve in Labrador, Taiwan, Ryukyu, Greenland, Germany and France. He also taught in Bahá’í Summer Schools in Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

In 1965, due to Joy's ill health, the Earls returned to the States, settling again in Michigan. Dr. Earl's services during this period included serving on local Assemblies, a regional teaching committee, as a national treasurer's representative, on the Davison Bahá’í Council, and teaching in both U.S. and Canadian summer schools. Joy Earl died in 1972.

At a conference in Alaska in August 1976, Dr. Earl responded to an appeal for pioneers to the Pacific islands and set out the next year for Palau, in the Caroline Islands. He was elected to the new National Spiritual Assembly of the Caroline Islands in 1978, serving that body as chairman.

He moved to Guam in 1979 where he served both as secretary and as treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Mariana Islands from 1980-1982. In 1982, Dr. Earl was appointed to the Auxiliary Board for protection.

Finding himself in weakened health at age 75, Dr. Earl returned to the U.S. in June 1986, again to his familiar community in southern Michigan where he was much loved and cared for in his declining years. Dr. Earl authored several books and articles, among them two articles for World Order magazine. The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States received the following message from the Universal House of Justice:

"Our hearts are deeply saddened by the passing of David M. Earl, steadfast, valiant promoter of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. His many years of devoted service, distinguished by his extensive pioneering efforts in the Far East and the Pacific region, have left indelible traces in the annals of the Faith. Be assured of our ardent prayers in the Holy Shrines for the progress of his noble soul."

Springdale, Arkansas, presents textbook lesson in integrating immigrant believers

The Springdale, Arkansas, experience presents a wonderful lesson in how to incorporate immigrant believers into the Bahá’í community.

Springdale had only one Bahá’í for many years, until Lucille Harju moved there in December 1994 upon her retirement.

One month later she received a telephone call directing her to visit a Bahá’í woman from the Marshall Islands now living in Springdale.

Mrs. Harju's first thought was that the new resident was a returning pioneer. But when she was greeted at the door of the believer's home, it was a sea of Pacific Islander faces she saw: four adult Bahá’ís and some of their children.

The excitement of this reunion of Bahá’í family members gave way to puzzlement on the part of Anja Katzang, elder of the Marshallese in the room.

"Lucille, most people we meet here are afraid and turn away from us, but you are not. Why is that?" he asked.

"I answered, you know, that Bahá’u’lláh said that world peace will come about when humanity accepts all people as brothers and friends and we eliminate prejudice from our lives," recalls Mrs. Harju. "Later, Anja admitted that he was so excited he couldn't think of what to say."

From there the suddenly expanded Bahá’í community plunged into deepenings, Feast celebrations and visits with the friends in neighboring cities.

Much effort went into easing the immigrants' transition to a new society. Children were taken to a Fourth of July parade and the zoo and were introduced to the delights of picking and feasting on blueberries. The families were aided in their search for doctors and a vocational school. With library books, a 10-year-old child began studying English so he could work at the same level as his classmates.

Of course, the Marshallese had much to share, too. The blend of their voices has enriched many a Bahá’í special occasion.

Last summer, a single Bahá’í moved to Springdale and another Marshallese family of two adult believers with two children arrived in town. So now the community had nine adults and, by joint declaration, formed an Assembly.

That new status has brought with it new challenges, especially since many of Springdale's Bahá’ís work nights in factories and food processing plants. But everyone is managing nicely.

Mrs. Harju has some advice for Bahá’í communities that receive believers from other lands.

Be observant, she advises, and offer specific help, such as coming at a certain time to take someone to a thrift shop for warm winter clothing or to the employment office.

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

M. Casey Baroody, pioneer to Germany, dies at age 45

M. Casey Baroody, a pioneer to Germany, died April 13.

Although her untimely death at age 45 cut short her services to the German Bahá’í community, where she had lived since August 1995, her death had a major impact on her family through the loving support and assistance of the Bahá’í community of Hanover.

IN MEMORIAM

Pattie Beane Lincroft, NJ June 28, 1996

Monib Collestan Longwood, FL August 7, 1996

Jordan Cromer Wilmington, NC July 1996

Julia De Bulling La Mesa, CA August 9, 1996

Donald Drexler Port Orange, FL August 17, 1996

John A. Edwards Arroyo Grande, CA August 27, 1996

Kamal Esfahani Lilburn, GA April 28, 1996

Susan Falwell Moreno Valley, CA July 25, 1996

Yvonne Flint San Leandro, CA August 1, 1996

Leopold Fraser Lakewood, CA February 28, 1996

Zohreh Gallagher Pleasant Hill, CA August 29, 1996

Donna Gorrell Oklahoma City, OK August 4, 1996

Roberta Hudson Deland, FL July 5, 1996

Mitzi Kershaw Harbor Twp, NJ July 10, 1996

Khanoum-Agha Rabbani-Iraqi Scitnate, MA August 3, 1996

Charlotte Rose Tacoma, WA July 24, 1996

Frances Knight-Odems Theodore, AL July 8, 1996

Hazel Lyttle Orlando, FL July 27, 1996

Amrollah Mahmoodzadeh Mableton, GA May 8, 1996

Dale Perry Lemmon, SD April 14, 1996

Saadatullah Safapour Kalamazoo, MI July 5, 1996

Djahanara Taidi Norman, OK May 18, 1996

Diane Yamamoto Gurnee, IL August 16, 1996 [Page 24]

CALENDAR

Pictured are members of the Bahá’í Youth Workshop from Deerfield Beach, Florida, who performed in June at a breakfast meeting of the Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce. About 120 people attended the monthly breakfast.

