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Volume 28, Issue 4

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[Page 1]

Ridvan 154: Universal House of Justice message Page 2

oT ese olay

me AAmerican Ban's

‘Azamat B.E. 154 / May 17, 1997

Two wings of a bird: the equality of women and men A statement by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States

The emancipation of women, the achievement of full equality between the sexes, is essential to human progress and the transformation of society. Inequality retards not only the advancement of women but the progress of civilization itself. The persistent denial of equality to one-half of the world’s jpopulstion is an affront to human dignity. It promotes destructive attitudes and habits in men and women that pass from the family to the work place, to political life, and ultimately to international relations. On no grounds, moral, biological or traditional, can inequality be justified. The moral and psychological climate necessary to enable our nation to establish social justice and to contribute to global peace will be created only when women attain full partner ship with men in all fields of endeavor.

The systematic oppression of women is a conspicuous and tragic fact of history. Restricted to narrow spheres of activity in the life of society, denied educational opportunities and basic human rights, sub FULL TEXT ON PAGE 3

jected to violence, and frequently treated as less than human, women have been prevented from realizing their true potential. Age-old patterns of subordination, reflected in popular culture, literature and art, law, and even religious scriptures, continue to pervade every aspect of life. Despite the advancement of political and civil rights for women in America and the widespread acceptance of equality in principle, full equality has not been achieved.

The damaging effects of gender prejudice are a fault line beneath the foundation of our national life. The gains for women rest uneasily on unchanged, often unexamined, inherited sesump ans: Much remains to be done. The achievement of full equality requires anew understanding of who we are, what is our pur pose in life, and how we relate to one another—an understanding that will compel us to reshape our lives and thereby our society.

Atno time since the founding of the women’s rights movement in America has the need to focus on this issue been greater. We stand at the threshold of anew century and a new millennium. Their challenges are already upon us, influencing our families, our lifestyles, our nation, our world. In the process of human evolution, the ages of infancy and childhood are past. The turbulence of adolescence is slowly and painfully preparing us for the age of maturity, when prejudice and exploitation will be abolished and unity established. The elements necessary to unify peoples and nations are precisely those needed to bring about equality of the sexes and to improve the relationships between women and men. The effort to overcome history of inequality requires the full participation of every man, woman, youth and child.

Ten-packs of Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men sold like hotcakes in the Baha'i Distribution Service bookstore at the National Convention. In fact, the entire allotment disappeared in less than

90 minutes. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

88TH BAHA’i NATIONAL CONVENTION Delegates commit to concerted action

By TOM MENNILLO

It was both an ending and a beginning as the 88th Baha’f National Convention passed into history and delegates returned home to help usher in the second stage—concerted action— of the Four Year Plan.

They had spent four days April 24~ 27 at the Holiday Inn O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois, deepening on their role in the Plan and as delegates, listening to progress reports, studying the

latest guidance from their Supreme Institution, consulting on how to help advance the process of entry by troops, and being uplifted by music and drama.

They were eyewitness to two momentous events: the release of the long-anticipated statement by the National Spiritual Assembly, Two Wings ofa Bird:

e Equality of Women and Men, and a two-hour live satellite telecast to nearly 50 sites across the country.

Asacred duty And, midway through the Conven tion, they elected the nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly.

The day was still young April 26 when delegates boarded buses and traveled to the Mother Temple of the West to discharge their sacred duty.

In that holy precinct, the 159 delegates present prayerfully cast their ballots. Another eight delegates voted by mail, for a total of 167.

When results were announced that afternoon, the Convention floor erupted

See DELEGATES page 15

National Spiritual Assombly Chairman James F. Nelson (left) introduces his fellow members of the incoming Assembly (from left) Robert C. Henderson, Alberta Deas, Juana

Conrad, Patricia Locke, William E. Davis, Firuz Kazemzadeh, Jack McCants and Dorothy W. Nelson. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

> Ridvan messsage from Universal House of Justice

> Text of the statement on equality of the sexes 3

> New network links youth in service to the world 4

> Message to Baha'is from Latin American Task Force 12

> Southern States Committee sets prayer campaign, cites important role of youth

13

[Page 2]THe American BanA’l 2

WORLD CENTER

To the Baha'is of the world Dearly loved Friends,

We acclaim with grateful hearts the eager response on all continents to the Four Year Plan launched last Ridvan.

Consultations of the Continental Counselors and National Spiritual Assemblies started an extensive planning process, also involving Auxiliary Board members and local Spiritual Assemblies. Through such a process the national and regional character of the derivative plans took shape. But this world-encompassing exercise did more than yield distinctive schemes for the different countries; it also boosted the collaborative relationship of the two arms of the Administrative Order, a most welcome portent of the victories yet to come.

A sign of the immediate impact of the Plan was the speed with which steps were taken to establish nearly 200 training institutes during the last 12 months. Many of these have gone far beyond the point of designing their organization; they are actually in operation and have offered their first courses.

Moreover, in the movement of homefront and international pioneers and traveling teachers; in the increased attention given by individuals to deputizing teachers; in the preparations made to ensure the formation of local Spiritual Assemblies only on the first day of Ridvan; in the increasing endeavors to hold regular devotional meetings; in the widening efforts to make use of the arts in the teaching work and community activities—in all these respects could be discerned the friends’ keen awareness of the importance of concentrating on the requirements of the major aim of the Plan, which is to effect a significant advance in the process of entry by troops.

Nor can we neglect to recognize other developments during the past year which confirmed the high merit of the manifold efforts being exerted by our world community and the results being

Ridvan message from Universal House of Justice

achieved. Among these, to mention a few, were: the acquisition of the apartment at 4 Avenue de Camoens in Paris where the beloved Master, ‘Abdu’I-Bahd, resided during His historic visit to the city; the special session on August 14 of the Federal Chamber of Deputies in Brazil to mark the 75th anniversary of the introduction of the Baha’f Faith into that country—a unique, official occasion at which Amatu’lBaha Ruhfyyih Khanum was present as the honored guest; the launching last July of the Baha’{ International Community’s site on the World Wide Web, entitled “The Baha’f World,” which to date has received from more than 90 countries and territories over 50,000 visits, averaging some 200 per day.

Hardly outpaced by such accomplishments, the construction projects on Mount Carmel maintained a dazzling momentum highlighted by the completion of the marble colonnade of the Center for the Study of the Texts, by the rise of the International Teaching Center building toward its seventh level, and by the ongoing emergence of the far-stretching features of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab. In this connection must be mentioned the partial lowering of the section of the public road over which the line of terraces will pass, and the acquisition and subsequent demolition of the pulling at the foot of the mountain which stood as the last obstruction that had to be overcome to make possible the completion of the lower terraces through which the glorious pathway rises up toward the sacred Edifice and beyond it to the crest of the Hill of God.

Also of acute relevance to the progress thus described was the maintenance of a level of contributions to the Arc Projects Fund which fulfilled the goal for the last year. Clearly, the financial demands in this regard are being met with incessant heroism by rich and poor alike, and must be sustained over the remaining years. At the same time, however, a parallel effort, equally strenuous and sustained, should be simultaneously exerted by the Assemblies and friends throughout the world to fill the critical needs

of the Baha’{ International Fund.

Such an auspicious beginning to the Four Year Plan as has been experienced cannot but inspire confidence in the hearts of the members of our worldwide community that they are fully equipped to execute its requirements as outlined in the messages that launched it, and as elaborated in the plans adopted by their respective Assemblies.

A further and especially appreciated encouragement as we enter this eschivear is that circumstances have made it feasible for the re-establishment this Ridvan of the National Spiritual Assembly of Rwanda. This victory over crisis will bring, to 175 the number of National Spiritual Assemblies that will be eligible to participate in the eighth International Baha’i Convention to be held next Ridvan at the Bahé’i World Center. How dearly we hope that by then, at the very midpoint of the Plan, the Baha’f world will have made a major leap forward in the multiplication of its human resources, the maturation of its Spiritual Assemblies, and the evolution of its local communities.

The opportunity offered by the brief span of time before the century ends is precious beyond all telling. Only a united and sustained effort by the friends everywhere to advance the process of entry by troops can befit such a historic moment. Responsibilities urgent and inescapable press upon every institution, every member of a community striving toward its God-promised destiny.

As there is only a short period in which to achieve a great deal, no time must be spared, no opportunity. lost. Rest assured, dear friends, that the hosts of the Abhd Kingdom stand ready to rush to the support of anyone who will arise to offer his or her acts of service to the unfolding spiritual drama of these momentous days.

The Universal House of Justice Ridvan 154 B.E.

Mississippi conference aims to advance process of entry by troops

Joy and unity pervaded the Music Hall building of Jackson State (Mississippi) University on March 28-30 as 90 friends gathered from Louisiana and Mississippi to consult and learn skills to advance the process of entry by troops in their states.

The conference demonstrated clearly the beauty and benefits of collaboration and universal participation,

It was hosted by the Spiritual Assembly of Jackson, sponsored by the Re ional Committee for the Southern tates in collaboration with Auxiliary Board members, and involved the par ticipation of communities in Louisiana and Mississippi in planning devotions, registration, book sales, music, visual aids and children’s classes.

Youth shared their talents through song and instruments. Children made banners and hats in class and crossed the MSU campus ina race unity march.

The conference had the bounty of the presence of Counselor Tod Ewing, who spoke, took part in workshops and met with the youth. Auxiliary Board members Farah Guchani-Rosenberg and Jeanette Hedayad and Regional Committee members Bob James and

THE AMERICAN BAHA

additional mailing offices. ISSN Number: 1062-1113 Executive Editor: Jack Bowers Associate Editor: Tom Mennillo

Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

States.

Published once every 38 days (plus one special issue) for a total of 10 issues a year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha fs of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and

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

Ahmad Mahboubi also addressed the conference.

Workshops were held on teaching and the 11 elements involved in the process of entry by troops. The friends were given materials and tools to create their own individual and community teaching plans. Sessions on the same topics were held for the youth.

On the first evening of the conference, stories were shared by longtime Baha'is Virginia Johnson and Ethlyn Campbell who shared tales of the history of the Faith in the Jackson area. How blessed the history of an area that was residence to such precious souls as the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and Marguerite Sears, and was visited by the Hands of the Cause Dorothy Baker, Dr. Muhajir, Enoch Olinga and others.

On Saturday evening, a public meeting was held at which Counselor Ewing spoke on the Baha’f view of race unity. Fliers announcing the meeting, had been distributed on campus.

The conference was not only an inspiration for the Bahd’is. It served as a teaching event on the campus as all the friends mingled with the students ina spirit of love. Moreover, a dear friend’s hospitalization became a proclamation itself when conference-goers sent a huge card decorated with greetings and pictures.

On the last morning of the conference, friends from both states shared stories of their victories and activities.

Under two large maps marked with Assemblies, Groups, and isolated believers, the spirit of joy overflowed as friends applauded and encouraged one another for their efforts.

Truly, the weekend demonstrated that when we make the effort to teach and serve His mighty Cause and are united in this effort, Bahd’u’llah engineers the event and astonishes us and showers us with the breath of the Holy Spirit!

Counselors Ayala, Chang are scheduled to take part in Pacific Islander event

Counselors Ben Ayala and Afemata Moli Chang from Australasia are among those taking part June 5-8 in the second annual Pacific Islander Teaching Conference at the Bosch Baha’i School in Santa Cruz, California.

The Counselors will discuss various teaching efforts including the “Ocean of Light” projects in the Pacific area.

Other presenters include National Spiritual Assembly member Juana Conrad, Sue and Khalil Khavari, Poova Murday and others.

To share the culture, music, dance and spirituality of the Pacific Islanders, contact the school at 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564 or e-mail

[Page 3]“AzamAt B.E. 154° May 17,1997 3

TWO WINGS OF A BIRD: the equality of women and men

A statement by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’ ts of the United States .

The emancipation of women, the achievement of full equality between the sexes, is essential to human progress and the transformation of society. Inequality retards not only the advancement of women but the progress of civilization itself. The persistent denial of equality to one-half of the world’s population is an affront to human dignity. It promotes destructive attitudes and habits in men and women that pee from the family to the work place, to political ‘ife, and ultimately to international relations. On no grounds, moral, biological or traditional, can inequality be justified. The moral and psychological climate necessary to enable our nation to establish social justice and to contribute to global peace will be created only when women attain full partnership with men in all fields of endeavor.

The systematic oppression of women is a conspicuous and tragic fact of history. Restricted to narrow spheres of activity in the life of society, denied educational opportunities and basic human rights, subjected to violence, and frequently treated as less than

juman, women have been prewetted from realizing their true potential. Age-old patterns of subordination, reflected in popular culture, literature and art, law, and even religious scriptures, continue to pervade every aspect of life. Despite the advancement of political and civil rights for women in America and the widespread acceptance of equality in principle, full equality has not been achieved.

The damaging effects of gender prejudice are a fault line beneath the foundation of our national life. The gains for women rest uneasily on unchanged, often unexamined, inherited assumptions. Much remains to be done. The achievement of full equality requires a new understanding of who we are, what is our purpose in life, and how we relate to one another—an understanding that will compel us to reshape our lives and thereby our society.

At no time since the founding of the women’s rights movement in America has the need to focus on this issue been greater. We stand at the threshold of anew century and a new millennium. Their challenges are already upon us, influencing our families, our lifestyles, our nation, our world. In the process of human evolution, the ages of infancy and childhood are past. The turbulence of adolescence is slowly and painfully preparing us for the age of maturity, when prejudice and exploitation will be abolished and unity established. The elements necessary to unify peoples and nations are precisely those needed to bring about equality of the sexes and to umprove the relationships between women and men. The effort to overcome the history of inequality requires the full participation of every man, woman, youth and child.

Over a century ago, for the first time in religious history, Baha’u’llah, the Founder of the Baha’{ Faith, in announcing God’s pr for the age, proclaimed the principle of the Squall of women and men, saying: “Women and men have and will always be equal in the sight of God.” The establishment of equal rights and privileges for women and men, Baha’u’llah says, is a precondition for the attainment of a wider uni that will ensure the well-being and security of all peoples. The Baha'i Writings state emphatically that

en all mankind shall recetve the same Bupareanity of education and the equality of men and women be realized, pee founuations of war will be utterly destroyed.” ?

us the Baha’f vision of equality between the sexes rests on the central spiritual principle of the oneness of humankind. The principle of oneness requires that we “regard humanity as a single individual, and one’s own self as a member of that corporeal form,” > and that we foster an unshakable consciousness that “if pain or injury afflicts any member of that body, it must inevitably result in suffering for all the rest.” *

Bahd’u’'llah teaches that the divine purpose of creation is the achievement of unity among all peoples:

“Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other.

Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest.’>

The full and equal participation of women in all spheres of life is essential to social and economic

levelopment, the abolition of war, and the ultimate establishment of a united world. In the Baha’f Scriptures the equality of the sexes is a cornerstone of God’s plan for human development and prosperity:

“The world of humanity is possessed of two wings: the male and the female. So long as these two wings are not equivalent in strength, the bird will not fly. Until womankind reaches the same degree as man, until she enjoys the same arena of Acolty, extraordinary attainment for humanity will not be realized; humanity cannot wing its way to heights of real attainment. When the two wings...become equivalent in Siren ety enjoying the same prerogatives, the Slight of man will be exceedingly lofty and extraordinary.”

The Baha’{ Writings state that to proclaim equality is not to deny that differences in function between women and men exist but rather to affirm the complementary roles men and women fulfill in the home and society at large. Stating that the acquisition of knowledge serves as “a ladder for [human] ascent,”’ Bahd’u’llah prescribes identical education for women and men but stipulates that when resources are limited first priority should be given to the education of women and girls. The education of ule is particularly important because, although both parents have responsibilities for the rearing of children, it is through educated mothers that the benefits of knowledge can be most effectively diffused throughout society.

Reverence for, and protection of, motherhood have often been used as justification for keeping women socially and economically disadvantaged. It is this discriminatory and injurious result that must change! Great honor and nobility are rightly conferred on the station of motherhood and the importance of training children. Addressing the high station of motherhood, the Baha’f Writings state, “O ye loving mothers, know ye that in God's sight, the best of all ways to worship Him is to educate the children and train them in all the perfections of humankind. ...” * The great challenge facing society is to make social and economic provisions for the full and equal participation of women in all aspects of life while simultaneously reinforcing the critical functions of motherhood.

sserting that women and men share similar “station and rank” and “are equally the recipients of powers and endowments from God,”° the Baha'i teachings offer a model of equality based on the concept of partnership Only when women become full participants in all domains of life and enter the important arenas of decision-making will humanity be prepared to embark on the next stage of its collective development.

Bahd’{ Scripture emphatically states that women will be the greatest factor in establishing universal peace and international arbitration. “So it will come to pass that when women participate fully and equally in the affairs of the world, when they enter confidently and capably the great arena of es a pele, war will cease; for woman will be the obstacle and hindrance to it.” *°

The elimination of discrimination against women isa epicteaal and moral imperative that must ultimately reshape existing lena economic and social arrangements. Promoting the entry of greater numbers of women into positions of prominence and authority is a necessary but not sufficient step in creating a just social order. Without fundamental changes in the attitudes and values of individuals and in the underlying ethos of social institutions, full equality between women and men cannot be achieved. A community based on partnership, a community in which aggression and the use of force are supplanted by cooperation and consultation, requires the transformation of the human heart.

“The world in the past has been ruled by force, and man

has dominated over woman by reason of his more forceful and aggressive qualities both of body and mind. But the balance is already shifting; force is losing its dominance, and mental alertness, intuition, and the spiritual qualities of love and service, in which woman is strong, are gaining ascendancy. Hence the new age will be an age less masculine and more permeated with the feminine ideals...an age in which the masculine and feminine elements of civilization will be more evenly balanced. " Men have an inescapable duty to promote the equality of women. The presumption of superiority by men thwarts the ambition of women and inhibits the creation of an environment in which quality may reign. The destructive effects of inequality prevent men from maturing and developing the qualities necessary to meet the challenges of the new millennium. “As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities,” the Baha’i Writings state, “so dong cri men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirs.” ” It is essential that men engage ina careful, deliberate examination of attitudes, feelings and behavior deeply rooted in cultural habit, that block the equal participation of women and stifle the growth of men. The willingness of men to take responsibility for equality will create an optimum environment for progress:”When men own the equality of women there will be no need for them to struggle for their rights!”

The long-standing and deeply rooted condition of inequality must be eliminated. To overcome such a condition requires the exercise of nothing short of “genuine love, extreme patience, true humility, consummate tact, sound initiative, mature wisdom, and deliberate, persistent, and prayerful effort.” Ultimately, Baha'u'llah promises, a day will come when men will welcome women in all aspects of life. Now is the time to move decisively toward that promised future.

Notes

1. Bahd’u’llah, from a Tablet translated from the Persian and Arabic, quoted in Women: Extracts the Writings of Baha'u'llah, ‘Abdu'l-Bahd, Shoghi Effendi and the eae House of Justice, comp. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice (Thornhill, Ontario: National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Canada, 1986), no. 54.

2. ‘Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks delivered by ‘Abdu'l-Baha during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912, comp. Howard MacNutt, 2d ed. (Wilmette, Ill.: Baha’f Publishing Trust, 1982), p. 175.

3. ‘Abdu’l- , The Secret of Divine Civilization, trans. Marzieh Gail and Ali-Kuli Khan, 1st ps ed. (Wilmette, Ill.: Baha’f Publishing Trust, 1990), p. 39.

4. ‘Abdu’l-Bah, Secret Vs Divine Civilization, p. 39.

5. Baha’u'llah, The Hidden Words, trans. Shoghi Effendi (Wilmette, Ill.: Baha’{ Publishing Trust, 1939),

. 20.

F 6. ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Promulgation, p. 375.

7. Baha'u'llah, Tablets of Baha'u'llah revealed after the Kitab-i-Aqdas, comp. Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, trans. Habib Taherzadeh et al., Ist ps ed. (Wilmette, Ill.: Baha’f Publishing Trust, 1988), p. 51.

8. ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Vg of ‘Abdu’l-Bahé, comp. Research Department of the Universal House of lustice, trans. Committee at the Baha’{ World Center and Marzieh Gail (Wilmette, IIL: Baha’‘{ Publishing Trust, 1997), 114.1.

9. Bahd’u’ll4h, Tablet translated from the Persian and Arabic, quoted in Women, no. 2; ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Promulgation, p. 300.

1007 bdu't-Bahé, Promulgation, p. 135.

11. ‘Abdu’l-Bah4, quoted in Wendell Phillips Dodge, “Abdul-Baha’s Arrival in America,” in Star of the West 3 (April 28, 1912), no. 3, p. 4.

12. ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks: Addresses Given by ‘Abdu'l-Bahd in Paris in 1911, 12th ed. (London: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1995), 40.33

13. ‘Abdu’l-Bahé, Paris Talks, 50.14.

14. Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 40.

[Page 4]THe AmericAN BaHA’s 4

ae} tial 1c)

In its Ridvan 153 letter to the Baha‘fs of the world, the Universal House of Justice praised “the outstanding contributions of youth to expansion and consolidation,” noting that “youth throughout the world invested immense amounts of time, energy and zeal in the feaching work as travelin teachers within and outside their countries an as teams in collective teaching projects... commitment to a year of service was more widely demonstrated.”

Many youth returning from a period of service in the Bah4’f Youth Service Corps have expressed their commitment and enthusiasm for their experience by encouraging other young people to take part in this program. And since its inception in 1985, the Baha’f Youth Service Corps has attracted increasing numbers of youth interested in giving a period of service either on the homefront or internationally.

New network links youth in service to the world

More than ever before, Baha’{f communities, institutions and agencies around the world are asking for youth assistance. However, the needs and opportunities still far outstrip the number of youth who are arising to fill them.

To address this need, the Office of Pioneering has set uP a network through which Baha’f Youth Service Corps veterans can work in their own communities or regions to:

Promote a greater awareness of the BYSC as a

vehicle for vyouth to give a period of full-time service to the Cause

¢ Facilitate a steady increase in the number of new BYSC volunteers

¢ Help prepare youth to be effective in their service

¢ Welcome, encourage and support returning BYSC volunteers

There are now 65 youth who serve the new Baha’{ Youth Service Corps Resource Network. They are

available to work together with Assemblies, members of the Auxiliary Board and their assistants and other agencies of the Faith in their local areas to determine specific lines of action to achieve the above goals.

In some areas of the country, Network youth have been trained to serve as training facilitators for Baha’i Youth Service Corps orientations and institutes.

If you or your community would like to call upon these youth resources, a current listing of the BYSC Resource Network is available on request from the Office of Pioneering.

“Blessed is he who in the pane of his youth and the heyday of his life will arise to serve the Cause of the Lord of the beginning and of the end, and adorn his heart with His love. The manifestation of such a grace is greater than the creation of the heavens and of the earth.”

Toward entry by troops! International summer teaching projects 1997

Long and short-term teaching projects

“Martha Root IV” project to the Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia), mid-June-September 1, minimum 6week commitment.

Teaching project in Hobart (Tasmania), Australia, from June 28-July 6. Need for traveling teachers to help with radio programs, children’s classes, development of training institutes, teaching and deepening in remote areas in North Queensland.

