The American Bahá’í/Volume 28/Issue 8/Text

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[Page 1]

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Nationwide media campaign in offing

A campaign to acquaint unprecedented numbers of Americans with the teachings of the Baha’ Faith is taking shape, as the National Spiritual Assembly prepares to launch the effort on several fronts beginning in January.

This major step forward in teaching will rely on both national and local activity.

L.A. effort is centered on service

Baha’is involving neighbors in plans

By TOM MENNILLO

Los Angeles Baha’is take to heart Baha’u’llah’s exhortation that “the essence of faith is fewness of words and abundance of deeds.”

A prime example is the Unity Center being constructed adjacent to the Los Angeles Baha’i Center.

It’s not, by a long shot, the only one. The friends have a track record of community involvement that began long before the riots five years ago threw national attention on South Central L.A.

But it has coalesced the Baha'is’ belief that the key to teaching is servin, others. Several points in the Spiritual Assembly’s teachin plan concern outreach, especially to children and youth.

The community’s vision for a Unity Center came into focus over a number of years.

The 5,500-square-foot space on the Rodeo Road side of the Baha’i Center

See UNITY, Page 8

d.S., Mexico

The National Spiritual Assemblies of Mexico and the United States further strengthened their close bonds of friendship and unity June 28 as four members of the U.S. National Assembly met with their sister Assembly in

lexico City to discuss ways in which the two communities can support and enhance cross-border teaching and consolidation.

Four members of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly—Juana Conrad, William Davis, Patricia Locke and James Nelson—consulted with the full National Assembly of Mexico and Counselor Arturo Serrano ona variety

National efforts will center on a proclamation campaign, to include cable television broadcasts of new programs about the Baha’ Faith, a national Baha'i Web site for the public, a toll-free telephone line for responses, development of new literature for teaching, and a national public relations effort.

Local communities will be encouraged

An Afrika West Productions dancer performs inside a ‘Unity Circle’ during Peace Fest Sept. 13-14 at the Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute. See story on Page 2. (Photo by Tom Mennillo)

hold teaching ‘summit’

of issues including the exchange of traveling teachers and pioneers, teaching among indigenous peoples, establishing training institutes to prepare pioneers and traveling teachers to serve in border communities, and collaborating more closely in areas of external affairs.

Also on the agenda was a full discussion of the pressing need to develop and publish printed materials in Spanish. The National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico is considering establishing its own Publishing Trust. In a visible display of support, Mrs. Locke represented the U.S. National Assembly at

to take advantage of the national proclamation by intensifying their fireside teaching and public relations activity, and establishing regular devotional meetings and ate eaining programs.

“This initiative is the next step in advancing the process of entry by troops in the United States,” said Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of

the National Spiritual Assembly. “It builds on efforts already under way, and also lays a foundation for a new level of teaching in this country. This will truly be a national teaching campaign, one that will potentially involve every individual believer as well as all

See MEDIA, Page 31

Divine Plan fuels preparations for Regional Councils

Only a few weeks remain before the anniversary of the Birth of Bahd’u'llah and the election of the four Regional Baha’i Councils in the United States.

To pele the believers Prepare in prayer and deepening for the establishment of this new institution, an insert has been placed in this issue of The American Baha'i.

This commemorative piece, titled Diffusing the Divine Fragrances, includes prayers and other excerpts from a tablet for each U.S. region from the Tablets of the Divine Plan. Each Regional Baha’ Council will benefit from the spiritual energy created as the believers recite the prayer for their own region on a regular basis.

Tellers for the elections—to be held between sunset Nov. 11 and sunset Nov. 12—have been appointed from among members of local Spiritual Assert who will be the eligible voters.

The number of tellers selected was determined by the number of local Spiritual Assemblies in each region, with nine tellers serving the Northeastern states, 20 serving the Southern states, 12 serving the Central states and 22 serving the Western states.

Names of these tellers will remain confidential until after the votes have been counted. The National Spiritual Assembly will announce the election results to the American Baha’ community.

Arrangements are being made for those elected to serve on the Regional Councils to take part in a weekend orientation meeting Dec. 12-14 at the Baha’i National Center.

Continental Counselors and National Spiritual Assembly members will be active participants in the orientation, which will cover the immediate tasks assigned to the Regional Councils.

INSIDE THIS ISS'

the Indigenous Book Fair in Oaxaca.

Plans are under way for a collaborative effort among the National Spiritual Assemblies of Brazil, Mexico and the U.S. for an International Day of Indigenous Peoples, scheduled for Aug. 9, 1998, to recognize the unique and distinct contributions of indigenous peoples to the advancement of human civilization.

These recent activities are an important milepost on the road toward more widespread collaborative projects and opportunities for further discussions that are being pursued with our sister community to the south.

> Computer software designed for Assemblies is closer to reality 3

> Youth: Knowing when it’s time to be a pioneer 4

> Reflections ona visit by a Hand of the Cause and answers on Huqtiqu’lléh 9

> Building ona celebrated quest fora woman’s rights 11

[Page 2]THe American BaHA’l 2

Peace Fest creates living garden of unity

By TOM MENNILLO

Willie Bethune may have been briefly at a loss for words when it was announced at Peace Fest 1997 that he would receive anAmbassador of Peace award from the Louis Gregory Baha’i Institute.

But the executive director of community mental health centers for the South Carolina Department of Health knew just what to say when he stood to accept the surprise honor.

le called the institute a “mecca we can come to to be strengthened, then leave to serve.” And he lauded the LGBI staff as people who “not only profess with their mouths but exemplify through their daily lives ... their service to God and seek to strengthen, nurture and teach in this remote area.”

That, in a nutshell, described the purpose of this 12th annual celebration Sept. 13-14 on the institute grounds outside Hemingway, South Carolina. For Peace Fest blended the talents and efforts of Baha’is and non-Bahd’is of all backgrounds in an exhibition of unity in diversity.

Opening day was seven hours of music, storytelling, crafts, and lots of food. Despite 90-degree temperatures, high humidity, and gnats galore, a crowd of about 200 sat enjoying performers:

¢ The Conway Children’s Baha’i Workshop;

• Rappers Crucial Impact, “kickin’ the truth tothe

young black youth”;

¢ Reggae singer Sate:

¢ The Charlotte (North Carolina) Baha’{ Youth Workshop, with several powerful pieces including a tribute to the “nameless and faceless” martyrs;

¢ The Hunnah Chillun Singers from Charleston, punctuating their spirituals with delightful tales told in the Gullah tongue echoing life on the plantations of James, Johns, and Edisto islands;

¢ Folk singer Joni Bishop of Nashville, Tennessee.

• Hemingway-born storyteller Lloyd Wilson of

Wilmington, North Carolina.

¢ The ever-popular Afrika West Productions troupe, which had everyone on their feet joining ina unity circle.

THE AMERICAN BAH

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'is of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

Editor: James Humphrey Associate Editor: Tom Mennillo

Send address changes to Management Information Services, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201

1611. Copyright © 1997 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States. World rights

reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Submitting articles, photos

The American Baha'i welcomes news, letters and other items of interest from individuals and institutions of the Baha'i Faith. ¢ Articles should be clear and concise. Stories may be edited for length.

• Photographs may be color or black-and-white;

glossy prints are preferred. Please identify people in photos when possible. If you wish photos returned, please include a suitable self-addressed envelope in your mailing.

• Deadlines for upcoming issues:

October 21 for the issue dated November 23. November 24 for the issue dated December 31. Please address all items for possible publication to The Editor, The American Bahd’t, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail

The Charlotte Baha'i Youth Workshop (above) pays tribute to the ‘nameless, faceless’ martyrs in its well-received performance at Peace Fest. Carolyn White (right) of the Hunnah Chillun Singers tells a story in Gullah dialect. (Photos by Tom Mennillo)

¢ Last but definitely not least, the Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Gospel Choir.

In between, the vendors beckoned. There were T-shirts with positive messages, penetrating charcoal drawings, children’s clothing, and exquisite jewelry. And tantalizing rural Southern cuisine—washed down with plenty of soda and lemonade, of course.

Children swung and climbed on the playground or engaged in impromptu touch football.

Old friends hugged, all the while looking for new friends to embrace.

All departed that night tired but on a natural high that continued into Sunday's unity worship service.

At the afternoon gathering, the gospel choir again sang. Rose McCoy and Chuck Thomas also offered inspirational solos.

Jamal Beckmon and Fran Goods recited prayers. Readings were given by Curtis Goods and by Laura

Schell, who, with then-director Dr. Roy Jones, was instrumental in staging the first Peace Fest.

This year’s essay contest, on the topic of how the equality of women and men promotes peace, again produced stunning insights from school students. Winners of $50 and certificates were Allen Jackson, fifth prace: Elizabeth

yerly, seventh grade; and Richlyn Neal, ninth grade. Allen and Richlyn read their essays, while Elizabeth’s was read in her absence by her principal, Rebecca Lundy.

Then came the annual Ambassador of Peace awards. Mr. Bethune was joined as a recipient by Pat Singletary, area director of Special

Olympics, _ who praised her fellow volunteers and

thanked the Lord for “the special child who led me to this path.”

Greg Kintz, manager of WLGI Radio Baha'i and one of the institute’s leadership team along with Sophia Berhane (programs) and Lanita Barnes (business), delivered closing remarks.

Noting that the Universal House of Justice has held up the Bahai community as a model for study, he urged his audience to investigate what this community is all about and how it has brought together such a diversity of people in love, harmony, fellowship, and striving for unity.

Changing times at The American Baha’

discern ina tran Although the reader must look closel: the physical evidence, The American Baha sitional phase.

Jack Bowers, the paper’s editor for the past 20 years, retired in June and handed the reins to James (Bud) Humphrey, who comes to Wilmette from a position as metro copy editor at the San Antonio (Texas) Express-News.

When Mr. Bowers became its editor in June 1977, the paper was in its seventh year of publication, having first been produced in 1970 by the National Teaching Committee as an extension of the U.S. supplement to Baha'i News.

“Guiding The American Baha'i through its ‘adolescence’ has been both challenging and rewarding,” says Mr. Bowers. “The 20 years have gone by all too quickly) but it is good to leave knowing that the paper will continue to mature and improve under Bud's able direction.”

Mr. Humphrey, who has worked at daily newspapers in Idaho and Texas for 16 years, says he looks forward to reinforcing Mr. Bowers’ legacy of excellence.

“Jack's leadership will be greatly missed,” he says. “He really is ‘the editor,’ and we intend to build on the solid foundation he has established to make The American Baha'i an even more effective and timely means of communication between the National Spiritual Assembly and the American Baha’i community.”

The newspaper will see further transition in the next few months, withAmethel Parel-Sewell taking the post of managing editor for production and art director, as Mr. Humphrey becomes managing editor for editorial content. Ms. Parel-Sewell designed the booklet, Diffusing the Divine Fragrances, included with this issue.

Under the umbrella of Baha’i Media Services, the team is creating a “new look” redesign for The American Baha'i and, in consultation with the Office of Management Information Services, is helping to develop an electronic version of the paper on the national Baha’i Administrative Web Site.

Also planned soon is an increase in the number of issues per year, returning to an issue each Baha'i calendar month (19 a year).

Tom Mennillo, based in Atlanta, Georgia, remains as associate editor and principal staff writer. He also contributes to video production for Baha’i Media Services.

Correction An article on last summer’s Baha’i centennial celebration in Enterprise, Kansas, in the September 8, 1997, issue of The American Baha'i contained an editing error. The story mistakenly indicated the town of Enterprise had a current Baha'i resident.

[Page 3]‘Im B.E. 154 * Octosen 16,1997 3

NEWS

ecial notices

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States

eptember 19, 1997 Dear Baha’ t friends,

Dr. Farid Akhtarekhavari

It has come to the attention of the Universal House of Justice that the above-named individual, undeterred by the removal of his administrative rights as a Bahd’{, is continuing his campaign of defamation against the United States National Spiritual Assembly and several of its members. As the friends are already aware, Dr. Akhtarekhavari’s irresponsible accusations regarding the management of World Congress funds have alread: been refuted by a review of the relevant documents at the Baha’f World Center and by a comprehensive re FROM THE UNIVERSAL

HOUSE OF JUSTICE

rt submitted by a reputable firm of inancial auditors.

The House of Justice is deeply saddened that a member of so distinguished a Baha’ family should surrender in this fashion to a delusion which has led him to violate elementary principles of the Faith he professes. Those friends who know and love Dr. Akhtarekhavari can best assist him by their prayers and by a firm refusal to be drawn into any discussion of the entirely unfounded suspicions that continue to agitate him.

The Grand Canyon Baha’f Conference, sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of Phoenix, Arizona, with support from the communities in the Greater Phoenix area, is an annual event that for over a decade has been a source of motivation and inspiration to an increasing number of friends from across the country and the globe.

In the spring of this year, the National Spiritual Assembly received distressing news from the local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha fs of Phoenix that approximately $90,000 of conference funds had been misappro riated in the past few years by mem of the Phoenix Baha’{ community who served on the Grand Canyon Baha’{ Conference Committee. ‘National Spiritual Assembly took action by sending two of its members to Phoenix in June to inform the friends of the disturbin, rt and to assure them that the fin ings of a complete investigation would be made known to them.

A meeting was called by the National Spiritual Assembly for that purpose on Sept. 23, 1997, in Phoenix, Arizona, and the findings given.

Present at the meeting were Auxiliary Board member Enayatollah Rohani, who was the representative of the Continental Board of Counselors, and the National Spiritual Assembly’s representatives: Juana Conrad, Robert C. Henderson and Jack McCants.

They informed the friends that the National Spiritual Assembly was saddened by the earlier report that identified the inconsistencies in the management of the financial operations and stewardship of the Grand Canyon Baha‘ Coen that fomented

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes the inet to know that the book entitled The Beat of the Drum by Maku and Kuming was not approved for publication because it openly promotes and endorses the visions and teachings of Frank

LeQuiere.

Conference finances investigated

FROM THE NATIONAL

SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

distrust and weakened the spiritual health of the Baha’{ communities in the Greater Phoenix area.

They reported that immediately thereafter, the National Spiritual Assembly took several actions to assist the local Assembly and to rebuild unity within the institution and the community. Among them were the appointments of individuals to fulfill specific responsibilities: investigators, a temporary trustee of the financial affairs of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of Phoenix, auditors to review the financial statements of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd’is of Phoenix and the Grand Canyon Baha’{ Conference to determine the full extent of the irregularities, and an Administrative Oversight Committee to supervise the financial operations and contracts associated with the conference.

The representatives informed the friends present that the investigation had been completed, and recalled the Universal House of Justice’s reference to the institution of the local Spiritual Assembly as the “lovin shepherd of the Baha’f flock” an the statement that upon the “degree to which the members of these Assemblies grasp the true significance of the divine institution on which they serve, arise selflessly to fulfill their prescribed and sacred duties, and persevere in their endeavors, depends toa large extent the healthy

See CONFERENCE, Page 21

Notice to the friends

Mr. LeQuiere was expelled from the Faith as a Covenant-breaker in 1977 owing to his disobedience and disregard of the directives and admonitions of the Universal House of Justice and his distortion of the Teachings of the Faith to serve his own purposes.

Assembly software closer to reality

5 localities helping design programs; goal is to go nationwide by 2000

It’s the dream of many a local Assembly secretary or treasurer: computer software that fits the needs of the job.

That goal has been taken on by five local Spiritual Assemblies in collabo. ration with the national Office of Management Information Services, and they hope the result will be in use nationwide by the end of the Four Year Plan at Ridvan 2000.

The idea was hatched five years ago as part of the vision of decentralization—moving some responsibilities from the national Baha’ offices to the local level, according to Farzad Mogharabi, coordinator of the MIS office.

Computerizing local Assembly functions was designated as one of the early steps in that process, and the Assemblies of Portland, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Utah; San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, California, were invited last year to be part of the discussion and development.

“The consultation was on these issues: If you’re going to decentralize administrative functions, what to decentralize?” Mr. Mogharabi said. “And what to automate to assist administrative functions?”

Distilled from roughly 100 pages of requirements expressed in a weekend session were five broad areas:

¢ Membership records.

¢ Communication.

¢ Teaching support.

¢ Financial and contribution system.

¢ Document management.

The five Assemblies took on two major responsibilities for the project: Each Assembly would be in charge of seimning, software for one of those five needs, and they all would help raise funds for the computer stations, software development and other technical requirements of the project.

n early version of the first phase of the software project, dubbed LSAI for Local Spiritual Assembly Integration and Automation, was unveiled at the National Baha’i Center in September and has been demonstrated for the five “pilot” Assemblies.

New alongside familiar

It presents the user with a Windowsbased set of menus and mouse-activated “buttons” to run programs associated with the five needs, along with a familiar suite of general-use office software.

The first phase, expected to be made available for beta testing by the pilot Assemblies on Nov. 21, includes software developed with input from Portland and Los Angeles for the communication and membership functions.

Communication features include an e-mail component that will work with the national communication system to allow the speeding of communication between local and national, and eventually regional, offices.

A Web browser is included to allow Assemblies to log on to the Internet and access a password-protected Web site

that will contain—for example—up-todate searchable versions of the treasurer’s and secretary's manuals, not to mention manuals for advanced use of the programs.

The membership module will allow each Assembly to keep address phone records of the Baha’fs within its community, recording moves and transfers as they happen and generating any needed statistical reports, in a style similar to the national recordkeeping system.

The membership and communication systems can work hand in hand, Mr. Mogharabi said: When a local Assembly computer logs on to the national system for e-mail, Web or other function, any membership updates can be automatically exchanged between the local and national databases.

“T think we are getting the best of both worlds,” Mr. Mogharabi said, “using the Internet as a means of communication and having the software locally to do the daily functions the Assembly needs.”

The system will require each Assembly to pay for its own Internet hookup. The MIS office has contracted with a national provide that can give any locality access at a competitive monthly rate, Mr. Mogharabi said.

Security features

He added that security features are being built into the system to protect against unauthorized access.

Over the next year, the financial system, being developed by Salt Lake City, the teaching module, by San Diego, and the document management features, by San Francisco, will be readied for final testing by all five Assemblies.

But they’re not waiting for all five parts to be completed before the software is shared with the rest of the country.

“We don’t have to wait for the whole thing to be tested and running before we roll it out,” Mr. Mogharabi said.

Once the bugs are worked out of the membership and communication software, each of the five pilot Assemlies will train five more local Assemblies in the region while MIS begins to train Assemblies in other regions of the country. When those Assemblies are ready, each one will in turn train five more—sort of an “each one teach five” operation, until all the Assemblies that have the desire and resources are hooked up. The same is planned for the future phases of the project.

The advent of Regional Baha’ Councils has added a new twist to the planning, Mr. Mogharabi said. Because Regional Teaching Committees have been in operation, the need for regional databases had been discussed, but plans can’t be made firm until the Regional Councils meet and consult on their own needs.

“This system also meets the needs of Auxiliary Board members,” he said, mbing that members of the Auxiliary Boards also have been part of the project from the beginning.

[Page 4]THe American BaHA’i 4

per Youth: balancing service with schooling

Part 1 of 2

How do I balance the urgent call to service at this critical moment in history with my other obligations?