MOVING? TELL US YOUR NEW ADDRESS.
To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The American Bahá’í, send all family members’ names, new address and mailing label to: Management Information Services, Bahá’í 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.)
A. NAME(S):
1. ____________________	I.D. # ________	Title ________
2. ____________________	I.D. # ________	Title ________
3. ____________________	I.D. # ________	Title ________
4. ____________________	I.D. # ________	Title ________
B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS:		C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS:
________________________________________ Street address		________________________________________ P.O. Box or Other mailing address
________________________________________ Apartment # (If applicable)		________________________________________ Apartment # (If applicable)
________________________________________ City		________________________________________ City
____________________ State	____________________ Zip code	____________________ State	____________________ Zip code
D. NEW COMMUNITY:		E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER:
____________________ Name of new Bahá’í Community	____________________ Moving date	____________________ Area code	____________________ Phone number
F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S):
____________________ Area code	____________________ Phone number	____________________ Area code	____________________ Phone number
G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:		H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY:
[ ] we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and I.D. number(s) listed above. [ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of all family members as they should appear on the national records, their I.D. numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.		[ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, I.D. number and address above.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

For information about events sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Bahá’í National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. The numbers for the permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes are as follows: Bosch Bahá’í School, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564; e-mail __________ Green Acre Bahá’í School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-439-7202; e-mail __________ Louhelen Bahá’í School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail __________ Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute, phone 803-558-5093; fax 803-558-9114; e-mail __________ Native American Bahá’í Institute, phone/fax 520-521-1063; e-mail __________

OCTOBER

25-27: Free talk by Habib Riazati on The Kitáb-i-Aqdas and the Four Year Plan, hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Seattle, Washington. For information and seat reservations, phone Lurel Mahar, 206-361-0563.

25-28: Core Curriculum Teacher Trainer and Parent Facilitator Training Sessions, Louhelen Bahá’í School, conducted by the National Education Task Force.

25-28: Fifth International Dialogue on Transition to a Global Society, Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

26: “Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops,” teaching conference sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Pittsfield Township, Senior Health Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan. For information, phone 313-677-1561 or 313-975-7777.

26-27: “Fundamental Verities,” a training course ‎the to‎ reinforce and reinvigorate one’s spiritual life, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute.

31-November 3: Pioneer/SITA/Bahá’í Youth Service Corps Institute, Green Acre Bahá’í School, conducted by the National Office of Pioneering.

NOVEMBER

1-3: Youth Deepening Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School.

1-3: Children’s Leadership Weekend, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute.

1-3: Wisconsin Bahá’í School Family Weekend. Contact Lisa Reimer, West Bend, WI 53095 (phone 414-338-3023).

8-10: South Bay Study Group Retreat, Bosch Bahá’í School.

8-10: Black Women’s Gathering, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute.

8-10: “The Covenant: Axis of Oneness,” full weekend program for all ages, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

13-17: Second Bahá’í Council for Indigenous Teaching, Yukon Bahá’í Institute near Whitehorse. For reservations or more information, phone Doris or Phil McLean, 403-667-2966 (no collect calls please), write to Yukon Y1A 2N8, Canada, or e-mail

14-18: “Women’s Forum ‘96: Women and Leadership,” Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

15-17: General session, “Fire and Gold: Benefiting from Life’s Tests,” Louhelen Bahá’í School. Includes a festive celebration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh with special guest musician Jack Lenz.

15-17: “The Role of Woman as Peacemakers,” presented by Afaf Stevens. Full weekend program, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

15-17: Training session for assistants to the Auxiliary Board, Bosch Bahá’í School.

16-17: “The Individual and Teaching,” training program, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute.

22-24: Assembly Team Development Weekend, Bosch Bahá’í School.

22-24: “Race Unity: The Next Generation,” with Core Curriculum race unity facilitators Joel and Vicki Nizin, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

23-24: Local Spiritual Assembly Development Program, Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute.

23-26: American Academy of Religion (AAR), New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bahá’í Colloquy at this meeting of 8,000 professors and students of world religions will include four 30-minute presentations with no restrictions on topic as long as they relate to the Bahá’í Faith and theology, comparative religion or interfaith dialogue. Submit abstracts (500 words, one single-spaced or two double-spaced pages) to Lynne Yancy, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 847-733-3548; fax 847-733-3563; e-mail ).

28-December 1: Eighth annual Desert Rose Bahá’í School, Ramada Inn University and Conference Center, Tucson, Arizona. Theme: “Taking Your Place in History.” For information or to register, phone 520-620-1943. For hotel reservations, phone 520-623-6666 or 800-777-2999.

28-December 1: Florida Bahá’í Winter School, Cocoa Beach. Contact Ingrid Lanier, Largo, FL 34640 (phone 813-584-2080).

28-December 1: 13th annual Washington, D.C., Thanksgiving Youth Conference, Tyson’s Westpark Hotel, McLean, Virginia. Theme: “Creating a Lasting Legacy.” For information, phone 703-573-6364 or e-mail

28-December 1: Western Oregon Bahá’í School. Contact Jim Smith, Lebanon, OR 97355 (phone 503-259-1417).

29-December 1: Bosch Redwoods Family Conference, Bosch Bahá’í School, with Terry and Carrie Kneisler and daughters Hana, Zoa and Jessie.

29-December 1: “Spiritual Transformation: Dawn of a New Day,” conducted by Leonard Smith, Green Acre Bahá’í School.

29-December 1: Fourth annual May Township Bahá’í Youth Conference, “Imbued with the Spirit,” Wilder Forest, Minnesota. Cost: $100/person which includes 3 days, 2 nights lodging and all meals. For more information, write to Maddy Papermaster, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047-9748, or phone 612-433-3686.

29-December 1: Study course, “Life, Death and Immortality,” Landegg Academy, Wienacht, Switzerland.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091

‘ILM B.E. 153 / OCTOBER 16, 1996