“Marion Jack oe pres to southeastern Russia in July and August (7 weeks). Summer teaching projects in Russia: two projects to reach native peoples in remote areas of Russia for which indigenous/American Indian believers are needed, July and August for 4-6 weeks. Teaching strategies in motion include Bahé’f Youth Workshops and North American professionals reaching their counterparts in Russia.

Teaching project and summer school in Mongolia, July 25-August 20.

“Project 2000” ongoing throughout the year in consecutive areas of Slovenia and Croatia.

Deepening programs (1-2 per month) and week-long village to village teaching projects throughout the year in Tonga. August: national education conference. December: summer school and national youth camp.

Conferences, schools and events

Alcan International Youth Training Institute and teaching project in Alaska from June 14-July 7.

July 4-6: 50th Anniversary of the Baha’f community of Spain, International Congress.

July 4-8: Colloquium; “The World Religions and the Baha’i Faith” and seminar “Revelation of Baha’u’llah during the Tehran and Baghdad Periods (1853-63)” at the Baha’f Center of Manchester, United Kingdom.

July 12-13: International Youth Conference for Teaching, in Barahona, Dominican Republic.

July 21-27: Swedish summer school, “Living the life, from words to deeds” in Munkfors.

July 26: 25th Anniversary Celebra

In our next issue—

Annual Reports of the National Spiriutal Assembly and its agencies

tion of the Mother Temple of Latin America, Panama City, Panama.

August 1-9: Baha’i Academy for the Arts in the United Kingdom, sessions for ages 11-14 and ages 15 through adult.

Heart of Australia—Global Village

athering of indigenous believers,

fownsville, Australia. Summertime: Date to be determined.

September 23-25: Annual meeting of

the International Society for Agriculture and Rural Development, Oxford University, United Kingdom.

October 24-26: International Bahd’{ Environment Conference at de Poort Conference Center, Netherlands.

For more information about needs and opportunities for international traveling teachers, please contact the Office of Pioneering. We also have the schedule of summer schools, deepen ing institutes and Bahd’i camps in Canada and the 1997 propran of the Landegg Academy in Switzerland, as well as other project and event information received after the April 15 deadline for this edition of The American Baha'i. Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Phone 847-733-3508 or 3511, e-mail (for traveling teaching and international events)

What international travels should be reported to the Office of Pioneering?

“As you know, in principle, any believer who arises and leaves his home for the purpose of serving the Cause and settles in another place is a pioneer. Short-term pioneers are those who spend a relatively short period of time in a place, usually from six months to two years, but, under specual circumstances, as little as three months. Unlike long-term pioneers, who are often preoccupied with employment, housing and family, short-term pioneers can devote full-time service to the Faith.

“Traveling teachers are, of course, those who travel from their place of residence to other localities for the purpose of promoting the interests of the Faith, individually or as participants in projects and programs. Youth-year-of-service volunteers working in the international field would fall into one or the other of the above categories, depending on their circumstances.” (om a letter from the ee of the Secretariat of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, March 8, 1995)

To record the achievement of the traveling teaching goals, the Office of Pioneering needs information about all international trips undertaken for the sake of promoting the interests of the Faith. This information is important whatever the level or amount of service and peparcleee of whether your trip was exclusively for service to the Faith or was combined with a trip for business, holiday, family, study or otherwise.

To make this easiest for you, just fill out and send the short form below by mail to Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201, by fax to 847-733-3509, by email to or call 847-733-3511. Please include the names of all Baha’fs traveling, the names of each country and the one or two main localities visited, the dates of your trip, and the main purpose of your travel. We look forward to hearing from you.

[Page 5]

A young boy «... learns what it really means to live an upstanding life with compassion for others.’

In Grandfather’s Barn

by William Sears

SC $8.95 (IGB)

Written from the perspective of a young boy named William who lives in Green Valley, Minnesota, during the 1920s, Jn Grandfather's Barn is a humorous novel that recounts his adventures and misadventures growing up. Living in a small town is not always easy, but it can be the source of many hilarious lessons about life: His great crush on the beautiful Angela Raffodil; his first confession at church with Father O'Malley; his befriending Jerry Haller, the only black boy in town; and more—we always find himresolving the perplexities of life in Grandfather’s barn. Relying on the practical, nononsense advice of his facetious grandfather, who helps him see through others’ pretenses, William begins to understand whatit really means to live an upstanding life with compassion for others.

5%2"x8%”", 96 pp.

Baha’ Publishing Trust, United States

‘. even though this book essentially is an academic exercise, it is eminently readable and thoroughly enjoyable. This heightens its appeal as a text for teaching and training institutes. Before long not only will you have read it, you will be using the tools ...’

The Ocean of His Words

A Reader’s Guide to the Art of Baha’u’llah

by John S. Hatcher

SC $12.95 (OHW)

“Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths...” is Baha’ u’ ll4h’s exhortation to us. In his latest work, titled The Ocean of His Words, John Hatcher provides a remarkably effective set of tools for making the most of this immersion. Using the tools of literary analysis, Dr. Hatcher shows us how to apply these same techniques to unravel an ever deeper understanding of the Sacred texts. Examples are used extensively to demonstrate the application of such literary devices as examining the narrative perspective, subject, and structure of a work as well as using historical criticism, among others. His elaboration of divine revelation as a perfect form of artistic expression is genuinely fresh, and even though this book essentially is an academic exercise itis eminently readable and thoroughly enjoyable. This heightens its appeal as a text for teaching and training institutes. Before too long not only will you have read it, you will be using the tools this book offers as a means to a deeper understanding of the art of Baha’u’ll4h!

5%”x8%”, 388 pp., foreword, contents, preface, appendix, bibliography

Baha’ Publishing Trust, United States

Women

Nar

the Universal House of Justice SC $3.95 (WCOMP)

Extracts from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Shoghi Effendi, and

‘.. general edition format suitable for large This recently reprinted compilation assembled by the Research Department of the scale dis tr ‘ibu tion,’ Universal House of Justice is the standard source for complementing any effort to study the Faith’s perspective on the issues concerning the advancement of women and their equal station with man.

5%"x8%”, 59 pp.

Baha’ Publishing Trust, United States

‘.. the standard source for complementing any effort to study the Faith’s perspective on the issues concerning

~ THe EQuaury

the advancement of women...’ | oF Wowen aND MEN Mecca Women v WOMEN Pea kers, Ref , Leader = i eee Two Wings

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5%”"x8%", 14 pp. The National Spiritual Assembly’s statement on gen der equality and the advancement of women is now available ina general edition format suitable for largescale distribution. Due out soon are the presentation and deluxe editions.

Baha’( Publishing Trust, United States

‘ points to a revolution in values taking place around the world ... that cannot be stopped.’

[Page 6]BAHA’i DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

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Lift Up your Voices and Sing

Favorite Songs of Baha'is Around the World

See Prices BELow

Finally! A collection of your favorite Baha’{ music!Since the early days of their Faith, Baha’ fs have enjoyed singing as a way of celebrating and communicating their belief in the teachings of Baha’u’ Ilah. Here for the first time is a comprehensive collection for many of the best-loved and well known songs written and performed by Baha’ fs for almost acentury. All are new recordings presented here for the firsttime. Featured artists include Dash Crofts, Dan Seals, Van Gilmer, Red Grammer, Adrienne EwingRoush, Av4, Paul Seaforth, Castadarrow Thompkins, and Rachael Price. Produced and arranged by Tom Price.

Individual CDs $15.95 (L¥1CD, LU2CD, LU3CD) or all three for $39.95 (LUCDP)

Volume 1 (LUICD) Soldiers in God’s Army Look at Me, Follow Me Ay Yad-I-Toh Nightingale of Paradise Have You Heard of Bahd’u’lléh Hummingbird

The Prisoner

God Is One

The Prince of Peace Benediction

Volume Two (LU2CD)

Bahd’u'llah’s Getting us Ready for that Great Day Proclaim the Greatest Name

Would You Give Your Life to Bahd’u’lléh We Will Have One World

World Citizens

Queen of Carmel

O Agyani

East of Ginger Trees

We May Never Pass this Way Again

God Sufficeth

Volume Three (LU3CD) We Are One

Windflowers

Toko Zani

Farkhundi Tayiri

One Planet, One People, Please Advance Guards Bahd’u’llah

Mount Your Steeds

Oh Bahd’u'llah

Blessed Is the Spot

aValygly

e 7 a

—a

Don’t miss the other volumes in this series due out beginning later this year!

The Baha’i World /

1995-96 fi

HC $25.95 (BW96H) SC $13.95 (BW96S)

In addition to regular features, this year’s volume includes the following highlights: coverage of Baha’{ involvement in the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing and in the events associated with the Fiftieth Anniversary of the United Nations (UN 50); a report on the December 1995 Counselor’s Conference held at the Baha’f World Center; an essay titled “Covenant and the Foundations of Civil Society”; “World Watch”, written this year on values and governance in an emerging global society; Turning Point for All Nations and other major statements of the Baha’ i International Community; a profile of a Baha’f social and economic development project in Brazil; and “The Year in Review”, surveying the activities of Baha’ { communities and featuring some 30 color photographs.

6”x9”, 346 pp., photographs, contents, glossary, index

World Centre Publications

The Baha’{ Faith DIALOG UE Universalism in Praxis SC $9.00 (BFUP) UNIVERSALISM This special Bahé’ fissue of the journal Dialogue and eee Universalism marks the first joint publication project

of the Association of Baha’{ Studies North America andanon-Bahd’{journal. The culmination ofa threeyear cooperative venture with the International Society for Universalism (Warsaw), this issue features articles from the perspective of a number of different disciplines as well as position papers from the Universal House of Justice, all dealing with the concept of the universality of the Baha’{ Faith. It should appeal to a wide range of scholars and thoughtful readers looking for new ways to think about and apply an understanding of universalism to the powerful challenges offered by the contemporary world.

6%"x9%”, 232 pp. Ws

Centre of Universalism OL)

Local Spiritual Assembly Handbook

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of Australia SC $24.95 (LSAH) This Australian LSA Han of use by administrators and individuals who wantto be fully functioning members of Baha’ f society. Some of the content is relevant only to Australia, but 95 percent of the guidance applies to Baha’ fs living anywhere in the world. Baha’ fs will benefit enormously from studying and referencing this handbook, now in its third edition. The question-andanswer format and comprehensive index make the content easy to access. Also included is a study guide on consultation and a number of workshops dealing with such issues as Baha’f marriage without consent, the appearance of drinking, a predominantly Persian community and dominant personalities.

8”x11%”, 451 pp., contents, foreword, index

Baha'i Publications Australia

The Mission of This Generation Messages from the Universal House of Justice to Baha’ Youth Ce

$12.95 SC (MGS) (>

A helpful and timely new book, containing the complete texts of 16 messages from the Universal House of Justice to young Baha’ fs, compiled by the European Baha’{ Youth Council. Also contains a section of exploratory questions on each of the messages, to aid study and deepening, plus a compilation of extracts from the messages, helpfully organized around themes and subjects of particular relevance to the Baha’f youth of today.

5%"x8%", 144 pp., preface, contents, introduction, bibliography, notes, references,

\

index Baha’i Publishing Trust, United Kingdom

The City and the Heart by Arthur M. Weinberg wai SC $7.95 (CH)

Ismael, Lisa, Helen, Aaronand the other children from Arthur Weinberg’s story The Refuge and the Cage are back in another installment of a popular children’s tale. Picking up where the last book left off, the characters continue their adventures while they acquire spiritual understanding.

5%”x8%", 109 pp.

Brilliant Books

[Page 7]BAHA’! DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

The Path Toward Spirituality

Sacred Duties

and Practices

of the Baha’ Life

Shahin Vafai

$5.00 SC (PTSS)

Every Baha’{ has as his or her goal the perfection of spiritual attributes and an ever-increasing level of spirituality. Our faith in this process of change is a principal reason for our being Baha’ fs. Here in The Path Toward Spirituality is a synopsis of the steps that the Baha’{ Faith outlines as the prerequisites to that change. This book is already being used in many communities as a reference book for training institutes on the process of personal transformation and is organized specifically to instruct and train the reader in fundamental and concrete approaches to starting on the path toward spirituality. Includes practical exercises, quotations for reflection, appendices on related topics, and more.

6”x9”, 149 pp., introduction, appendices, bibliography, references

Palabra Publications

Electing Baha’i Assemblies

$2.50# SC (EBA)

This booklet, produced under the direction of the Office of Assembly Development and the National Teaching Committee, is a primer on the divine nature of the local Spiritual Assembly and its principal roles ina community. Developed to provide the basic information regarding this divine institution in an easy to assimilate and inspirational format, this booklet will help Assemblies educate all of the individuals in their community on these fundamental points of Baha’{ administration. Bulk priced at $2.00 each for 10 or more.

11”x8%”, 16 pp., photographs

Office of Assembly Development and the National Teaching Committee

Rainbow

Segey Valdivieso-Sinyakov $5.95 SC (RAIN)

What would the world be like if there were no color? Find out when seven brothers—Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange, Indigo and Violet-lay down their brushes and stop painting everything we see! This story for children is a lesson in appreciating everyone’s con

Unveiling the Hidden Words

Baha'i Studies Volume Il

by Diana Malouf

SC $18.95 (HHWS)

The Hidden Words, that “marvelous collection of gem-like utterances” with which “Baha’u’lléh was inspired, as He paced, wrapped in His meditations, the banks of the Tigris,” is one of the most important works in Baha’ {literature and one of the most beautiful. The translation of the Arabic and Persian verses into English befitting the eloquence of the original required amaster hand. Diana Malouf’s Unveiling the Hidden Words is a study of the translation of the Arabic verses of theHidden Words by Shoghi Effendi, designated the “interpreter” of the Baha’ { teachings, who was uniquely placed to render the words of his great-grandfather into English of outstanding beauty and charm. Dr. Malouf examines Shoghi Effendi’s translation in light of certain “norms” or objectives for the translation—for example, to render the text elegantly, to make the translation enduring and to highlight its eloquence. Additionally, Dr. Malouf examines the life of Shoghi Effendi and his preparation for his work as translator of the Baha’ { writings, considers the nature of the Hidden Words itself as a literary work, and describes the goals and challenges of translating any work from one language into another. Included in the appendix are translations by different translators of 20 Arabic Hidden Words, demonstrating Shoghi Effendi’s mastery of the art.

5%"x8%", 230 pp., contents, introduction, bibliography, references

George Ronald

Twin Manifestations

Ruhi Institute Book 4

by the Ruhi Institute

SC $8.00 (TM4)

The fourth in the series from the Ruhi Institute, this book deals directly with the Twin Manifestations, their lives, station and teachings. Also included is a section which deals with the “greatness of this day.” Carefully constructed lessons delineate the purpose, the ideas, the exercises and the practice necessary to acquire this basic set of knowledge regarding the Twin Prophet-Founders of the Bahd‘{Faith. These lessons are suitable for adaptation into a wide range of age groups, from young children to adults.

8%"x11", 171 pp.

Palabra Publications

Investigate Baha’u’llah

J. Peter Smith

$1.25 SC (IB)

In this brief booklet the author, Peter Smith, outlines the questions that framed his personal investigation of the claims of Baha’u’ lah. Asa Christian, Mr. Smith asks and answers the most frequent questions that many Christians will have in making the same determination he has: that Baha’ lldhis the Promised One. Deriving most of the material from the Bibleand the Baha’ fsacred writings, this booklet provides Baha’ f’s with the information to respond to these same questions quickly

aU

‘Azamat B.E.154°May 17,1997 7

Baha’u’llah’s Teachings

on Spiritual Reality

SC $3.50 (BTSR)

A long awaited follow-up to Proofs of Bahd’u'Ilah’s Mission, this book is a compilation of writings dealing with spiritual reality. An excellent introduction for seekers and new Bah4’fs on the Baha’f theology of the quest for spirituality, whatit means to be spiritual, the progress of the soul, and spiritual education. An equally vital refresher as well for any Bahd’{ who wishes to reacquaint himself or herself with the Sacred Text’s pronouncements on these and other corollary topics such as prayer and meditation, mastery of self, suffering, immortality, sacrifice, and an array of critical topics about which every Baha’f should have an understanding. Bahd’u’lléh’s Teachings on Spiritual Reality is an excellent opportunity for presenting the transforming Word of God to yourself or to another.

4%"x7”, 204 pp., introduction,

bibliography

Palabra Publications

Revisioning the Sacred

New Perspectives on a Baha'i Theology

Studies in the Bab/ and Baha'i Religions, Volume Eight

edited by J. A. McLean

HC $35.00 (RTSH), SC $29.95 (RTSS)

This book is the first academic volume dedicated to the serious understanding of Baha’{ theology as an area of Bahd’{ studies. It is an historic first attempt to investigate Bahd’{ theological teachings and Baha’f Sacred Texts using systematic and scholarly methods. Each essay in the book is well argued and is the product of thorough research. Since the Baha’ { Faith has no clergy, the opinions of each author are only his or her own and cannot be regarded as authoritative statements of Baha’ { belief. Yet the insights that these scholars bring to bear will impel the reader to a closer, more prayerful reflection on the Baha’ scriptures.

6”x9”, 231 pp., introduction, bibliography

Kalimat Press

A Short Introduction to the Baha’i Faith

by Moojan Momen

$11.95 SC (SIBF)

The Baha’ { Faith is the youngest of the world religions, with social and spiritual teachings very much in tune with the concerns of the present. Yet despite being the second most widespread religion after Christianity, many people are unfamiliar with Baha’f history and beliefs. This bookoffers a clear, readable and informative introduction to all aspects of this fast-growing faith, from its teachings on the spiritual development of the individual to the Baha’ belief in the oneness of all religions and the need for world peace. Sections of the book include personal spirituality, family and community life, worship and festivals, social and theological teachings, history

tribution to the world. and accurately. The booklet ends with an invitiation for the _ of the Faith and an overview the present-day worldwide 5”x7”, 18 pp., illustrations reader to further investigate the claims of Baha’u’Ilh. Baha’fcommunity. Brilliant Books 5%”"x8%”, 20 pp. 5%”x9”, 150 pp., index, bibliography White Mountain Publications Oneworld Publications SHIP TO CODE TITLE QUANTITY COST EACH | TOTAL DAYTIME TELEPHONE # ( ) SHIPPING CHARGES/SALES TAX SUBTOTAL

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Baha’ f Distribution Service * 5397 Wilbanks Dr., Chattanooga, TN 37343 « 1-800-999-9019 « Fax: 1-423-843-0836 « Internet: [Page 8]

The Treasurer's Corner is devoted to helping local treasurers and others who have special interest in development of the Funds by offering suggestions and ideas that might be helpful in this work. If you would like to offer stories or ideas that have proven useful in your community, you are invited to share them with other communities through this column. Contact the Office of the Treasurer and Development at 847-733-3472 or e-mail

Stewardship and Development Seminars

Approximately 150 Stewardship and Development Seminars, sponsored by the Office of the Treasurer and Development and hosted by local Spiritual Assemblies, are scheduled nationwide during the early summer months. All local Spiritual Assemblies are urged to participate in the seminar nearest them. The seminars are open to all interested community members as well. See the list of sites and dates elsewhere on this page.

Goal Sheets Due

Please note that local Spiritual Assembly goals for the National Fund are due in the Office of the Treasurer by May 15. Your goal should be reported on the Goal Sheet included in the informational mailing prior to Ridvan. If you do not have this sheet, contact the Office of the Treasurer at (847)733-3472 or for a replacement copy.

Show Us Your Identification Numbers!

Please help us to serve you better. With every contribution you send for your community, please include, if possible, the bottom portion of your last receipt from the National Fund. This form includes the Baha’{ Locality Code for each community, which is essential to accurate posting of each contribution received. If you do not have this form, you can include the BLC# on your community’s check.

Also, as Treasurer, please remind the friends in your community to include their individual Baha’i identification number when sending a contribution directly to the National Fund. This will be done automatically if the the bottom porion of their previous receipt is included with their contribution. Using this form affords as well, an efficient way to communicate any earmarking instructions.

Wills Brochure in Persian

The brochure, “...the Writing of a Will”, first introduced in English, is now available in Persian. It may be ordered either from the Office of the Treasurer or from the Office of Persian/ American Affairs. Individual copies are free and multiple copies are one dozen for $3.50. Copies in English are available for the same price through the Office of the Treasurer. Call (84773-3472.

“The unity of the believers, rich and poor alike, in their support a the Fund will be a source of spiritual confirma tions far our capacity to envisage.”

THe American BaHA’t 8

Stewardship and Development seminars to be held soon in cities across country

More than 150 Stewardship and Development seminars are scheduled nationwide during the early summer months. The seminars, aneaie trained facilitators, are sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly and prepared by the Office of the Treasurer and Development.

The program has two components, the first being sound financial management of the local treasury. The second, and perhaps most important, is a deepening on the fardanertal s tual principles of giving to the Funds. All local Spiritual Assemblies are urged to attend; however, the seminars are open to any interested comanunity member.

Most communities will be receiving their invitation soon for the seminar nearest them. Consult the following list for the site and date closest to you. For more information contact the host Assembly, phone the Office of the Treasurer and Development, 847733-3472, or email

NORTHEASTERN STATES

ME: Augusta, May 24. Portland, May 17.

NY: Rochester, May 31. Syracuse, TBA. Ithaca, May 10. Buffalo, TBA. New York, June 21. Foughieepale Town, June 7. North Hempstead Town, May 10. Islip Town, May 24.

VT: Hartford, TBA.

MA: Medford, June 7. Springfield, TBA.

RI: Providence, TBA.

PA: Hareisbure TBA. Tredyffrin Township (Philadelphia)) May 31. Pittsburgh, June 28.

Ne laven, May 31. NJ: Montclair Township, June 14.

SOUTHERN STATES

DE: Wilmington, June 8.

VA: Charlottesville, May 31. Norfolk, July 12. Fairfax Co. East, June 14. Prince Georges Co. North, June 15.

TN: Memphis, May 3. Knox County, May 17. Brentwood, May 31. Chattanooga, June 21.

KY: Jefferson Co (Louisville), May 31. Lexington, May 17.

NC: Asheville, June 29. Wautauga County, May 10. Charlotte, May 3. Guilford County, June 7. Hamlet, May 18. DurhamCounty, June8. Wilmington, June 15. Wilson, June 1.

SC: Greenville, TBA. Spartanburg, TBA. Florence, TBA. North Charleston, TBA. Richland County North, TBA.

GA: DeKalb County South, May 24. Augusta, May 3. Savannah, TBA. Macon, TBA.

FL: Pinellas County, May 3. Belle Glade, June 22. Orlando, May 17. Gainesville, May 24. Coral Springs, June 29. Key West, June 8. Dade Co. Central, June 21. Sarasota, May 18. De Land, May 25. Jacksonville, June 21. Tallahassee, TBA.

AL: Birmingham, TBA. Mobile, TBA.

MS: Jackson, TBA. Gulfport, TBA.

LA: Monroe, TBA.

TX: Dallas, May 3, May 10. Arlington, May 17. Houston, June 7. San Antonio, June 28. San Marcos, TBA. Victoria, May 18. Lubbock, June 15. Harlingen, TBA.

OK: Tulsa, May 31. Oklahoma City, TBA.

AR: Little Rock, May 18. Springdale, TBA.

CENTRAL STATES

IA: Cedar Rapids, June 21. Ames, June 14.

NE: Omaha, ane 28.

IN: South Bend, TBA. Indianapolis, TBA. Bloomington, TBA. Evansville, TBA.