In its June 10, 1966, message to the Baha’f youth in every land, the Universal House of Justice outlined “Three great fields of service” which “lie o) before young Baha’is, in which they will simultaneously be remaking the character of human society and preparing themselves for the work they can undertake later in their lives”:

¢ “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, ... which is linked intimately with the first, is teaching the faith, particularly to their fellow youth, among whom are some of the most open and seeking minds in the world.” Youth are often able to arise to teach wherever need and opportunities abound because of their “native urge to move from place to place,” their generally greater freedom to choose where they will study, work and live, and perhaps most importantly, their “abounding zeal.”

¢ “The third ... is the preparation by youth for their later years” which includes their duty “to acquire knowledge of the arts and sciences and to learn a trade or a profession whereby they ... can earn their living and support their families.” The House of Justice adds, “This, for a Baha’{ youth, is in itself a service to God, a service,

International teaching events

upcoming for 1997

October 24-26: International Baha’ Environment Conference at de Poort Conference Cen We invite you to join us for one of the upcoming Pioneering/BYSC/ SITA Institutes. They will be held at the following times and places:

• Oct. 31-Nov. 3—Green Acre

Bah4‘f School in Eliot, Maine.

• Jan. 16-19, 1998—Bosch Baha’i

School in Santa Cruz, California.

moreover, which can be combined with teaching the Faith and often with pioneering.”

Youth have been called upon to redouble their efforts to achieve these goals and to serve the Cause even more directly in subsequent messages from the Universal House of Justice, such as that of January 3, 1984: “May you all persevere in your individual efforts to teach the Faith, but with added zest, to study the Writings, but with greater earnestness. May you ipursue your education and training for future service to mankind, offering as much of your free time as possible to activities on behalf of the Cause.” Similarly, in the Four Year Plan message to the Baha’f world of Ridvan 1996, the House of Justice praised the achievements of the youth in the Three Year Plan, noting their accomplishments in “hundreds of new enrollments and the formation of many local Spiritual Assemblies; involvement ... in music and the arts as a means of proclaiming and teaching the Cause ... participation in external affairs ... [more widely demonstrated] commitment to a year of service; and the increase in the num

To begin working toward service as a pioneer, contact your local Spiritual Assembly or the Office of Pioneering at 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-7333508, e-mail

We look forward to hearing from you!

ber of youth acquiring formal training and achieving academic, professional and vocational excellence,” all of which they saw as “altogether an indication that the youth are doing more in direct service to the Faith while at the same time contributing to the general development of society.”

How can I educate myself and serve at the same time?

Service, including pioneering, is an integral part of the spiritual and material education of youth and should not be considered as “time off” from it. In its letter of January 3, 1984, to the Baha’i youth of the world, the House of Justice called for “a mighty mobilization of teaching activities reflecting regularity in the pattern of service rendered by young Baha’fs,” noting: “It would accrue to the strength and stability of the Baha’i community if such patterns could be followed by succeeding generations of youth.” The Supreme Body listed some major patterns of service indicative of that “mighty mobilization,” such as traveling teachingand short-term projects “dedicated to both teaching the Faith and improving the living conditions of people” as

To follow in their footsteps ...

enviab!

AUnguestionsbly the African-American believers are ly poised to bring the life-giving Teachings of

well as “...volunteering a set period, say one or two years, to some Baha’f service, on the homefront or abroad, in the teaching or development field.”

This urgent need, coupled with the demonstrated benefit to the development of youth, is the foundation of what has today become the National Spiritual Assembly’s Bahd’f Youth Service Corps (BYSC). Through the BYSC youth have become increasingly involved in diverse projects on the homefront and abroad that greatly broaden their perspectives, train and educate them, and serve the urgent needs in the teaching and development work of the Cause.

A period of “full-time” service may involve a momentary pause in the traditional course of formal education. But the pioneering experience often gives youth a unique perspective on the needs of humanity and on their own inclinations and abilities, and helps them bocome more mature, motivated and focused on their continuing studies.

To initiate work towards international service of any duration, you may contact your local Spiritual Assembly for consultation and a copy of the appropriate volunteer form. The staff of the Office of Pioneering also eagerly awaits the chance to assist you and can be contacted at the Baha’f National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3511, fax 847733-3509, e-mail

Next: Service as part of lifelong learning, deciding if you're ready to pioneer.

George and Bessie Washington

ter, NETHERLANDS.

Please contact the Office of Pioneering for further information about needs and opportunities for international traveling teachers. We also have the schedule of summer schools, deepening institutes and Baha’i camps in CANADA and the 1997 program of the Landegg Academy in SWITZERLAND, as well as project and event information received after the deadline for this edition of The American Baha'i.

Contact: Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201; phone 847-733-3508 or 3511; or e-mail (for traveling teaching and international events):

Books on pioneering available

Now available: A Manual for Pioneers, an enlightening and light-hearted book written by Hand of the Cause of God, Ruhiyyih Rabbani, for $5.00, and Quickeners of Mankind, the only compilation of the Baha‘f Writings on pioneering including the Writings of the Bab, Bahd’u’llah, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Shoghi Effendi, the Universal House of Justice, Hands of the Cause of God, and Counselors, for $1.50.

We encourage all to order these wonderful and informative publications by contacting the Office of Pioneering. Please make checks out to Baha‘i Services Fund and send to the Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston i 60201.

Bahd’u'llah to the peoples of sub-Saharan Africa itself, with whom they share a common ancestry. Shoghi Effendi specially encouraged black Americans to pioneer to Africa and there have been some who heeded that call, serving the Cause with great distinction and to great effect. But many more are needed.”

—Universal House of Justice,

letter dated February 14, 1994

In 1954 George Washington wrote to the U.S. African Teaching Committee requesting that he and his wife, Bessie, “be enlisted in the ranks of the World Crusaders on the continent of Africa.”

When he wrote to the committee, he was 60 years old and Bessie was 55, and both had been active believers in Seattle for more than 10 years. Leaving the Christian ministry after accepting Baha’u’llah, he was for a time an educator and, later, a building contractor.

By spring 1955, the Washingtons sold their properties and arranged to depart for Liberia with their 8-year-old grandson Rickey. The Hand of the Cause of God Musa Banani had desired that they settle in the Gambia, but with the difficulty in obtaining the required visas, it was agreed that they first settle in Liberia and try to relocate later.

The Washingtons arrived in Monrovia July 19, 1955. After a few months, Mr. Washington decided he preferred to live in the hinterland. They chose the village of Gboweta, 137 miles east of Monrovia.

The peshin gions took out Liberian citizenship, they said, solely because that would enable them to buy land to leave to the Baha’ Faith. Only citizens could own land there and only people of African descent could become citizens.

Fourth in a series

The Washingtons bought 400 acres, built a Baha’f Center and started a school for the illiterate believers. Their land subsequently became the first Baha’f endowment in Liberia, and possibly in West Africa.

In spite of many tests, the Washingtons never complained or expressed regret. They courageously and with great steadfastness stood up to all that befell them.

Bessie Washington ascended to the Abhé Kingdom April 23, 1959, after a short illness. She was buried on the property she and George had donated to the Faith only a few months before. George followed her on May 30, 1959.

In testimony to these glorious souls, one fellow pioneer wrote: “...the name and Banner of Baha’u’llah [was] planted on a hill ... It had cost two precious lives, but it was done and those who follow after will never be able to comprehend how it was done. .-. Baha’u’llah can convert all our weaknesses and incapabilities into immortality.”

The Universal House of Justice, in a letter dated February 24, 1971, and addressed to the National Assembly of the United States, shared with us an extract from a letter it had received from the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahé Ruhiyyih Khanum: “...We spent two nights sleeping in the Washingtons’ old home; I would have loved to know those two ... they must have been singularly wonderful believers, for in the village where they taught the people have remained firm and devoted and have a great love for those two pioneers. ... One does not often in any country find a foundation laid like this one!”

[Page 5]

‘.. a dynamic television series designed to reach every waiting soul and particularly helps Christians understand the relationship between Christ and Baha‘u'llah.’

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by Ronald Tomanio

$8.95 SC (LP)

A beautiful and touching story of a young girl, her dog and the answer to her prayers. Find out what happens when one Naw-Riz, Lilly, aided by her dog, Peggy, throws a bottle with a message into the river. A charming true story for young children.

6%"x10", 32 pp., illustrations

George Ronald

‘Touching on many subjects, these glimpses of a poet's soul are ... moving and eloquent.’

The Roads HOME

The Roads Home ,~

by Rowell Hoff

$16.95 SC (RHS)

Anexceptional collection of poetry written over a span of 50 years by poet and Baha’ f Rowell Hoff. Touching on many subjects, both familiar and personal, these glimpses of a poet’s soul are indeed moving and eloquent.

5%"x8%", 226 pp.

George Ronald

LIGHTS OF PORTITUDE

Barron Harper

Lights of Fortitude ,/ by Barron Harper 4 $29.95 SC (LF)

Here is a unique collection of pen portraits of each of the 50 Hands of the Cause of God, the “Chief Stewards of Baha’u’ll4h’s embryonic World Commonwealth.” Drawn from many sources, including accounts by Hands themselves, these brief essays provide a fascinating insight into the lives of this small band of individuals whose rank is unparalleled in religious history and who, in the words of 'Abdu’l-Bahé, “have diffused widely the Divine Fragrances, declared His Proofs, proclaimed His Faith, published abroad His Law, detached themselves from all things but Him, stood for righteousness in the world, and kindled the Fire of the Love of God in the very hearts and souls of His servants.”

6"x9", 551 pp., introduction, photographs, bibliography, references and notes, index

George Ronald

| THE ISLAND: OF THE + AME NAME Bees

by Joseph Shepperd $23.95 SC (ISN)

‘.. about the times in

which we live.’ The Island of the Same Name

This debut novel by Baha’ { author Joseph Shepperd follows the adventures and discoveries of two generations of researchers: an archaeologistnamed Hemet Recuero Holden and his daughter, Maya Lillian Holden, an anthropologist. Each in turn visits the same African island, but each discovers vastly different things. Hemet uncovers the remnants of a an intriguing culture and meets the sole survivor of a

vo

Stories of the

Greatest Holy Leaf

‘A collection of delightful stories ... offers children of all ages a glimpse of the love, dignity and insight which characterized [the Greatest Holy Leaf].’

strange religion on the verge of extinction. Years later Maya chances upon the birth of a tribal movement which has gathered to “choose a future” and decide the direction that the world will follow; a people who await the coming of a civilization, yet unborn; people who regard themselves as the parents of the “new race of humans.” Although part of the story is set in the future and part in the past, it is about the times in which we live. 6"x9", 576 pp., illustrations Manifest Books

compiled by Jacqueline Mehrabi

$15.95 HC (SGHL)

Acollection of delightful stories, each one conveying amoving, amusing or inspiring incident from the life of the Greatest Holy Leaf, offers children of all ages a glimpse of the love, dignity and insight which characterized “the outstanding heroine of the Bah4’{ Dispensation.”

6%"x8%", 44pp., illustrations

Baha'i Publishing Trust, United Kingdom

‘. presents extracts from the writings and utterances of ‘Abdu'l-Baha on the theme of forgiveness, helping to orient and instruct us.

Forgiveness Jewels from the Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha $5.95 SC (HS)

The sixth in the Jewels series presents extracts from the writings and utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahé on the theme of forgiveness, helping to orient

and instruct us in this sacred obligation. 6"x6", 40 p., bibliography, references Baha’i Publishing Trust, United Kingdom

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[Page 6]Tue American Bans't = 6

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Regional Baha’i

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letters from the Universal House of Justice

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5%"x8%", 20 pp.

National Spiritual Assembly

The Call of Carmel

by Taraneh Ra’fati and Shidan Toloui-Wallace $10.95 CS (COCC) Aselection of Baha’ f prayers and poems chanted and sung in Persian, recorded in the Holy Land and dedicated to the friends who serve there.

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Memorials of the

Faithful by ‘Abdu’l-Baha $10.95 SC (MFS) Memorials of the Faithful, by s ‘Abdu’ l-Bahd, immortalizes the lives of 69 early Baha’ {fs who were the essence of faithfulness. In outward form it is a collection of brief biographical sketches, but they do not concern the personal transitory aspects of human life. It is the quality of the soul, the attributes of the spirit, the quintessential humanity, and the reflection of the Divine in man that is the focus here. This is a book to be savored slowly, allowing the figurative language to create its own spirit as these words of “Abdu’l-Baha trace the shape of the valley of love and faithfulness. 5¥%"x8%", 204 pp., contents, glossary Baha'i Publishing Trust

Tals Managing with the

Wisdom of Love Uncovering Virtue in People and Organizations

Dorothy Marcic

$24.95 HC (MWL) Disappointing re-engineering and downsizing efforts have prompted many managers to realize that prescribed formulas and materialistic solutions are not the total answer to organizational problems. But what more is there? In Managing with the Wisdom of Love, Dorothy Marcic explores that question from a fundamentally different perspective as she poses an intriguing question of her own: How would the workplace change if we acknowledged that spiritual values are as important in the operations of organizations as they are in the lives of the people who work there? As the author convincingly shows, love, justice, dignity, and respect are more than just traditional spiritual ideas; they are also the new management virtues needed in the contemporary workplace.

6%"x9%", 156 pp., notes, references, index Jossey-Bass

The Land of Mystery by Bill Fagan

$15.95 CD (LOMCD) The Land of Mystery is aninstrumental album inspired by the power, the majesty, and the gentle beauty of the Faith of Bahé’u’llh. It is ideal for personal upliftment and meditation, and for setting the mood at Feast, Holy Day and other spiritual gatherings. Composed and orchestrated by Bill Fagan, it intertwines his unique style with Persian, African and Western influences. Live flute and percussion were contributed by Ken LaRoche, formerly of Do’ah.

39 minutes

KMF Productions

Suite: Mothers

& Angels

by Caroline Mackay $18.00 CD (SMACD), $12.00 CS (SMACS)

The mystical Celtic harp and the extraordinary voice of Caroline Mackay cast an ancient spell upon the heart. Moving from simplicity to intensity, this impressive new recording celebrates the sacred role of women in the transformation of mankind. Caroline has been internationally acclaimed for the clarity and tenderness of her voice. Her previous CD, O Most Mighty Ocean! Selected Passages from the Kitdb-i-Aqdas, has become a most sought-after title, played worldwide at Feasts and Holy Days as well as for private meditation and creativity. Suite: Mothers & Angels includes the Little Maidservant’s Prayer, a passionate ode for the Bab by the poet Téhirih, Let’s Be Angels, and many more enchanting songs of mothers, daughters and grandmothers ... a giftofheavenly ballads and blessings.

58 minutes

High Spirits Music

Lua Getsinger

Herald of the Covenant Velda Piff Metelmann $29.95 SC (LGHC)

When so many Baha'is around the worldname their daughter Lua inhermemory, why do weknow so little about her? This intriguing question drew Velda Piff Metelmannintoa fascinating journey of research into the life of this renowned believer and teacher of the Baha’{ Faith whose tireless travels from east to west in the United States, in Europe and in Indiaattracted hundreds to the love of their Lord. This book makes available for the first time Lua Getsinger’s own voice through her letters, diaries and talks between 1898 and 1916. Though fragmented by distance and time, it is a voice that can’t fail to find a response in modern readers.

5%"x8%", 414 pp., photos, notes, appendix George Ronald

Crossing Frontiers Portrait of a World Citizen $19.95 VT (ECFN)

This video, on the life of Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’I-Baha RuhfyyihKhanum, explores the frontiers she has crossed in her travels to over 185 countries. In the course of her travels she has given countless lectures, met many leading dignitaries, and been interviewed on radio, television and by the press throughout the world, continually promoting the essential teachings of the Baha’ Faith.

22 minutes

Badiyan Productions

CROSSING FRONTIERS

Chartreuse Blues

by Chris Ruhe

$15.95 CD (CBCD), $10.95 CS (CBCAS) Chris Ruhe brings together elements of bluegrass, folk, and pop to create a brand of blues that is “made up of many hues.” A lively, entertaining and reflective look into one musician’s ability to translate life into music.

47 minutes

Pescado Productions

Lawh-i-Aqdas (The Most Holy

Tablet) by Baha’u'llah $1.25 SC (LA)

This edition of the “Tablet to the Christians” is affordably priced to facilitate its use in teaching and as a resource for study. 5%"x8%", 18 pp.

Erich Reich Enterprises

Badi

The Pride of Martyrs

by Ivan Lloyd

$9.95 SC (BPM)

This bilingual edition (English and Persian) tells the story of one of the most courageous of the early believers, who personally delivered to the Shah of Persiaa letter from Baha'u'llah and for that act of service suffered martyrdom. This bookletalso includes full-colorreproductions of original artwork by Ivan Lloyd, the author of the book and accomplished Baha’{ artist. Beautiful reproductions and an inspiring text help keep alive the story of one of the Faith’s true heroes.

8%"x11", 16 pp., color illustrations

Day Spring Studios

Spiritual Being

A User's Guide

Happy Dobbs

$18.95 SC (SBUG)

Every new appliance, from a toaster toa computer, comes with an instruction booklet giving information on how to use it, get the best fromit, service itand fix itwhen itbreaks down. Here’s an instruction booklet for your spiritual self, containing all the information you need to know about yourself, develop your potential, understand your place in the universe, prevent personal disasters and solve problems when things go wrong. Using the Baha’f writings, stories from Baha’f history and poetry, Happy Dobbs helps us explore our true selves, from our purpose in life to our ultimate destiny. If you have ever asked yourself the question, “Who am I really?” then this book is for you.

6%"x9%", 318 pp.

George Ronald

Journey to the Heart of Africa

Mary Firman

$6.95 SC UHA)

An activity book from the same author who brought us Journey Into Exile aboutthe life of Baha’ u’ lah. Designed forchildren. 7 to 12 years old, this book has stories, activities, and information that will engage a child and make learning fun. 11%"x8%", 32 pp.

Brilliant Books

[Page 7]BAHA’i DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

Husn-Hasin

Sharamatu’ll4h Citadel of Faith

Shoghi Effendi

$26.00 HC (PCFH), $20.00 SC (PCFS)

A Persian translation of letters written by or on behalf of the Guardian of the Baha’ { Faith expounding upon the mission of the Baha’ fs of the United States and reminding them of their spiritual primacy as trustees and executors of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Divine Plan.

6%"x8%, 267 pp.

Baha'i Verlag

Los Baha’is

The Baha'is

Office of Public Information

$2.00 SC (SBM)

A Spanish edition of one of the most popular teaching and proclamation pieces ever published. A magazine format and colorful presentation give the reader a concise and informative overview of the Baha’{ Faith. This edition was developed specifically for the Latino audience.

8%"x11", 82 pp.

Editorial Baha'i de Espana

LOS BAHN IS

Remembering Shoghi Effendi

as Interpreter

by Glenford Mitchell

$8.00 CS (RSEC)

On a recent visit to this country, Mr. Glenford Mitchell, member of the Universal House of Justice, delivered a talk at the Baha’f House of Worship about Shoghi Effendi and his role as interpreter of the Sacred texts. This cassette package was mailed to all local Spiritual Assemblies this summer and a limited supply is now available for sale. 130 minutes

Baha'i Media Services

Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’I-Baha “‘Abdu'l-Baha

PS $3.95 (SWAP)

A compilation of passages from Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bah4 to the East and West. Published to “increase the fervor” of Baha’ fs and to “add to their perception of that wondrous harmony of the human and divine” that ‘Abdu’lBahd exemplified.

4%"x7", 359 pp., index, paragraph numbering

Baha'i Publishing Trust,

United States

Multiple Author Refer System

for Windows

$99.00 CD ROM

(MCDR) FOR NEW USERS $49.00 CD ROM Urcrave (MCDRU) to UPGRADE PREVIOUS

versions OF MARS

The first CD ROM version for Windows 95 and Windows 3.1 is now available! The look and feel of this updated version of the popular search and retrieve software in the Windows environmenthas to be tried to be appreciated. Now youcan. bookmark your favorite passages, take notes, go directly to a page in a book, perform fuzzy as well as complex searches and use your mouse too! The windows environment makes selecting books and authors for searching a snap, and it's easier than ever to paste to the clipboard. You won’ t believe how easy itis to use these and the many other features found in the Multiple Author Refer System! Crimson Publications

Enlightened Views compiled by Alan Bryson $9.95 SC (EV)

Alan Bryson has compiled a systematic presentation of the Baha’ { Faith from the words ofits Central Figures. Enlightened Views is ‘one of the most comprehensive compilations to be published in years. Anexcellentreference work for Baha’ fs or non-Baha’is. 5%"x8%", 364 pp., bibliography, index Sterling Publishers

Buddha Maitrya-Amitabha Has Appeared

Jamshed Fozdar

$34.95 HC (BMA)

This book is not just another thesis on Buddhism. Rather, it is an invitaion to people everywhere, especially people of religion, and particularly our Buddhist brethTen, to accompany the author in quest of that greatest of all phenomena—the advent of the Buddha Avatar—the divine manifestation, whose rare periodic appearance has been the only source of spiritual upliftment throughout humanity’s long and checkered history and for whose recurrence we stand once more in such dire need in this travailing age. Mr. Fozdar conclusively proves from the great wealth of Buddhist prophecies that this momentous event which will usherin anew golden age has already occurred and thatitis identical to the Retum of their own Redeemer awaited by Hindus, Jews, Zoroastrians, Christians and Muslims. 6"x8%", 490 pp., contents, glossary, index Jamshed Fozdar

‘Im B.E. 154 * Octoser 16, 1997 7

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Baha’i Wall Calendar 1998-99

Baha’i Datebook 1958.6

Racism is Out of Style

Television Teaching Institute

$19.95 VT (EROSN)

The Television Teaching Institute was formed to develop television and video productions which inspire, educate and entertain audiences while seeking to eradicate prejudices and help to establish world unity. This latest production features Dr. Wilma Ellis, member of the Continental Board of Counselors, discussing Baha’{ perspectives on racism. This production is specifically designed to help teach the Faith to African-Americans.

60 minutes

Images International

A Literary History of Persia

by E. G. Browne

$275.00 HC, 4 votume set, (LHP)

A Literary History of Persia is still the standard work in the English language on Persia and herliterature. The first volume was published in 1902 and Browne completed the fourth volumein 1924. Thisedition makes this seminal work available once again after 10 years out of print. A Literary History is recommended to all those who “having learned to love the Persian in translation, desire to know more of the language, literature, history, and thought of one of the most ancient, gifted and original peoples in the world.”

4 volumes, 2,225 total pages

Iranbooks

Mount Carmel Baha’i Projects

A Presentation at the Baha'i World Center, Haifa, 1996

Mount Carmel Baha’i Projects

$19.95 VT (EMCBPN)

Almost seven years after the inauguration of the Mount Carmel projects on the Mountain of God, these developments stand at an exciting threshold. Fariburz Sahba, manager of the Projects, shares fascinating stories and progress updates in this 52-minute video, which also brings us the latest aerial images and details of the Mount Carmel Baha’i Projects.

52 minutes

Images International

SHIP TO CODE TITLE QUANTITY COST EACH | TOTAL DAYTIME TELEPHONE # ( ) SHIPPING CHARGES/SALES TAX SUBTOTAL PAYMENT METHOD CHECK OR MONEY ORDER ENCLOSED UNITED STATES: ADD 10% (MIN. $2.00, MAX. $10.00) SHIPPING ee VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, OR DISCOVER CANADA: ADD 15% (MIN. $3.00) SALES TAX INTERNATIONAL: ADD 40% (MIN. $5.00, VIA AIRMAIL ONLY) TOTAL EXPIRATION. DATE. SIGNATURE SALES TAX: SHIPMENT TO TENNESSEE ADDRESS ADD 8.25%

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Fire stoked across L.A. County

Consultation with National Teaching Committee sparks plans for area

An upsurge of activity in Los Angeles County, California, has arisen from a local-national collaboration on plans to stimulate large-scale growth.

The National Teaching Committee has met several times with many of the 43 local Spiritual Assemblies in the county, which has been divided for planning into four geographical areas..

The Auxiliary Board members for the area, Angelica Huerta and Burrell Bullock, have played a major role in planning the meetings with the National Teaching Committee and have been apprised of the developing plans every step of the way.

Among the most exciting activities have been teaching projects aimed at goal cities and minority populations, one of them championed by Ms. Huerta, who has focused her activities on Huntington Park. This is a predominantly Hispanic area and some success has been achieved. Santa Monica and Los Angeles also report successes in such efforts.

Efforts toward another local goal— establishing a regional training institute— have led to establishment of the Center for Baha’i Learning at the Los Angeles Baha’i Center. Not formally termed an institute, the center has produced a number of weekly classes, three to 12 weeks long, that have drawn about half their students from outside Los Angeles proper.

A satellite training institute has been set up in the North Valley area of the

city, and a board of directors is in operation to oversee Learning Center operations at both sites.

Two more goals were met with the creation of a toll-free phone number for public information on Baha’{ activities, 1-800-350-BAHA, and a local Baha’i site on the World Wide Web that includes a calendar of events (www.baha’i.com). Work on proclamation activities has been particularly focused on establiching programs on public-access cable TV channels, with programs scheduled regularly ona few systems.

Regular devotional meetings are quite a success story, as the Sunday worship pro; ra enjoys 175-plus attendance an us prow ne This effort has made many friends for the Faith in the neighborhood—and a few converts. This activity supplements regular dawn prayers and weekend prayer gatherings.

Recent developments in youth programs include a successful outdoor coffeehouse on Saturday nights in the gardens of the Los Angeles Center. Also, there’s a regular gathering called Cali’s Wild Dorreh, and a young people’s commitee was formed by the Los Angeles Assembly that includes youth from around the area.

The local Spiritual Assembly has played an important role in the local Assembly automation project as one of the five pilot Assemblies helping develop the software under the coordi nation of the national Management Information Services Office.

Aseries of service projects are in the planning stages, including activities instigated at the Unity Center after consultations on local needs with people living nearby.

And in addition to the idea of creating more Baha’{ Centers in various parts of Los Angeles, other localities are looking into establishing their own Baha’f Centers, with commitments coming from Pasadena and Santa Monica.

Among other goals for the county’s localities:

¢ Hold an annual race unity conference and events to support the advancement of women.

¢ Promote and support the annual David Villasenor Humanitarian Awards, an outreach event to the Hispanic community in greater L.A.

¢ Establish a Bahd’f Resource Directory.

¢ Establish a countywide newsletter or expand the current L.A. Baha'i Journal to cover the county.

The communities also have been offered general guidelines by the NTC for the local activities: promoting a spiritual and vibrant community life, manifested by refined and effective feasts, regular opportunities for service, socializing, espening. teaching, and other activities:

—submitted by Randolph Dobbs

Unity

Continued from Page 1

had lain largely unused since a health clinic moved out. The Spiritual Assembly hoped to turn it into a youth space focused on the arts, but the money just wasn’t there.

Then a community member passed away, leaving a sum of money that gave the Assembly one-third of what it needed for the project. With that jump start suddenly the center was doable. Designs were drawn up and approved.

But a week before “plan check,” a new player entered the game: Crossroads, a prestigious private school based in nearby Santa Monica.

The school, looking to establish an outreach facility in the area, had been steered to the Bahd’i Center by officials at Baldwin Hills Elementary School.

The relationship between Baldwin Hills and the Baha’is was longstanding. After the riots, the Baha’ Center hosted counseling sessions for children and families for three months.

When that program ended, the Bahd’is didn’t want to leave the kids hangi ng So the after-school Children’s Enrichment Program (CEP) was born. Served were firstthrough sixth-graders from Baldwin Hills.

Now Crossroads wanted to enroll seventh-, eighth-, and later ninth-graders in a school known as New Roads. Administrators also were willing to provide tutors and other resources for after-school, weekend and vacation programs, and give Baldwin Hills a sorely needed music program.

So Shahab Ghods and Mike Iman of Plus Architects were asked to revise their design for the Unity Center.

The redesigned space will accommodate New Roads, plus the enrichment programs and Baha'i community needs. (Baha'i school enrollment has jumped from 120 last year to about 200 this year, overwhelming the Baha’i Center’s facilities.)

Prominently featured will be a 99-seat auditorium, perfect for small performances that would be lost in the Baha’f Center’s 700-seat theater.

Administering the Unity Center for the Assembly will be anonprofit board called the Multicultural Organization for Neighborhood Arts Inc. (MONA). Its legal status allows for non-Baha’{ donations—about $50,000 so far—toward Unity

(From left) John La Rue discusses the Los Angeles Baha'i Unity Center construction with Shahab Ghods, Lois Willows, Seth Mennillo, and Margaret Leeds.

Center programs.

A full-time director for the Unity Center is being recruited. Other programs are also being eyed, such as a conflict resolution training program similar to the Corinne True Justice Center in Denver.

Of course, the input of area residents will be critical to this planning process. A survey of Baldwin Hills homeowners is under way with the blessings and cooperation of the homeowners’ association.

Non-Bahda’is are getting involved in other ways. For example, a September 19 fund-raiser for the Unity Center was put on by several friends of the Faith.

But that’s peat of the Bahd’is’ place in the community. People from all walks of life, including high-ranking city officials, know the Bahd’is are there to stay serving residents.

Proof of that came during the riots, when a non-Baha’i African-American musician who had recently performed at the Center stood outside dissuading potential damagers.

The Unity Center is spreading excitement among Baha'is as well. Its programs, combined with training institutes, Sunday worship services, and other activities, add up to a vibrant community life. And friends who hadn’t been seen in years are being drawn to the Bahd’{ Center.

“There's a spirit in the community,” says longtime Assembly member Lois Willows. “The wind of God is blowing over this place.”

PETER REE THE FUND

May 1-August 31, 1997

National Baha’i Fund

contributions Received Goal for since May 1: entire year: $5,526,000 $27,000,000 FELONY ODOR EAI BE OMTIEY

of goal has been met

Of, of fiscal year % has passed

taug. 31

May 1, 1997

April 30, 1998

National contributions made to other funds

Arc Projects Fund

$970,000

Goal: 19% of contributions — received by National Fund

International Baha’i Fund

$356,000

received by National Fund

Continental Baha‘i Fund

$93,000

Goal: 2%

of contributions received by National Fund

Other international contributions

$327,000

Total revenues and expenses at Baha’i National Center May 1-July 31 (atest avail.)

$3,987,000 Exot

$4,944,000 Resulting deficit: $957,000

• Includes all contributions plus

revenues from Baha'i Publishing Trust, Baha'i Home, permanent schools, etc. + Operating and capital expenses, not including depreciation.

Expenses t

Your contributions to the National Fund

can be mailed to:

National Baha’i Fund 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800

RN FE

[Page 9]‘im B.E. 154° Octoser 16,1997 9

MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE FAIT

The American Baha'i community was honored by the visit in June of the Hand of the Cause of God and Trustee of Huqtiqu’llah ‘Alf Muhammad Varga.

Friends in the following cities and surrounding areas were the beneficiaTies of the aie given by Dr. Varqa— the city of New York, Dallas, Chicago, and Los Angeles—and all attendees received the prayer for Huqtiqu’llah as a sone remembrance of the importance of his presentation. In LosAngeles and Chicago, Dr. Varga held additional meetings with the Persian-speaking Bahd’is.

Dr. Varga’s presentation about the spiritual significance of the Sacred Law of God and its history and development provided the friends with insights and understandings that connected their hearts to the institution of Huqtqu’llah.

The program included a videotape on the Law of eae u‘llah. A panel of members of the Board of

The enthusiastic response of more than 6000 Baha’i friends who attended the four meetings in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles and Chicago last summer with the beloved Hand of the Cause and Trustee of Huqtqu'llah was an ample demonstration of the desire of the American Baha’i community to bless their lives by upholding the ie of Huqtiqu lah.

The mutual flow of spiritual energy and awareness at these meetings was Paeeoe The gentle and unstinting love radiating from our beloved Hand of the Cause, and the waves of appreciation from the friends for the precious opportunity of obtaining a deeper understanding of the spiritual significance of this wondrous law of Baha’u’llah from the Trustee appointed by Shoghi Effendi, were wonderful to behold.

At the same time the sincere questions submitted by the audience at the

Visit from Dr. Varqa 3 refreshes commitment to Sacred Law of God

FROM THE NATIONAL

SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Trustees and their deputies answered questions from the audience, of which there were many.

Answers to questions to which responses could not be given due to lack of time will be published in The American Bahd’i in a series of articles beginning with this issue.

It is the ardent hope of the U.S. Trustees that “during the coming months we will be able to follow these conferences with further presentations on Huqtiqu 'lldh by the representatives and Board of Trustee members.”

The memories of the historic occasion will long be cherished by the almost 5,000 Baha'is who attended and had an opportunity to visit personally, albeit briefly, with the Hand of

The Hand of the Cause of God and Trustee of Huququ’llah ‘Ali Muhammad Varga (second from right) visits with his daughter Elahe Schmeil (left), National Spiriual Assembly Assistant Secretary Juana Conrad (second from left) and member of the Board of Trustees of Baha’f Huququ'llah in the U.S. Daryush Haghighi (right) at a Chicago meeting in July.

the Cause at the conclusion of each of the meetings.

Present at each of the meetings was at least one member of the Board of Trustees of Baha'i Huqtiqu’lléh in the United States—Amin Banani, oe Birkland, Daryush Haghighi and Thelma Khelghati. Dr. Elsie Austin was unable to attend.

All of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly and members of the Continental Board of Counselors

Need for information on Huququ'llah comes into focus

Answering questions on Huququ’ll

Payments to Huqtqu’ll4h should be made to “The Baha’i Huququ’ll4h Trust” and sent to one of the Trustees:

¢ Dr. Amin Banani, (phone 310-394-5449).

¢ Mr, Stephen Birkland, (phone 612-484-9518).

¢ Dr. Daryush Haghighi, (phone 216-333-1506).

¢ Mrs. Thelma Khelghati, 508-582-9216).

Santa Monica, CA 90402 Arden Hills, MN 55112 Rocky River, OH 44116 Lunenberg, MA 01462 (phone

Due to a recurrent illness, Trustee Dr. Elsie Austin is unable to receive payments for Huqtqu'lldh at this time. Inquiries about Huqtiqu’llah should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Baha’{ Huqtqu’Ilah Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116.

end of these meetings show two things: 1) the genuine desire of the friends to live by this law, and 2) the

enormous unawareness of its purpose and process that still exists in the minds of many friends.

serve as a tax write-off on federal

Huququ’lléh Trust in the United States are tax-deductible under Sec Code of 1986.

attended the meeting in Chicago. National Spiritual Assembly members also attended others of the meetings. Dr. Varqé was accompanied by at least one of his daughters at each of the meetings.

The American Baha’i community remains ever grateful for the inestimable blessing of being honored by the visit of the Hand of the Cause of God and Trustee of Huququ’llah ‘Ali Muhammad Varga.

A concerted and continuous effort on the part of all the institutions of the Faith is needed to reach the large numbers who have not yet taken the time to acquaint themselves and abide by this law.

To this end an interactive column in The American Baha'i is being inaugurated to respond to the most frequently asked questions, and to offer other helpful suggestions for observance of the law of Huququ’llah.

We shall begin with one of the questions from the meetings with Dr. Varga, and continue in subsequent issues.

Q: Does the Huququ’ll4h payment

income tax forms? A: Yes, payments to the Baha’i

tion 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue

National Fund runs $957,000 deficit with regional elections near

The deficit in the National Baha’i Fund reached $957,000 at the end of August, despite steady giving during the summer months, as program and maintenance expenses outstripped income.

The community enters the high-activity fall months in a diminished financial condition, just when the Regional Baha’{ Councils are about to be elected and a new phase in our administrative history begins.

The “summer swoon,” a pattern of s drops in giving, was less prowae i we ane in other fae indicating a good response by individuals and Assemblies to the National Spiritual Assembly’s repeated requests

to keep contribution levels up.

Contributions between February and May, however, averaged 25% less than the same period in 1996, so the community got off to a slow start this year.

Monthly contributions have averaged $1.4 million, compared with a monthly goal of $2.25 million.

As the National Assembly advised the community at the last National Convention, the pace of work (and therefore expense) is picking up steadily as the Four Year Plan moves aaa the midpoint of its second year.

New publications, new teaching materials and videos, and irs and improvements at the House of Worship all

required sizable expenditures last summer, while the pace of travel by Baha'i National Center staff has increased in order to better consult with local communities on plans and opportunities.

Establishment of the four Regional Baha’{ Councils in November will impact the National Baha’{ Fund directly.

The election alone will cost roughly $70,000, though the National Assembly hopes some of those costs will be contributed by the many volunteers.

In addition to the cost of helping the tellers discharge their duties, special materials and numerous mailings will be needed to deliver ballots to the more than 10,000 electors nationwide.

Effective support of the Councils’ initial efforts will also require face-to-face meetings with the National Teaching Committee, the Office of the Treasurer and Development, and other national agencies as the Councils work to lay strong foundations and keep up the momentum of teaching.

“The community in general still needs to come to grips with the new level of activity the Plan demands of us,” said an Office of the Treasurer and Development staff member. “The $27 million goal was set in anticipation of the ea this year and into the next, but we haven't really changed our behavior yet.”

[Page 10]THe American BAHA’l 10

SOCIAL/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Development agency focuses on communities

In 1992, the National Spiritual Assembly established Mottahedeh Development Services (MDS) as a nonprofit agency to promote social and economic development.

In its first few years the agency’s focus was on obtaining grants for service and educational projects. During the past year the emphasis has shifted toward helping the Family Unity Institute in Georgia and training facilitators for various social and economic development projects.

Both of these activities have led to a better understanding of the integration of SED and the processes leading to entry by troops.

Recently, MDS conducted its second facilitator training session near Washington, helped by Counselors Eloy Anello of Bolivia and Tod Ewing of the United States along with Paul Lample of the World Center’s Office of Social and Economic Development.

The session included active work with several local Spiritual Assemblies and the development of a process of helping local communities.

‘onsultation led to an awareness that social and economic development must start within Bah4’{ communities: hel, ing them develop true patterns of Baha’f life and of community.

As the Guardian pointed out, “Until the public sees in the Bah4’i community a true pattern, in action, of something, better than it already has, it will not respond to the Faith in large numbers.”

Building on the idea that service confirms faith and builds communities, MDS has adopted as a primary mission “to assist and stimulate the spirit and action of service to humankind by the Baha’f community.”

Social and economic development is often thought of in terms of complex programs that require expertise in a variety of fields and call for funding.

While such activities are certainly desirable, every community member can take part in basic types of service that create and sustain community life.