MN: you (Twin Cities), May 31. Rochester, May 10. Duluth, May 18.

ND: Fargo, June 1.

WI: Milwaukee, May 31. Madison, June 21. Green Bay, June 7.

MI: Detroit, May 24. Grand Rapids, May 17. Davison Township, May 11. Lansing, May 10. Marquette, May 3. Ann Arbor, June 14. Kalamazoo, June 22.

MO: St. Louis, TBA. Phelps County, TBA. St. Charles County, June 2. Kansas City, June 28. Columbia, June 14.

KS: Wichita, June 21. Topeka, May 31.

IL: Champaign, June 7. Rockford, May 18. Car bondale, TBA. Oak Park, TBA. Edwardsville, TBA. OH: Columbus, July 27. Dayton, June 1. Mansfield, May 18. Cleveland, June 15. Toledo, TBA.

WESTERN STATES

AZ: Scottsdale, May 3. Tucson, TBA. Flagstaff, TBA. Tempe, TBA.

CA: Santa Cruz, May 10. Berkeley, June 7. Vacaville, June 22. Mountain View, May 31. Chico, June 4. El Dorado Co. S.E., June 7. Nevada Co. Central, June 8. Eureka, June 28. San Luis Obispo Co.South, June 14. Ventura County, May 18. Santa Clarita, May 10. Los Angeles, June 18. Redlands, May 4. San Clemente, June 21. San Diego, May 31.

CO: Cortez, May 24. Denver, May 13. Colorado Springs, May 24. Fort Collins, May 4. Glenwood

Spe) TBA. ID: Boise, May 31. Idaho Falls, May 3. MT: Bozeman, TBA. NM: Albuquerque, May 10. Las Cruces, June 21. NV: Reno, June 11. OR: Eugene, June 8. Greater Grants Pass, June 21. Portland, BA 3. UT: Salt Lake County, May 9-10. Logan, TBA. WA: Seattle, May 31. Yakima, May 18. Wy: Cheyenne, TBA.

Two Baha’i musicians use talents to help present Golden Eagle Awards tribute to Hispanics

Bob Alcivar and George Graham, Bah4’{ musicians who live in the Los Angeles area, used their talents as composer /: arranger and trumpet player, respectively, at the taping February 7 of the 1997 Nosotros Golden Eagle ods program, which paye tribute and presents awards for excellence to Hispanic actors, actresses and musicians.

Mr. Alcivar composed for and conducted the orchestra, in which Mr. Graham played lead trumpet.

The master of ceremonies was actor Ricardo Montalban, who founded Nosotros and has been presenting this “Latino Academy Awards Show” with the Creative Center for 27 years. His co-hosts were Erik Estrada and Lorenzo Lamas.

Among those receiving awards were Rita Moreno, Andy Garcia, Carlos Santana and Maria Conchita Alonso.

Mr. Alcivar composed the Golden Eagle theme music as well as special music for each award re plenty . Graham paves a trumpet solo on an especially well-received presentation of “La Virgen de la Macarena.”

The poem is to be televised in many countries around the world this month.

United Nations website adds new CyberSchoolBus feature

A new addition to the United Nations website is the CyberSchoolBus which can be found under “general information” at the UN website (http:// www.un.org). Itis designed for information-seekers of all ages.

Included are a variety of activities from interactive puzzles for young users to quizzes on various health issues, a gallery of Photogra hs from around the world, a “virtual tour” of the and profiles of cities in various countries.

There is a growing set of resources for teachers and students including online curricula for an in-depth look at global issues and lesson plans for special

days.

‘A bookstore has primary, intermediate and secondary school kits on the UN as well as videos, posters and children’s books.

For students interested in taking Model UN program, there is a Mi sion Area (MUNDA).

One can also access information about press briefings, press releases and daily UN highlights.

rt in a cyber lel UN Discus

[Page 9](As of April 30, 1997)

YTD Goal _ Difference

National Bahaé’f Fund — $14,400,000 $-2,896,874 All International Funds $9,000,000 $-974,355 thru Apr 96 thru Apr 97

National Bahé’{ Fund — $11,343,246 $11,503,126 International Bahé’{ Fund $1,362,534 $591,923 Arc Projects Fund $22,951,386 $7,114,571 Continental Baha’{ Fund $275,160 $319,151 Other Earmarked $463,911 $566,163 Subtotal/Int’! Funds $24,589,080 $8,025,645 Total/All Funds $36,396,237 $20,094,934 Debt Watch Apr 96 Apr 97 Loans Outstanding $0 $1,200,000

National Baha’{ Fund: Goal & Actual $11,503,126

$14,400,000

All International Funds: Goal & Actual

ss Arc Projects Fund Ce International Baha’{ Fund

sans Continental Baha’{ Fund

smast

—$

‘AzamAt B.E. 154° May 17,1997 9

Preparing one’s will has practical, spiritual value in accordance with laws of the Faith

Sometimes the laws of the Faith may seem puzzling to us, especially in this society and at this time. However, trusting in Bahd’u'll4h and knowing that His wisdom and guidance are unerring, and believing with all our hearts that every word He uttered was divinely given, we try our best to follow His laws.

There are laws that are obviously quite practical in the context of our present-day lives in this world. One of these is the directive in the Kitab-i-Aqdas about the writing of a will:

“Unto everyone hath been enjoined the writing of a will. The testator should head this document with the adornment of the Most Great Name, bear witness therein unto the oneness of God in the Dayspring of His Revelation, and make mention, as he may wish, of that which is praiseworthy, so that it may be a testimony for him in the kingdoms of Revelation and Creation and a treasure with his Lord, the Suj e Protector, the Faithful.” (Baha’u’llah, Kitdb-i-Aqdas, p. 59)

First, let us look at the practical benefits of following this guidance.

We can achieve much for the welfare of those who depend on us for their material well-being and for the advancement of our own souls through obedience to this law. Among the many advantages of having a will are these:

1. Awill specifies who is to receive our possessions when we die. Through a will we can ensure that our property goes to those people and institutions that are most important during our lives.

2. A will can indicate the persons we wish to appoint as guardians of our children, and facilitate our desire that the children be reared as Bahd’is.

3. Awill allows us to provide financial security for our beneficiaries who have special circumstances, such as minor children, disabled or elderly relatives, and others who might be unable to manage an inheritance.

4. Awill provides a way to give from our estate to the Baha’f Bait, as well as to those charities we consider worthy of support. Without a will, there is no provision for sharing our property with the Cause since the government recognizes only relatives as legally eligible for a share of any estate.

ying “intestate,” or without a will, can be expensive and troublesome for loved ones. The taxes payable under this circumstance can also be a much larger part of the estate, and the settlement of an estate can take months, even years. Meanwhile, those who have depended on us for their material welfare may suffer from the delay and uncertainty involved.

What if we feel that we have no money or possessions of value to bequeath? Or perhaps we are young, have no family as yet, and believe that this law does not apply to us at this time? Bahd’u’‘lléh says that “Unto everyone hath been enjoined the writing of a will,” and that means rich or poor, young or old, single or married, man or woman.

Beyond the practical aspects lies the spiritual side of this injunction. It is interesting to note that while

there are all the good and practical reasons for writing a will that were mentioned above, which deal rimarily with the material aspects of our lives, jaha’u'lf4h makes no reference to these in His instructions to us regarding the will. Here is the passage from the Aqdas again:

The testator should head this document with the adornment of the Most Great Name, bear witness therein unto the oneness of God in the Dayspring of His Revelation, and make mention, as he may wish, of that which is praiseworthy, so that it may be a testimony for him in the kingdom of Revelation and Creation and a treasure with his Lord, the Supreme Protector, the Faithful.”

Earthly matters, material goods, are not the subject here. Clearly, Bahd’u’llah considers the most im rtant aspect of the will to be our testimony to our

lief in Him and our praise of Him in whatever words and in whatever manner we wish to express them. Every believer, regardless of his or her lot in life, has the privilege an obligation of testifying to this relationship with the Lord of the Age.

Some people delay writing a will because it relates to their passing from this world, or for the reasons mentioned earlier. How much better it is for our hearts to be gladdened by the words of our Guardian, so full ei oromi and light:

“The execution of the provisions of the will causes the spirit of the deceased to rejoice in the Abhé Kingdom.” (Written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted ina letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice dated August 24, 1982, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States)

Individual copies are FREE and available by cootacting : The Office ofthe Treasurer (847) 733-3472 E-mail:

“Moltiple copies may be ordered at $3.50 per dozen. Sead your order to: Office of the Treasurer, 1233 Central Street, Evanstoo, IL 60201

Baha’i Justice Society to meet at Duquesne U. in May

The 1997 annual meeting of the Baha’ Justice Society will be held at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on May 24 starting at 7 p.m.

The meeting is for present Renters bat anyone else who would like to become a member would be warmly welcomed. New enrollments can be arranged at the meeting. The annual membership fee

is $35. The Bahd’{ Justice Society is a voluntary organization, approved by the Universal House offustee, that has been in existence for more than a decade.

The Society has a wide membership including youth and some who live overseas.

Its declared mission is “to promote justice and the resolution of conflict, particularly in the areas of human rights, the status of women, global prosperyy and moral development through the application of Baha’f principles.

The main purposes of the meeting are to consult

on the annual report and to elect the governing board.

The meeting will be held at the same time as a conference titled “Peacemaking Journeys.” That event lasts several days and is organized by the National Conference on Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution, a non-Baha’f volunteer body with which members of the Society have a close but informal relationship.

Last year’s National Conference on Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution drew more than 1,400 participants. Clearly, this represents a wonderful opporfay, to interact with like-minded people actively involved in promoting peace through conflict resolution.

For further information about the Society’s annual meeting, please contact Stephen Connor (216-2418500), Dru Warren (918-647-5011) or John Huddleston (703-790-0870).

[Page 10]ACTIVITIES PAGE

10

The AMERICAN BaHA’l

Temn ole PUZZIGS

Do you recognize this dome? It is in the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. In the center of the dome is a symbol called the Greatest Name. It means “God is all Glorious.” This symbol helps us remember God's Covenant to love mankind.

oo" Brilliant Star.

You can meet people from other lands at this temple. Our temples and institutions bring people together physically. Spiritually, we are already together.

( Purchase a Subscription from \ Baha'i Subscriber Service:

Please enter my subscription for (check box)

Q $18 United States, one year (six issues)

Q $32 United States, two years

Q $18 All other countries, surface mail, one year Q $32 All other countries, surface mail, two years Q $28 Airmail, one year

O $52 Airmail, two years

Baha‘f ID # Name

Street

City & State Zip/Postal code

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

VISA/MC #

Exp. Date Name

Make check out and mail to: Baha'i Subscriber Service

Bahd’f National Center 1233 Central St.

Evanston, IL 60201 847-251-1854, Ext. 11

See all the circles in the dome? One circle alone can look plain. But linked together, these many circles create a beautiful work of art. Like the dome of the temple, our souls are all linked. When we see the whole picture, we see mankind is noble and beautiful.

How many circles can you find?

Trace the linking circles and think of the many ways we are all linked. Start at the star and draw around the circle once, and then again until you link to the next circle. Continue until you have drawn around and connected all the circles. Don’t forget the circle that surrounds everything. The Covenant of Baha‘u'llah links us all to God. * Reprinted from Brilliant Star, Special Edition 1996

Oneness yi meh

New! Brilliant Star Activily Book Series

A full curriculum for teachers, institutes, and community events.

$9.95

Available from Baha'i Distribution Service

[Page 11]

ional Baha’i Youth Tra fe three major go

Sphe 154 B.E. U 1997, will

ning Conference in Knoxville, from July 2 - 6,

1. To mobilize and unite the Baha'i youth of the nation 2. To further develop skills and knowledge that will help us to serve 3. To launch a summer of teaching and service

training conference. Our t ill be spent developing some practic tual insights needed to serve the Cause of God more effective! Participation in workshops, competitions, plenary sessions, recreation, and the arts will kills and knowledge that you can take with you to sustain and at home—or to help you develop

Highlights inctude: Baha’ Youth Art Gallery—see below Baha’ “Jeopardy” Quiz Game th Choir—made up of conference attendees n organized by the National Education Task Force

Sample classes inciude: ‘The life of Baha’wiléh The Covenant Career Choices Preparation for Marriage Racism: the Most Vital and Challenging Issue

Asking and answering tough questions about the Bahd’s Faith Scholarship / Baha’{ College Clubs’ role in the Four Year Plan

IBYABALD YOUTH GALLERY/JEOPARDY QUIZ GAME: Fill out the attached Jeopardy & Gallery entry form and send it to: National Youth Committee, 1235 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201-1611. For more information, send email to

D)EGISTRATION: Deadline is June 16. ei

who will be sharing rooms should send their forms together ment. Registration forms witho request:

Baha’ ¥ Parents’ Progr:

per person. Indiv’ long with their pay payment included cannot be processed. Roommate each roommate's form is enclosed.

According to University of Tennessee regu youth under 18 years old must be accompanied by a same-sex parent or adult sponsor 21 or older. Ple: your parent or guardian fill out the information on the registration form. A medical card should be carried by attendees under 18.

1 be conducted through the Ur make check: ple to “Universi rked by Jui

ai

s assessed a $20.00 processing fe celling after June 16.

y fax, electronic 1 ion by phone mu:

1, or through the UT Conferences be conducted from Monday - Frid:

before June 16. Regi pm EST, by June 16.

Phone: (423) 974-0258 Fax: (423) 974-0264 Email: Web: http://web.ce.utk.edu/conferences

cost

The conference pac!

cluding $145.00 for four nights’ lodging and ten jortation to and from the Knoxville airport, and a $40.00 materials fee.

meals, tra)

HOUSING ‘To request a for males and pillow will be av:

register togethe! arate dorms

will be provided at the dorm: ig a pillow blanket, two towels and a washcloth. A mixed-gender dorm s with children under 12 years old. There will be no charge ‘old or younger. Cribs and child care will not be provided.

dicate thi

‘ommodations must red by the Ameri

in the space provided SA

MEALS Ten meals with breakfast on Sun

TRANSPORTATION Please indicate on the registration form if you will be driving to the conference. You

will be provided, begi ay, July 6. All meals will be served in cafeteri;

11

‘AzamAt B.E. 154 * May 17, 1997

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM SUC CU a Ser (CCR eS

send their

Telephone:

Email addr

Owe — Age: il icity to be: () Astan/Pactric ISLANDER (1) AFRICAN AMERICAN © Hisanic © Muur-eninic © Native AMERICAN

OTHER

nt (please be sure to provide information above) Adult chaperone (please be sure to provide information above ) Check here if you wish to participate in the parent ) Check here if you will need spec Conference office will contact y YOUTH UNDER 18

Youth under 18 years of age must be or 21 or older. Please have your pare

\dult chaperone prog mmodations at the conference.

ccompanied by sex parent or same-sex adult spo or legal guardian fill out the following information:

|, (erase: pT),

he parent/guardian of

appoint y child's sponsor he sponsor, who

the Bahé’i National Youth Training Conference in Knoxville, the same sex as my child and is over 21 years of age, will serve Id and is fully responsible for him/her at the conference.

under the provisions of the Medical Practice Act (youth under 18 should carry a medical card). Signed,

ignature of Parent/Guardian

Signature of Sponsor

ODGING REQUEST

would like to share a room with: (Laur To Timex rroeus. ParMeNT MUST BE INCLUDED TOGETHER)

! Dorms: women’, men’, and mixed-gender dorm for parents children under 42 only.

Please send one registration form per person.

TRANSPORTATION

All participants driving to the confere

‘ampus parking space. Parking in

PAYMENT OPTIONS Check/Charge: AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $185 (+ $15 IF ARRIVING ON JULY ) = TOTAL $ Credit Card: © Visa © MasrerCarp 0) Discover Carp Numper:

Exe Dare: __/

CCARDHOLDER'S NAME (pusase: print):

oe CO Send this form to; National Youth Committee

VERA eS oS lines: May 26 for College Club Baha'i Jeopardy and the Baha

1 inquiries e:

Youth Gallery. For informa

©) College Club Baha ©) Baha’ Youth Gallery

ea of participation: i Jeopardy

pace for the duration of the conference. Parking in 1 result in a fine.

20 minutes from the Knoxville airport. Transportation to led at no charge for those arriving on or after essee will arrange transportation with indi

viduals upon re

EARLY ARRIVAL

‘Transportation to and from the Sunday, July 6. for $15.00 per bi conference be;

TRAVEL INFORMATION For special air travel rates, call Total ‘Travel at 1 (800) 385-4155. Reservation hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm EST: After hours, call 1 (800) 8255695.

rport will be provided only on Wedne ly arrivals lable the night of Tuesday, July 1 Il be able to purchase meals at the cafeteria before the

[Page 12]12

Tue American BaHA’t

Tidal

The Latin American Task Force (Latforce) is here to serve you

“The overriding goal of the Latin American Task Force is to encourage and support the efforts of individual believers and communities to advance the process of entry by troops through reaching Latin American people currently residing in this country, whether permanently or temporarily, and promoting the teachings of Baha'u'llah.” — Mandate from the National Teaching Committee to the Latin American Task Force

.

The Latin American Task Force (Latforce) is appointed annually by the National Spiritual Assembly and works under the direction of the National Teaching Committee. Its goal is to support efforts of individual Baha’fs and Baha’{ communities to help advance the process of entry by troops within the fastest growing population in the U.S.—Latinos.

Latforce, through this article, seeks to initiate a dialogue among Baha’fs of Latin American descent in the U.S. We also want to establish a network of individuals who are interested in sharing the teachings of the Faith with the Latin American population. The National Teaching Committee has given special importance to promoting and supporting the teaching and contents tices efforts of new believers.

The present members of Latforce are Vera Berrio Breton, Vienna, Virginia; Alexis Garcia, Boston, Massachusetts; Luis Javier Lizdrraga, Nashville, Tennessee; Larry Kramer, Chicago, Illinois; and Maria Teresa Morales, Santa Cruz, California.

The work of Latforce has been centered, since its formation in 1994, on promoting and supporting local teaching efforts in various regions of the country. In doing so, Latforce has visited communities in Oregon, Texas, California, Arizona, Florida and Maine among others.

Our task is to carry the vital message of our beloved National Spiritual Assembly to our Latino brothers and sisters and to mobilize ourselves without delay in a great teaching campaign that will cause the Most Great Name to shine brilliantly in our Latino communities. Wherever the Message has been taken, the friends have responded with great enthusiasm, boundless energy, a spirit of sacrifice and, above all, profound love for Baha’u’ll4h.

In some areas of the country such as Georgia, Texas and California, conditions have made possible the raising of far-reaching teaching programs such as those in Atlanta and Los Angeles. In other areas such as Florida, the border areas with México, Chicago and Boston, there is the potential for unprecedented growth within the Latino population.

The friends will see an emphasis on those areas by the Task Force in the next three years. In collaboration with the Regional and State Teaching Committees, Latforce hopes to strengthen the bonds of love and cooperation among Latino believers in the U.S.

Above all, dear friends, our desire is to be able to serve you in your efforts to propagate the teachings of our Faith. We would like to know what is ha) ing in your communities, and to work with you to create a great circle of friends with the same goal: sharing the Message of Bah4’u’ll4h with Latin Americans residing in this country.

In the near future, Latforce will establish a Web site in Spanish available to the friends throughout the country. The site is being designed by one of the believers in Florida. Its purpose is to teach the Faith the Internet. We are also interested in connecting with the friends via e-mail, which will help stimulate efforts to teach the Cause to Latinos.

Latforce has begun efforts to have Bahé’f literature translated into Spanish to help in teaching and consolidation. For example, the National Editorial Board has approved our reer to translate “So Great an Honor,” and the National Teaching Committee has encouraged our efforts to print thousands of copies of works such as “Palabras de Dios,” “Divina Sinfonia” and “Introduccién a la Fé Baha’{” by Gloria Faizi. These materials will be made available to teaching projects and sold at a reduced price to communities that need them to support their teaching efforts.

Finally, and in conformity with the plans of the National Spiritual Assembly, Latforce is searching for low-cost Spanish-language radio programs to make available to Latino teaching projects.

In future articles we will include news of your achievements in teaching Latinos in your communities. This is an open invitation for you to send us your news and photographs. Write and let us know what is happening in your community. It would be great to share with others your challenges en your victories.

Our address is Latforce, c/o Vera Berrio Breton, secretary, Vienna, VA 02218. E-mail

We close with this passage by the Guardian: “...Jtshould not, for a moment, be forgotten that Central and Southern America embrace no less than 20 independent nations, constituting approximately one third of the entire number of the world’s sovereign states, and are destined to play an increasingly important part in the shaping of the world’s future destiny.

“With the world contracting into a melgromood, and the fortunes of its races, nations and peoples becoming inextricably interwoven, the remoteness of these states of the Western Hemisphere is vanishing, and the latent possibilities in each of them are becoming increasingly apparent.”—The Advent of Divine Justice, pp. 58-59

La Comision Latinoamericana esta aqui para servirle los Baha’is

“La meta principal de la Comisién Latinoamericana (Latin American Task Force) es animar y apoyar los esfuerzos de creyentes y comunidades hacia el avance del proceso de entrada en tropas a través del contacto con la poblacién Latinoamericana actualmente residiendo en este pats, ya sea temporal o permanentemente, y asi compartir las ensefianzas de Bahd'u lldh, GN tandata del Comité Nacional de Ensefianza a la Comisién Latinoamericana

.

La Comisién Latinoamericana, por medio de esta revista, “The American Bahé’i,” desea dar comienzo a un didlogo entre los Baha’fs Latinos en los Estados Unidos. Esta Comisién trabaja bajo la direccién del Comité Nacional de Ensefianza de Los Estados Unidos y sus miembros son nombrados por la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional anualmente.

Su propésito principal es el apoyar los esfuerzos de los individuos y de las comunidades Baha fs para el evance del proceso de entrada en tropas de la poblacién de mas répido crecimiento en los Estados Unidos—los Latinos.

También tiene como meta establecer una red a nivel nacional de personas interesadas en compartir las ensefianzas de la Fé con la poblacién Latinoamericana. El Comité Nacional de Ensefianza ha encomendado muy especialmente el apoyar y promover los esfuerzos de ensefianza y consolidacién de nuevos creyentes.

La Comisié6n Latinoamericana esté compuesta por: Vera Berrio Breton, Vienna, Virginia; Alexis Garcia, Boston, Massachusetts; Luis Javier Lizarraga, Nashville, Taiesees Maria Teresa Morales, Santa Cruz, California; y Larry Kramer, Chicago, Illinois.

El trabajo de la Comisi6n Latinoamericana se ha enfocado, desde su formacién en

1994, en la promoci6n y el apoyo de los esfuerzos de ensefianza a nivel comunitario en las distintas regiones del pais. Es asi como se han realizado visitas a varias comunidades en los estados de Oregon, Texas, California, Arizona, La Florida y Maine, entre otros. Su propésito ha sido el de llevar con estusiasmo a todos los queridos hermanos Baha’fs Latinos, el amoroso y apremiante mensaje de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, de movilizarnos sin perdi de tiempo en una gran campaiia de ensefianza que har4 que El Mas Grande Nombre brille de manera extraordinaria en nuestras comunidades Latinas.

Adondequiera que el mensaje ha sido llevado, los amigos han respondido siempre con redoblado dnimo, desbordante energia y espiritu de sacrificio, y sobre todo, con un profundo amor por Baha’u’ll4h.

in algunas Areas del pais, tales como Georgia, Texas y California, las condiciones reinantes han hecho posible el surgimiento de programas de ensefianza de alcance: Atlanta, Los Angeles. En otras regiones, tales como La Florida, la zona frontireza con México, Chicago y Boston Pe ejemplo, las circunstancias actuales prometen victorias sin precedentes para la Fé. Los amigos podran ver un redoblado énfasis de la Comisién en estas 4reas durante los préximos tres afios.

En colaboracién con los Comités Regionales y con los Comités Estatales de Ensefianza, la Comisi6n espera estrechar atin mas los vinculos de unién y cooperaci6n entre los creyentes de los Estados Unidos.

Ante todo, queridos amigos, nuestro afan es el de poder servirle en sus esfuerzos para difundir la Fé. Deseamos saber qué esté pasando en su comunidad, y buscamos maneras de formar un gran circulo de amigos con la misma meta; la de compartir el mensaje de Bahé’u’lléh con nuestros hermanos Latinos residiendo en este pats.

En un futuro cercano, la Comisién pondré la disposicién de los amigos en el pais, una “Web page” en espajiol, la cual esta siendo disefiada por uno de los creyentes en La Florida. El propésito de estas es el ensefiar la Fé por medio del “InterNet.” También estamos interesados en comunicarnos por medio del “e-mail.” Este didélogo e interconneccién muy bien podria agilizar nuestros planes y activitidades con miras a la expansi6n de la ensefianza de la Fé.

La Comisi6n ha hecho igualmente un esfuerzo especial por que se traduzcan al espajiol obras de la literatura Bahd’{ que son consideradas de importancia en la

r de ensefianza y consolidacién. Por ejemplo, el Consejo Editorial Nacional Baha’{ aprobé nuestra peticién de traducir “So Great an Honor.”

El Comité Nacional de Ensefianza nos ha animado en nuestros esfuerzos para lograr la impresién de algunos miles de ejemplares de obras tales como “Palabras de Dios,” “Divina Sinfonia” y la “Introduccién a la Fé Baha’t” de Gloria Faizi. Estos materiales, a su vez, estaran disponibles a proyectos y seran vendidos a precio reducido a comunidades que los necesiten como apoyo a sus labores de ensefianza.

Por tiltimo, y en conformidad con los planes de la Asamblea Espiritual Nacional, la Comisi6n tiene como otra de sus metas, el establecimiento de programas de radiodifusién en el pais. Con tal propésito, se ha iniciado una amplia busqueda a nivel internacional, de programas de radio en espafiol que puedan utilizarse en los Estados Unidos, y qe podrian estar disponibles para las comunidades a bajo costo y dentro de corto plazo.

En los préximos articulos, estaremos integrando noticias de sus logros de ensefianza a Latinos en su comunidad. Esta es una invitacion abierta para que nos envien sus noticias y fotografias. Escribanos y cuéntenos qué esté sucediendo en su comunidad. Nos gustaria mucho poder compartir sus desafios y sus logros.

En cuanto a cémo comunicarse con la Comisién Latinoamericana: LatForce, c/o Vera Berrio Breton, secretaria, Vienna, VA 02218 (e-mail

Queremos cerrar con una cita del Guardian:

“..No debe olvidarse ni por un momento, que Centro y Sur América abarcan no menos de veinte naciones independientes, constituyendo aproximadamente un tercio del ntimero total de estados soberanos del mundo y que estan destinados a desempefiar un papel de creciente importancia en la formacién del futuro destino del mundo.

“Con el mundo que se contrae en un vecindario y los destinos de sus razas, naciones y gentes que se estan en jiendo inextricablemente, se desvanece la lejania de estos estados del Hemisferio Occidental y las oportunidades latentes de cada uno de ellos se estan haciendo cada vez mds aparentes.”—E] Advenimiento de la Justicia Divina, pp. 87-88

[Page 13]mar Neral NiC)

REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE

Southern Slater

An open letter to communities in the southern states

Dearly Loved Friends,

In the heightened anticipation of the National Baha’f Youth Training Conference that is to be held this summer in Tennessee, the Regional Committee for the Southern States calls on all Baha’i communities in our region to give special attention to the empowerment of Baha’{ youth. We are confident that such an effort will enable the youth to reach new levels of commitment and sacrifice and will aid ina significant advance in the process of entry by troops.

e implications of youth arising to teach with boldness and wisdom are profound. To enable youth to fulfill their special mission, greater opportunities for active learning and service must be provided. The vital responsibility and privilege to empower them must necessarily take into account the “three great fields of service”

for youth as outlined by the Supreme Institution:

“First, the foundation of all their other accomplishments, is their study of the teachings, the spiritualization of their lives, and the forming of their characters in accordance with the standards of Baha’u’llah; ... The second field of service, which is linked intimately with the first, is teaching the Faith; ..-The third field of service is the preparation by youth for their later years...”

The fresh energy and spirit generated, both in anticipation of and as a result of the National Youth Training Conference, are intense resources that we must be prepared to properly capture and channel. This summer thus provides a golden opportunity for Baha’f communities to initiate campaigns of activity for the youth to arise as teachers of the Cause and to

‘AzamAt B.E. 154° May 17,1997 13

systematically encourage, nurture and provide oportunities for youth to increase their love for jaha’u’llah.

Clearly, Baha’{ youth are our greatest asset. The tasks entailed in their empowerment call for the creation of a mindset that is unprecedented. To the extent that the youth become our guiding concern and that we take a firm stance for their development will we succeed in helping them fulfill their destiny as spiritual leaders of their generation. May we all arise wholeheartedly to support their efforts and release their potential.

With loving Baha'i greetings,

Regional Committee for the Southern States May 17, 1997

Southern States Committee announces 42-day prayer campaign

In an intensive effort to attract spiritual confirmations and advance the process of entry by troops, the Regional Committee for the Southern States has announced a special Campaign of Prayer to be held from May 29, the anniversary of the Ascension of Bahé’u'llah, through July 9, the Martyrdom of the Bab.

The focus of the campaign is to increase teaching activities that result in enrollments, to unify the region and connect the hearts of the believers and, most important, to seek guidance to find receptive souls.

pa Effendi has urged us to “.. 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. There are such souls in every city. ...”

The Southern Committee has asked every Baha’‘{ to recite the Prayer for the Southern States each day during this intense period of supplication for victory. The prayer was specially revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahd to advance the teaching work in the region that the Master

A Compilation Prepared by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

Himself defined is a potent tool for attracting divine confirmations.

It is the hope of the Regional Committee that every believer—adult, youth and child—will take part in this intense, 42-day period of supplication for divine assistance.

“O my God! O my God! Thou seest me in my lowliness and weakness, occupied with the great undertaking, determined to raise Thy word among the masses and to spread Thy teachings among Thy peoples. How can I succeed unless Thou assist me with the breath of the Holy Spirit, help me to triumph by the hosts of Thy glorious Kingdom and shower upon me Thy confirmations which alone can change a gnat into an eagle, a drop of water into rivers and seas and an atom into lights and suns? O my Lord! Assist me with Thy triumphant and effective might so that my tongue may utter Thy praises and attributes among all people and my soul overflow with the wine of Thy love and knowledge.

Thou art the Omnipotent and the Doer of whatsoever Thou willest!”

An Invitation to Unity

from the Ascension of Baha'u'llah, May 29th, through the Martydom of the Bab, July 9th, 1997,

“Prayer for the Southern States” each day. This united effort will serve to increase teaching activities

that result in enrollments, unify our region and connect our hearts and guide us to receptive souls.

please join the Baha’ is of the Southern States in reciting the

22,

“... 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.

There are such souls in every city. ..”" - Shoghi Effendi

The Regional Committee for the Southern States has published a compilation prepared in 1994 by the Research

Department of the Baha’f World Center.

itled Unlocking the Power of Action, the 24-page booklet is a collection of extracts from the Baha’{ Writings on

individual initiative.

This theme is explored in four sections:

the importance of individual initiative

the individual and the Spiritual Assembly

¢ the role of the institutions of the Faith

¢ the role of the Baha’i community.

Regional Committees have been mandated by the National Spiritual nly to provide for a widespread distribution of literature. By publishing this compilation, which has not previously been made widely available to the friends in this country, the Southern Regional Committee hopes that the friends will be inspired to take personal

ed to advance the process of entry by troops. 0}

ies of the compilation were mailed as gifts of the Regional Committee to all Spiritual Assemblies and registered Groups in the southern ron Copies may be ordered using the form below.

Individual copies are being sol

id for $1 plus shipping.

Please shi, copies of Unlocking the Power of Action at $1 each, plus 20 percent shipping. Ihave enclosed payment in the amount of $. payable to: RCS.

SHIP TO

Daytime phone ( )

Orders and payment should be sent to: Regional Committee for the Southern States

Colleyville, TX 76034-4618

Please call (817) 868-9453 to order quantities of 25 or more copies.

[Page 14]Tue American BaxA’i 14

Core Curriculum

Growing program now in fifth year of service to friends

The Core Curriculum program has been serving the friends since 1992, when the first training sessions were held for Baha’i teachers of children and youth.

A Parent Training program was begun later that year, with programs added on Race Unity (1993), Marriage and Family Life (for youth, 1995, and married couples, 1996).

All of these eiproprams are designed to foster the spiritual education of children, youth, parents, couples and Baha’i communities and help them to become effective servants of Bahd’u’ll4h and teachers of His Cause.

At present, there are 399 Core Curriculum trainers in 25 states with Race Unity trainers in 18 and Parent facilitators in 17. The newest program, on Marriage and Family Life, is available in 11 of the 25 states.

The total number of trainers in each program is as follows: Teacher trainers—196; Race Unity trainers—97; Parent facilitators—79; Marriage and Family Life trainers—27.

The Baha’i Education Task Force has assigned the assessment of the impact of the Core Curriculum to three Baha'i psychologists who are trained in organizational and educational psychology. They will visit three communities— Monrovia, California; Portland, Oregon, and Cleveland, Ohio—to conduct interviews with

Evaluation comments

from Teacher Trainings Las Vegas, NV—I think it has been a wonderful time of iving, sharing and acceptance of our roles as teachers. le are all teachers, whether of children, in firesides, deepenings, or by example. The Core Curriculum has shown me how important that is. How important it is to study the Writings and to be open to the Word of God and to use creativity, love and laughter as teaching tools.

Louisville, KY—It was wonderful as a trainee to personally experience and participate in the different teaching methods and tools, especially arts and crafts and group activities.

Florence, SC—. . .| was pleased and gleaned a world of information and enhanced confidence in the teaching area. Here’s to Entry by Troops!

Grass Valley, CA—The facilitators were enthusiastic, energetic, loving, versatile and supportive. . . .It will be possible to plan classes with much more continuity and

focus in the future. [As] participants became more unified, it strengthened us in beneficial ways—we could see people growing, opening, supporting. I learned a great deal [about] how to apply various modalities and activities to the Weitings for a much more comprehensive Baha’{ curriculum to educate all age groups. In short—I got the point!

“4

Left photo: Trish Swanson makes a point during the Assembly Development orientation. Right photo: the 30 AD reps are pictured at the National Center.

members of the community to gain a better understanding of the influence of the Core Curriculum program. Their report should be completed by September.

In the absence of firm data such as the report will provide, the Education Task Force has gotten a feel for its impact from comments and evaluations (see box).

Other indications of the effect that Core Curriculum programs are starting to have on the Baha’i community can be seen in the unsolicited comments from the friends about their work as trainers or their experiences with the community-building processes which the Core Curriculum has released in their locales.

Meanwhile, the Verities Course is on schedule for completion. Part 1 is currently bein;

iloted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an:

lonrovia, California, from which enthusiastic reports have been received. Part 1 (which is composed of nine three-hour modules) is on its way to the panty for duplication and dissemination to Regional Training Institutes.

Part 2 (also nine modules) was scheduled to be ready in draft form by the end of March. As the various parts are implemented at training institutes, there will be a feedback form (to be returned to the NTTC) to help the task force refine the process and content of the program.

Assemblies have another Development resource available

To more effectively serve the 1,330 local Spiritual Assemblies and 1,800 registered groups in the U.S. Baha’{ community, the Office of Assembly Development recently completed the orientation of a volunteer staff of Assembly Development representatives from around the country.

This group of 30 devoted and experienced believers will help Assemblies and groups in more than half of the states and at many Bahé’f schools with a variety of issues pertaining to the functioning of local Spiritual Assemblies and Baha’{ administration in general.

Volunteers for the remaining states will be added later in the year.

The friends were recruited, based upon recommendations solicited in the past from local Spiritual Assemblies and Auxiliary Board members, and were identified as possessing the experience and skills suiting them to this

important work.

Juana C. Conrad, assistant secretary for the National Spiritual Assembly, reaffirms, “Their experience in serving the Faith on Assemblies, committees, task forces, etc., is vast. The collective knowledge of the representatives, when applied to the challenges the Spiritual Assemblies face at this time in history, will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the maturation of the institutions.”

During their orientation at the Baha’f National Center the weekend of April 4.5, the representatives were given the following mandate:

To serve as a resource for local Spiritual Assemblies, Regional Committees and Training Institutes/Centers of Learning in training the friends in the principles and processes of Baha’{ administration. The overarching goal will be to facilitate the development of “a new state of mind” on the part of As sembly members and the community, thereby enabling the Assemblies to rise to that “new stage in the exercise of their responsibilities” envisioned by the Universal House of Justice in the Plan.

These goals will be accomplished by assessing the needs of communities and applying existing programs and materials or developing new ones that better address the situation.

Inaddition, the representatives were provided with materials and practice in training techniques and in addressing difficult issues confronting communities. They also had the opportunity to consult on Assembly Development issues in their region and how they might be addressed.

Existing resources were reviewed, including the Assembly Development modules, the manual Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities, the new video and workbook “A Miracle of

Governance: The Local Spiritual Assembly” and the booklet “Electing Baha’f Assemblies.”

The representatives will be available to communities, schools and institutes to present the Assembly Development modules and the workshop for “A Miracle of Governance: The Local Spiritual Assembly.”

Representatives will also help the Assembly Development office develop other workshops and revise the existing modules. Assemblies and groups may choose to invite their whole community to the training and may even combine with other communities and isolated believers in the area.

Local Spiritual Assemblies and groups who would like to use the services of an Assembly Development representative may contact the Office of Assembly Development at 847-7333490. They will try to accommodate all requests to send a representative.

[Page 15]‘Azamar B.E. 154 * May 17,1997. 15

NATIONAL CONVENTION

Delegates

Continued from page 1

in an expression of love and support for the new Assembly, made up of Dorothy W. Nelson, Robert = C. Henderson, William E. Davis, Juana Conrad, Patricia Locke, Firuz Kazemzadeh, James F. Nelson, Jack McCants and Alberta Deas.

Immediately, the incoming Assembly met and elected its officers: James Nelson, chairman; Dorothy Nelson, vice-chairman; Robert Henderson, secretarygeneral; Juana Conrad, assistant secretary; William Davis, treasurer; and Firuz Kazemzadeh, secretary for External Affairs.

Great expectations High hopes marked the Convention’s start on April 24. Their “fuel tanks” topped off by an all-day deepening with Counselors Stephen Birkland and ‘Abdu'l-Missagh Ghadirian, delegates were eager to rev up the engine of teaching for the year ahead. e first order of business was to vote for permanent Convention officers. Mrs.

Camcorders follow Carla Baker around the hall as she leads Convention delegates and visitors in a rousing rendition of ‘Stand Up and Say Yes.’ The New Orleans entertainer was one of many performers whose songs and dramatic presentations touched the hearts of all those present. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

Nelson was elected chair and Mr. Davis secretary. Then, after greetings from Counselors Birkland, Ghadirian, Jacqueline Left Hand Bull and Tod Ewing, delegates heard presentations on the National Spiritual Assembly’s annual report. Mr. Henderson reminded delegates and visitors that our two vital tasks during the Plan are to complete the Mount Carmel Projects and to mount and sustain a broad campaign of teaching.

We're succeeding on the first front, having contributed $7 million for the Arc in the past year, he said. Our teaching has further to go, however, as we move from

the Plan’s start-up phase to ine ick cen concerted action, with the the satellite harvest to follow. telecast. (Photo Tools for teaching Mares

The National Assembly,

Delegate Erica Toussaint leads an impromptu songfest as the

Convention officers Dorothy W. Nelson and William E. Davis also enjoy the performance. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

and the actions of our public information network to foster and protect the image of the Faith in cities across the nation.

Especially as attacks multiply, these resources and more will be needed to relate the Baha’i ideals to a hungry society, he said.

Treasurer William Davis said progress is being made in creating a Baha’i community that is generous in spirit and in sharing.

Individuals, Assemblies and Groups are responding to the urgent call for funds, he said, so that our national and global needs can be met. Contributions in March were 17 percent higher than the monthly average for the year to that point.

Challenges remain to reduce the debt and establish cash reserves and to avoid the “summer swoon” that annually sees giving drop at a time of year when activities and expenditures are highest.

Mr. Davis called the ambitious 35 percent increase in the national budget, to $27 million, a statement of belief that the friends havea vision of the Faith’s role and can reorient their priorities for its realization.

After the presentations, delegates were invited to engage in a dialogue with members of the National Assembly about the report.

An historic statement

Delegates and visitors witnessed a milestone in the progress of the Faith in America when the National Spiritual Assembly’s statement, Two Wings aa Bird: The Equality of Women and Men, was released on the Convention floor April 25. é

As many speakers noted, the statement is a livin document meant to be use both in our lives and in our teaching.

Delegates consulted at length on exactly how to do that. At one point, all those

he said, is calling on individuals to take the initiative in such areas as holding regular firesides, just as they are arising in large numbers to pioneer. Local Spiritual Assemblies, simultaneously, must formulate and carry out plans to double our active core, train the friends and refine the Feast. The community’s role is to become so vibrant that inactive believers will be drawn into full participation and new believers will find in the Cause a bond stronger than blood.

Mr. Henderson said many tools are being developed to aid our efforts. They range from training institutes to the four Regional Committees, the minority task forces, the National Youth Committee,

and such infrastructure enhancements as local Spiritual Assembly automation. A National Committee for the Advancement of Women has been created to promote understanding of equality and help disseminate the statement on women.

Turning to other issues, the secretarygeneral reported that in May 1996 the books were closed on the second Baha'i World Congress, to the complete satisfaction of the Universal House of Justice. He also commented on the rise in attacks from within and outside the Faith. The questions themselves do not pose a problem, he said. Rather, con cern centers on how such partisan attempts to influence the institutions will affect community spirit.

Resources for growth

Mr. Kazemzadeh, the secretary for External Affairs, reported that we are entering a remarkable stage in relations between the Faith and society at large.

Opportunities abound to influence affairs at all levels, he said. Examples include safeguarding the rights and lives of the believers in Iran; working to advance the status of women; collaborating with the United Nations;

waiting to speak were men eager to understand the issue.

Aiding that quest were the National Assembly members present. They shared their thoughts on the significance of the statement and on the process involved in “birthing” it.

The statement, explained Mr. Henderson, went through 26 drafts before the National Assembly was galvanized ina “moment of understanding” to approach it from the standpoint that God as redefined in this Revelation what it means to be a woman, a man, a soul.

See DELEGATES page 16

[Page 16]Tue American Bans? = 16

NT ULLOI NN ROO] NAN LILO] ) |

April 26, 1997 e Universal House of Justice

National Convention. Missagh Ghadirian and Jacqueline

Justice, Dr. David Ruhe.

troops.

at the Holy old

April 27, 1997

Dearly loved Friends,

and unity prevail. This is evident in the mature, unifi

Our Dearly loved Universal House of Justice, As we gather suring this Ridvan season, we are deeply inspired by the blessings of the Ancient Beauty showered on this, the 88th United States Baha’i are privileged to have in our presence four members of the Continental Board of Counselors—Stephen Birkland, Tod Ewing, Abdu’l ft Hand Bull—who recently returned from the Holy Lane imbued with the fragrances of our hearts’ desire. They are easuring us of the divine confirmations awaiting our acts of devotion. We were honored, as well, by the presence of retired member of the Universal House of

"be

We have been embraced with the love and collaboration of our Institutions. The pre-Convention deepening session with the Counselors, the tender care and planning for the Convention by our beloved maHonal Spiritual Assembly, and your Ridvan message, read in plenary, have created an atmosphere where love vision and single-mindedness of our consultation as we focus on advancing the process of entry by

The Convention highlights are many. Most significant was the presentation of the eagerly anticipated statement Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men. It was wholeheartedly embraced by the delegates as a Ridvan gift for the Baha'i community and our nation at large. The use of the arts has inspired and provided models for us in our communities.

Trusting in the power of divine assistance, confident that the plans before us can bring our long-awaited victory, the delegates gathered at the 88th Baha’i National Convention will leave here with the commitment to advance the process of entry by trooy sustained effort” to be carried forward to the lovers of Baha’u'llah in our national Baha’i community so that each may arise “to offer his or her acts of service to the unfolding spiritual drama of these momentous days.”

It is our hope and prayer that we will remain firm in the Covenant, waste not a moment, seize every opportunity, and win every goal. We ask for your prayers it we shall achieve early victories for our National Spiritual Assembly to carry to the Eighth International Baha‘i Convention.

ps. We are anima’

Delegates to the 88th Baha’t National Convention

ie Delegates to the 88th National Convention of the Baha’fs of the United States

The love and substance of your message have uplifted our hearts; and the eagerness of your intentions has emboldened our hope that the United States can achieve resounding victories in the teaching field during the course of this ver

year. Be swift, therefore, in seizing your: remain resolute in action, so that the aspirations you share with your fellow

‘lievers throughout the land may, at this crucial time, be actualized in a glorious fulfillment of the major aim of the Four Year Plan. While anxiously awaiting news of your successes, we shall keep your beloved community in our supplications at the Holy Threshold for an unceasing outpouring of divine confirmations.

the spirit of your call for a “unified and

With love,

\ce; be constant in your pursuits; and

The Universal House of Justice

Delegates

Continued from page 15

Continuing guidance

The four Counselors present helped the assemblage study the Ridvan 154 message of the Universal House of Justice and further their understanding of the Covenant.

After the Ridvan message was read to begin the day, the Counselors welcomed it as a continuation of the guidance yieeies in and the process started by last year’s messages.

And they termed the call for “united and sustained effort” a catalyst for advancing the process of entry by troops ina community that has spent the past year putting into place the necessary infrastructure.

On the Covenant, the Counselors emphasized that Covenant-breakers seek mainly to raise doubts, create division, and discredit the Faith’s institutions.

These attacks prey mainly on new and undeepened believers. But no one is immune, they warned. The antidote is to put our trust in God and to continually study the texts, particularly the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahé.

The Counselors also urged the friends to share the Station of ‘u’ll4h with seekers; otherwise, their souls can’t truly be connected to the Cause and entry by troops can’tbe achieved.

Throughout the day, the arts played a powerful role in bringing home to delegates the import of the topics on which they were consulting.

A dramatic presentation on Tahirih by Deborah C. Conow preceded the release of the statement on equality of the sexes. Excerpts from a two-woman show by Thelma Khelghati and Mary K. Makoski titled Amazing Grace underscored humankind’s ability to trans

form hate into love, while performances by singers Van Gilmer and Carla Baker uplifted everyone.