To be of service to others is an essential human need and confirms one in his or her faith. Every local Assembly might consult from time to time on how it can provide opportunities to serve.

The religions that are growing rapidly are those emphasizing strong family and community life. In today’s chaotic and confusing society, this is what draws new adherents.

Here are some simple examples on which you may wish to consult at Feast or in Assembly meetings.

¢ Whena new believer enrolls, what is the pattern or process that integrates him or her into the community? What specific steps could be developed as habits in the community?

¢ How are birthdays and anniversaries observed?

¢ When someone pioneers or returns from pioneering, is there a process to celebrate their sacrifice, assess their needs, or offer help?

¢ What does the community do regularly to create joy? How do its members have fun together? Shared joy is the social glue that binds a community together.

¢ When someone is sick or needy, is there a process to help?

To avoid overwhelming the Assembly, you may wish to work on only one such pattern at a time.

When we develop attractive communities, two things will happen organically: The spirit of service that becomes habitual will extend beyond the boundaries of the Baha’f community to the community at large; and the Faith will grow as others are drawn to its spirit of service.

—article submitted by Mottahedeh Development Services

An invitation to partnership in development with Mottahedeh Development Services

MDS is a self-financing* agency of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of the United States that is dedicated to facilitating values-based social and economic development in communities around the world.

What does partnership with MDS mean?

You have an opportunity to join a global network of friends who can provide a skills resource base to be drawn upon for development initiatives.

• You have the opportunity and privilege to make direct financial contributions to exemplary values-based

projects in the U.S. and internationally.

• You will receive the MDS Newsletter, which will share information on development projects, people, fund.

raising, skills data bank, and more.

If you would like to be a partner in this exciting enterprise, please answer these questions and return this form (with any necessary details explained on an attached sheet) to Mottahedeh Development Services.

Name: Tel: Home address: Fax: Business name: Tel: Address: Fax: Position: Are you a career development professional?

Current development initiative(s) in which you are involved (attach literature if desired; please note type of program; location; whether an individual, group or agency initiative; number of people served and who; project relationship with local or national institutions; funding source(s); volunteer or compensated service; other)

What do you think your community needs most in order to conceive/implement/manage/succeed in social and economic development activities?

Do you have skills that may assist Mottahedeh Development Services on a volunteer service basis? (e.g. computer skills, writing, research, graphic design, grant writing, fund development contacts)

Do you have skills/expertise/training that may assist development initiatives in North America or globally? Volunteer? Require compensation? Short or extended periods?. Preferred location? (Please explain and enclose brief c.v. or resumé)

Can you or your company provide in-kind assistance for development programs (e.g. printing, paper products, computer, medical or school supplies/equipment)?

BE A PARTNER IN DEVELOPMENT! Please include me in the following: Basic Partner: inside U.S. $15/year___ Outside U.S. $25/year__ Supporting partner: $50___ $100____ $250/year__ OR $. Sustaining partner: over $250/year $. Total enclosed: $. Supporting and Sustaining Partners provide crucial foundational support for the work of MDS and demonstrate to major funding agencies a broad base of personal commitment. Please return form and any contribution to: Mottahedeh Development Services 750 Hammond Drive, Bldg. 12, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30328 Phone: 404-843-1995 Fax: 404-843-8895

per month

• MDS raises funds from public and private sources. MDS is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the USS. Internal Revenue

Code. All contributions are tax-deductible in the U.S. to the extent allowable by law. MDS was founded in 1992 by the National Spiritual Assembly ‘of the Baha’fs of the United States to serve people of all races and creeds.

Baha’is add voice to NGO conference

National Spiritual Assembly representatives attended the 56th annual United Nations Department of Public Information/ Non-governmental Organization (DPI/NGO) Conference, Sept. 10-12 at UN Headquarters in New York.

Titled “Building Partnerships,” the event celebrated the 50-year partuership tween the UN and NGOs and drew about 2,300 delegates from more than 500 organizations in about 100 countries.

The conference explored how national governments, NGOs, academic institutions and the business community can work together to promote peace and security, economic and social well-being, human rights and the rule of law.

articipants shared ideas on making a difference in their communities and talked with other organizations with an eye toward forming innovative partnerships.

Over the three days, speakers from around the world explored examples of socially responsible projects, discussed how new technologies and communications have facilitated global cooperation at previously impossible levels, and noted milestones in the relationship between the UN and NGOs.

Among Baha’is with prominent roles in the conference:

• Techeste Ahderom, principal representative of

the Baha‘ International Community, was a member of a panel that addressed the conference on trends in the UN-NGO partnership.

¢ Thane Terrill, network administrator and webmaster of the Baha’f International Community, spoke at a workshop about using the Internet to get an organization's message to the public.

• Carl Murrell of the Baha’f US/UN Office was on

the conference planning committee, and US/UN Office intern Melissa Peterson assisted in the administration of the conference.

• Jeffery Huffines, U.S. Baha'i representative to the

UN, and Peter Adriance, NGO liaison in Washington, represented the National Spiritual Assembly at the event.

Ina message to the conference, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated, “I heartily welcome the burgeoning involvement of non-governmental organizations in the work of the United Nations. ... Whatever the field—human rights, humanitarian relief, sustainable development, international law, disarmament, poverty eradication—your importance is indisputable.”

If you would like to attend next year's conference, contact the US/UN Office, 866 UN Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017-1822 (phone 212-803-2500, fax 212-803-2573, e-mail

[Page 11]=e] ITY OF WOMEN A

WS)

‘lum B.E. 154° Octoser 16,1997 11

Justice project springs from African woman’s case

By TOM MENNILLO

Seeking justice. Serving a fellow human being in need.

To Baha'is, these are duties. To a society starved for justice and true service, they are rare gems.

Thus have young Baha’f lawyer Layli Miller Bashir and the Baha'i community of Greater Vienna, Virginia, been spotlighted for their tireless efforts to help an African woman escape genital mutilation.

Benefits for Faith

The case has brought significant media exposure for the Faith and numerous opportunities to teach prominent people in government, publishing circles, and the entertainment industry.

It also has allowed Mrs. Bashir to found a legal defense project, the Tahirih Justice Center, to aid women facing international human rights violations.

Soon to be released is a book coauthored by the African woman, Fauziya Kasinga, and Mrs. Bashir. Negotiations are under way for movie rights to Ms. Kasinga’s saga.

it story began in 1994 in Togo with the death of her father, who had protected her. Relatives took over his home, banished her mother, and married her off at age 17.

The husband, a much older man with three other wives, insisted that Ms. Kasinga undergo genital mutilation.

Female genital mutilation is a common rite among tribes in 26 African nations. Usually performed without anesthesia on younger women, it is intended to enforce chastity.

To avoid such disfigurement, Ms. Kasinga fled with the help of her sister—first to Europe, where she bought another womans passport, then in cember 1994 to the United States.

She was held—sometimes in shackles—at a detention center in Elizabeth, NJ. Later, she was transferred to a maximum-security cell in a York, Pa., prison. At one point, she was so depressed she was ready to accept deportation.

Entering the case

Enter Mrs. Bashir and other law students working on Ms. Kasinga’s case with lawyer Karen Musalo of the International Human Rights Clinic at American University Washington College of Law in the nation’s capital.

Mrs. Bashir had befriended the scared immigrant over a period of months. Now she drew on resources in her faith community.

A Baha‘i psychiatrist evaluated Ms. Kasinga’s mental state for a writ of ha Tahirih Justice Center seeks volunteers

The Tahirih Justice Center is looking for volunteers (youth are welcome) to help it in its mission to Pigmote human rights and protect immigrant women throughs legal aid and social services. This Baha'f-inspired nonprott organization works closely with human rights orwant zations in the Washington, D.C., area, and offers an opportunity to learn about the law and its treatment of women.

Volunteers will be called on to do a range of jobs, and the center is looking for self-starters with excellent writing skills. Patience and the ability to speak a foreign language are assets.

More information is available of the center’s Web site (www.tahirih.org). Prospective volunteers may submit a resumé with a cover letter and a writing sample to the Tahirih Justice Center, 108 North Virginia Ave., Suite 100, Falls Church, VA 22046, phone 703-237-4554.

beas corpus. Later, when Ms. Kasinga developed a bleeding ulcer that was going untreated, a Baha’f physician examined her and wrote an affidavit of support.

As the media learned of Ms. Kasinga’s plight, attention escalated with the first of several articles in the New York Times.

“The world altered dramatically that morning,” Monday, April 15, 1996, Mrs. Bashir said simply. Fhe legal clinic received more than 200 telephone calls in two days. Not only reporters were calling, but outraged citizens and even Hollywood stars such as Sally Field and Lauren Hutton. People began to organize a rally in Philadelphia supporene Me. Kasinga’s release.

But then a fateful call came in from the Justice Department. Please resubmit the writ, the department requested. The implication was that officials were ready to look at the case in a new light.

Race against time

This was about 6 p.m. Time was of the essence and no acceptable living arrangements for Ms. Kasinga had been firmed up. So Mrs. Bashir called on the Baha’i community again.

Her first thought was to nominate her in-laws. Another suggestion came from her boss at a law firm where Mrs. Bashir worked part time: Strengthen the case by having the Baha’{f community itself sponsor the woman.

Mrs. Bashir went immediately to the Spiritual Assembly of Greater Vienna, which agreed within two hours to take on the responsibility.

A further call, to the National Spiritual Assembly’s offices in Washington, D.C., brought the National Assembly into the case. A letter to Attorney General Janet Reno was drafted, edited by the National Assembly, and approved by 11 a.m. the next day for delivery to the Justice Department at noon.

On April 24 the government released Ms. Kasinga. It explained that her

newfound link with the Baha’icommunity would ensure that she appear for hearings on her case. Ms. Musalo told The New York Times she was certain the public outcry had a lot to do with the decision, too.

Ms. Kasinga stayed with the Bashirs for 2% months. The Baha'is of Greater Vienna took her out often to run errands and made sure she had enough clothes.

On May 2 the Board of Immigration Appeals heard oral arguments. In late June she was granted asylum.

Interestingly, Mrs. Bashir had gotten to know two of the key immigration officials in the case earlier when she was researching a law school paper. On legal precedent alone, she said, they could have blocked the asylum.

But on moral grounds they acceded a limited right to asylum for women facing genital mutilation. And time has dispelled fears that the United States would be overrun with such requests.

The decision to grant asylum ended Ms. Kasinga’s legal saga, but her story still captured public interest.

A book deal was signed with Bantam Doubleday, in which Ms. Kasinga and

Mrs. Bashir would share writer’s credit and two writers would assist in prearing the book, titled Do They Hear You hen You Cry. The media sought more interviews, including National Public Radio and Ted Koppel of Nightline on ABC.

The latter provided an emotional scene for Mrs. Bashir and the normally undemonstrative Ms. Kasinga. Mrs. Bashir sat in the studio’s “green room” while Ms. Kasinga’s interview was being taped. When Mr. Koppel signaled that time was running out, Ms. Kasinga exclaimed in a panic that she still needed to thank the Baha'i community for its support.

Ms. Kasinga went on for about five minutes, then ran to the green room with Mr. Koppel and other show personnel in tow and embraced Mrs. Bashir. That final segment did not air, but a statement had been made.

Working for future

The African woman now has her own apartment and is completing her high school requirements so she can attend college.

Mrs. Bashir completed law school and her master’s degree in international relations soon after Ms. Kasinga’s release. After passing the bar exam in August 1996, she went to work for the Justice Department. She has since left the government and begun working for a private law firm.

She used money she received for the book to start the Tahirih Justice Center. Two legal fellows were to begin assisting the center in mid-September. One current case is that of 10 Algerian women being abused by members of a Muslim faction there.

All in all, it’s been a whirlwind year for Mrs. Bashir, but one with many confirmations.

“Bahd‘u’llah works mysteriously,” she concluded.

¢ Did you know?

violence each year.

° What is a Baha’ perspective?

which might be theirs.”

¢ What can we do to help?

The age in which we live

“Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements.”

—Baha’u'llah, from Gleanings

In the United States, 3 million to 4 million women are victimized by

“Women have equal rights with men upon earth; in religion and society they are a very important element. As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities, so long will men be unable to achieve the greatness

—‘Abdu’l-Baha, from Paris Talks

Opportunity to offer skills, talents

Do you have a talent or skill that database of individuals who can serve

Here is an idea! One Baha’i community in Virginia has been giving “care bundles,” containing bare necessities such as toiletries, a snack, etc., to a domestic violence shelter during Bahd’i holy days. It doesn’t take much time, the whole Baha’i community can get involved, and their efforts are greatly appreciated by the domestic violence shelter and the

can be used to promote the equality of women and men?

We are anxious to hear from individuals who are willing to lend their skills to the advancement of the principle of equality.

Don’t be shy! We want to hear from every woman, man, youth and child with a talent to offer.

We are interested in developing a

as resources to individuals and communities.

Awide range of skills is needed. Artistic, literary, public speaking, and professional skills are all valued.

Contact the National Committee for the Advancement of Women, c/o Baha’f National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail

women it serves.

domestic violence?

Women know of your efforts.

¢ What ideas can your community come up with to help fight

Please be sure to let the National Committee for the Advancement of

National Committee for the Advancement of Women, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1612 (e-mail:

[Page 12]12

Tre American BanA’i

CARTA A LOS AMIGOS/Letter to the friends

Queridos y Estimados Amigos en la Causa de Baha'u'llah:

«Que seamos nosotros el puente entre todas las otras razas, que sea esta nuestra gloriosa contribucién a la Causa. Que seamos nosotros los primeros en contribuir a la entrada en tropas y al envio de maestros pioneros a Centro y Sur América. ... Que sea el hispano el maestro e inspirador universal. Que se levante amorosa y decididamente a ensefiar a todos, no slo en espafiol y no solamente a los latinos. Que sea el hispano el ejemplo de obediencia a las sagradas Instituciones de la Fe».

Con estas palabras de amorosa urgencia nos habl6 el Consejero Dr. Arturo Serrano durante su visita al sur de la Florida, en donde un numeroso grupo de los amigos se hicieron presentes en el centro Baha'i de Broward County en la noche del 9 de agosto, para darle le bienvenida y escuchar su mensaje.

También nos aconsej6 a fomentar el uso de la oracién como medio poderosisimo de ensefianza,

articularmente entre los hispanos, ya que como bien lo dijo é1 mismo, «al latino no hay que ensefiarle a orar, porque su corazon esta ya predispuesto». «Las reuniones devocionales publicas», dijé, «deberan constituirse en uno de los medios preferidos para acercarse al corazén de los hispanos».

La visita del Consejero Serrano marcé el inicio de las actividades que se desarrollaron durante ese fin de semana en el Instituto Regional Magdalene Carney, en Belle Glade, el pasado 10 y 11 de agosto. Estas actividades forman parte de la campaiia de ensefianza «Fuego en La Florida» que se lleva a cabo actualmente en la parte sur del estado, y que est centrado en los condados de Dade y Broward. Durante dos dias, la comisi6n de trabajo se reunié con mas de 40 de los amigos, en una muy animada consulta acerca de los pormenctes de la campaiia, las areas de enfoque, las

ineas de accién, y los temas de mas urgencia a tratar dentro de la comunidad en general.

Los amigos decidieron que las Areas en las cuales debera eee la campaiia son: la unidad racial, la santidad del matrimonio y la importancia de la familia, con su ramificaciones sobre la igualdad de la mujer y el hombre, la necesidad de educar a los varones sobre su responsabilidad en esta rea, y la necesidad de proveer cursos prematrimoniales abiertos al ptiblico no Baha'i. Se enfatiz6 ademas la urgente necesidad de enfocarse en la educacién de los nijios y la juventud.

Estuvieron presentes los miembros del cuerpo auxiliar Farah Guchani-Rosenberg y Charles Cornwell,

De la Comision de Trabajo

Latinoamericana

y Russell Ballew, miembro de la junta directiva del Instituto Magdalene Carney, quienes pusieron a la disposicién de los amigos no s0lo el Instituto, sino su patrocinio y colaboraci6n en todo lo referente a la realizacién de los cursos de entrenamiento necesarios para alcanzar los objetivos del plan.

Ya los creyentes han realizado picnics en un parque central de Hialeah, donde hay gran poblacién de hispanos. Han repartido invitaciones de puerta en puerta para venir a escuchar una charla y a participar en las actividades.

En una ocasi6n llegaron 20 personas, incluyendo a dos familias enteras, quienes luego de interactuar activamente con los Baha’fs en el parque, jhan ofrecido sus propias casas para las siguientes reuniones! En estos y otros eventos, los amigos planean hacer uso amplio de la musica y de las danzas folcléricas. El uso de las artes es uno de los objetivos de nuestro Plan Nacional en este momento.

Y, hasta donde creen que una llama puede extenderse? Pues, en otra ocasién, uno de los participantes se acercé con su hijo peaene, luego de escuchar la exposicién sobre la Fe, declaré su creencia en Bahd’u’llah. Fue tal su emocién, que de inmediato llam6 a sus padres en Nicaragua, les pidié que fuesen a la sede central de los Baha’is en Managua para que se enteraran acerca de lo que él habia encontrado. Sus padres fueron al Centro Baha’i, participaron en varias charlas sobre la Fe, y casi de inmediato, jdeclararon igualmente su fe en Bahd’u’llah! jImaginense ... de Hialeah a Managua! Cuan importantes son las conexiones que tenemos con nuestros amigos y parientes en nuestras tierras natales para que, de un evento tan familiar y comtin, tan al alcance de todos, como lo es un picnic en el parque, jpodrian surgir grandes victorias para la Fe!

En las palabras de la Casa Universal de Justicia:

«Lo que hace falta es un sentido de urgencia en la ensefianza y esto significa encender la chispa de fe y devoci6n en los corazones de la gente y avivarla para que los que acepten la Fe se conviertan en sus

lefensores firmes y ardientes».

Comision de Trabajo Latinoamericana Septiembre de 1997

Information on your international teaching trip

In order 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 regardless 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 form below to: Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (or fax 847-733-3509; phone 847-733-3511; e-mail Please include the names of all Baha’is 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.

Name(s): ae ID ds: Address: Phone: DATES

COUNTRIES and/or LOCALITIES | FROM TO MAIN PURPOSE

Ra ROR RS Ser fee

SMBS fh SR 3,

pe heen eek Pte

Yew [Ane Mayen,

Comments:

FROM THE LATIN-AMERICAN TASK FORCE

Dear and Esteemed Friends in the Cause of Baha’ u'Ilah::

“May we be the bridge among all the other races, let this be our glorious contribution to the Cause. May we be the first in contributing to entry by troops and to the sending of pioneer teachers to Central and South America. ... May the Hispanic be the universal teacher and inspirer. ... May he arise lovingly and decidedly to teach everyone, not only in Spanish and not only the Latinos. ... May the Hispanic be the example of obedience to the sacred Institutions of the Faith.”

Counselor Arturo Serrano spoke these words of loving urgency to us during his visit to southern Florida, where a large group of the friends were present in the Baha‘i Center of Broward County on the evening of Ne 9 to welcome him and hear his message.

le also counseled us to encourage the use of prayer as a most powerful means of teaching, particularly among Hispanics, since, as he stated, “It is not necessary to teach the Latino to pray, because his heart is already prepared.” “Public meetings of worship,” he said, “should constitute one of the preferred means for approeehing the heart of Hispanics.”