Evolving strategies

The day’s proceedings included presentations by the National Teaching Committee and National Youth Committee.

Jena Khodadad, chairman of the National Teaching Committee, traced the evolution of a national teaching plan.

First, she said, committee members gleaned from demographic studies that a window of opportunity exists to reach the redtimatedl 15 million Americans seeking spirituality.

Then, having identified the elements of the Four Year Plan guidance particularly applicable to our community and the resources we have, the committee

devised a teaching plan with race unity as its pivot.

Establishment of the Regional Committees and the minority task forces has been a key to implementation of the plan, said Mrs. Khodadad.

Also shaping up is a media campaign that will begin in selected cities as a support for coordinated teaching activities there.

No magic bullet

Ken Bowers, the Teaching Committee’s secretary, said the media campaign is nota “magic bullet” but a way to spark the spirit of inquiry in a large number of PeCPlE: Afterward, he said, those attracted souls can be nurtured through firesides and a rich community life and, finally, be consecrated

Karen Pritchard (left photo) leads a non-delegate workshop on on behalf of the Regional Committee for the Southern States. Above, Members of the National Spiritual Assembly and the National American Indian Teaching Committee pose with a beautiful gift from the committee to the Assembly. (Photos by Tom Mennillo)

to arise themselves and serve the Cause.

He also praised the Regional Committee members as devoted individuals who know their area and can marshal teaching efforts within it, and as ambassadors who will increase believers’ intimacy with the National Assembly.

Similarly, he called the minority task forces catalysts in bringing the message of Bahé’'llah to diverse peoples who can contribute so much to the Faith.

The presentation was followed by extensive consultation on teaching and race unity.

Leili Towfigh, speaking for the National Youth Ce outlined how the input of youth has shaped a strategy to thrust young people into the forefront

See DELEGATES page 17

[Page 17]‘Azamat B.E. 154 * May 17,1997 17

NATIONAL CONVENTIO

Delegates

Continued from page 16

of teaching and help them become known as people who live their faith.

The committee’s plan centers around the National Youth Training Conference, which will be held July 2-6 at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. It is designed so youth can develop practical tools and insights and then use them this summer and beyond.

A family meeting

The evening of April 26, the National Spiritual Assembly and delegates welcomed to the Convention about 12,000 believers connected by satellite television. At exactly 6:30

.m. Central Dayight Time, the red light went on and

rs. Nelson’s greeting was transmitted to the friends in 49 locations.

A crew at the National Center had taped the Convention thus far and fever

a eu Avideo crew member makes last-minute

“right of God” Bahd’u'll4h has institutionalized an act of love and devotion.

Counselor Birkland termed the law part of the maturation and upliftment of the American believers, who have wider latitude in attaining wealth and reducing expenses than just about anyone else on the planet.

And Dr. Haghighi presented a vision of Hugqtq as the foundation for solving the world’s — economic problems, saying that in centuries to come it will provide the resources for the development of the human race.

The pioneering spirit

Consultation followed on how to stimulate the potentmovement of believers to posts both foreign and domestic.

In that discussion, the delegates were

B Co Management Information Services coordinator Farzad Mogharabi (right) and information specialist Pooneh Rassekh show off the National Spiritual Assembly's new administrative Web site at Convention. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

Web site serves up fresh news, information for Baha'is only

By TOM MENNILLO

A live satellite feed wasn’t the only source of fresh news from the 88th Baha'i National Convention.

Each day’s activities were reported in words and photographs over the National Spiritual Assembly’s newly opened administrative Web site, www.usbnc.org.

American Baha'is with Internet access could log on to the site using their Baha’i ID number and last name as listed in the national records.

Once in, they found much more than the daily “Webcast” from National Convention. The site also contains:

¢ The current Ridvan message of the Universal House of Justice.

spurred on by National Spiritual Assemb!

adjustments in the production truck before the live satellite telecast was beamed to 49 sites around the country.

¢ The text of the newly released statement on equality of women and men.

ishly assembled ¢ Information on upcoming events such as the National Baha’i Youth

a “highlight”

tape. Now that video was aired, oplaining the role of the Convention and imparting its content and spirit.

Then came the meat of the broadcast, as the National Assembly engaged the friends in a family meeting about what must be done in the coming year. Viewers also were treated to a presentation of the National Assembly’s eagerly anticipated statement, Two Wings of a Bird.

April 26 also saw delegates continue their consultation on topics vital to advancing the process of entry by troops: training institutes, Funds and budget, and the role and responsibility of youth.

Messages were sent from the Convention to the Universal House of Justice and the re-established National Spiritual Assembly of strife-torn Rwanda.

A wealth of workshops treated nondelegates to information of topics such as pioneering, Huququ’llah, the National Youth Training Conference, local Spiritual Assembly automation, and the Wilmette Institute.

The right of God

Everyone knew the final day of Convention would be special from the start, when they joined with Eric Dozier & Friends in singing about that “Great Gettin’-up Morning” and answered the call to reap a “Harvest” of new believers.

Their hearts were further stirred as Amanda Provost dramatized Martha Root’s bold proclamation of the Faith to Queen Marie of Romania.

Trustees of Huququ’ll4h Daryush Beg eni Stephen Birkland and Thelma Khelghati connected believers to this sacred law.

Ms. Khelghati said that through the

(Photo by Tom Mennillo)

member Jac’ McCants and four Knights of Baha’u’llah who told of their own and others’ bounteous pioneering experiences.

That led perfectly to the finale: parting hed by the Counselors.

ounselor Ghadirian urged delegates to bury any fears and, through their reports, give others assurance that their fortress is the Covenant.

Counselor Ewing, referring to concerns voiced the previous evening about a lack of progress toward race unity within the American Baha'i community, urged black and white Baha’is alike to see the roles assigned them in the writings as an honor—something we get to do to move the World Order of Baha’u'll4h forward.

Counselor Birkland concluded by calling on U.S. believers to be “constant and confident” of their ability to create a clear unity of vision and carry it out.

Training Conference.

¢ Fully formatted pages from The American Baha'f. Users can download an Adobe Acrobat “reader” that will allow them to view the pages.

¢ A list of departments and agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly. Included are a description of each office’s functions, the duties of particular staffers, and answers to frequently asked questions. That will help believers connect with the right office and person when they call the Baha’i National Center, and in many cases obviate the need to call.

On the horizon is search capability. Previously published documents and past issues of publications will be online so Baha’is can find guidance and information at a keystroke.

In addition, local institutions will be able to interact more easily with national offices when a Spiritual Assembly administrative area opens up on the site, probably this summer.

That brings to mind a question many Baha’is are likely to have: security.

The Web site technically is an “extranet.” It operates on the public Internet, but has password protection built in. It is designed solely to inform the believers and make the Faith’s institutions accessible to them.

Thus, the www.usbnc.org address should not be given to seekers. Any non-Baha’is who visit the site will be gently redirected to other Baha’irelated sites such as those operated by the Baha’f World Center and the Baha'i Computer and Communications Association.

Do you have Internet access? Give www.usbnc.org a try. And be sure to lend feedback. Remember, this isa site that will always be “under construction.”

Atone point, all those waiting to speak on the topic of the equality of women andmen were male delegates eager to understand and ‘own’ the issue. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

[Page 18]Tue American BaHA’t 18

NATIONAL CONVENTION

Florida’s Lights of Baha’u’llah Institute

answers call whenever help is needed Dr. Homa Manmouoi, a Baha’f who is a senior psychologist in the Cedars Sinai Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry, has been recognized b' the YWCA of greater Le anaes California. as one of 20 “incredible women making history.” Dr. Mahmoudi and the other honorees were commended March 8 during a ceremony at the California Afro-American Museum as part of the YWCA’s celebration of Women’s History Month.

Swanta Macuzi, a Bahd’{ from San Francisco, California, has won first prize in the World Federalist Association’s “Builders of a Better World” eso ete competition. The Stanford University junior traveled to the World Federalist Association conference in Arlington, Virginia, April 18 ~ 20 to receive the award, which was based both on service activities and an essay. on the question “What is your concept of a better world, and how can we reach it?” Her answer mainly presented Bahd’u‘llah’s vision of a unified World Order, and the spiritual transformation and education necessary to realize it. Ms. Maghzi’s is vice president of Pathways to Peace, a United Nations non-governmental organization that she represented at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing; a member/facilitator of Students Speaking About Race and Culture; a volunteer trainer for a high school dispute resolution program in San Francisco, and is active in the campus interfaith council and the Baha’f club. She is majoring in international relations with a minor in Chinese language.

Sara Nichots Saseco, a Bahd’{ from St. Louis, Missouri, has been named Teacher of the Year by her elementary school PTA group. Mrs. Salbego, an accomplished story-teller and poetry reader, recently coordinated a “Visions of Race Unity” symposium that drew an audience of 500, and presented a dramatic portrayal of the life of Tahirih for the annual Women of Faith interfaith conference for metropolitan St. Louis.

Ten Baha’fs from the U.S. and Canada have been named as winners in the 1996 Baha’{ Poetry Calendar Competition sponsored by White Mountain Publications of No Liskeard, Ontario, Canada. Those whose poems will be included in this year’s calendar for 154 B.E. are THom BetsHaw of ‘Tacoma, Washington; Mary Bororka of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin; LEANNE Epp of Terrace, British Columbia; Brian Guequienne of Dallas, Texas; CHER Hotr-Formwn of Stone Mountain, Georgia; Satty Frances Jamin of Siler City, North Carolina; Janet Rooaers Kaye of Franklin, Tennessee; Lyn Martin of Corvallis, Oregon; Mary Hoy Scxmiot of Stratford, Ontario, and Aux VANCE of London, Ontario.

In February, Aaron Ruopes, a Baha'i who is a 10th-grade honor student at Edward Bell High School in Camp Hill, Alabama, won the EBHS Oratorical Contest, the Tallapoosa County Oratorical Contest, and placed second in the 24th District Oratorical Contest in Phenix City. The competitions, sponsored by the American Legion, consisted of a 10-minute speech and the Constitution and a three- to five-minute unprepared talk an as of the Constitution of the American Legion’s choca . Aaron won is school competition by four points over his younger brother, Davin Ruopes.

Puiip NeIHEIsEL, a 10-year-old Baha’{ from Oakwood, Georgia, recently earned his Unity of Mankind religious emblem from the Cub Scouts. The fifth-grade honor student was awarded the emblem at a banquet attended by about 130 people. Sgt. Jake Hendrix of the Cornelia alice De parenen a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Hall County who served as Philip’s adult counselor in the Unity of Mankind program, read two Baha’f prayers at the ceremony and spoke about how the principles of the Faith work hand in hand with the goals of Scouting.

Sara Nichols Salbego

‘The Regional Committe for the Southern States would like to locate Bah‘ with specific talent to assist in a P! . The production of new materials, the development of new curricula, and management of special materials, a travel teacher bureau, quo variety of projects. Projects...all these efforts and more are in the planning stages. Can YOU help? Please fill out the coupon below and mail it in today!

YES...1 CAN HELP! YES...1 CAN HELP! YES...1 CAN HELP! YES...!

NAMB ice otc SERN ge IBELONS sei eae “T= ADDRESS. EMAIL. cry. STATE, IP.

My talents include... — radio script writing — film/video production

__ creative writing = graphic desi alligraphy = study materials development = conference planning = currfeulum development = sign design and production = song writing =aartooning

= display design = audio production = other (describe below) DETAILS

Please send any background information that might better acquaint us with your skills and talents. Mail to: Regional Committee for the Southern States Colleyville, TX 76034-4618

How often have you, you teachin, group or Assembly wished for a peo of Baha’fs eager to help with teaching projects, consolidation or such tasks as training teachers and building displays for proclamation events?

Florida Bah4’fs can call upon the Lights of Bahd’u’ll4h Institute.

Reconth , two teaching groups, the Royal Falcons and the Enoch Olinga Group, asked for help with teaching activities they had planned. The Institute answered.

Later, when an individual planned a two-week teaching project and needed more teachers, he turned to the Lights of Bahd’ullah.

The Deerfield Beach Assembly needed help with a booth to display the teachings of the Faith at “Deerfest,” a city fair that fills a county park each year. Lights of Baha’u’llah was read: to go with not only the display, but wii teaching materials, fliers and a full complement of Baha’fs to operate the booth.

The spiritual Assembly of Palm Beach County South asked for help from the Institute to deepen new believers in Delray Beach, a teaching goal city of that Assembly. Lights of Bahé’u'llah responded by sending a consolidation team to Delray Beach to conduct an ongoing series of classes.

These are only a few of many examples.

Mission

“In North America there are opportunities for the advancement of the process of entry by troops, the like of which presently exist in no other place onearth.” (The Universal House of Justice, Ridv4n 153 letter to North America)

The Lights of Baha’u’lléh is a system to facilitate the process of entry by troops. It is a grassroots organization designed to handle the entry of large masses of new believers.

Through the Institute, believers from diverse communities throughout Florida plese a number of hours in their field of interest to help guide local Spiritual Assemblies, Groups, and/ or individuals in their efforts.

These volunteer talents are systematically channeled upon request from the “hub” resource pool to the various “spokes” of activity, enabling communities and teaching groups to engage in activities that otherwise might be beyond their reach.

Institute services include firesides, teacher training, a speakers’ bureau, conferences, teaching projects, displays/booths, consolidation, teaching

tation hotline, newsletter, research and development for target issues, and evaluation of each phase of the Four Year Plan.

Steering

A steering committee made up of Baha’is from several communities guide the Lights of Baha’u’llah. The

piritual Assembly of Weston is the sponsor, and one of its members sits on the committee.

As the steering committee receives requests for teaching support and prolecy assistance, it decides how the Institute can best help.

It also consults on, creates, plans and evaluates projects of its own; plans fire sides and conferences held in the Broward County Baha’{ Center; and offers teaching institutes and courses from the Core Curriculum program.

Task forces comy of volunteers meet these needs. In return, individuals, Groups and Assemblies provide time, talent and financial support.

All projects and activities of the Lights of Baha’u’llah in a Pardculay area coordinate with the local Spiritual Assembly, if one exists, of the assisted locale. The Institute works with, not over, institutions of the Faith.

In this respect, the Institute is a resource for and interacts with individuals, teaching groups, local Spiritual Assemblies, national committees, the Regional Committee, the Latin American Task Force and others.

Goals and vision

As a resource | of Baha’f teachers, the Lights of Bahd’u’llah was conceived as a way to activate individuals to commit time and service. The inspiration came from the tireless efforts of Zabine Linkins.

The goals and vision set for the Institute during the Four Year Plan are:

1. To double the core of active believers in Florida by Ridvan 1998 and to compound that to Ridvan 2000.

2. To inspire the Baha’fs of Florida to have and to act upon a deeply personal teaching plan and to form teaching groups with specific targets that arouse a passion for teaching. Have all “Lights” commit a specific number of hours to teaching for Bahd’u’lléh between now and Ridvan 2000. This is each person’s personal gift and bounty.

3. To provide ongoing systematic teacher training and spiritualization programs for sustaining the energies of the friends throughout the most historic times of their lives.

4. To create a chain of “Lights” composed of individuals and teachin: groups to illuminate the darkness an visibly soar like illumined eagles from the Florida panhandle to Key West. The Lights of Baha’u’ll4h is dedicated to the poate of the Four Year Plan given to us

ry our beloved Universal House of Justice. We are ever mindful of that.

15th Irfan Colloquium to be held in Wilmette

The Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund has scheduled its 15th Irfan Colloquium for August 9-10 at NationalLouis University in Wilmette, Illinois.

The theme is “World Religions and the Baha’f Faith.”

If you would like to make a presentation, please send a 500-word abstract and brief (100-word) bio to the Research Office, Baha’i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 (phone 847-7333548; fax 847-733-3563, e-mail

Presentations should be 30 minutes in length. The deadline for submission of proposals is July 1.

The colloquium is open to everyone. Registration fee is $30 excluding housing and meals. Housing is $20/day at National-Louis University (a 10minute walk from the National Center and Bahd’{ House of Worship). Meals in the school cafeteria are about $20/ day. For more information, please contact the Research Office.

[Page 19]“AzamAt B.E. 154 ¢ May 17, 1997

19

NEWS FROM OVERSE

Book fair in Orissa, India, leads to 40 enrollments

Forty people were enrolled in the Faith as a result of participation by the State Baha’f Council of Orissa, India, last January in a book fair sponsored by the Orissa Publishers and Book Sellers Association. The fair was inaugurated by Anandi Sahoo, a member of Parliament, who visited the Baha’i booth and was given literature about the Faith. More than 3,000 others visited the booth, and teaching activities were carried on continuously.

°

Sixteen Bah4’fs from diverse backgrounds ook pal art last January 23 ina day-long teaching event in Olancho, Honduras. Among them was Dr. Tim Thurber, a visiting Baha’{ from the U.S. As a result of their efforts, 25 people were enrolled in the Cause, some of whom immediately joined a teaching team in Pariso. Meanwhile, in Palacios, three assistants to the Auxiliary Board, in consultation with Counselor Gustavo Correa, have laid plans to include basic Ruhi Institute courses as a program running parallel to the development of the secondary-level education program. There are now more than 40 Bahd’is in various parts of the country ent mea! in serious study of the basic Ri Institute Se

The Diversity Danes Workshop, a dance troupe made up of young Bahd’fs from Germany, performed for five days last December in the area around Paris, France, for a combined audience of about 1,800. The tour was organized by a task force of the National Youth Committee of France. As a result of the visit, the first French Diversity Dance Workshop has been established.

°

His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, Ques Mother Mamohato and more than 70 other dignitaries attended a banquet last December 27 in honor of the members of the Continental Board of Counselors in Africa who were having their biennial meeting. Among those taking part in the event, which was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Kalman Basin, were the High Commis sioner of South Africa, the managing director of Radio Lesotho, professors from the couneey ‘'s Roma University, and high officials in various government departments. Also present were the members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Lesotho.

e

Thirty women representing 11 communities took part last December 7 in the Association for Baha’f Women’s first Regional Seminar in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. Mrs. Pat Irvine spoke about the formation of the Association and of a recent communication from the Baha’{ Office for the Advancement of Women, which emphasized service to the community at large. Three workshops looked at how women can develop their talents and explored possible lines of action that could be taken during the Four Year Plan.

°

Last December 6, an “Evening of Racial Harmony,” planned by the Bahd’fs of Wollongong, Australia, and attended by about 100 people, provided an inspiring vision of unity in diversity to the general community. The evening began with a welcome of music and dance of the Aboriginal people performed by 12-year-old Michael Donovan. This was followed by readings on the theme of racial harmony from Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Bahda’i scriptures, recited by representatives of each of the religions.

.

The French-speaking Light of Unity performing group toured four localities in Mali last November/December as part of its West African proclamation trip. The nine-member group uses African art, drama and traditional dances and songs to teach such prin

Pictured (left to right) are the members of the board of directors of the Mathew Kaszab Baha’ Institute, which is supervised by the Regional Teaching Committee of the Southern States: Wilson Ballard, Beto Conde, Mary Yopp, Heather Waldrop and Wig DeMoville. The directors met March 1 at the Baha’i Center in Harlingen, Texas.

Ont February 1, about 30 Baha’ ‘is from several village: —Including 15 women—took a day-long institute on ‘Non-Involvement in Partisan Politics’ at the Lende Baha'i Center in Chimbu Province, Papua New Guinea. The spirit at the institute was high and the friends

seemed to understand the issues quite well.

ciples of the Faith as the equality of men and women, consultation, respect for elders and cultural diversity in a unified world. About 4,000 BECP) le saw the group perform, and more than 600 pamphlets about the Faith were distributed.

The Romanian Institute for Human Rights, a government institution, held a reception January 23 in Bucharest, Romania, in connection with the publication of a book entitled Reference Points for a Human Rights Philosophy, whose last chapter is dedicated entirely to the Faith and is highly appreciative in tone. The reception gave the Baha'i delegation a further opportunity to meet with deputies, senators and members of the new government, as well as with Adrian Nastase, the former president of the Chamber of Deputies, who greeted the friends warmly.

.

Last November 12, the Spiritual As partin

sembly of Helsingborg, Sweden, published the following announcement in the local newspaper: “Because of Baha’u’llah’s Birth, on 12 November 1817, the Spiritual Assembly of the

Bahd’fs of Helsingborg wish their fellow men a joyful day. Baha’u’lléh’s desire and Message was a united humankind. He taught [that] ‘the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.” The announcement resulted in an interview about the Faith by a local television reporter and a 10-minute program being telecast the same day.

Last October, three adult Baha’fs, one youth and one pre-youth took to the streets in Wrexham, Wales, to put up a “unity tree” and engage local residents in discussions about world peste and unity. The tree was.placed for a week at the front entrance of the Wrexham library where visitors could see a display on world religions including the Baha’i Faith.

‘Developing Pathways to Peace’ theme of 21st annual Conference of Association for Baha’i Studies in Washington, D.C.

“Fostering Human Rights: Developing Pathways to Peace” is the theme of the 21st annual Conference of the Association for Baha’f Studies, to be held November 14-16 in Washington, D.C.

The Conference celebrates the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education which was inaugurated in January 1995 by the UN General Assembly.

The Association for Baha’i Studies endorses the goals of the UN Decade, recognizing that the Bahd’{ teachings have long advocated both moral and intellectual education as essential in enabling human beings to realize their potential as contributing members of socially and spiritually advancing communities.

This year’s ABS Conference, to be held at the Renaissance Hotel, is expected to draw many representatives of NGOs working in the area of human

rights and will include a number of prominent speakers who are familiar with its theoretical and practical aspects.

Unlike previous years, the Conference will encompass three instead of four days and will open with a plenary session Friday morning.

As in the past, there will be a number of simultaneous sessions with smaller groups featuring lectures, workshops, group discussions and other presentations.

Those who are interested in taking part in these smaller sessions as presenters should send abstracts (no more than 100 words) by the end of July to either of the two Conference convenors: Augusto Lopez-Claros

Washington, DC 20016) or Sovaida Ma’ani Washington, DC 20016).

[Page 20]20

THe AMERICAN BAHA'

Vineyard ot the Lor d part 20

Center for Study of the Texts

Local stone work inside and outside the building of the Center for the Study of the Texts is nearing completion.

External wood windows, principally for the portico areas, have arrived. The contract for installing them has been awarded, and work is scheduled to begin shortly.

veral items of millwork have also been fabricated, and the manufacture of the special shelving system for the library, in the basement of the building, is almost complete.

Work has begun on installation of the fire and security system (which includes closed circuit television, cameras, sensors and detectors). Work on suspended tile ceilings in the office areas is under way.

In the parking building, work on the Spplictan of industrial standard screed (a special concrete topping resilient to cracks, heavy loads and other surface damage) is half-way through in the four levels of the building.

In the Archives extension, internal marble work is in progress in the common areas of the corridors and lobbies; most of the utility stairs have been covered with quarry tiles, and aluminum windows have been installed in the patios. The massive vault door for the strong room is also in place.

With finishing work well advanced inside the building of the Center for the Study of the Texts, aspects of the interior fit-out design are being taken up for finalization, in particular the office furniture system, seating and carpeting. The process of choosing materials suitable for supplying these items has begun.

The office furniture system has been selected based on many user needs, with each work station having easy accessibility ad maximum flexibility for various functions.

For interior carpeting, a modular carpet tile system has been used to provide for flexibility in maintenance and access to under-floor electrical raceways.

InternationalTeaching Center

While construction work proceeds on the roof of the common area of the Teaching Center, several finishing items have arrived on-site. One such major delivery operation involved the unloading of seven huge pieces of air-conditioning equipment, the largest of which weighs 12.2 tons.

These units, manufactured in the U.S., were lifted into the building by a 40-ton crane. As the fan room is at level two, 4-meter by 4-meter (13.2-feet by 13.2 feet) temporary openings were provided in the floor slabs directly above the fan room to allow for delivery of the units. Soon afterward, these openings were closed to maintain continuity in the floor slabs.

Another major delivery operation saw the arrival of three elevator cabins from Canada. Altogether, there are five elevators to serve the building—three hydraulic, two electric. The guide rails for the elevators and hydraulic pistons have been installed, as well as one of the elevator cabins.

The main vehicular ramp connecting level six of the building of the Teaching Center to street level has been completed. The entrance plaza is now under construction.

While concreting is progressing intensively at the higher levels, mechanical and electrical work is being carried out at levels one to three, and drywall work has begun at level one.

Contracts for the supply and installation of local stone have been awarded, and work is already at an advanced stage on the eastern external walls of the common area. Externally, stone work for three patios has also begun.

Shrine of the Bab

An exciting development for the Terraces project took place on March 7; the last building obstructing the construction of the first two Terraces on Ben Gurion Avenue was demolished. This was accomplished as a result of more than four years of delicate negotiations with the tenants of the building and the Municipality of Haifa.

On Terraces 9 to 2 below the Shrine of the Bab ongoing maintenance work, strenuous but rewarding, con

tinues on the finished Terraces. The gardens are in full bloom, providing a panorama SABER to the residents of Haifa

On the other hand, intense activity, both structural and architectural, characterizes the work on the Terraces above the Shrine, presaging the extension of beauty to the crest of Mount Carmel.

Starting with the uppermost Terrace 19, one-half of the stone work on its double-storied structure has been completed.

One of the major architectural features of this Terrace is 17 arches of various sizes and proportions. Stone work on four of them has been finished, and

work is under way on its central and largest arch.

Its fountain pools are being covered with stone, and the Terrace is ready to receive the lovely stone balustrades carved in Italy. Landscaping work in the inner areas was to begin by the middle of April.

Below, on Terrace 18, the stone pedestals, runnels and fountains, along with balustrades on the west side, are in place and work is proceeding on putting the balustrades on the east contour walls.

Alongside this architectural detailing, landscape work has been carried out on the steep eastern outer

See VINEYARD page 21

[Page 21]‘Azamar B.E. 154 * Mav 17,1997 21

THE ARC

Brochure outlines Templar restoration

The office of the Management of the German Colony Project in Haifa released a brochure sharing details of planning and design. The following is an excerpt:

“Restoration and development are the key factors in the German Colony project, whose aim is to restore the Templar-style avenues, homes and gardens while striving to inject new life into the entire area. The result will be an economically thriving locale—a tourist attraction that stretches from the ae seaport in the north to the beautiful Baha’i Gardens, running up the entire length of the Colony. The comprehensive development plan for the German Colony includes a host of exciting concepts.”

The brochure then goes on to outline in detail these

eahic

Widening the sidewalks to the building facades

to create a spacious Pe promenade on each side of the avenue that will be shaded by day and brightly lit by night.

Creating public spaces along the avenue ina style

reminiscent of the Templar gardens.

Restoring the original facade of historic buildings, highlighting their unique character and beauty.

“New buildings will be designed in the authentic style of old,” according to the brochure. “Similarly, the avenue will be paved with stone and lined wi the historic facades, while the open view down to the sea and up to the Baha’ Gardens on Carmel will be carefully preserved. ...”

In an interview, the head of the German Colony

Vineyard

Continued from page 20

An artist's rendering of the Templar houses and the main avenue through the German Colony.

Administration office set up by the Municipality of Haifa said that the time schedule for implementing the design, at least of the main avenue through the Colony, has been planned to coincide with the completion of the Baha’i Terraces project.

In the final analysis, the completion of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab and the restoration and devel opment of the German Templar Colony will in fact fulfill the vision of ‘Abdu’l-Bah4, Who foreshadowed the conversion of the main avenue through the Templar Colony into the highway of the Kings and Rulers of the world, a highway starting from the sea and reaching up to the Shrine of the Bab and beyond to the crest of Mount Carmel.

areas of Terraces 18 to 16. Rockeries have been built recreating the natural landscape of the mountain, service paths have been created, and planting of native plants such as pistachio shrubs, olive and almond trees, rock roses, rosemary ground covers and native grasses completed.

Work is under way on grading the east side of Terrace 19 to prepare the ground for planting.

Massive excavation work continues on Terraces 14 and 13. The 7—meter (23.1-foot) high rubble concrete wall on the east side of Terrace 13 has been constructed, over which the curved stairs leading up

Two-way traffic will be relocated to the new elevation as all underground services have been put in place and are operational. Work has been delayed to a certain extent on Hatzionut Avenue due to the heavy winter rains that prevented asphalt work from being carried out on the second lane. However, every effort is being made to make up for lost time.

Structural work continues on the building of the Information Center and Office of Security, and with the relocation of traffic to its final position, the north walls of the building, which adjoin Hatzionut Avenue, can be completed and the columns of the bridge to be

to Terrace 14 will eventually be built.

Much of the excavated material is being used as backfill behind the collar wall at the back of the Crusader Road tunnel to close the gap between the tunnel and the east side of Terrace 15.

Hatzionut Avenue

Bulk excavations for the third and final phase of lowering the road will begin soon on the north side. Many plants were salvaged from the Baha'i property prior to this; hundreds of aloe vera, aguave succulents, olive trees, etc., along with topsoil, have been saved for use on the outer areas of the upper Terraces. Many of the rubble stones are being used for the rockeries.

The removal of the last building in the majestic Shrine of the Bab and the beautiful Terraces below from Ben Gurion Avenue for visitors and residents of Haifa. Work on these Terraces will commence shortly.

built across the road can be raised.

Meanwhile, several finishing works for the interior of the building —drywall partitions, tiling, installation of steel doors—have been contracted for.

Construction of the Auditorium has been completed to its roof level, and part of the roof is being concreted. Fifty-two anchors have been purchased and were to be installed behind the building in April.

vicinity of the first two Terraces has opened up the vista of the

[Page 22]22

THe American BaHA’l

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Bahd’f are published free of charge asa service to the Bahai 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

EMPLOYMENT opportunities at the Baha’f National Center. Program coordinator, Office of the Treasurer’s Development Department—must be wellgrounded in the fundamental verities of the Faith, have exceptional written and oral communication skills, ability to coordinate many tasks simultaneously. Prefer a minimum of a B.S. in human services-related field with experience in program design and management. Operations supervisor, Baha’t Distribution Service, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Supervises day-to-day opeations of the BDS in concert with goals and policies established through consultation with the management. Ensures timely and economical fulfillment of literature and related materials. The Department of Human Resources is looking for a benefits and recruiting administrator. Primary responsibilities are hands-on administration of the benefits program, serving as contact on benefits issues, handling communications including FMLA, COBRA, STD, LTD, and coordinating employee presentations. Also responsible for recruiting for the National Center and Bahd’i schools in the U.S. The ideal candidate would be a computer-literate college graduate with at least two years proven background in all phases of human resources. This is a highly visible

position and requires someone with service-oriented focus and superior interpersonal and intuitive skills. The Bahd’t

House of Worship is seeking an assistant to the administrator to help develop plans and conduct programs for worship and for propagating the Teachings of Bahd’u’ll4h through the unique facilities pronides by the House of Worship. lould manage day-to-day operations at

the Temple. The Office of the Treasurer is looking for a qualified senior accounts receivable clerk. Must be a high school graduate or equivalent including courses in bookkeeping plus 3-5 years experience in cashiering or accounts receivable. Should have good number SeTUeNING skills and the ability to work well wit calculators and personal computers. A program coordinator is needed by the Office of Persian/ American Affairs. Must have good written and oral communication skills, a firm understanding of Bahd’f teachings, laws and principles as

racticed in Iran and in the U.S. Must be familiar with Iranian culture and able to type in English and Persian. Should be creative in program development, able to translate program-related documents and letters into and from Persian. Prepares and produces publications including the Persian pages in The American Baha'i. The National Youth Committee is looking for a Youth Services assistant. The candidate must be a strong communicator who is PC-literate. Secretarial skills a plus. At least two years of college preferred. The MIS Department needs a membership support manager who would be responsible for managing and operating the data entry, records, membership, LSA formation and electoral unit functions of the department. To

carry out the job effectively, an individual must have the ability to perform and manage effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Prior experience in business/operations management and/or document management required. Must be proficient at composing correspondence in response to inquiries for information. Experience in central file and record-keeping procedures helpful. Must be experienced in the use of personal computers and Microsoft Word and/or WordPerfect software. Also needed in the MIS Department is a programmer/analyst to maintain information ayeems currently in production and fulfill service requests from customers. Desired experience: two to four years programming experience. Knowledge and experience using and PiogranuNing a relational database such as Oracle, Ingress, Sybase or Microsoft SQL. Some knowledge of networks, the Internet and Web products. For information about any of these positions, please phone Christine Stanwood, 847-733 29, or send a resumé to the Department of Human Resources, Baha'i National Center, Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

EXCITING opportunities in China. Numerous openings for teachers of English or English as a Second Language. The China Europe International

jusiness School is recruiting students for MBA and EMBA programs, taught entirely in English. For more information contact Ms.Gwili Posey, 847-733-3512 (fax 847-733-3509; e-mail

COME and pein a dedicated and enthusiastic staff at Green Acre Baha'i School this summer to mark the 85th anniversary of ‘Abdu'l-Bahd’s visit to this historic and blessed spot. There are openings for spiritually mature youth who are at least 17 years old and have graduated from high school to serve ina variety of roles during the summer program from June 20-September 2 (children’s program teachers should be able to arrive by June 17). These include sitions as recreation leader, children’s teachers, hospitality /housekeeping and food service helpers, maintenance and groundskeepers, bookstore /cafe personnel, librarian and office assistants. Shorter periods of service may be available in some cases, but preference will be given to those who can serve for the entire summer. There are also some yearlong positions available as members of the Youth Service Corps. The most important qualifications are a sincere desire to serve the Cause and the ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds, showing friendliness, exemplary behavior, perseverance and flexibility. While full-time volunteer service in exchange for room and board is most desirable, a limited number of stipends is available. For information or application forms, please contact Christine Bran: wood, Department of Human Resources, Baha’f National Center, Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-733-3429; fax 847733-3430).

PioneeRING (OversEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opperunliss overseas. Although the Office of Pioneering tries to help by providing information on employment opportunities that come to its attention, it does not have the resources for actual job placement. AFRICA: Ethiopia—self-supporting volunteer to pep the National Assembly secretary and to train a replacement. Tanzania—teachers. Zambia—teachers. AMERICAS: Alaska—general practitioner. Brazil—teachers. Honduras—teachers. Nicaragua—field legal officer. ASIA: Cambodia—cluster school community development director, trainer of tutors, trainer of lecturers. Panama—administrators for the Baha’f House of Worship.

India—volunteers and teachers to teach moral education at a Montessori school. Thailand—preschool teachers, volunteers to help with kindergarten, nursery classes, teach English, help with maintenance and building work. Macau— teachers. AUSTRALASIA: Western Caroline Islands—self-supporting assistant to the National Assembly secretary. EUROPE: Germany—gardener at the European House of Worship. Urgent need for self-supporting pioneers to the Bahamas, Bosnia, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Hungary, Macedonia, Serbia, Turks & Caicos and Venezuela. French Guiana needs a self-supporting Institute coordinator who is familiar with Bahai administration. Honduras—elementary and secondary school teachers. Macau— the School of Nations needs qualified kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers. Panama—the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama is looking for a pioneer couple to serve as administrators of the Bahd’i Temple. Solomon Islands— self-supportin, couple to serve as custodians of the Baha’f Center in Honiara; volunteer to train National Center office staff. 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. For more information about any of these positions, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’{ National Center, Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-733-3512; fax 847-733-3509; e-mail

PioneeRING (HomEFRONT)

THE WOUNDED KNEE District on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota urgently needs homefront pioneers to spread the healing Message of Bahd’u'ligh among the gentle, spiritual Lakota people. Primary qualifications: a burning love for God and Baha‘u’ll4h, respect for other cultures, listening ears and an appreciation for beautiful scenery and a simple way of life. Main employment opportunities are in education and medicine; however, there are many needs, and the potential exists for developing other businesses or services. If you have felt a calling in this direction, please listen to your heart and check it out—you are needed! You'll receive the fullest support I can give, and once settled we can work together to touch the hearts of our lovely Lakota sisters and brothers. What you'll receive in return is a sense of honor and humility for having been allowed to play a part in delivering the Message for this Day to the Lakota. For information, please contact Jurene Lenoir, Manderson, SD 57756, or phone 605-867-2038.

HOMEFRONT pioneers: an occupa tional therapist is needed for a faculty postion in the OTR program at Winston lem State University, an historical; black university in North Carolina. For information, please phone Mike Hillis, Program coordinator, 919-291-1187, or the Spiritual Assembly of WinstonSalem, 910-767-3899.

DUE TO the relocation of three Baha'i families, Greenfield, Massachusetts, needs at least one new family to help rebuild its community. Greenfield, a rural community in midwestern Massachusetts, an hour and a half from Vermont's ski resorts and two hours from Boston and the Green Acre School in Maine, offers rental and home prices that are relatively low for this area of New England which is within easy driving distance of five universities and two community colleges. Local public

schools are good with excellent private elementary and secondary schools in town or close by. There are employment opportunities in light industry and the academic, medical, retail and service areas as well as for entrepreneurs. Greenfield is becoming increasingly diverse with Latin American, Russian and African-American residents from the urban areas of Springfield, Boston and Hartford, Connecticut. Please join us in building a strong Baha’f community. Address inquiries to Kathy Gilman c/o the Baha’fs of Greenfield, P.O. Box 465, Greenfield, MA 01302, or phone Myra Hogan, 413-773-5410 before 9:30 pm. EST and leave a message.

WELCOME homefront pioneers, traveling teachers, seniors and others. How would you like to live in an earthly paradise situated on the oldest lake in the US., surrounded by wooded mountains, orchards and vineyards, free of smog and air pollution, with a temperate climate, 100 miles from San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean. You'll be welcomed with love and gratitude while enabling us to achieve our goals. Local area has several employment openings including, but not limited to, social worker, auto technician, substance abuse counselor, fast food restaurant manager, welder/ fabricator and physical therapist. For information, contact the Baha’is of Lake County, P.O. Box 1212, Lakeport, CA 95453, or phone Rick Green, 707-2631005.

NEWARK, New Jersey (pop. 257,000pits) has no local Spiritual Assembly.

ioneers are needed to Propagate the Cause and help establish an Assembly. For more information, phone Robert Grant, 212-279-6505.

THE SPIRITUAL Assembly of North DeKalb County, Georgia, is looking for deepened homefront pioneers to help a neighboring community, Chamblee, a multicultural city about 10 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta with a large

ulation of Southeast Asian refugees. Ficip is needed in consolidating about 70 new believers. A family or couple is preferred. Desirable qualities include good listening skills, patience and steadfastness. For information, please phone Liz Donnelly, 770-457-4350.

PN Tol Ns)

THE NATIONAL Baha‘ Archives is seeking, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Jennie M. Birmingham, Thomas E. Bishir, M.B. Black, Allie Mae Blackwell (died Los Angeles, CA, 1963) and ey Ann Blackwell. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Baha’f Archives, Baha'i National Center, Evanston, IL 60201-1611, or to phone 847-869-9039.

THE NATIONAL Bahd’f Archives has prepared a series of biographical sketches of prominent African-American, Native American, Hispanic and AsianAmerican Baha’fs to be used by local communities for Black History Month, Race Unity Day and other special events observances. Any local community that would like a set of these sketches is asked to send a request with mailing address to the National Baha’ Archives, Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-8699039).

WanteD

CALLING all crafters! You are needed to help make a commemorative quilt for this year’s Kansas Baha’i Centennial observance. Needed are 100 6-inch or smaller blocks (with 1-inch blank fabric

[Page 23]Ads

emer Teed

all around) depicting roses in beading, stitching, weaving, knitting, lace, leather, buttons...anything that can be sewn into a quilt. Needn’t be new or handmade. Send more than one! Invite friends to become involved too—a great opportunity. Send completed blocks with a description of pattern, technique, history etc., and any thoughts and wishes, by July 1 to Lisa Bradley, 1440 Park Place, Wichita, KS 67203. To “reserve” your technique or acquire more information, phone Lisa at 316-262-3332, or e-mail

. Be part of an historic event and an historic work of art!

MONA INC., a non-profit arts/social development organization, is accepting applications for the position of director of the Unity Center in Los Angeles. The position requires someone with extensive experience working with young people in multicultural settings. The selected applicant will plan, implement and supervise all programs at the Unity Center, under the authority of the MONA (Multicultural Organization for Neighborhood Arts) board of directors. Programming is primarily for afterschool, evening and weekend activities for youth. To apply, send a resumé, three work references and cover letter to Lisa Janti, MONA Board of Directors, Los Angeles Baha'i Center, 5755 Rodeo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90016, or e-mail

This is a full-time salaried sition. The deadline for applications is Hie 30, with a preferred employment date of August 15.

ARCHITECT needed. The Spiritual Assembly of Nashville, Tennessee, has acquired nine acres of land for anew Regional Baha'i Center to be designed with a master plan for future expansion and needs of the community. If you are interested, please phone Faran Ferdowsi, 615-781-6007 (office) or 615-781-8844 (home) within 30 days.

THE DIVERSITY Dance Workshop, a Seattle-based, Bahd’{-inspired non-profit performing arts group, is seeking an artistic director. Those who are interested should have a strong choreography portfolio, excellent organizational skills and ener: working with young people. As a full-time staff member, responsibilities include training the dancers, managing the artistic integrity of performances, and creating and developing dances. Salary in the $20,000-plus range. Please fax a resumé to 206-453-1482 or phone 206-453-1193 for more information.

WANTED: successful businesspeople who network market using cassette tapes. Let’s consult about how we can teach the Cause with warm market cassettes. This is not for entrepreneurial contacts but to pure-heartedly teach using modern marketing techniques. Please contact Diana Carson, 360-6687155.

WANTED: letters, photographs, tapes, stories about Hilda Yen, sometimes known as Hilda Yen Male, who was born in Shanghai, China, and lived in New York City in the 1940s through ’60s Pore the United Nations and

jaha’f principles in the U.S. and Canada. Please contact M. Khavari, Portsmouth, NH 03801 (phone/ fax 603-431-8566; e-mail

WW feltm WN el}

GOING on pilgrimage February 16-24 or March 2-10, 1998? Know someone who is? We are seeking traveling com anions for the trip, perhaps via JFK or WI. Please phone 410-679-5928. Thank you.

Indians discuss entry by troops at NE workshop

On February 1, 175 Baha'is gathered at the city auditorium in tiny Lyons, Nebraska, for an all-day “Breaking Loose” workshop on facilitating the process of entry by troops among American Indians.

Honored guests taking part in the event were Lucy Dick, an elder of the Omaha tribe; Roe Cloud Jessepe, an elder of the Kickapoo tribe; Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors; Auxiliary Board member Marcia Gitchell; Ethel Crawford, a member of the National Teaching Committee; Edwin Roberts, a veteran of the Amoz Gibson teaching project who has taught for more than 25 years on Indian Reservations; the Heart of America Regional American Indian Teaching Committee; three members of the National American Indian Teaching Committee; and Marilyn Ray, representing the Re ional Committee for the

entral States.

Ms. Left Hand Bull commented on the passage in the Tablets of the Divine Plan in which ‘Abdu’l-Baha advises us to “give great importance to teaching the Indians,” adding that today, two of the strongest and most highly developed Baha'i communities are those of Panama and Costa Rica.

She urged those present to memorize paragraph 20 in the Universal House of Justice’s letter of Ridvan 153, which explains the role of the individual in teaching, focusing especially on the seven “capacities” that “the individual alone can exercise.”

Referring to teaching American Indians, she said, “You have little need to worry if your heart is in the right condition.” In any culture, she said, “listening is helpful.”

Lucy Dick, only recently released from the hospital, said she had been looking at a photograph of ‘Abdu’lBaha when she heard a voice saying, “Don’t hold back. Help teach the Omaha. Bring them back from drugs, alcohol and gambling. You do this. And when you've accomplished this, I will

take you in my arms.”

Mrs. Crawford asked attendees to regard the Ridv4n letter from the House of Justice as a personal letter to them, in the same way the early believers arose to act after receiving the Tablets of the Divine Plan.

That same spirit is very much alive today, she said, citing the example of Dover, Delaware, whose community has succeeded in doubling its “active core of believers” from 14 to 28 in the past year.

Mrs. Gitchell said the “power of divine assistance” should never be overlooked, citing the workshop itself as an example, as it had been planned as a fairly small event by a three-member Baha’i community and had simply mushroomed in growth.

Clay Schiefelbein of the Heart of America Regional Committee said the American Baha’i community needs the illumination it can gain from the Indian believers, and urged attendees to remember that “we are not bringing

‘AzamAt B.E. 154° May 17,1997 __23

Kay Webster (left) of McPherson, Kansas, a former long-time pioneer to the Omaha Indian Reservation, shows her surprise as she is honored during a ‘giveaway’ that followed the all-day workshop on teaching American Indians held February 1 in Lyons, Nebraska. Pictured with Ms. Webster are (left to right) Clay Schiefelbein, Marda Rodriguez and Linda Covey of the Heart of America Regional American Indian Teaching Committee.

spirituality” to Native Americans— “they are already spiritual; we are bringing the teachings of Baha’u’llah.”

Linda Covey, another member of the Heart of America committee, spoke on “Teaching in Urban Areas,” and Mr. Roberts spoke on “Teaching on Reservations.”

The last speakers were the three members of the newly appointed National American Indian Teaching Committee—Sara Gustavus, Ina McNeil and Christian Norleen.

All spoke of the need for innovation in the teaching work: “We need new ways to bring about the new World Order.” Remember, they said, we are spiritual entities, “living in eternity already. If we focus on the nether world, we're never going to achieve [the goals of the Four Year Plan].”

The workshop ended with a “giveaway,” in which ues and workshop organizers were honored with lovely and thoughtful gifts, and a songfest led by Blair Nichols of Sioux City, Iowa.

Health for Humanity ends busy winter season with many essential projects at home, abroad

Health for Humanity, a not-for-profit entity that operates under the aegis of the National a Assembly, was busy ona number of fronts last winter, from Cameroon to Albania to Los Angeles.

In Cameroon, acting in response to a request for help from the World Health Organization (WHO), Health for Humanity sent two representatives to help organize a program to combat onchocerciasis or river disease, a blinding parasitic ailment transmitted to humans from the bite of a species of black fly that breeds along swiftlyflowing rivers.

In Albania, the eye project undertaken by HH and funded by the Soros

Foundation’s Open Society Institute (OSI), received a $25,000 grant from the Crowe Foundation, enabling it to meet its remaining goals for the second year while planning for another year.