Counselor Serrano’s visit marked the beginning of the activities carried out that weekend at the Magdalene Carney Regional Institute in Belle Glade on Aug. 1011. These activities form part of the “Fire in Florida” teaching campaign going on in the southern part of the state, centered in Dade and Broward counties. For two days, the task force met with more than 40 of the friends, in a very animated consultation about the details of the campaign, the focus areas, lines of action and the most urgent subjects to be dealt with in the community as a whole.

The friends decided that the areas that should be the focus in the campaign are: racial unity, the sanctity of marriage and the importance of ear with its ramifications for the equality of women ai 1, the need to educate men about their responsibility in this area, and the need to provide premarital classes open to the non-Bahd’t public. Emphasis was given also to the urgent need of focusing on the education of children and youth.

Also present were Auxiliary Board members Farah Guchani-Rosenberg and Charles Cornwell, and Russell Ballew, member of the Board of Directors of the Magdalene Carney Institute, who placed at the disposal of the friends not only the Institute, but also its support and collaboration in all that has to do with carrying out the training courses necessary to achieve the objectives of the plan.

The believers already have had picnics in a central

ik at Hialeah, where there is a large Hispanic popu ation. They have distributed invitations door to door, to come listen to a talk and participate in the activities.

On one occasion 20 people came, including two entire families who, after interacting with the Baha’is in the park, offered their own homes for the next meetings! In these and other events, the friends plan to make broad use of music and of folk dances, in accordance with the national goal of the Four Year Plan to make greater use of the arts.

And how far do you think a flame can spread? On another occasion, one of the participants came with his small son, and after listening to the presentation about the Faith, declared his belief in Baha’u’llah. Such was his emotion that he immediately called his parents in Nicaragua, and asked them to go to the central location of the Baha’is in Managua so they could learn about what he had found. His parents went to the Baha'i Center, took part in various talks about the Faith, and almost immediately also declared their faith in Baha’u'llah! Just imagine ... from Hialeah to Managua! How important are the connections we have with our friends and relatives in our native lands so that, from an event so familiar and common, so within the reach of all, as is a picnic in the park, there could arise great victories for the Faith!

In the words of the Universal House of Justice:

“What is needed is a sense of urgency in teaching and this means lighting the spark of faith and devotion in the hearts of the people and enlivening it so that those who accept the Faith become its firm and ardent defenders.”

Latin-American Task Force September 1997

[Page 13]

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

Saran Hansen, an 18-year-old Baha’f from Upper Arlington, Ohio, attended the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, on scholarship last summer, Perec pean ina research team studying “Heat Shock Proteins in the Pathogenesis of Schizophrenia.” Earlier, Sarah placed second in the biochemistry category at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair with a two-year study of the medicinal potential of natural plants in Ohio, which identified strong antibiotic and antifungal properties in Daucus carota (wild carrot). Other honors include an award for outstanding research by Iota Sigma Pi, the national honors society for women in chemistry, and top awards from the Ohio State Medical Association and Bowling Green State University. Sarah developed her interest in finding new medicines from plants while pioneering in Bolivia, and has been accepted at Earlham College.

Juvian Leaver, a 17-year-old Baha'i who is a junior at Norman North (Oklahoma) High School, was chosen as Student of the Year for Central Mid-High, one of two students given the honor from his school. Julian is active in Baha’i Youth Club, Model UN, Electronic Model Congress and is senior patrol leader and life Scout in Boy Scout Troop 792.

Kesey Burkin, a 12-year-old Baha'i from Carlsbad, California, has been named 1996-97 Student of the Year by teachers and administrators at Mission Estancia Elementary School. On June 5, she was presented the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce for academic excellence and community service, as well as the Meritorious Achievement in Education Excellence Award for 6th Grade Students by the mayor of Carlsbad, Bud Lewis, and the Scholastic Achievement Award presented on behalf of the California State Assembly.

Samim Garza, an 11-year-old Baha’{ who is a fifth-grade honor roll student at St. Johns Episcopal School in Abilene, Texas, was recently awarded a scholarship for outstanding achievements in language arts. To receive the award, he had to obtain the highest grade-point average in his class.

Azmina Rasuiva Hanna, a Baha’f from Santa Rosa, California, who was graduated in May from Howard University in Washington, D.C., was honored for her design of a logo that will by adopted by the University Cancer Center to mark its 25th year.

Mark Scuerrer, a, 18-year-old Baha'i from Sioux City, lowa, received the Louis Armstrong Award as outstanding musician in his high school, and was awarded a State of Iowa scholarship and academic and music scholarships to attend the University of Northern Iowa. He played double bass in the school’s jazz ensemble and the city’s Youth Symphony for several years. He also is an All-State euphonium player and toured Europe playme that instrument with the lowa Ambassadors of Music.

HERRY Reppick, a Baha'i from Uvalde, Texas, was awarded a $2,000 grant from the Southern Poverty Law Center to organize a Ballet Folklorico Dance Institute for first-graders at Anthon Elementary School, where she teaches. The project, which is to involve teachers, parents and community leaders, will focus on planting the seeds of discipline and interracial amity in the children.

Avex Scxourz, a 10-year-old Baha’f from Mount Vernon, Virginia, earned the Unity of Mankind religious emblem as a Webelo Cub Scout.

An article by Beverty J. Smith, a Baha’{ from Westlake, Ohio, titled “Critical Moments: Miss Cotton’s Cries,” was published in the May issue of Nursing 97. Ms. Smith works as a nurse and case manager in the Cleveland area.

Stoney B. Smity, a Baha’{ from Westlake, Ohio, was honored in June as Distinguished Alumnusby the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts, recognizing his years as chairman and founder of the music department at Holyoke Community College in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where he retired in 1995. He is listed in the 1996-1997 edition of International Who's Who in Music

Eva Waker, a Bahd’{ from Covina, California, was honored by the city in May as 1997 Older American of the Year in recognition of years of volunteer service. A retiree, she interprets and provides other assistance for the deaf and hearing-impaired in her area, and volunteers for the City of Hope and the Alzheimers Association as well as several convalsecent homes and senior centers. She has held several offices locally in the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

Davio Tuman, a 13-year-old Baha’f from Oxnard, California, was selected to participate in the seventh annual Pacific Region Student Leadership Conference, sponsored by the California Association for the Gifted and the Tri-County GATE Council. Students were selected from gifted and talented education programs in three counties for the weekend program, which focused on developing leadership skills.

Samim Garza

Eva Walker

‘um B.E. 154 * Octoser 16,1997 13

NEWS

Story of sacrifice energizes teaching trip on reservations

A two-week teaching campaign on the Navajo-Hopi Indian Reservations in Arizona and New Mexico has fanned the flames of the love of Baha’u'll4h, thanks in pant to the efforts of Olya Roohizadegan, author of Olya’s Story.

The series of talks July 1-14 by Ms. Roohizadegan at many sites in and near the reservations—including individual homes, tribal culture and education centers, a nursing home, and the Native American Baha’i Institute in Houck, Ariz.—attracted 15 new believers in seven localities.

The story of her two-month imprisonment in Iran in 1983, and the martyrdom of 11 of the women in prison with her, was the soul of the teaching trip, according to participant Jeanette Coffey.

The stirring account also drew considerable media interest, with Ms. Roohizadegan interviewed by newspapers and radio stations. The City Council of Gallup, N.M., proclaimed July 8 to be Olya Roohizadegan Day and she gave a speech to the council for the occasion.

Among those who embraced the Faith of Bahd‘u'llah during her visit were four Navajo elders, two officials at the Ganado nursing home, and women known locally for their work in race unity, American Indian sobriety, and education.

All the declarants had known about the Faith before, but the story of the martyrs—and their assistance from on high, Mrs. Coffey says—gave them a sense that the Revelation is “not only the truth, but worth dying for.”

“Truly it was the martyrs’ teaching trip, because of the selflessness of those involved and also because of the pu

Olya Roohizadegan (center right) poses with Baha'is in Pine Springs, Arizona, one of her stops in a tour of the Navajo-Hopi Reservations.

rity of heart. All anyone wanted was to teach,” Ms. Coffey reported. “We often didn’t know where we would sleep that night, or eat, or even what direction we were going. It was all led by the spirit of those beautiful women.”

In the wake of the teaching trip, each of the Baha’i communities That gained believers has shown signs of revitalization. Some have started or resumed having Feasts, while a greater unity and strengthening of community has been reported all across the reservations.

“There is indeed a greater spirit of teaching and a feeling of consecration among some of the believers,” Ms. Coffey noted. “Several have had dreams of the martyrs asking us to teach, teach, teach—also dreams of how negative it will be here on the reservation if we don’t arise.”

Deaths of two Baha’is in Iran reported

The National Spiritual Assembly has received from the Baha'i World Center the disturbing news that two more Baha'is in Iran have been killed because of their faith. It would not be helpful for the Baha’ community to seek publicity for these cases at this time.

Mr. Masha’Ilah Enayati, a 63-yearold Baha’i resident of Tehran, died July 4, 1997, after being severely beaten while in custody.

During a visit to his native village of Ardistan to attend a Baha'i holy day commemoration, Mr. Enayati was arrested in unclear circumstances. He was taken to prison in Isfahan, where he was beaten on all parts of the body.

Itappears he was held in prison about a week before being taken to a hospital, where he was kept under armed guard.

His daughter, who lives in Australia, was in Iran at the time and visited her father in the hospital. She witnessed the effects of the beating, including visible bruising all over his body and especially on his hands, which were black from the injuries. She reported he was in good health before his arrest.

Mr. Enayati passed away in the hospital. His death certificate is worded ina most unusual way, suggesting that the doctor may have been under threat and thereby pressured to falsify the certificate. Under “cause of death” is entered “Will be known later” in the handwriting of the doctor.

Mr. Shahram Rezai, a young Baha’i who was serving as an army conscript near the city of Rasht, was shot in the head by his weapons training officer July 6, 1997, and died the following day.

In court the officer claimed that the shooting was an accident. He was released once the court established that the man killed was a Baha'i.

The court excused the officer of paying the blood-money normally required in such instances, ordering him to pay just the cost of the three bullets used to kill Mr. Rezai.

The Baha’fs in Iran have no doubt that this was a case of deliberate murder, and they predicted before the “trial” that the officer would be released, as happened in other cases. Mr. Rezai is understood to be the seventh Baha’‘{ army draftee to have been killed by colleagues or officers.

The willful killings of Mr. Enayati and Mr. Rezai, occurring without justification, illustrate how the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran continues under a variety of guises.

The full text of the letter about these deaths from the Universal House of Justice can be found on the U.S. administrative Web site (http:// www.usbnc.org). Please note this Web site is available only to registered U.S. Baha'is in good standing and overseas U.S. pioneers, and you will need your U.S. Baha'i ID number to log in.

[Page 14]ARTS/MEDIA

Albuquerque sets aside a month e | for teaching through the arts

It was a simple Feast recommendation: Have the Baha’ community in Albuquerque, New Mexico, organize an art show using works already being shown in the local Baha’i Center.

The community let the idea grow, and ultimately dedicated the month of September to a unique Art Fest, with a succession of events proclaiming and teaching the Faith through the arts.

Baha’‘f artists from several countries contributed to an exhibition titled “Expressions of the Spirit” at the Nizhoni Gallery in the city’s Old Town district. It was the centerpiece of the month-lon; project, which also featured visual an performing arts events twice a week.

Local artists contributed many of the works to the all-Baha’i exhibition. Bonnie Wilder’s painting “Goddess Power” was used in promotional materials, and on Aug. 31 the Albuquerque Journal printed a large color reproduction of the picture in its Arts section.

Much artwork was loaned by the

Ridvan Gallery in British Columbia, including pieces by Rerran Roca Bon, Chen Pei Zhong and Jalaliyyih Quinn. Other paintings came from China, Canada and New York, while Sarita Birkey showed batiks in the style of Nepal, her homeland.

One wall of the gallery was devoted to the teachings of the Faith. Centered was Harlan Scheffler’s portrait of ‘Abdu’l-Baha surrounded by photographs and watercolors of the Baha’f World Center. The Baha’f principles were displayed in a framed combination of calligraphy and watercolor. Baha‘iliterature and an attendant were continually on hand.

All art-sales income to the gallery, owned by Baha’f Linda Berdin, was contributed to the Arc Projects Fund. The first piece sold was a painting of a Norwegian fjord by David Ruhe.

Other events included:

resentation to launch the festival ‘bye erry Bathke, past director of the

California Council for the Humanities, on the convergence of art and religion. On the program were a dramatic skit by Bonnie Greathouse on the story of Téhirih, and a flute performance by Joseph Weixelman. ¢ A formal reception, with a piano erformance b alter Caldwell, to help the public meet the artists. About 150 people attended; fewer then half were Bahd’is. Readings i try, highlighted by an appearance by Valerie Martinez, winner of the nationally recognized Larry Levis prize for her book Absence Luminescent. Readings showcased the poeey, of Roger White, Vinson Brown, obert Hayden and Tahirih Foroughi,

Adults

• Center of the Covenant

• Divine Plan

+ Kitéb-i-Ahd

• Kitdb-i-Aqdas

Adults and Youth:

• Will and Testament of ‘Abdu'l-Bahé

+ Institutions of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice

Thirteenth Annual Grand Canyon Baha’i Conference & Grand Canyon Baha’ Youth Conference

Sponsored by

The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of Phoenix

P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, 5068-9961 Phone: (602) 922-1919

The 13th Annual Grand Canyon Bahd’{ Conference and Grand Canyon Bahd’f Youth Conference will be held this year at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona, beginning with registration Wednesday evening, December 24, and programs Thursday morning through Sunday evening, December 28, with a full day of proclamation and teaching. The theme of the conference is the Covenant. Adult and youth workshops will focus on the following topics:

‘Speakers include Dr. Dwight Allen, Dr. Jena Khodadad, Dr. Soheil Bushrui, and Mr. Aziz Yazdi.

Youth workshop leaders are being confirmed.

Children’s programs will run concurrently with the adult and youth conferences. Fees for mailed registration postmarked by December I are $35 per person or $70 per family. A family is defined as a father, mother, and children 12 and under. Mailed registration postmarked after December 1, or on-site registration, is $45 per person or $85 per family. Hyatt Regency room rates are $65 for a room with a king-size bed or $72 for a room with two full-size beds. Hyatt reservations can be made by calling (800) 233-1234 or (602) 252-1234.

To ensure pre-registration, please completely fill in the form below and send your check for the full amount

to the address above.

+ Facing Teaching Challenges + Race Unity on Campus

Youth the Covenant Being a Bahd’f Youth

Name Baha’ ID: Name Bahé’ ID: ‘Name: Baha’{ ID: Name: Bahd’{ ID: Children Name: Age: Name: Age: Name: Age: Address: City: | State (Province): Zip: Phone:

14

Tue American BaxA’t

The painting ‘Goddess Power’ by Bonnie Wilder was used in publicity for the Art Fest in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Reproduced by permission of artist)

as well as Kahlil Gibran and Rumi.

°An evening of presentations onacclaimed Baha’i artists: painter Mark Tobey, discussed by Paul Slaughter; potter Bernard Leach, presented by his assistant Jan Madden; sand painter David Villasenor, with presentation by Jean Villasefior; and MGM studio artist Russell Roberts, presented by his wife, Jeanette Roberts.

¢ Native American hoop dancing and flute penonnancs by Kevin Locke.

¢ Two hands-on children’s art sessions led by George Phelps, Jessica Binder and Karen Schwartz.

Albuquerque planners believe this multimedia event, whose preparation involved many volunteers, copious prayers and dozens of press releases, is the first of its kind ever held by Baha'is in the United States.

They expressed hope that it will inspire more such events across the country in the spirit of the Four Year Plan directive to involve the arts in teaching and proclaiming the Faith.

Light from darkness

A power outage served recently to bring the Baha’i Center in Kingman, Arizona, into the light.

After an errant truck tore down a power line and television cable in the neighborhood of the center, the Kingman Daily Miner newspaper published a feature article on the Faith.

The article described the area’s tiny Baha’{ community and the Center’s role as a place for meetings, prayer and community outreach.

It also quoted neighbors who were saddened when the center closed for eight months last year for lack of funds and are excited by its reopening.

Traveling quilt

A California Baha’i’s role in creating an international friendship quilt was highlighted in The Cambrian newspaper.

Penny Sannella of Cambria was one of 12 Baha'is linked through an Internet discussion list who collaborated on the quilt, organized by Joan Jensen of Baltimore, Maryland.

Each woman created a square using embroidery, appliques, and other techniques. Ms. Jensen created a large center square and put the quilt together.

Since then, the quilt has been traveling to the women’s hometowns. In Cambria, the quilt was exhibited at the town library for a month.

[Page 15]AR

‘ILm B.E. 154 * Octoser 16, 1997

15

Music tour spreads teachings in emerging nation

Interview by RAMZIA DUSZYNSKI

For two very special weeks in July the One Heart Singers spread the healing Message of Baha’u’lléh in Macedonia, a country born amid the breakup of Yugoslavia.

“We are awed by the openness of the people of Macedonia,” said Anne

‘iswell, a member of the international musical teaching group, calling the tour an “incredible, overwhelming experience.”

“We performed in three cities— Prilep, Skopje and Bitola—and each of the concerts was precious, each one inspired by a spirit of unity,” Ms. Biswell said.

In September, the singers received a special message from the Continental Board of Counselors in Europe, congratulating the ensemble “on the amazing impact you had on the local community of Macedonia as well as on very successful outcome of your teaching and proclamation activities.”

The trip was supported in part by local and national Baha’i communities and donations from the friends.

In this interview, Ms. Biswell conveys the excitement of helping unlock hearts with music in a new country.

Q. How and why did you get together?

A. All five members of One Heart Singers are experienced musicians. We met while participating in the Voices of Bahé European choir tour, and after that we decided to organize a mobile m«ssic teaching ensemble.

Cathy Higgins lives in Concord, New Hampanire Tady Jan Faulkner is from Fillmore, California; Pierre Weber and Serge Thill are from Luxembourg. [live in Kansas City, Missouri.

Together we form a five-part vocal ensemble, plus Pierre on piano, Serge on oboe and Cathy and Jan on guitars. Claire Thill takes care of audio and video recording.

We named our ensemble One Heart Singers because we really care for each other and because we want to unite the hearts of as many people as we can.

Q. Why did you choose to go to Macedonia?

A. The project was planned and carried out with the support and assistance of the International Teaching Center, the Continental Board of Coun

John Homan and Mehr Mansuri portray the Rev. Percy Grant and Juliet Thompson in A Rebel’s Heart. (Photo courtesy of the Baha'is of New York)

One Heart Singers (from left) Pierre Weber, Anne Biswell, Serge Thill, Jan Faulkner and Cathy Higgins toured Macedonia in a summer teaching project.

selors for Europe, and most directly, the National Spiritual Assembly of Austria and its Teaching Committee. ...

Our effort was a_part of a long-term teaching project of the Austrian community, which is working to help establish a National Assembly in Macedonia.

We worked closely with the members of the international teaching team: Amin Reyhani of Vienna (Austria); Wafa Enayati of Magdeburg, Germany; Haleh Abdian of Austria; Nura Hofmann of Germany; Armin Sadged of Linz, Austria.