HH, with the valued help of the International Eye Foundation, has purchased all of the equipment needed for the University Eye Clinic as well as for three new We centers in Korea, Gijrokastra and Peshkopi.

And in Los Angeles, plans are under way to incorporate lessons on agriculture and the environment into the rapidly growing Children’s Enrichment Program, which is affiliated with HH’s Southern California Regional Network.

Health for Humanity was represented at a number of international conferences last year including the Development Seminar and Conference for the Americas in Orlando, Florida; the three-day International Development Conference in Washington, D.C.; the World Food Summit in Rome, Italy; the conference of the American Public Health Association in New York City, and the fourth European Baha'i Medical Conference in Budapest, Hungary.

In addition, two visiting ophthalmologists, one from Albania and the other from China, were guests of Alcon and Health for Humanity at the meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmologists last October.

[Page 24]Te American Banh? = 24

TEACHIN

Arizona: It was one of those days during the Fast when you really want to be outside taking in all the beauty God has provided. especially when you can’t drink in any other way. But there, in a circular building with domed skylight, more than a hundred people had gathered to talk about the unusual structure and what to do with it.

Another cadre of adults was outside stoking the barbecue fires, cooking chicken and keeping the kids out of the cactus garden.

One of the primary uses of the 80-acre piece of land in central Arizona will be for the Desert Rose Regional Baha’i Training Institute. Although having a piece of land with a building on it is not essential for establishing a training institute, it’s a welcome addition to the mix.

New Mexico: The newly established New Mexico Training Institute is starting without the building but with a specific focus. Friends from New Mexico have been instrumental in cross-border teaching in the areas around Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas. Consolidation being essential,

Training Institutes: the idea takes shape

man resources. It trains teachers, workers, administrators and collaborators to help bring the Four Year Plan to a successful conclusion.

The difference between the programming of most consolidation projects and that of a regional training institute is the difference between deepening and training. Deepening takes one deeper into the teachings of the Faith, while training, on the other hand, specializes a person in a particular area of interest and gives him/her skills to complete tasks related to it.

The training institute will study the teaching plans of area Neanigs, glean from them the special needs in that area, and produce a program to fulfill those needs.

For example, if the communities wanted to establish a corps of masterful public information officers, the institute would find the resources necessary to train people in media relations, writing press releases, identifying and explaining newsworthy events, and planning effective media campaigns.

Assemblies.

Later, they would return to the institute to evaluate their work and hone their skills. Not only would this provide valuable feedback and reinforcement, but the institute’s programs would grow in size and strength.

Underlying this practical work and training are lessons in the basic verities of the Faith. Everyone needs to know the basic values and principles of the Faith, and they will be taught to everyone who passes through the institute.

Often, we set goals for ourselves and strive so hard to achieve them that we forget that the process is as important as the end. Instilling the basic verities will keep those values and beliefs in the forefront of our thoughts and help shape the way we approach our goals and tasks.

The Regional Committee for the Western States is forwarding to the National Spiritual Assembly for consideration the names of potential members of the board of directors for the Desert Rose Training Institute, and will shortly be considering oth the National Teaching Committee has appointed a six-member board of directors to develo riculum to address the needs in the Juarez, area as well as the rest of New Mexico. The training institute focuses on developing hu acur1 Paso

perform the wor

The institute would then solicit students, probabl: from among the Assemblies’ PI representatives ands hopefully, from among talented youth who could be mentored in this area. The students would attend classes and then f° directly to their communities to

they had been assigned by their

Plan.

ers for institutes in Los Angeles, Denver and Portland, Oregon.

The goal is to have at least 13 training institutes in the Western Region by the end of the Four Year

Author Guy Murchie graciously signs one of his books for Judy Afsahi of Anaheim during a visit by several Fullerton-area Baha'is on his 90th birthday.

Guy Murchie, noted author, reporter, photographer observes 90th birthday

Noted author Guy Murchie celebrated his 90th birthday January 20 at Gordon Lane Convalescent Hospital in Fullerton, California.

lhough saddened by the recent passing of his beloved wife, Marie, he seemed cheered by the arrival of a group of fellow Bahd’fs to help him mark his birthday.

Born in Boston in 1907, Mr. Murchie was brought up in New England. After graduating from Harvard he traveled around he world, performing various kinds of work along the way.

He was a feature writer, photographer, staff artist and reporter for the Chicago Tribune, as well as a war corre spondent in England and Iceland from 1940-42.

For 10 years he was a flight navigator and instructor, and for 11 summers he operated Apple Hill, an interracial camp for children in New Hampshire.

Mr. Murchie also has been a school teacher, building contractor, manufacturer (and thrower) of boomerangs, bee-keeper and tree farmer.

His books include Men on the Horizon (1932), Soldiers of Darkness (1937) and three books—Song of the Sky (1954), Music of the Spheres (1961) and The Seven Mysteries of Life (1978)—that became best-sellers and Book of the Month Club selections.

In New York City

Leaders of faiths convene to discuss role of religion in fostering race unity

By LORI L. THARPS

Leaders of New York City’s diverse faith communities came together March 9 to speak openly and honestly about the role of religion in fostering race unity.

The seminar was orearized by the Spiritual Assembly of New York City’s External Affairs Committee in response to a letter from the National Spiritual Assembly condemning the racially motivated church burnings in the South and asking for action from local Baha’i communities.

By bringing together clerics from various religious backgrounds, program organizers sought to catalyze joint action by people of faith to promote race unity in New York City. The racially mixed, well-spoken group of panelists represented Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Buddhist houses of wor ship.

“We see our [Bahd’f] faith as a workshop, not a showplace, of racial unity,” said Wilma Ellis, program moderator, in her opening remarks, “and we invited these people today to participate in our workshop.”

Dr. Ellis, a member of the Continental Board of Counselors and of President Clinton’s Advisory Committee for Religious Freedom Abroad, gave panelists several tough questions to answer.

“We know that over 30 churches have been burned. We know that certain groups are alienated and working against unity. What can we do? How can we hear the wakeup call?” Dr. Ellis asked.

Clerics were given five minutes each to tell the audience of more than 200 Bahd’is and non-Baha’is how their congregations were dealing with the issue of racism.

Each then was asked an individual question by Dr. Ellis, who urged each person to move beyond comfort zones when answering.

For example, Dr. Ellis asked Rabbi Daniel P. Alder where we would find today’s Moses to lead people from oppression.

She asked the Rev. Gilbert Caldwell of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church how to transform the historically black church into a place of unity.

To the Rev. Paul Williams of the Church of the Holy Trinity, she put the question of what could be done about the bigotry he had said was embedded in the Christian church.

Panelists responded with inspirational, though not necessarily actionoriented, answers.

“Bigotry [in the church] is not going to be changed,” predicted the Rev. Williams, “until we learn to love ourselves.”

Shaykh Abd’allah Latif Ali of the Admiral Family Circle Islamic Community injected the important message that unity does not mean ignoring differences. “I believe that we will end up with operational unity—that is, diverse groups working together.”

Audience members for the seminar included city officials, foundation representatives and other prominent indi viduals from the tri-state area. When the program ended, they and the Pa elists agreed the experience had been a positive one but the real test would be to see what comes next.

Someone in the audience challenged the clerics to take the message of unity back to their Sonpresauiens and requested that dates be set for a followup seminar. As Dr. Ellis had said in beginning the afternoon, the day’s seminar was not a final solution, but “the beginning of a dialogue.”

[Page 25]TEACHIN

Enterprise, Kansas, to mark group’s centenary

By TOM MENNILLO

Enterprise, Kansas (population 800), hopes to go over the 1,000 mark for one weekend in July.

That’s when Bahd’fs arrive from around the state and beyond to celebrate the comreniany of the second Baha’{ group in North America.

But the good people of Enterprise aren’t leaving anything to chance. Leading citizens such as banker Reid Hoffman have embaced the July 19-20

celebration and are helping the Baha’is plan it. Good thing, since no Bah4’fs pres ently live in Enterprise [see Letter From a Nineteenth-Century Kansas Baha’ by Duane L. Herrmann in the Winter 1996-97 issue of WortD OrbER magazine]. Celebration coordinator Judy Heikes is about a 90-minute drive away in Hutchinson. Other Baha’fs have to travel from Wichita, Topeka and elsewhere to help with the arrangements.

Amid this spirit of cooperation, an exciting celebration is shaping up.

Opening the centenary event will be a train ride from nearby Abilene for up to 100 people. On reaching Enterprise, they'll be greeted by town officials and Baha’{ musicians.

A walking tour of historic sites associated with the early Baha’{ presence will follow before the day’s main event: lunch and entertainment under two large tents in the city park.

Lynn Wieties is writing a historical drama for the program. Ladjamaya Green Mahoney, Anne Biswell and Tracy Freeman are among the performers. A representative of the National Spiritual Assembly will speak, and artistic wots willbe displa eon ing a special quilt by Lisa Bradley.

Baha {Davi Hise uanva wellkeown television weather reporter from Wichita, will emcee the program.

After an ice cream social, the train will return the Bahd’fs to Abilene for reflections on the day and consultation on follow-up teaching in Enterprise.

Visitors are encouraged to stay overnight at motels in Abilene. Only three beds are available in Enterprise, at a bed-and-breakfast that is the former home of an Enterprise Baha’f.

Abilene sights include a museum devoted to hometown hero Dwight D. Eisenhower. Hanging in the museum is a carpet that was given to the president by the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran during his visit to the Cradle of the Faith in the 1950s.

News article notes persecutions

The persecution of Baha’fs in Iran and the relocation of one Baha’f family to the Chicago area after 28 months in Pakistan were the topics of a feature article in the April 4 issue of the Chicago Tribune.

e favorable article, accompanied by three photographs, emphasized the Baha’ teachings on unity while pointing out that the believers in Iran have suffered intense persecution since 1980, when the current Islamic regime came to power.

Also included were statements in defense of Iranian Baha’fs by the U.S. State Department and the UN General Assembly.

The article ended with a two-paragtaph reference to Bahd’u‘ll4h and His mission to establish world unity.

‘AzamAt B.E. 154° May 17,1997 __ 25

Georgia State Teaching Committee convenes at historic site to map plans for entry by troops

By FEILD SEARCY

When the Georgia State Teaching Committee chose the historic Rosewood Building in Macon as the site for a statewide conference, little did they know the historical significance of the name Rosewood.

For it was in Rosewood, Florida, that an African-American community was burned and plundered, and black Americans lost their lives.

As we met in Macon, we were reminded of the sacrifice they made ina struggle against racism and prejudice. It bolstered our resolve and focus for a weekend dedicated to “teaching in action.”

Inits message of November 23, 1996, to the Georgia State Teaching Committee (GSTC), the Regional Committee for the Southern States (RCSS) asked that a statewide teaching conference be Held for the early mont f of 1997 with the primary purposes of “acquaintin; the Fiends with the regional and Bias

‘oals, reviewing the vision of the

CSS, generating excitement and support for the plans, and creating an o) portunity for the believers to make personal commitments to the goals.”

Having pes emerged from an exciting consultation with both the RCSS and the National Teaching Committee, the GSTC decided to center such a conference around action, and designed an agenda to consist mainly of teaching and service projects, proclamation events and consultation.

The members of the Auxiliary Board were invited to speak about the Four Year Plan and provide a “pep talk” of sorts for the friends directly before sending them out into the teaching field.

The idea of inviting the friends to display booths of community activities or teaching ideas/tools was arrived upon as a way to disseminate useful information throughout the state and provide an informal forum for sharing and spreading ideas and enthusiasm.

Macon was chosen as the location because of its current status as a city of more than 50,000 with no local Spiritual Assembly, its central location, and the excitement of the Macon Bahd’is and their eagerness to help.

The weekend of Naw-Riiz was seen as a periect time for bringing the friends together from all over the state, renewing our teaching fervor and efforts for the coming year, and as an opportunity for extending the conference activities over the Holy Day and long weekend.

Invitations were sent to all the local Spiritual Assemblies in Georgia. Messages posted on several Bah4’t Internet newsgroups also urged attendance.

Service projects in the Rosewood Building (painting a fence and cleaning a ballroom carpet) and with Habitat for Humanity (installing insulation into a house) and teaching projects in conjunction with the Cherry Blossom Festival that weekend were organized for Friday and Saturday.

Two proclamation events, a NawRuz party on Saturday evening and a prayer breakfast on Sunday mornin; were organized and invitations and fliers printed for distribution throughout

Macon.

The Macon Telegraph was notified of the event and an interview was arranged for Saturday morning during the Rosewood Building service project. Achildren’s p: m including participation in the Cherry Blossom sand castle-building competition (with the idea of constructing the India House of Worship) was arranged.

Two teams of early arrivals were sent to either paint the fence or invite people at the Cherry Blossom festival to the Saturday night Naw-Ruz party. About 200 invitations were given out and the fence almost completed (it was finished on Saturday).

That evening more people arrived and the celebration pic! eat up. We ordered pizza, played a getting-to-knowyou scavenger hunt and learned a Native American unity dance.

The formal program began at 9 o’clock Saturday morning after dawn prayers with more devotions and an overview of the booths.

Booth topics presented were: Huqtiqu’llah; Arc and Mount Carmel Projects; Baha’{ Resources on the Internet; UGA Baha’{ Association; Southeast Asian Teaching; Raising a Generation of Prejudice-Free Children; the Auxiliary Board for Propagation in Georgia; Mottahedah Development Services; Community of Macon and surrounding counties; Georgia State Teaching Committee; Bah4’‘{ Bookstore.

Auxiliary Board member Josie Reynolds shared teaching stories (from her own stash and from the audience) and the guidance of the Four Year Plan.

By 12:30 everyone was ready to get out into the field. Six teaching teams were suggested based on diversity of home community, race, gender and age (averaging six adults and one youth to a team, except for the Habitat for Humanity team with about seven adults and two youth).

Two teaching teams were assigned to the downtown area and two to the park where most of the Cherry Blossom Activities were held.

More than 600 fliers, invitations and teaching materials were given to each team leader. Teams left for lunch and their prospective activities.

The Rosewood Building service team was interviewed by Jane Self of the Macon Telegraph and a positive, wellwritten article appeared on the Monday following the conference.

Unfortunately, the children’s pro ram teacher did not arrive, but one of the members of the GSTC took the two children to the Cherry Blossom Festival for the sand castle-building contest and a partial lotus flower did make an appearance.

he Naw-Ruz party that evening was well attended by many Bahd’is and their guests from around the area and two seekers who had met the Baha’fs in the park earlier that afternoon.

The program began with devotions in English, Spanish, Persian and Japanese. Mike and Bev Rogers, Carl Schmidt, Parviz Moshtael and Terry Kulkosky performed everything from a cappella vocals to guitar and harmonica duets to the Persian santur and drum (with dancing of course!).

It ended with fireworks that a local

Bahd’f convincingly announced were arranged by the city of Macon entirely in honor of the first statewide Baha’{ conference in that city.

The friends gathered the following morning for dawn prayers followed by consultation on the Four Year Plan and the format/success of the conference.

The Macon Bahd’fs spoke of their plane to follow up on initiatives the

iends made during the weekend, emphasizing the “process” of teaching and building a community.

Guests arrived at 11 o’clock for musical devotions featuring Linda Collestan and Marion Hatch’s beautiful rendition of “In This Room,” with brunch and fellowship following. At least four seekers (two adults and two youth) were present.

The response to the conference was overwhelmingly positive. Disappointment was expressed over the small number of Baha'is who attended, especially from the Atlanta area. Possible reasons for this included the relatively short notice (two months) and other local community events for Naw-Ruz that might have conflicted.

However, those who were able to attend felt the action orientation fostered unity and excitement and was a wonderful way of bonding the friends from all over Georgia. All in attendance expressed the desire for future teaching activities of this nature on either an annual or more frequent basis throughout the state.

Wilmette Institute to offer two brand new courses

The Wilmette Institute is developing two new courses separate from its fouryear program, Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization.

The Institute will offer a one-week course on “The Revelation of Baha’u'll4h During the Baghdad Period” this summer at National Louis University, a five-minute walk from the Baha’{ House of Worship in Wilmette.

Among the works studied will be The Hidden Words, The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys, and the Kitdb-i-Iqan. The instructors will include John Hatcher and Habib Riazati.

The classes will be followed by home study assignments from August 16October 1. Course tuition is $200 with dormitory accommodations and meals in the school cafeteria available for an additional fee.

For those who are unable to attend a residential session in Wilmette, the Institute is starting distance learning (correspondence) courses, the first two of which will focus on the revelation of Bahd’u’llah using a special textbook and exercises designed by the Wilmette Institute for its students.

Tentatively, the first course will start January 1, 1998, and continue through April 30; it will explore the revelation of Baha’u’llah during the Baghdad and Adrianople periods. The second course, from May 1-August 20, 1998, will examine Bah4’u’llah’s writings during the period in ‘Akké.

For information or to register, phone Lisa Young, registrar, 847-733-3415, fax 847-733-3563, or e-mail

[Page 26]THe American BaHA’t 26

EDUCATION / SCHOOLS

Green Acre session to probe AIDS, sexuality, addiction

¢ The Institute for AIDS, Sexuality and Addiction (IASA) will hold a conference May 23-26 at the Green Acre Baha’{ School to explore Baha’f principles and concepts related to AIDS, human sexuality (including homosexuality) and addictions, and to consider issues that arise in the application of those principles to Baha’{ community development.

ie conference, which is designed to help individuals, Baha’{ institutions and health professionals in exploring these issues, will include presentations, panel discussions and a variety of workshops.

Registration for the IASA conference will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Friday, May 23, with dinner at 6. The conference opens with an evening program at 7:30 and lasts through Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day), ending with lunch at 12:30 p.m.

Pre-registration is required, and all participants including commuters are asked to attend all sessions. The three-day weekend fee is $145/person.

¢ A Spiritual Assembly Development Forum to explore the Assembly’s role in the process of entry by troops will be offered June 13-15 by National Center staff members and the Office of Community Development.

A variety of Noe I) will address such topics as. pe peucadon of. enc le, Stewardship of the Fund, the Implementation of Teaching Plans, Consultation, and the Duties of Assembly Officers.

Fourth annual celebration of Black History, Heritage is held at Bosch School

The fourth annual celebration of Black Risiory and Heritage was held February 14-17 at the Bosch Baha’ School in Santa Cruz, California.

The focus was on the significance of the AfricanAmerican experience within the Baha’f community and its relationship to the African-American community in the U.S.

Dr. Richard Thomas, author of Racial Unity: An Imperative for Social Change, presented pertinent information and facilitated insightful discussions on “the historical and spiritual significance of the African-American heritage” and “notable Baha’fs of African descent.”

The inspirational personal stories told by participants of their meetings with such outstanding servants of Bahd’u’'ll4h as the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie brought the historical material vividly to life.

Classes by Bonnie Taylor, compiler of Pupil of the Eye, covered such topics as “Superiority Attitudes: Origins and Fallacies,” “What Is Race?” and “Culture and Unity in Diversity.”

The level of personal sharing and bonding made the weekend truly special. Ted Jefferson’s poignant recollections of the transformative power of the Black Men’s Gathering were moving. Participants in the Sisters to Sisters sproject related their experiences through video and personal accounts of their travels in southern Africa.

A special dessert fund-raiser with treats prepared by Sima Cockshut and an evening of gospel music an ety organized by Taliba Sun-Boothe were also held.

At the end of the weekend, one participant said, “Tf people oaly knew how good it feels to be truly unified, we'd have no trouble ending racism.”

Gregory Institute seeking youth

The Louis G. Gregory Baha’f Institute is looking for mature youth for its Year of Service program. All skills and interests are invited for consideration. Areas of service include support in the following: clerical assistance, general programs, maintenance, agriculture, radio station, children’s classes. Inquiries may be directed to the Youth Service Corps desk at the Baha’f National Center.

Fees are $110/adult, $60 ages 3-14, and $30/commuter. A special discount rate of $85/person is offered for communities that send three or more members.

Camp Green Acre, four days of study, outings,

arts and crafts, and service for third- to sixth-graders (ages 8-12), coordinated by Barbara Nelson, runs from June 20-23. The cost is $145/camper. Participants must have insurance coverage, and parents will be required to sign a medical-release form.

°

Green Acre’s summer program pene lene 27-July 2. Farah Rosenberg will address “The Spiritual Significance of the Institutions” with special focus on the role of the local Spiritual Assembly as loving parent to the individual and the community.

Author/presenter John Kolstoe offers “Developing Genius,” an exploration of how consultation draws out the hidden traces of genius within individuals and spiritualizes the growing community of the Most Great Name.

On July 4-9, arise to address the “Most Challenging Issue” facing this country—the establishment of racial unity—inspired by the life of “noble-minded, golden-hearted” Louis Gregory. Psychologist /lecturer Jane Faily examines the dynamics of individual change and community growth as defined in the

Baha‘i writings and relates them to the goals of the Four Year Plan.

Also, organizational specialist Leonard Smith looks at the 11 things Louis Gregory identified as prerequisites for establishing race ually The session will include a gospel concert on Sunday afternoon, July 6.

In addition to a week-long program July 11-16 for Junior Youth and a two-week Institute July 25-August 6 for high school-age youth, Green Acre will offer a one-week session July 18-23 for those in

rades 9-12. Cost for one-week Institutes is $275,

90 for the two-week Institute.

The Green Acre Youth Institutes are designed to offer greater learning opportunities for young Pecple who wish to better serve the Cause of Baha’u’lléh and be challenged in their study of the Faith.

The programs provide a structured environment for study of the Writings, with application to major issues confronting youth today. They also include recreation, music, artistic sharing and Green Acre service projects.

Enrollment is determined b: So peenDer 1997 grade level, and is open to June 1997 igh school graduates. Please phone or e-mail the school registrar for the required application. Early application is encouraged, as enrollment is limited.

62 enjoy Children’s Academy at Bosch Baha’i School

This spring, young people in grades 4-6 had an opportunity to explore their relationship with Baha‘u’llah and learn more about the “customs of the Kingdom” during the Bosch Baha’i School’s Children’s Academy.

About 62 children completed the program that mixes more formal class times with nature study, learning more about the redwoods, exercise programs, recreation and service.

All the grades rotate through special instructional

rograms on manners (etiquette), mediation, and

ming a teacher of the Cause. Evenings included such special activities as a game night, a walk through the woods to sing at Inspiration Point, and of course a bonfire with marshmallow roast and

Upcoming programs at Louhelen

May 23-25: Institute for Local Spiritual Assembly Development with Auxiliary Board member Hoda Mahmoudi.

June 6-8: Fostering the Advancement of Women with Auxiliary Board member Hoda Mahmoudi, Gwendolyn Watson, Penny Schmicker. The weekend session for women and men includes study of the Writings that describe the processes that lead to equality and unity, the lives of heroines of the Faith, consultation, fellowship and the contributions of cellist/vocalist Gwendolyn Watson.

June 6-11: Baha’{ Studies for College Youth with Dr. Rick Johnson and Constance Chen, a member of the National Committee for the Advancement of Women. The session will explore the foundations of human and spiritual advancement through study, research, consultation and fellowship. Special emphasis on the integration of science and religion.

June 22-27:Camp Louhelen Children’s Institute with Joannie Yuille, Rona Schechter, Angie Blacksherer, Susan Modarai, George Wilson, Mary Wilson. Special focus on the Covenant of Baha’u'llah. Varied, stimulating and fun activities include classroom sessions, devotional periods, music, art, games and sports, overnight camping and more. For children ages 8-12.

Correction

In a brief article (March 2) about the book Black Holes—A Traveler's Guide, the name of the author was misspelled. The * proper: spelling is Clifford A. Pickover.

Mr. Pickover’s latest work, The Loom of God: Mathematical Tapestries at the Edge of Time (Plenum Publishing), which deals with mathematics, science and God, quotes ‘Abdu’l-Baha several times.

The book also includes a pestaecann by the Bab as well as ornate Persian calligraphy by prominent Baha’fs in that field.

songs.

On the last day, the students made presentations based on the “customs of the Kingdom” for parents who came for the performance. Students were given special T-shirts to help them remember the experience.

The Children’s Academy involves the use of cabin counselors who are with the students at all times. Counselors help the students in completing their tasks, remembering always to apeak kindly of others, and finding that the basis of all we do in life is rooted in the sacred Writings.

Each counselor undergoes special orientation and deepening to make sure he or she understands the vital importance of his/her role in achieving Academy goals.

On February 28 an intercommunity teaching committee from the Baha'i communities of Belen, Los Lunas, Pajarito, Bosque Farms and Valencia County, New Mexico, sponsored an Ayyém-i-Ha celebration on the Alamo Navajo Reservation. The committee bought two lambs for the Navajos, Baha'is from Albuquerque helped with the food, and the Navajo friends on the Reservation prepared their home to receive 60 guests. Music, prayer and games were included in a spontaneous outpouring of love and fellowship. In this picture, one of the youngsters has a go at breaking a pifata.

[Page 27]

UCATION / SCHOOLS

“AzamAt B.E. 154 * May 17, 1997

27

NABI hosts 35 non-Baha’i students in outreach program

The Native American Baha‘i Institute was host to 35 non-Baha’i college-age students in a three-week span as part of an alternative spring break and community outreach program.

The program is sponsored by the Break Away Foundation, a non-profit proup that offers students a chance to

of service during their time away from school.

The Native American Baha’f Institute is listed in the Break Away data bank as an entity that offers students a way to be of service to the Navajo and Hopi peoples.

During the first week in March, NABI hosted 20 students from Rice University in Houston, Texas. One of the major projects undertaken outside the NABI campus was a trip to Navajo, New Mexico, to volunteer at a local child-care center.

Students helped paint and clean the buildings and with child care. NABI invited local Baha’fs to take part in evening programs that focused on the mission of NABI, Navajo language, and cultural classes.

The week ended with a farewell dinner prepared in honor of the students with more than 35 members of the local and neighboring communities attending. Several students asked for printed materials and prayer books, with two of them quite interested in pursuing their investigation of the Faith and wanting to contact the Rice University Baha’{ Club on their return.

On March 16, another wave of students, from the University of Montana, arrived at NABI. Fifteen students were chosen from 70 who were willing to undertake the week-long service project.

Also visiting that week were three Baha’f students from the University of Arizona. They provided various services, set forth an example of Bah4’i youth, and helped answer questions about the Faith asked by the other students.

The Montana students worked on and off campus on behalf of the indigenous community, including service at the Pine Springs Beeraing School (about nine miles from NABI) where they restored and moved a Green notre, cleared the playground of rocks and overgrowth, helped lay a flatrock driveway and interacted with the children in the classroom.

Every evening, students and NABI staff gathered in the NABI classrooms and prayer hogan to discuss aspects of native culture and take part in a “talking circle” that brought out many of their concerns about unity among all peoples.

This helped orient the students about

the Faith an NABI's role in building strong indigenous communities.

Some of the students asked to meet with the administrators to continue their discussion about the Faith and to learn more about opportunities for service at the Institute. Several expressed an interest in obtaining Baha’{ materials and making contact with the local Spiritual Assembly in their respective communities.

on Paul Yellowhorse (right) supervises young people from the Native American Baha’{ Institute and the University of Montana during NABI’s Service Learning College Month in March. Baha'i and other students from Montana, Rice University and the University of Arizona were at NABI that month for a week of service to the area.

Again, a farewell meal and social evening was held at week’s end with 50 friends and visitors from the surrounding community attending.

This marks NABI’s second Rese of participates in the Alternative Spring

reak program. As a part of the program, the Institute has had an opportunity to educate visiting students about service, the Faith, and many aspects of Native American culture.

Louehelen School: a center of spiritual radiance and attraction

The Louhelen School strives to be a center of spiritual radiance and attraction—both for Baha’is who attend sessions there and for their friends who may identify with the Baha’f teachings and are seeking to learn more about them.

In 1935, a letter written to Louhelen on behalf of the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, stressed the importance of this welcoming atmosphere: “It is his hope that the attendants, both Baha’is and non-Bahd’is, have returned from the school with a new vision of the Cause, and with a renewed determination to help in spreading far and wide its Teachings.”

Think about attending a session at a permanent school or institute:

Bosch Baha’i School

500 Comstock Lane

Santa Cruz, CA 95060-9677 408-423-3387

Louhelen Baha’i School 3208 S. State Rd.

Davison, MI 48423 313-653-5033

Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute Rt.2, Box 71

Hemingway. SC 29554-9405 803-558-9131

NABI

830 Burntwater Road Box 3167

Houck, AZ 86506-3167 520-521-1064

Green Acre Baha’i School 188 Main Street

Eliot, ME 03903-1827 207-439-7200

One of the great treasures of Louhelen’s history is that the school was the recipient of literally dozens of letters written on behalf of the beloved Guardian. These letters provide a soaring vision of Louhelen’s importance as an educational center.

The Guardian said that Louhelen would become “a leading educational center of the Cause throughout the Central States”; a “true cultural and educational Baha’{ center”; a “great center for the reunion of the friends and the ie Spree of the spirit and teachings of the Cause”; a “leading educational center of the Cause in the West,” and “that ideal Baha’i University of the future.”

Over the decades, this wonderful vision of Louhelen has steadily unfolded into reality. Marvelous teachers, among them the Hands of the Cause of God Corinne True, Horace Holley, Amelia Collins, Dorothy Baker, Louis Gregory, Leroy Ioas, Agnes Alexander and Mary Maxwell (Amatu’l-Baha Rthfyyih Khénum), have stimulated thousands of individuals to arise in service.

The tradition continues today with spiritually rich courses and devoted faculty. You are invited to share in these soul-stirring courses of study.

But Louhelen is more than its courses. The Guardian saw a special spirit of love and unity as its animating force: “He was particularly pleased to hear that a profound spirit of love and unity pervaded the school and its attendants. The world not only desperately needs the organization for world order brought by Baha’u’ll4h, but above all the living example of community love and inner oneness without which the other is merely a perfect shell, devoid of spirit.”

It is this special uniting of mind and spirit, personal growth and community closeness, that is the hallmark of Louhelen as an educational center.

Why attend a session at Louhelen? Consider the Guardian’s vision, review the courses that are offered, look at the urgency of learning to build a new pattern of Baha’{ community life, and turn to the plea of the Universal House of Justice:

“To effect the possibilities of expansion and con solidation implied by entry by troops, a determined, worldwide effort to develop human resources must be made. There should be no delay in establishing permanent institutes designed to provide well-organized, formally conducted programs of training on a regular schedule.”

Louhelen is such a permanent center of learning and training. All are invited to take part in this worldchanging learning experience.

In essence, Louhelen is about creating joy in the hearts. As we feel ourselves grow, as we feel our spirits deepen in understanding and devotion, as we feel our hearts moved by meeting and welcoming new friends, we realize the truth of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s words:

“Joy gives us wit fie In times of joy our strength is more ital, our intellect keener, and our understanding less clouded. We seem better able to cope with the world and to find our sphere of usefulness.”

You are invited to embrace a new and joyful learning experience. Come to Louhelen.

Baha’is in Highland Park, Illinois, sponsor weekly radio program that reaches to Wisconsin, Indiana

Last October the Baha’fs of Highland Park, Illinois, a suburban community on Chicago’ ‘s North Shore, began sponsoring “Morning Fireside,” a weekly halfhour Sunday morning radio program on WEEF-AM.

As the contract with WEEF neared its end, the Baha’is were contacted by another local station, WYPA, which broadcasts on 820 AM with a more powerful signal that can be heard north of Milwau Wisconsin, at least 60 miles south and west of Chicago and as far east as Valparaiso and LaPorte, Indiana.

In March, “Morning Fireside” moved to its new location on WYPA at a new day (Saturday) and time (9a.m.).

The well-received weekly programs, which consist primarily of interviews with Baha’fs in the Chicago area, are supported by a number of communities on the North Shore.

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[Page 35]

Helene May ‘Gayle’ Wittekind

Helene May Wittekind, long-time pioneer, dies in Washington at 88

Helene May “Gayle” Wittekind, a long-time Baha’i and pioneer, died March 8 in Richland, Washington. She was 88 years old.

Mrs. Wittekind and her first husband, Les Vaughn, became Baha’is in Los Angeles in 1935. She was a founding member of the Spiritual Assemblies of Tacoma, Washington; San Miguel de Allende, Mexico; Escondido, Califor. nia, and Olympia, Washington.

After the passing of her second husband, Les Ames, in 1957, she pioneered to Mexico, arriving there in 1958.

In 1971, at age 63, she married Warren Wittekind, a returning soldier from Vietnam who was 37 years her junior, and came out of retirement to care for invalids in their homes and help put her husband through graduate school in physics.

Her passing led to the establishment of anew Baha’i section in the Richland cemetery that faces Bahji along the great circle arc.

Sayadollah Barghassa, a former pioneer to Spain, caretaker of the Baha’i Center in New York City and homefront pioneer to Asheville and Clayton, North Carolina, died last December 4. He was 66 years old. After moving to the U.S. from Spain he spent five years in New York City before pioneering to Asheville and moving six years later to Clayton to help that young community grow.

“AzamAt B.E. 154 * May 17, 1997

35

Wanita George, former pioneer to Honduras

Wanita George, a former pioneer to Honduras, died in March in Sgnal Hill, California.

Mrs. George became a Bahd’f in 1957 along with her daughter, Maralyn. In August 1959, during the Ten Year Crusade, she left Redondo Beach after 20 years as a school teacher to pioneer with Maralyn (then 16) to Honduras.

She lived in Tegucigalpa throughout her stay in Honduras, taught many years at the American School there and served on the National Spiritual Assembly. She and Maralyn held weekly firesides in their home for years and provided the center of Baha'i activitiy in the capital city until Maralyn married Hooper Dunbar.

Mrs. George had a special love for the Jacaque Indian peoples and gave much of her attention to them. Eventually, the Universal House of Justice arranged for financial assistance so that she could continue this valuable work

In 1968, while serving as the National Assembly's corresponding secretary, Mrs. George left for Haifa to take part in the International Convention. Leaving London, she was a passenger on a BOAC 707 which crashed on take-off.

Although she survived the ordeal, she remained hospitalized for months in London, suffering a number of broken bones and a serious concussion that was not recognized or treated at the time. That injury continued to limit her abilities for the rest of her life.

After recuperating for a time with her family in California, Mrs. George returned to her beloved Honduras in the summer of 1969. Although, due to her injuries, she was no longer able to carry out the arduous teaching trips to the Indian villages along the coast, she remained in Tegucigalpa, living in the

Elizabeth (Betty) Filstrup, former pioneer to Pakistan, dies in Michigan at age 80

Elizabeth (Betty) Filstrup, a former pioneer to Pakistan, died March 12 at the age of 80.

In 1969, Betty and her husband, Edward (Ed) Filstrup, arose to serve the Cause as pioneers to help fulfill the goals of the Nine Year Plan.

Through consultation with the Depament of International Goals they learned that two people were needed in Pakistan, where Ed had been offered a research position through the United Nations. They arrived at their post in February 1970.

Their years in Pakistan were characterized by their fervent desire to fulfill the goals of the Plan, their untiring devotion to teaching the Cause and their dedication to raising up and consolidation of new local Assemblies.

Their home was the Baha’{ center in their community. Firesides were available every night, while deepenings and study sessions were a constant feature as well.

Medical and family needs necessitated their return to the States in 1974, and they settled back in their home community of St. Joseph, Michigan, with the hope that they would return to the pioneering field.

Although this hope was not to be fulfilled, Mr. Filstrup did return briefly to Pakistan in 1989 to continue his consulting work.

Baha’{ Center there and serving the Cause.

After a break-in of her home, and unable to find a living companion to assist her, her family in California urged her to return to the States to live with them. Mrs. George relented and did return for a time in 1981, but found that her heart yearned to return to her pioneering post, which she did during that same year. At this time, she was 76 years old.

In 1982 the National Assembly of Honduras wrote her a letter with the news that, after her more than 20 years of dedicated effort among the Jacaque Indians, there would be a special teaching campaign to further her work. By

1986, her deteriorating health and frailty required that she return again to California, where she passed away at age 90.

Upon learning of her passing, the following message was sent by the Universal House of Justice to the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly:

“Our hearts grieve at the passing of Wanita George, steadfast, devoted maidservant of the Faith of Baha’u’llah. Her long years of valiant pioneer services in Honduras have left indelible traces on the annals of the Cause of God. We fervently pray at the Holy Threshold that her radiant soul may eternally progress throughout the divine worlds.”

Zenobia Ferenc Davis, a Baha’i from Venice, Florida, recently sponsored an exhibit entitled ‘Art by Baha'is’ at a local hotel. The exhibit presented in visual form the Faith’s basic principle of ‘unity in diversity’ by bringing together a variety of works of art from various parts of the world. At least 300 hotel guests saw the exhibit including two who are pictured here with Don Newby (right), a Baha’i from Winter Haven who is an artist, a retired art teacher and works now as a theatrical designer.

Freddie Anderson Betty Filstrup Knoxville, TN St. Joseph, MI January 1997 March 12, 1997 Touran Ashourian LaVern Fisher Santa Monica, CA Beloit, WI

April 5, 1997 February 8, 1997 Tenzin Barrett Roy W. George Aberdeen, WA El Cerrito, CA April 6, 1997 February 4, 1997

Olivia Blackwell New Orleans, LA January 25, 1997

Alan D. Cannon Milwaukie, OR January 1997 Joan Chappell Chehalis, WA December 1, 1996 Barbara Chavez Norridge, IL January 19, 1997

Geneva B. Cooper

Jacqueline Heald Santa Rosa, CA February 1, 1997

Christopher Henley Cathedral City, CA March 19, 1997

Lowice Javorsky Lucerne, CA March 11, 1997

Talieh Kazemzadeh Canton, MA March 31, 1997

Hamdam Magami

Anderson, CA Phoenix, AZ

April 5, 1997 February 8, 1997 Daisy Mae Cuttler Muhammad Khassian Knoxville, TN Yorba Linda, CA October 1996 October 2, 1996 Fannie Dean Arline Lee Roswell, GA Troy, IL

October 1996 December 13, 1996 William Engbretson

Blaine, WA

December 1996

Ruth C. Lynch Lamieh Samandari North Bend, WA Pleasant Hill, CA April 7, 1997 November 28, 1996

N. Joeleen Mart Salt Lake City, UT March 13, 1997

Dorothy Martin Los Alamos, NM December 22, 1996

John R. Shoop San Mateo, CA October 19, 1996

Javad Soltani Boca Raton, FL February 23, 1997

Gloria Matheny Thomas Sousa Jr. Beaverton, OR Puerto Rico

April 7, 1997 March 4, 1997 Ataullah Mavadat — Kimberly Wallace San Jose, CA The Village, OK

March 17, 1997

Nouri Missaghi Houston, TX

January 15, 1997

Minnie Walters Wauwatosa, WI

February 14,1997 March 14, 1997 Nimtaj Mohajer_ John R. Whitney Port Orange, FL Glendale, CA

February 20, 1997 Helene Wittekind

February 28, 1997 Gloria Jean Pitts

Benicia, CA Richland, WA April 2, 1997 March 8, 1997 Ann Randall Audrey Woodhull Farmington,CT Macy, NE January 29, 1997 March 6, 1997 Ezzatullah Saeed Adela Yanez

Salt Lake City, UT Harlingen, TX February 19,1997 March 26, 1997

[Page 36]THe American BAHA’t 36

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

For information about events sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Baha’f National Center, please phone 847869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. The numbers for the permanent Bahd’{ schools and institutes are as follows: Bosch Baha’{ School, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564; e-mail Green Acre Baha'i School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-439-7202; e-mail

Louhelen Baha’f School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810653-7181; e-mail Louis G. Gregory Bah4’f Institute, phone 803-558-5093; fax 803-558-9114; e-mail Native American Bah4’i Institute, phone/fax 520-521-1063; e-mail

MAY

23-25: Institute for local Spiritual Assembly Development with Dr. Hoda Pictured are the 36 adults and two teenagers who completed the inaugural Mahmoudi, Louhelen Baha’i School. course in Basic Mediation held last November 16-17 at the Baha'i Center in Los 23-26: Preparation for Marriage and Child-Rearing (for ages 15 and older), Angeles, California. The training focused on aiming for the Baha’{ goal of unity Louhelen Baha’f School. in diversity through developing skills needed for effective communication and 24-25: “Persian Roots: Ancient to Today,” conference in English, Chicago peaceful conflict resolution. The course, co-sponsored by the Jamal Area Hilton Hotel, with parallel conference in Persian sponsored by the Friends of Council and Los Angeles Baha'i Women’s Association Committee, was coor- Persian Culture Association. Speakers to include Drs. Frank Lewis, Susan dinated by Margaret Leeds with the help of co-trainers Keyvan Geula and Nancy Maneck, Mana Derakhshani, Ahang Rabbani, Jaleh Khadem, Amin Banani. Hope. Also, Gretchen Peters McAllister, Bijan Ferdowsi. For information or to register,

phone 847-733-3526 or e-mail Registration fee: $40.

30-June 1: 8th annual Southeast Asian Community Builders Roundtable

Cae gs RRM RO ee my Discussion conference, planned and facilitated by the National Baha’i Refugee | PR avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The American Balt send all | Office, Bosch Baha’{ School. A youth program to run onearenty, Jie] MOvINGT fesilly members’ name, nis address and mulling label to: Mnmagemant 55. 30-June 1: Marriage Enrichment weekend retreat, Green Acre Baha’{ School. |_| Newavpress IL. 60201-1611. If acquiring a Post Office box, your residence address (c) I must be filled in .Please allow three weeks for processing. (This also JUNE | wpdatee Gio National Contes Gauebee) | 5-8: Pioneer /BYSC/SITA Training session, Wilmette, Illinois. For information, | A.NAME(S) | contact the Office of Pioneering, 847-733-3508 (fax 847-733-3509; e-mail | L | 5-8: Second annual Pacific Islander Teaching Conference, Bosch Baha’i 8 | LD. | School. Counselor Afemata Moli Chang to speak on “The Ocean of Light.” 2 6-8: Summer School, Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute, Hemingway, South | | gory sway, 1D Carolina. Theme: “Unlocking the Power of Action.” 3 : 8 | a | 6-8: Fostering the Advancement of Women with Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi, Penny [cas i | Schmicker and Gwendolyn Watson, Louhelen Baha’f School. l 1D.« | 6-11: Bah’{ Studies for College Youth with Dr. Rick Johnson and Connie Chen, Louhelen Baha’{ School. | B.NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS Cc. NEW MAILING ADDRESS | 7: Spring Work & Evening Campfire/Picnic, Native American Baha’{ Institute. | | 13-15: Spiritual Assembly Development forum, directed to Assemblies in the = MOREE RE aS |_| Northeastern states, Green’Acre Baha’{ School. | | 13-17: Colorado East Baha’i Summer School, Camp Jackson YMCA, Rye. rent @ (if apphical Registrar: Don Brayton, Woodland Park, CO 80863 | Apartment @ (if applicable) Apartment # (if applicable) | ( : + phone 719-687-3351; e-mail lea a I 16-end of summer: “High Endeavors” Summer Teaching Project, Alaska. \ os me |_| June 14-July 6: three weeks of interactive training for youth ages 13-24. July 7— ap asan a Zea 14: teaching activities in Anchorage. July 15-20: teaching in communities near ip ip 8 8 iy; 8 l | | Anchorage. July 21-end of summer: teaching by Youth Workshops and teams

with travel assignments throughout Alaska. To join, contact the Baha’ National

| D.New communtry RHOME TE EON | Office, 907-345-3740. RUHI coordinators and teachers, contact Yeganeh Ataian, | - - - | | 907-345-9408, fax 907-345-8540, or e-mail [eases of nee Bali t commencnity Moving date, Zi]): 7 Ares coe: Phone meade) Nise J 19-22: Third annual Vanguard of the Dawning conference, Birmingham, Ala| RWORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) | bama, Civic Center. Theme: “Reflections of the Spirit.” For information, phone 205-366-0567 or fax 205-758-4613. | | 20-23: Camp Green Acre, for ages 8-12, Green Acre Baha’{ School.. - P 8 | _Amicole Phosenember Name ‘Area code Phone number Name | 22-27: Camp Louhelen for children ages 8-12 years with Joannie Yuille, Rona Schechter, Angie Blacksherer, Susan Modarai, George and Mary Wilson, Lou| G.WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: H.IWOULDLIKEACoPY | helen Baha’f School. : we do not have the same last the last names and addresses on our Our household receives only one 22. Third annual Choral School and first Children’s Music Camp, Bosch faa. We donot wt copy of The American Bans T Bah hool. P Copies 00 pease “<opy to receive my own copy. . Lec anspets Red nsnte hazetieg my name 1B.amieP ant 22-July 5: Children’s Academy, Louis G. Gregory Bahé’{ Institute. | | 22-July 12: Junior Youth Academy I, Louis G. Gregory Bahé’{ Institute.

27-29: Southern California Baha’i Summer School, weekend camp in the mountains at Pilgrim Pines. For information, phone 909-984-4727 or 909-9831022.

27-July 2: “The Spiritual Significance of the Institutions: Assembly as Loving Parent,” with Auxiliary Board member Farah Rosenburg, and “Developing K Genius,” with John Kolstoe, Green Acre Baha’f School.

28-29: Overnight Children’s Conference, “Teaching Begins—Teach Self,” YWCA gym, Flint, Michigan. Designed for ages 6-13 with adult attendingfathers welcome. Cost: $12 per person payable to Flint YWCA. Attendance is

Hall Mevallld Hal limited to 75. Registration to: Darlene Rivers, Flint, MI sbbalbUaslbaaslbllisbshsth ath taaths 48503 (phone 810-235-5471 week-ends only).

eee EEE ZEN TTT DOF ib JULY

3-6: Bay Area Baha’ Social Group Retreat, Bosch Baha’ School.

4-6: Bellemont Bah4’f Summer School, Flagstaff, Arizona. Theme: “America’s Destiny.” Keynote speakers: Dr. J.S. Samandari, Dr. William Maxwell. For information, contact the Bellemont School Committee, c/o Val Latham, P.O. Box 233, Flagstaff, AZ 86003, or phone 520-526-5152.

4-9: “The Golden Example of Louis Gregory,” with Jane Faily and Leonard Smith, Green Acre Baha’{ School. Baha’i National Center 4-9: Persian-American Baha’{ Studies session, Louhelen Baha’{ School. 1233 Central St. 8-13: “Teachers on the March” Training Institute, Bosch Baha’{ School. Also,