Two youth from the United States, Alim Beveridge of San Francisco and Jannine Gundersen of Atlanta, together with the Austrian youth blanketed the three cities with posters and fliers advertising the concerts and teaching dozens of people in the streets on a daily basis. The posters had been designed by artist Mary Rowe of Kansas City.

Q. What are the most special memories of your teaching trip?

A. At our first concert, in Prilep, we were amazed to find a large heart (one heart!) painted on the stage floor to indicate stage front center. We took it as a sign of divine confirmation.

Then, a thunderstorm caused us to start the first song of the concert in pitchblack darkness, which the friends miraculously illumined with candlelight. Power returned just after we finished singing the prayer “All Praise Be to Thee.” Quite impressive for the opening number of our debut!

And about 50 people remained at least one hour after the concert because of the pouring rain and lightning, listening to

“fireside” songs and discussing the message of Baha’u’llah. After each concert, piles of Baha’i books and pamhlets in the lacedonian language were distributed.

In Bitola we sang in a converted mosque. To sing “Allahumma” and “O Baha’u’llah” in a house of worship of Islam, so close to where Baha‘u’llah spent portions of His exile, inspired us to dedicate our performance in the name of Muhammad. The fact that we were Westerners praising God in Arabic in a land of strongly divided Christian and Islamic adherents, we hope, gave the witnesses pause to reflect.

As it was a night of the Bitola Summer Festival, there were even more listeners standing outside the mosque than there were people able to sit inside. We hear that the acoustics outside were even better than they were inside!

Later that night, we held a symbolic Nineteen Day Feast in the beautiful meeting room of the Bitola Baha'i Center, with prayers for the formation of a local Spiritual Assembly in that city.

In Skopje we sang in the hall of the City Museum, an old train station which has been converted to an art gallery. People in the overflow crowd were standing and Sune on the amazing staircases that reached overhead four stories high, while a TV camera recorded the concert. The atmosphere was charged with such a regality and nobility. ... We have never experienced such very special feelings.

Q. Did you get any media coverage?

A. Oh, yes! Access to TV and radio was surprisingly easy. Instant live coverage and extensive interviews were common.

During our tour we totaled four radio interviews, four TV interviews and one newspaper interview, ranging from 10.to 45 minutes.

Our live interview for the Macedonian National Radio lasted 40 minutes and included singing five songs a cappella.

Q. How did the people of Macedonia respond to your teaching efforts?

The One Heart Singers are working on a journal, to be shared by e-mail, to encourage Bahd‘{ artists to teach abroad or pioneer. Contact them by e-mail or at Kansas City, MO 64109.

A. We met Macedonians from all stations of life. They are a people proud of their heritage and country, eager for international attention and friendly, mindful lovers of music and art. ...

The variety of music we performed—from pop and gospel to classical solo and ensemble. pieces—was, as I learned, one of the most impressive elements to our audience. But most of all they enoved rousing gospel music. I saw them with tears streaming down their faces hearing the words of Baha’u’llah for the first time.

Musical firesides were held every evening at the Center for people we had met in the studios and cultural centers, and people the youth and others on the teaching teams had met and on the streets each day. We had incredibly long conversations with receptive, multilingual people in each city. We fell in love with the people of Macedonia!

The result is that a strong core of seekers has been created in the Macedonia community, and powerful bonds of unity forged with the people of the media, the cultural centers and with other individuals, may of whom are people of great capacity.

Even though we didn't have any declarations at that time, I'm sure it will happen very soon. We looked into people’s eyes and their hearts were singing together with us in unison.

e most important thing is that the baton was passed to a fresh team of teachers from Austria, who stayed in Macedonia to carry on the work. ... Our love and prayers go with them.

Q. Are you planning to go back to Macedonia?

A. We'd like to go back; we have not decided yet. We have so many plans— go to Germany, back to Macedonia. ... We want to do the tour in the States.

We pray that the success of our teaching in Macedonia will inspire friends to arise.

Juliet’s story deals with choices of love

A Rebel’s Heart could be the story of any of us. The Shidan Majidi-written play leaps from the pages of Juliet Thompson’s diary, but its theme of head vs. heart is

universal.

A recent performance at the Los Angeles Baha’f Center

was part of a West Coast tour for the New York City-spawned production. Organizers hope to take A Rebel’s Heart nationwide eventually.

Most of us are familiar with the basics of Miss Thompson’s story,

how she was torn between her devotion to the Baha'i teachings and her blinding love for the Rev. Percy Grant.

What the play reminds us is that it’s a whole lot better to be under the Covenant's protection than outside it.

Miss Thompson, though reluctant, follows ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s admonition to stop seeing the Rev. Grant. As for the preacher, he dies young and penniless after his parishio ners catch on to his womanizing.

It is illustrative that the Master knows of—indeed wit nesses firsthand—the Rev. Grant's ways yet allows Miss Thompson to discover those qualities in hinvherself. And He continues to act lovingly to the preacher and speak

well of his good traits right to the end.

Jane K. Hamilton and John Homan deftly tackle a va riety of roles in the production. They also quote from ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s correspondence with Miss Thompson,

atoMU (cay

taking great pains each time lest the audience gain an impression that anyone is portraying the Master.

Mehr Mansuri plays with confidence a title character whose demeanor is alternately brash and repentant.

melodies.

members.

mative. — Tom Mennillo

Accomplished concert cellist Christine Sweet punctuates scenes with sometimes sweet, sometimes haunting,

After each performance, a Baha’f is asked to moderate a discussion of the play’s themes by cast and audience

All in all, it’s an evening both entertaining and infor

[Page 16]

DEEPENING / COMMENTARY

Text and commentary, part 3

16

THe American BaHA’l

Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Baha’u’llah

This is the third installment of a series of commentaries written on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly in response to a letter from the Universal House of Justice to the American Baha'i community dated December 29, 1988, titled “Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Baha'u'llah.”

°

Section 3

The equilibrium of responsibilities implied by all this presupposes maturity on the part of all concerned. This maturity has an apt analogy in adulthood in human beings. How significant is the difference between infancy and childhood, adolescence and adulthood! In a period of history dominated by the surging energy, the rebellious spirit and frenetic activity of adolescence, it is difficult to grasp the distinguishing elements of the mature society to which Baha’u’llah beckons humanity. The models of the old world order blur vision of that which must be perceived; for these models were, in many instances, conceived in rebellion and retain the characteristics of the revolutions peculiar to an adolescent, albeit necessary, period in the evolution of human society. The very philosophies which have provided the intellectual content of such revolutions— Hobbes, Locke, Jefferson, Mill come readily to mind—were inspired by protest against the oppressive conditions which revolutions were intended to remedy. (See items 45-48 at right)

These characteristics are conspicuous, for example, in the inordinate skepticism regarding authority, and consequently, in the grudging respect that the citizens of various nations show toward their governments; they have become pronounced in the incessant promotion of individualism, often to the detriment of the wider interests of society. How aptly, even after the lapse of half a century, Shoghi Effendi’s views, as conveyed by his secretary, fit the contemporary scene: “Our present generation, mainly due to the corruptions that have been identified with organizations, seems to stand against any institution. Religion as an institution is denounced. Government as an institution is denounced. Even marriage as an institution is denounced. We Baha'is should not be blinded by such prevalent notions. If such were the case, all the divine Manifestations would not have invariably appointed someone to succeed Them. Undoubtedly, corruptions did enter those institutions, but these corruptions were not due to the very nature of the institutions but to the lack of proper directions as to their powers and nature of their perpetuation. What Baha'u'llah has done is not to eliminate all institutions in the Cause but to provide the necessary safeguards that would eliminate corruptions that caused the fall of previous institutions. What those safeguards are is most interesting to study and find out and also most essential to know.” (49-52)

We make these observations not to indulge in criticism of any system, but rather to open up lines of thought, to encourage a reéxamination of the bases of modern society, and to engender a perspective for consideration of the distinctive features of the Order of Baha’u’llah. What, it could be asked, was the nature of society that gave rise to such characteristics and such philosophies? Where have these taken mankind? Has their employment satisfied the needs and expectations of the human spirit? The answers to such questions could lay the ground for a contrasting observation of the origin and nature of the characteristics and philosophy underlying that Order. (53-55)

Section 4

As to freedom of expression, a fundamental principle of the Cause, the Administrative Order provides unique methods and channels for its exercise and maintenance; these have been amply described in the writings of the Faith, but they are not yet clearly understood by the eae For Baha'u'llah has extended the scope and deepened the meaning of self-expression. In His elevation of art and of work performed in the ser vice of humanity to acts of worship can be discerned enor Comments and questions

45. This paragraph makes three distinct points. The first is the analogy between the development of humanity and that of an individual; humankind is now in the stage of adolescence and is moving toward adulthood. The second point is that the models of the old world order, and the frenetic, rebellious, adolescent society around us, blur our vision of the newly emerging society. The third point is that the Western political philosophers of the last several centuries, who wrote about social reorganization, were inspired by oppressive conditions to promote a rebellious spirit.

46. The peace statement of the Universal House of Justice makes a similar point about the ace stages of humanity. “The human race, as a distinct, organic unit, has passed through evolutionary stages analogous to the stages of infancy and childhood in the lives of its individual members, and is now in the culminating period of its long-awaited coming of age.” (The Promise of World Peace, 16)

47. Who were Hobbes, Locke, Jefferson and Mill?

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) was one of the first Western political philosophers to examine the nature of authority and the limits of individual rights within a social environment. Havin, a basic distrust of the “natural” goodness of human beings, Hobbes developed a concept o} social contract. This theory maintains that human beings, in a natural state, experienced no poverimental authority to control their passions; as a result, life was “solitary, poor, nasty,

rutish and short.” Qualities such as justice, mercy, modesty and reciprocity, in Hobbes’s view, were contrary to human instinct. To make life bearable, humans entered into a contract with others whereby the individual transferred some of his or her rights to a sovereign, whose absolute rule guaranteed some security and peace of mind. Thus Hobbes’s philosophy was developed to justify the absolute rule of kings.

John ke (1632-1704) was born half a century later and wrote in the context of England’s Glorious Revolution of 1688, which toppled the king. Locke used Hobbes’s idea of a social contract to justly the Revolution. The purpose of povetineny he said, was to safeguard “the

‘ood of mankind.” If the government failed to fulfill its function and uphold individual rights, the Reoels had the right to break the social contract they had made with it, to organize a revolution, and to create a new government in its place. tie added that human beings have “inalienable” rights to life, liberty and property.

Acentury after Locke, Thomas Jefferson F1743-1826) brilliantly used Locke's ideas to justify the American Revolution. The Declaration of Independence, composed largely by Jefferson, says that the ultimate source of political authority is the people, not the king. Governments, it says, were established to assure the citizens of their inalienable rights, including “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” “All men,” it adds, are “created equal.” If a government were no longer based on the “consent of the governed,” it should be overthrown.

John Stuart Mill (1806-73) was the greatest of the liberal thinkers to defend human freedoin. His On Liberty, published in 1859, sought to elevate the principle of protecting the minority from the tyranny of the majority, “The only pupose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will,” Mill stated, “is to prevent harm to others.” Although he rejected the idea of a social contract as a convenient myth, Mill emphasized that all who live in a society are bound to observe certain lines of conduct toward the rest.

All four men wrote in times of political, social and scientific turmoil: Hobbes during the Scientific Revolution; Locke during the Glorious Revolution; Jefferson during the American Revolution; and Mill during the Industrial Revolution. All of them have exerted great influence on subsequent political thinking and on the revolutions of the 20th century.

48. Give some examples of how the American or other Western political systems retain characteristics that were “conceived in rebellion.”

49. In what ways do people in the U.S. excessively promote the individual? In what ways do the laws of the U.S. promote excessive individualism? In what ways do Western governments promote individualism? How is the Baha'i approach different?

50. In what ways has the present generation denounced the institution of religion? Of government? Of manriseel

In this erasraph the Universal House of Justice quotes Shoghi Effendi’s statement that “we Baha'is should not be blinded by such prevalent notions. If such were the case, all the divine Manifestations would not have invariably appointed a successor to succeed them.” What does Shoghi Effendi mean?

Consider the following passage from a letter from the Universal House of Justice:

“There is, for example, the Greater Covenant which every Manifestation of God makes with His followers, promising that in the fullness of time a new Manifestation will be sent, and taking from them the undertaking to accept Him when He comes. There is also the Lesser Covenant that a Manifestation makes with His followers that they will accept His appointed successor after Him. If they do so, the Faith can remain united and pure. If not, the Faith becomes divided and its force spent.” (Universal House of Justice to an individual, letter dated March 23, 1975, quoted in The Power of the Covenant, part 2, 4)

51. Acommon assumption in the modern world is that institutions necessarily compromise individual rights. What is the Baha’i perspective on this?

52. What are some of the safeguards that Baha’u’llah has established to protect the Administrative Order from corruption? Consider whether previous Manifestations of God have given similar detail about institutions, their “power and nature of their perpetuation.”

Some of the various safeguards are: the guarantee of infallible guidance from the Head of the Faith—currently the Universal House of Justice; the promise that Spiritual Assemblies elected in unity and detachment are “truly inspired” in their decisions (Baha'i Administration, 65); the existence of two parallel institutions in the Administrative Order—the Assemblies and Counselors; the necessity of consultation; and the Baha'i electoral process—the prohibiting of electioneering, use of the secret ballot, and so on.

hat other safeguards can you think of? eee N was the nature of the society that gave rise to the modern political systems of the st?

54, What sort of modern society have these systems produced? Which needs and expectations of the human spirit have they satisfied, and which have they not satisfied?

55. What limitations do these political systems have in creating a society that is appropriate

[Page 17]EEPENING/ COM

TARY

mous prospects for a new birth of expression in the civilization anticipated by His World Order. The sien of this principle, now so greatly amplified by the Lord of the Age, cannot be doubted; but it is in its ramifications in speech that keen understanding is urgently needed. From a Baha‘i point of view, the exercise of freedom of s) h must necessarily be disciplined by a profound appreciation of both the positive and negative dimensions of , on the one hand, and of speech, on the other. (56-59)

Baha'u'llah warns us that “the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison.” “Material fire consumeth the body,” He says in elaborating the point, “whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endureth a century.” In tracing the framework of free speech, He again advises “moderation.” “Human utterance is an essence which aspireth to exert its influence and needeth moderation,” He states, adding, “As to its influence, this is conditional upon refinement which in turn is dependent upon hearts which are detached and pure. As to its moderation, this hath to be combined with tact and wisdom as prescribed in the Holy Scriptures and Tablets.” (60-64)

Also relevant to what is said, and how, is when it is said. For speech, as for so many other things, there is a season. Bahd’u’lléh reinforces this understanding by drawing attention to the maxim that “Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed, nor can everything that he can disclose be regarded as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who hear it.” (65-66)

Speech is a powerful phenomenon. Its freedom is both to be extolled and feared. It calls for an acute exercise of judgment, since both the limitations of speech and the excess of it can lead to dire consequences. Thus there exist in the system of Baha’u’llah checks and balances necessary to the beneficial uses of this freedom in the onward development of society. A careful examination of the principles of Baha'i ‘consultation and the formal and informal arrangements for employing them offer new insights into the dynamics of freedom of expression. (67-68)

As itis perong the scope of this letter to expatiate upon these principles, let it suffice to recall briefly certain of the requisites of consultation, particularly for those who serve on Spiritual Assemblies. Love and harmony, purity of motive, humility and lowliness amongst the friends, patience and long-suffering in difficulties—these inform the attitude with which they proceed “with the utmost devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and moderation to express their views,” each using “perfect liberty” both in so doing and in “unveiling the proof of his demonstration.” “If another contradicts him, he must not become excited because if there be no investigation or verification of questions and matters, the agreeable view will not be discovered neither understood.” “The shining spark of truth cometh forth only after the clash of differing opinions.” If unanimity is not subsequently achieved, decisions are arrived at by majority vote. (69-70)

Once a decision has been reached, all members of the consultative body, having had the opportunity fully to state their views, agree wholeheartedly to support the outcome. What if the minority view is right? “If they agree upon a subject,” ‘Abdu’l-Baha has explained, “even though it be wrong, it is better than to disagree, and be in the right, for this difference will produce the demolition of the divine foundation. Though one of the parties may be in the right and they disagree, that will be the cause of a thousand wrongs, but if they agree and both parties are in the wrong, as it is in unity, the truth will be revealed and the wrong made right.” Implicit in this approach to the social utility of thought is the profundity of the change in the standard of public discussion intended by Baha‘u’llah for a mature society. (71-72)

The qualities by which the individual can achieve the personal discipline necessary to successful consultation find ei full expression in what Shoghi Effendi regarded as the “spirit of a true Baha’i.” Ponder, for instance, the appealing remark addressed to your own community in one of his earliest letters: “Nothing short of the spirit of a true Baha’i can hope to reconcile the principles of mercy and justice, of freedom and submission, of the sanctity of the right of the individual and of self-surrender, of vigilance, discretion and prudence on the one hand, and fellowship, candor and courage on the other.” This was an appeal to the maturity and the distinction toward which he repeatedly directed their thoughts. (73-74)

‘um B.E. 154 * Octoser 16,1997 17

to the current stage of human maturity?

56. The Bara sray discusses three ways Bahd’u’ll4h has extended the scope and deepened the meaning of self-expression. One is His elevation of self-expression in the form of art to an act of worship. Another is His similar elevation of self-expression in the form of work performed in a spelt of service to humanity. Baha‘u’lléh has also written extensively about the

ignifican: th positive and negative—of self-expression in terms of speech. '7. Notice that “freedom of expression” is described as a “fundamental principle of the Cause.”

58. The methods and channels for the exercise and maintenance of freedom of expression

rovided by the Administrative Order are described later in the letter. The Universal House of lustice notes that these methods and channels “are not yet clearly understood by the friends.” What are some of the “methods and channels” that you can describe?

59. Can you think of reasons why the exercise of freedom of speech must necessarily be disciplined by a greater appreciation of its positive and negative aspects?

60. Bahd’u’llah says, in this connection,

“O Emigrants! The tongue I have designed for the mention of Me, defile it not with detraction. If the fire of self overcome you, remember your own faults and not the faults of my creatures, inasmuch as every, one of you knoweth his own self better than he knoweth others. (The Hidden Words, Persian #66)

61. Baha‘u’llah warns about the devastating effects of the “fire of the tongue.” Have you experienced instances where rash words once spoken caused harm that was difficult or impossible to undo?

62. Does American society have limitations on freedom of speech? As examples, consider that it is unlawful in the U.S. to shout “fire!” in a crowded theatre and that a person can be sued for slandering someone else (that is, saying false and harmful things about someone). Even a permissive society recognizes some limits on freedom of speech.

63. Give some examples of things that are legally permissible to say under the laws of the U.S., but that devour “both heart and soul.”

64. What does it mean to say that human utterance is “an essence which aspireth to exert its influence”? Consider: 1. Does an oral statement inherently seek agreement from the listener? 2. a statement may convey messages different from its contents; 3. a speaker has only limited control over how a statement is interpreted; and 4. a speaker has no control over a listener’s later use of the statement.

65. The timing of our words is important. For example, should you start to teach the Faith to a spouse while young children are screaming they are hungry for dinner? We may say the right words on the wrong occasion and cause more harm than good.

66. Is there a distinction between tact and wisdom? Can wise things be said untactfully?

67.What “dire consequences” can result from the excessive limitation of speech? What consequences can result from its excessive exercise?

8. What types of checks and balances on speech do the principles of consultation offer?

69. This and the next two paragraphs of the letter give a few examples of how the principles of consultation channel speech.

70. Is a “clash of differing opinions” necessary or desirable in reaching a decision? What other qualities are mentioned in the Baha’f Writings on “requisites of consultation”?

71. This seemingly straightforward paragraph sheds light on one of the most profound spiritual aspects of the Administrative Order.

It starts by mentioning two features of consultation: 1. a decision should not be made until all have had an opportunity to be heard, and 2. all—even those who did not vote in favor of the decision—must support it. Consider how different are these principles from other decision-making methods. Teall must have the opportunity to be heard, the individual participants must be patient and listen and not unnecessarily limit the consultation. The admonition to support “wholeheartedly” the decision is also at variance with America’s tradition of dissent. Each participant’s primary responsibility is to the institution of the Spiritual Assembly.

As the Guardian noted through his secretary, “What the Master desired to Biot the friends against was continual bickering and opinionatedness. A believer can ask the Assembly why they made a certain decision and politely ask them to reconsider. But then he must leave it at that, and not go on disrupting local affairs through insisting on his own views. This applies to an Assembly member as well.” (quoted in John Kolstoe, Consultation: A Universal Lamp of Guidance [oxtord, George Ronald, 1985), 65)

The statement quoted here captures beautifully the spiritual principle endeyig the features of consultation Reoea above. Unity is more important than being right. Disagreements undermine the divine foundation of Baha'i consultation. Unity, even if initially over a wrong decision, will allow the truth to be revealed. This certainly is distinct from traditional Western political thought. Can one imagine any of America’s governmental institutions—the US. Senate, the Supreme Court, a city council—basing decisions on the need for unity rather than simply seeking a majority vote?

The paragraph next mentions the “social utility of thought” and notes that Baha’u'llah does not confine His comments about it to the functioning of governmental institutions but rather describes it as the standard for all public discussion in a mature society. What is meant by “the social utility of thought”? Does it suggest that what we think and what we say have a substantial impact on the nature of our relationships with one another? Imagine a society in which public discussions focused on a unifying solution to problems and in which political candidates received votes based on the unific solutions to society’s problems that they proposed.

Finally, the paragraph pueee a difference between materially and spiritually correct answers to problems. Materially correct answers involve simple scientific or mathematical facts, whereas spiritually correct answers may be composed of many ingredients, of which unity is the determinative and binding ingredient. Without unity there is no spiritually “right” answer, but with unity a number of compositions or approaches will lead to the truth.

72. How does unity permit a group to recognize that it has made an error?

73. Successful consultation—and moderate speedy J juire personal discipline and the acPSerumney of a set of qualities that Shoghi Effendi called “the spirit of the true Baha'i.” He sets

forth these qualities as the ability to reconcile various contrasting principles. These principles (and some possible ways of thinking about them) are: mercy, woh includes compassionate treatment of an offender, contrasted with justice, which im lies fitting the punishment to the crime for the good of all; freedom, which tends to remove limits on the individual, with submission, which limits the individual under a higher power; sanctity of the right of the individual, which tends to exalt his independence, with self-surrender, which sacrifices that independence; vigilance, which keeps the individual alert and on guard, with fellowship, in which the individual opens himself or herself to others; discretion, whereby the individual expresses himself carefully and guardedly, with candor, where the individual expresses himself or herself freely; and prudence, in which the individual tends to act cautiously, with courage, wherein the individual acts boldly and decisively. Balancing these tendencies requires maturity and distinction, a state that Shoghi Effendi frequently exhorted the American believers to attain. ie Why are the qualities of a true Baha’{ as listed by Shoghi Effendi set for in contrast to each other?

[Page 18]message aia notional youth committee

Allah-u-Abha and greetings from your National Youth Committee! We are eager to increase the level of communication with Baha’i youth in every region of the country. The Committee feels that a steady outpouring of information regarding events, teaching efforts and individual success stories will be a source of inspiration to youth everywhere. In future youth pages in The American Baha'i, we want to highlight what youth are thinking, feeling and doing in service to the Cause. Please contact us with any news, suggestions, questions, concerns and artistic work.

We ask that you send us a copy of any local youth newsletters you publish so we can stay informed about all events. You can contact the National Youth Committee by writing or calling the recently-established National Youth Office: National Youth Committee, Baha’i National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611, (847)733-3499, Also, please visit our Web page (www.usbnc.org). Provide your Baha’i ID and last name to access the site, then go to National Spiritual Assembly departments to access the Youth Committee page.

To find out about youth-related activities and programs, we encourage you to subscribe to the following email mailing lists: This forum contains important news and announcements on high school, college and university activities. To subscribe, send your Baha'i ID number and email address to

Discussion group for youth around the world. To subscribe, send your Baha’i ID number and email address to We look forward to hearing from you and hope you will stay connected to us and to each other.

With loving Baha’i greetings, The National Youth Committee

18

THe American BaHA’i

We encourage

you to submit information

about US_ pro jects that are not

listed below to

the National Youth Committee, Youth Committee Office,

cor the National (847) 733-3499. Reserve the Baha'i Teaching Van through your Local Spiritual Assembly. Traveling teachers or Baha'i Youth Workshops are encouraged to use this mobile Baha'i Information Center. Contact Lois Osbom, (423) 476-6248, http:/Amww.globweb.com/van,

Teach at the Baha'i House of Worship Chicago, Illinois. Youth volunteers needed for service as ushers, tour guides, and garden teachers. Must provide room and board. Contact House of Worship Activities Office, (847) 853-2300.

Louis Gregory Baha'i Institute Hemingway, SC. Youth volunteers needed, preferably 22 and older, to serve in educational program, agriculture, and radio station. Contact LGI, (803) 558-5093,

Green Acre Baha'i School Eliot, ME Baha'i Youth Service Corps volunteers needed. Contact Jim Sacco, (207) 4397200,

Slovenia and Croatia “Project 2000.” Contact Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Alex Blakeson, (847) 7333511,

Tonga Deepening programs (1-2 per month) and week-long village to village teaching projects. Contact Office of Pioneering, Baha'i National Center, Alex Blakeson, (847) 7333511,

A pioneer in Korea is teaching English to Korean children from the ages of 11 to 16, and is seeking Baha'i youth to become their penpals. Contact

“First Latin American Baha'i Youth Congress,” Chile, January 1998. This congress will mark an important stage in the history of Latin American Youth. Contact

vie http:/Awww.nuredu/chile 98.

y

The significance of observing Baha'i Holy Days is often overlooked given the demands and pressures

observing

of our busy American lifestyle. Considering the fact, however, that Baha’u'lléh designates Holy Day observances as a law in the Kitéb-i-Aqdas, as Baha'i youth we must view this obligation with greater attention and importance. During the Nine Year Plan, the Universal House of Justice exhorted the peoples of the world to observe Holy Days both to strengthen individual obedience and to proclaim

the Faith to civil authorities as an independent religion enjoying its own rights and privileges.

ALL BAHA’is WHO WORK OR ATTEND SCHOOL MUST MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO GET TIME OFF FOR THE NINE DESIGNATED Hoty Days. IN FACT, THIS is the only Baha'i law which children under the age of 15 are expected to follow, according to the Guardian. The Holy Days, according to ‘Abdu'l-Baha, are the most important days of the year. He reminded the friends that “such days should never be wasted and given over to mere rest from work or aimless pleasure.” Instead, the friends are encouraged to discover new and creative ways to commemorate the Holy Days more befittingly each year. During the months of ‘lim and Qudrat, Baha'is will be commemorating the anniversaries of the Birth of the Bab and Baha'u'llah. Youth are encouraged to. create service activities and programs that would befit these two joyous days. A good place to start is by consulting with your local Spiritual Assembly, or ask at your next Nineteen Day Feast, about how you can participate in the planning of these Holy Day celebrations In addition, plan to do some kind of service project that is beneficial to the poor, weak, sick or elderly. Identify your communities’ needs, be they spiritual or material, and address them on these days-so you can teach the Faith while being of service! If you do something special with your community on either of these days, be it reciting prayers or developing a literacy campaign, please write to the National Youth Committee with your story. “Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth.” - ‘Abdu'l-Bahé

BAHA’i YOUTH CHICKEN SOUP! Have you ever

‘Abdu’l-Bahé stated, “Nine days in the year have been appointed on which work is forbidden.” These are: March 21:

April 21, 1863:

April 29, 1863:

May 2, 1863:

May 23, 1844:

May 29, 1892:

July 9, 1850:

October 20, 1819: November 12, 1817:

Naw-Ruz 1st Day of Ridvan

9th Day of Ridvan

12th Day of Ridvan Declaration of the Bab Ascension of Baha'u'llah Martyrdom of the Bab Birth of the Bab

Birth of Baha'u'llah

The other two Holy Days which do not require suspension from work, but which the friends can still commemorate are:

November 26: November 28, 1921:

Day of the Covenant Ascension of ‘Abdu'l-Baha

In October 1985 the Universal House of Justice addressed the peoples of the world with the promise that “workd peace is not only possible, but inevitable.” The Supreme Body placed a special responsibilty upon today’s youth when it stated, “Indeed, let it be this generation that inaugurates this glorious stage in the evoluton of social life on the planet.” How can US Bahd'i youth prepare themselves for the discharge of their responsibilities as the

heard of or read Chicken Soup for the Soul? it is as

series of books filled with inspiring short stories and poems about everyday life. The youth of the Ona Koppe Baha'i Schoo! jin Washington, Michigan, are planning to put together a book along the same lines, but with a Baha'i twist. Here’s how you can help: If you have any funny, heartwarming, enlightening or touching true stories about teaching, the moment you decided to become a Baha’, or simply living the Baha'i life, please consider contributing it to the book! Also welcome are original poems, songs, artwork, jokes, or just a few words that speak to the heart and soul. + Contributions of 500 words or less will be most appreciated. Include your name, community, address, country of origin, and a brief biographical description. Submit your contributions by October 20. Don't send your only copy, as organizers cannot return any material. * Entries will be compiled into a book designed to inspire Baha'is and their friends. The book will be available for a small donation to cover pub lishing costs, with the proceeds to support the Arc. Send responses to

Elizabeth Henderson, RO. Box rv O é@ 170) rne 36, Lakeville, Ml, 48367,

processes of the Lesser Peace converge at the end of the century? In the 1996 Ridvan message, the House of Justice noted that the “outstanding contibutions Of the youth” included the “participation of youth in extemal affairs actives.” What opportunites do Baha'i youth have for this work? + Hone your skils in schol arship to apply Baha'i principles more effectively to the many ills of sotiety. * Start a Baha'i club at your high school or college to discuss the Baha'i perspective on current events and to engage in service projects with other student clubs. + Sponsor a study circle to discuss articles in the academic quarterlies, Word Order and The Journal of Baha'i Studies, and give git subscriptions to your schoo! library. + Join or start a Model UN program through your high school and

• Incorporate statements by the Baha’ international Community at the UN into your school papers. * Join the local chapter of

\ | the UN Association (UNA), an organization supported by the National Spiritual Assembly. * Sponsor an activity or link with oth 7) @:\in organizing actives for UN special event days such as United Nations Day October 24, Human Rights Day December

Nf 770 end iternetionel Women's Day March 8. Band college chide may wsh io coneut wit fis sponsoring Assemitiles about reaming a ~~ 2 public information representative who would be responsible for sharing information about Band’ activities and approaches to contemporary ne issues through appropriate media on campus. For assistance, contact the US Office of Public information, 866 UN Plaza, Sute 120, NY, NY

10017, (212) 800-2500, For information on th statements and activites of tho NSA and the Bat International Communty atthe

LUN, or on UNA and Moc UN programs, contact tne USTUN Bats Ofice, 866 UN Plaza, Suto 120, NY NY 10017, (212) 803-2500,

We challenge you to memorize a quote each Baha'i month and to use it in some way in a teaching opportunity. Happy reciting!

FOR THE MONTH OF KNOWLEDGE/'ILM: “The third Tajalli is concerning arts, crafts and sciences. Knowledge is as wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone. The knowledge of such sciences, however, should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with words and end with words.” Baha'u'léh, Tablets of Bahd'u'lléh, pp. 51-52. FOR THE MONTH OF POWER/QUDRAT: “Promote ye the development of the cities of God and His countries, and glorify Him in the joyous accents of His well-favored ones. In truth, the hearts of men are edified through the power of the tongue, even as houses and cities are built up by the hand and other means. We have assigned to every end a means for its accomplishment; avail yourselves thereof, and place your trust and confidence in God, the Omniscient, the All-Wise.” Baha'u'llah, Kitéb-i-Aqdas, pp. 76-77.

[Page 19]Green Acre events focus on UN, women’s status

Green Acre Baha’{ School's first Concert-Picnic on the Piscataqua July 6, a joy-filled event by the riverside, featured the soul-stirring sounds of the Baha’ gospel choir Voices of Glory, directed by Eric Dozier. Evelyn McDonald, a third-generation Baptist minister from Boston, also lent her voice as guest singer for the second year in a row.

Later in July, the annual celebration of Green Acre founder Sarah Jane Farmer’s birthday was hosted by members of the Sarah Farmer Women’s Center in Eliot, Maine. Benefiting the local library association, the event drew a number of townspeople as well as Baha’fs and their friends.

Singer-songwriter Mary Davis of Asheville, North Carolina, took the stage Aug. 3 for the second of Green Acre’s Concert-Picnics, “In A Woman’s Voice.” She was joined in performance by her daughters Emma and Bonnie and her sister Kathy Cowan.

Green Acre’s summer program also included a celebration of the 85th Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s visit to the school in 1912.

As a special invitation to enjoy upcoming sessions during a colorful autumn in southern Maine, all programs scheduled for October have been discounted 20 percent.

Coming soon are:

Oct. 24-26: “Bringing the UN Home,” presented by Jeffrey Huffines, U.S. Baha’ representative to the United Nations, focusing on the Baha‘f role at the UN and local action with a global

vision. A free public panel discussionis set for Saturday evening.

Oct. 30-Nov. 2: Pioneering /Baha’i Youth Service Corps/SITA Institute presented by the Office of Pioneering.

Also: Ask about a special Weekend Institute on Service for Youth ages 15 and up to be scheduled in October, facilitated by Robin and Rebecca Murphy.

Nov. 7-10: “Two Wings of a Bird.” Dr. Beth Bowen, Baha’{ International Community representative to many UN conferences on advancement of women, offers an update on progress since the Beijing Conference. Before the course, participants should study the National Spiritual Assembly’s statement Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men.

Nov. 14-16: Seekers and New Believers Weekend, facilitated by Nancy Modern and Sylvia Kaye. Not for new believers only, this course is designed to share an overview of its history and teachings and to evoke a sense of joy and purpose in being a Baha'i. A 30% discount is offered for seekers and those who bring them.

Nov. 28-30: “Bridges from the Bible” with Gary Matthews examines the Christian and Biblical foundations of Baha’i belief, based in part on the presenter’s book, He Cometh with Clouds. Emphasis is on building bridges of trust and understanding with Christians.

Nov. 28-30: “The Worlds of God,” led by Diane Iverson and Ron Tomanio, members of the Foundation for the Sci

‘itm B.E. 154 ¢ October 16, 1997

SCHOOLS/EDUCATIO

| Awe ' Mary Davis performs during a Concert-Picnic on the Piscataqua

Aug. 3 at Green Acre Baha'i School. (Green Acre photo)

ence of Reality. Confront the challenge to find solutions to a fundamental problem described in The Promise of World Peace and The Prosperity of Humankind—“a misconception of human nature” and “a distortion of the human spirit.”

Dec. 6-7 and 13-14: Teacher training for the Core Curriculum for Spiritual Education of Children explores the spiritual reality of the child, the station of the teacher, the “child-developmentcentered community” and the first sections of the curriculum for ages 6-12. The course covers both weekends.

For more information or to register, contact Green Acre Baha’i School (phone 207-439-7200, fax 207-438-9940, e-mail

NABI Pow-Wow proves to be source of energy

The spiritual Sey, and wide range of participa jative American Baha’t Institute Pow-Wow and Youth Conference has given the believers in the Southwest greater confidence that the process of entry by troops has been advanced among the

tion at this year’s

indigenous peoples of the region.

The events, held between July 31 and Aug. 3 at the Native American Bah@‘f Institute in Houck, Arizona, attracted both Baha’fs and friends of the Faith to events that combined the Baha’i writings and spirit of unity with traditional Native American ways of develop ing the spiritual being.

For instance, a traditional talking circle allowed many of the 35 participating youths to openly express and share the spiritual triumphs and tests Baha’i youth must face. This in-depth and heartfelt session also served as a forum for the youth to use their skills in

Bahd’i consultation. The highli;

it for many of the youths was a sweat ceremony held under the supervision of program coordinators. The youths entered the sweat lodge four

times, each time sharing rounds of Baha'i prayers,

This women’s Jingle Dress Dance group was among many performers at the NABI Pow-Wow in early August. (NABI photo)

writings and songs. All 25 participants said they found a new appreciation for the Words of Bahd’u’ll4h and felt a new unity with one another.

Sessions at the conference stressed consultation, spiritual education, children as peacemakers, paths of healing, foundations for world unity and the lives of heroes and heroines of the Faith.

NABI youth service volunteers had opportunities to speak to participants, stressing the importance of teaching in and around their communities.

All the youth were invited to return to the institute to take part in NABI’s unique youth service program, which focuses on teaching and serving the indigenous people of the Southwest.

The pow-wow attracted many participants not only from. the Navajo nation, but other indigenous people from around

the country as well. Members of the Zuni Nation in New Mexico attended, and others traveled from as far as California, Illinois and Montana.

Performers from outside the Baha'i community included the 20-member Tohono O’Odham Nation Dancers from Gila Bend, Arizona. It was a second visit for many of the dancers, helping them become more familiar with the work of the institute as well as with the Baha’f Faith. Also, Cynthia Walker, this year’s Navajo Nation Princess, interp! two Baha'i prayers in sign language during the opening of each day of the powwow, accompanied by a reader and flute and drum music.

The event was months in planning and preparation, and drew expressions of love and gratitude from many who participated. The atmosphere also renewed the faith of one of the Navajo visitors, who got back in touch with his belief in Baha'u'llah.

19

Louhelen celebrates ‘homecoming’

Louhelen Baha’f School drew many of the friends “home” with a Homecoming Weekend Aug. 26-Sept. 1.

They were treated to insights from David Ruhe on how the world is preparing for the Baha’{ Faith, while Margaret Ruhe shared personal stories of the Hands of the Cause of God and of the early days at Louhelen.

In addition, Dr. Kerry McCord spoke of matters of the heart and mind and of attaining the Divine Presence.

A highlight of the weekend was a Bose and jazz musical celebration lovingly dedicated to the memory of Rebecca Wideman, who passed away in June after serving at Louhelen Baha’i School more than 80 years.

Now the staff has its sights turned toward its fall and winter sessions, held at the campus near Davison, Michigan:

Oct. 31-Nov. 2: “The Covenant and Community Transformation” with Clark Donnelly and Danielle Woodward.The primacy of the Covenant is the crucial component in exploring a case sudy of community development on two First Nations reservations in Canada. This session integrates practical skill development with study of the Baha'i Writings. A piano concert will be featured Saturday evening.

Nov. 7-9: Youth Eagle Institute with Rebequa Murphy, Robin Murphy and De Williom Smite This institute ehers youth ages 15 and up an opportunity to take a closer look at their important role in the Four Year Plan. Through varied learning experiences, including arts and drama, they will explore the Writings as wellas practical steps to incorporate this knowledge into our daily lives.

Nov. 14-16: “Pen of Glory” with Dr. David Ruhe and Margaret Ruhe; harp and vocal music by Caroline McKay. This unique session features stirring

resentations on the Baghdad years of

jaha’u’llah’s life, al on his forthcoming book, Pen of Glory, as well as Margaret Ruhe's heartwarming stories of early believers and Hands of the Cause and of her years as a guide at the shrines in the Holy Land. A celebration of the Anniversary of the Birth of Bahd'u'lléh will take place Saturda: evening. A children’s program is offered for the full weekend.

Novy. 21-23: “Finding Spiritual Solutions to Social Problems,” with Dr. Hoda Mahmoudi. Designed for mature youth, college clubs and adults, this session addresses contemporary and social issues, including equality of women and men, race unity, science and religion, the environment, overcoming the disparity of rich and poor, and day-to-day business ethics.

Dec. 5-7: “The History and Future of the Covenant” with Derek Cockshut. A verse-by-verse consideration of the Will and Testament of Bahd’u’ll4h (Kitab-i-Ahd) and the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

Dec. 27-Jan. 1, Winter School courses: “The Kitab-i-Aqdas and the Creation of Justice” with Dr. Holl Hanson, and “Teaching the Baha’f Fait to African-Americans During the Four Year Plan” with Dr. Richard Thomas.

[Page 20]SCHOOLS/EDU

te}

THe American BaxA’t 20

“Trek’ weekend helps set pace for fall programs at Bosch

Artistic expression abounded durin, the late summer program at Bosc! Bah4’i School, and was an integral component of a spiritually invigorating curriculum.

The GWEn Arts Council (Gwen Wakeling Endowment for the Arts) strengthened this aspect of Baha’{ schooling, coordinating presentations and workshops on such subjects as music fundamentals, vocal music, drawing and painting, speech, acting and movement.

Highlights of the sessions were the evening performances, including a jazz

Seaforth, and guest artists John Shifflett and Eddie Marshall. Kenji Konishi offered a visual presentation on “Art and Spirituality.” Susan Hegarty treated participants to a premiere reading of

er new play on the life of Juliet Thompson.

Other outstanding sessions featured Michael Penn in the “The True Spirit of Teaching,” Derek Cockshut on “Compassion,” and Jennifer Wilson on “Spiritual Transformation.” Habib Riazati presented classes in English and Persian on the Kitab-i-[qan and Joel and Esther Orona offered a spe The fall programs are expected to be as energizing, with a brisk pace set by the annual “Star Trek” Teaching Weekend, which beams down Oct. 24-26, and “The Kitéb-i-Aqdas and You,” to be facilitated Oct. 31-Nov. 2 by Azadeh and Nabil Fares.

The annual Latino Conference Nov. 7-9 will feature Counselor Arturo Serrano. A Nov. 21-23 session on “Business Ethics and the Bahai Faith” will be conducted by Dr. Dorothy Marcic, Melita Elmore, ‘tip Barthel, banning Miller and Lee Radcliff; and a yout training conference on marriage and

Hana Kneisler.

A special fund-raiser event is planned for Nov. 14-16. The extravaganza will include National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants, Narges, Phyllis Ruoco, Adrienne Ewing-Rouch and Kamil Finlay. It will be an outstanding weekend of music and fun.

In the first winter session, Dec. 26Jan. 1, Jeffrey Huffines will present “The Baha’i Faith and the United Nations,” Christine Rayner will return to doa program on “Baha’i Family Life,” and Richard Hoff will demonstrate “Teaching for Enrollment.”

combo featuring Tierney Sutton, Alan

cial perspective on the “Maturation of Kaplan, Jay Corre, Bob Alcivar, Paul

the Institutions.” Boar

i hai Dig hia ha

2Ist Annual Conference * Washington, D.C.%*November 14-16, 1997

Guest speakers will include: Judge Dorothy Nelson, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Hasan Balyuzi Lecturer Techeste Ahderom, Principal Representative to the U.N., Baha’i International Community Dwight Allen, Old Dominion University Lester Brown, President, WorldWatch Institute Suheil Bushrui, University of Maryland, Baha’i Chair for World Peace Susan Clay, U.S. Agency for International Development Richard Claude, Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland and Co-editor of Human Rights Education for the 2/st Century Kit Cosby, Coordinator for External Affairs, National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i’s of the United States Firuz Kazemzadeh, Professor Emeritus, Yale University Shulamith Koenig, People’s Decade for Human Rights Education David Little, Senior Scholar, U.S. Institute of Peace Ambassador John McDonald, Chairman, Institute for Multi Track Diplomacy Sonia Picado, Costa Rican Ambassador to the United States, Inter- American Institute for Human Rights Congressman John Porter, Co-Chair of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus Shapour Rassekh, Continental Board of Counselors for Europe David Smith, Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas

Conference Registration Costs $80 (September 20 deadline) — $90 (October 20 deadline) Non-member adults: Add $40 (this fee includes an annual membership). Registration for children: $50 by September 20 $60 On- [Ages 5 -12 years] Discounts are also available for couples, seniors, and students.

Adult members of the ABS: $100 On-site

21st Annual Conference - 14-16 November 1997 at the Renaissance Hotel: (202) 898-9000 or 1-800-HOTELS1 Please send registration forms for each individual by fax to (613) 233-3644 or by phone to (613) 233-1903 or by mail to the Association for Baha’i Studies at 34 Copernicus St., Ottawa, Ontario KIN 7K4, Canada Visit our Web Site: http//www.pagecreator.com/~newsroom and click on “ABS News In Brief” or E-mail us at

For Discount Air Travel: Air Canada #CV97 1273 or United Airlines Meeting ID #514MK

Name:

family will be presented by Auxiliary donembes Marsha Gilpatrick and

ASSOCIATION FOR BAHA’I STUDIES - CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

Address:

City: Province/State: Telephone:, E-Mail Address: Association for Baha’i Studies Expiry Date:

Postal/Zip Code:

Life Member:

Please specify special needs of child:

Money Order: Expiration D:

If this registrant is a child, please indicate age: Total Amount: Check:, VISA/MasterCard/AmEx Number:

Cardholder's Name (Please Print): Signature:

Plan on attending and being part of your Baha’i schools.

Regional schools across U.S. plan fall, winter sessions

November

Wisconsin: Nov. 7-9

Program: “Light in Darkness.” A weekend to invite friends and family close to the Es

Location: Byron Center, Brownsville, Wisconsin.

Faciliti mi-private rooms with shared bathroom.

Recreation: Hiking.

Registrar: Lisa Riemer,

WI 53095 (phone 414-338-3023). Alabama/Florida “Royal Falcon,” Nov. 14-16 Program: Speakers include Tod Ewing, Alberta Deas

and Charles Bullock.

Location: Pensacola Beach, Florida (for hotel reserva tions call 800-232-2416).

Contact: Carol Payne, P.O. Box 289, Skipperville, AL36374

(phone 334-774-0020, e-mail Florida, Nov. 27-30 Program: “The Four Year Plan.”

Locatic loliday Inn, Cocoa Beach, Florida. Contact: Denise Godsey (phone 954-942-1844, e-mail

West Bend,

Oregon Western, “Menucha,” Nov. 27-30

Program: Designed for adults and youth 15 and older. Speakers include Henri Cross, Barbara Rosencrantz and Dr. Faris Badi’i .

Location: Wooded retreat center about 20 miles east of Portland overlooking the Columbia Gorge.

Facilities: Dormitories and a limited number of semiprivate rooms. Bring your own bedding, pillows and towels, and pack warm clothes.

Recreation: Hiking.

Registrar: Lynne Nesbit, Portland, OR 97213 (phone 503-236-4708). Space is limited.

December Texas North, Dec. 19-22

Location: New site! Green Family Camp near Waco

Registrar: Homa Villagomez (phone 817-451-1819).

California Southern, Dec. 26-28

Program: Family camp. Speakers include Cynthia Thomas.

Location: Pilgrim Pines Oak G in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Facilities: Cabins with showers; room for 1-2 families per cabin. Dormitory space for disableded participants.

Registrar: Edye York, Ontario, CA 91764 (for information phone 909-983-1022, 909-735-1509, or 909-987-7129). Space is limited to 84.

January

Illinois “Heartland,” Jan. 2-4, 1998 Location: Hilton Hotel, Springfield, Illinois. Program: “Connecting our Hearts with Love and Unity.” Workshop on celebrating diversity facilitated by Aden Lauchner, panels on leasing our Power to Love” and “Loving the Unlovable,” and other classes. Registrar: Carl Clingenpeel, TL 60504 (e-mail 6385). Early registration deadline Dec. 1. Colorado East, Jan. 9-11 Location: Barclay Lodge at YMCA Estes Park Center, Estes Park, Colorado. Registrar: Don Brayton, Woodland Park, CO 80863 (phone 719-687-3351, e-mail

Slen, behind Yucaipa, CA

Aurora, phone 630-898 March

North Dakota, March 27-29, 1998 Location: Mayville University, Mayville, North Dakota

[Page 21]‘itm B.E. 154 ¢ October 16, 1997

21

NEWS FROM OVERSE.

Former Soviet areas raise communities through education

Baha’{ education in the nations of the former Soviet Union has produced not only greater confirmation in the Faith, but also new enrollments at times. In Belarus, the Borrah Kavelin Training Institute June 28-July 6 about 130 miles from Minsk focused on study of the Writings, deepening one's spiritual vision and prayer and meditation. Participants were pleased to find a spirit of unity between city and village dwellers, and the five visitors who were inspired to declare their faith included a mother and two daughters living in a previously unopened village. ... Closer to Minsk, at the National Training Institute at Smole, Belarus, a summer school focusing on spiritual education of children, Bana’ family values and teaching in small groups inspired nine guests of the Bahd’is to declare their faith. ... In Georgia, a series of Training Institutes for Service has been using materials developed by the Baha’i World Center and the Ruhi Institute has been preparing the believers—many of them new enrollees—to spread awareness of the Baha'f writings and life from region to region, through intensive study of the Writings, life and death, prayer, service and the spiritual aspect of material giving.

. A summer school in Nabran, Azerbaijan, covering the Writings, Bahd’{ history and administration, and individual responsibilities, inspired dozens of participants to prepare personal teaching plans for the Four Year Plan.

.

Youth made up the majority of 32 new declarants in late June and early July in Lesotho, largely inspired by a youth institute at the National Center in the capital, Maseru, that used the Spirit of Africa training method. After readings, prayers and music, institute participants dispersed through villages to teach and invite people to attend afternoon performances of music, drama and dance. The teaching work ranged from Mafeteng, 110 miles south of Maseru, to Butha-Buthe, 160 miles north of the capital. The new Baha'is included eight youths participating in the institute.

.

The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahé Ruhiyyih Khanum delivered the opening address at the Second National Baha’f Congress of Spain, held in Madrid and commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Faith on the Iberian Peninsula. The event July 25-26 was at

= — Pa ys

An instructor at the Baha’i-sponsored Erdenbulgan Community Development

Project in Mongolia demonstrates in April how to grow vegetables with the use of a cold-frame seedling bed. (Baha'i International News Service photo)

tended by more than 1,500 people from 44 countries around the world, including representatives of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Portugal and the Canary Islands, as well as delegates from the government Ministry ai Justice and the Jewish and evangelical communities of Spain.

The Hand of the Cause praised the “befitting speeches” and music and dance performances at Madrid’s Palace of Congresses. The meeting also featured a tribute to Virginia Orbison, who introduced the Faith to Spain in 1946, and an onstage gathering of believers from the first decade of the Faith in the peninsula.

.

Intensive teaching projects in the areas near Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo have resulted in 23

eople declaring their faith in Baha’u’llah within 28 days. That teaching work helped open five new localities to the Faith. .

A seven-day teaching project instigated in June by two local Spiritual Assemblies in the state of Assam, India, resulted in 56 new declarations in three villages. The project, based in Borara and Barangabari, was expanded by the local Assemblies in those two villages to nearby Gumthapara, where an influx of 35 new believers prompted the

Read more from the Baha’i International News Service at www.usbnc.org (you must use your Baha’{ ID number to log in).

Assemblies to help the friends in the new locality to set up Feasts and an administrative committee.

.

About 100 Baha’is from across Europe gathered in Paris, France, in June at special memorial ceremonies for Thomas Breakwell, the first Englishman to declare his faith in Baha’u‘llah. The National Spiritual Assembly recently discovered the plot where Mr. Breakwell was buried in Paris after his death in 1902, purchased the plot, and arranged for a “noble and beautiful, but simple” headstone. Ceremonies included a prayer service at the grave, attended By former Universal House of Justice member David Hofman and Counselor Louis Hénuzet among others, and a tour of the places associated with the Master's visit to Paris in 1911, including the apartment at 4 Avenue de Camoéns where ‘Abdu’l-Baha stayed—acquired only last September by the National Spiritual Assembly.

.

Anoutreach by the Baha'is of Melville, Western Australia, resulted in dozens of people attending a summer meeting

about the Faith’s perspective on racism. The main presentation by Duane Varan was on the theme of how racism destroys human dignity and impairs the

trator, the ‘Fteced and society ‘The Baha'i New Era Singers performed, and a city council member embraced the Faith two days later. “Many of the guests had long discussions with the Baha'is on the Faith and the need to combat racism,” Australia’s Bahd’i Bulletin reported. ... Elsewhere in the country, the Hawthorn West Primary School in Victoria has opened optional classes on Baha’f scrij ture to all students. It is the only public school in Australia that has allowed Baha‘i scripture classes to be held for the last five years, and the classes were previously restricted to Baha’{ students only.

.

Aconsolidation project vitalized the Baha’i community in Térékszentmiklos, Hungary, so quickly that a Nineteen Day Feast in July had to be held ona soccer field because of attendance by more than 150 believers. The project, which included holding children’s and women’s classes on a regular basis, helped attract 100 Roma friends and families to the Faith, and those new Baha’is are supporting community activities in large numbers, the National Spiritual Assembly of Hungary reported.

.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Kenya reported an upsurge in locally planned teaching work that resulted in the addition of 1,400 new believers in the first year of the Four Year Plan, mostly in the country’s Western province. The results came after local Assemblies nationwide took six months out to set local goals and plan teaching projects. ... Among the successes was a series of meetings proclaiming the Faith to 3,000 students and em ees at Egerton University in Nakura, leading to 17 students and three instructors enrolling into the Faith.

.

The government Ministry of Culture and Sports in Guatemala organized a special concert by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of

job Porter, a Baha'i pioneer in that country since 1970. The concert was publicized nationwide and attracted an audience of 900. Mr. Porter—best known in the United States for his Swing Era music—composed music for the concert inspired by the passages from the writings of Baha’u’llah that are inscribed on the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois.

Conference

et a eT tad

growth of the world-wide community of the Most Great Name, the force of its outward thrust, and the strength of its supporting roots.” They stated also that in light of the high station and responsibilities of a local Spiritual Assembly, the National Spiritual Assembly was concerned that the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’fs of Phoenix had been unable to discharge effectively its responsibility of promoting at all times the best interest of the community.

It was announced to the friends that

the investigation concluded that there were instances of individual wrongdoing which resulted in the National Spiritual Assembly taking the following actions:

• removal of the administrative

rights of Farzin Agahi and C. Theresa Agahi for using funds from the Grand Canyon Baha'i Conference for personal gain, and

• removal of the administrative

rights of Riaz Sana for engaging in consignment sales at the Grand Canyon Baha’{ Conference.

The National Spiritual Assembly also has given direction to the local Spiritual Assembly to establish procedures and disciplines that will prevent a repeat of recent events and to develop a

strategy for nurturing the trust of the Baha'is. The local Assembly is to have deep and prayerful discussion of its sacred duties and to seek advice from the Auxiliary Board. The Assembly has been asked to keep the Phoenix Baha’i community informed of the steps being taken to correct the deficiencies uncovered by the investigation. Correspondingly, the community has been asked to give its prayerful and wholehearted support and encouragement to the Phoenix Assembly, to make vigorous efforts to advance the teaching work, to assure the success of the next Grand Canyon Baha’{ Conference, and to keep Farzin Agahi, Theresa Agahi and Riaz Sana in their prayers. The Grand Canyon Baha'i Conference

will proceed this year, as it has in the past, to gather the friends in an atmosphere designed to motivate their support of the goals of the Plan and to uplift the hearts. The National Spiritual Assembly will continue to monitor its progress through the Oversight Committee to insure that the conference funds will be accounted for appropriately.

The National Assembly has confidence in the ability of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Phoenix to overcome the obstacles in its path and is confident, as well, that the Spirit of Bahd’u'lldh will enable the Baha’i community to rise above this unfortunate situation as it feeds each soul with the spiritual sustenance so necessary to insure a sterling victory for the Faith.

[Page 22]

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified notices in The American Baha'i are published free of charge asa service to the Baha'i 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

OPPORTUNITIES to serve at the Baha‘ National Center. Materials and Curriculum Developer, Education and Schools Office. Creates and coordinates educational materials serving the needs of the Baha’f community. Duties include support and communication of Education and Schools Office initiatives, including issues related to the Core Curriculum Training Program and the Education Task Force. Should have bachelor’s degree in education or related field, experience with adult education or training, and knowledge of Core Curriculum training programs. Assistant Director for Southeast Asian Program, U.S. Baha'i Refugee Office. Assists the Refugee Coordinator in executing the work of the Department. Primarily respons ble for Southeast Asian teaching and consolidation activities. Prepares correspondence to refugees, LSAs, Baha’ and non-Baha’i agencies (both government and non-government). Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual reports, and the annual budget proposal for the Southeast Asian activities. Gathers, organizes, and reproduces audiovisual and printed materials for the refugee program. Provides administrative and logistical support. Compiles and writes quarterly Southeast Asian Helpers Bulletins and articles for The American Baha'i and other publications. Coordinator of Volunteer Services, Baha'i House of Worship. Recruits, places, trains, supervises the House of Worship’s volunteer staff. Contributes to a loving and hospitable environment. Recruits and interviews volunteers from among the Baha’i community for all categories of service at the House of Worshi) including guides, speakers, devotional readers, choir members, educational teachers. Must have a clear knowledge of the Baha’f Teachings and possess suc! qualities as tact, courtesy, and cheerfulness, both in person and on the telephone. Enjoys interaction with people of all ages and people from all cultures. Evaluates situations logically and reaches sound decisions with limited directions. Must possess excellent command of the English language. Must be computer literate in WordPerfect or Word. Administrative Assistant, Offi of the Treasurer. Coordinates the administrative affairs of the office, to include relieving department heads of routine administrative functions. Helps coordinate projects assigned to the office by the National Spiritual Assembly, Exercises leadership in streamlining the administrative work of the office. Advanced knowledge of office technology and computer software such as WordPerfect 5.1, Microsoft Word, Excel, Windows and presentation software. Mainframe computer knowledge helpful. Recruiting Specialist, Department of Human Resources. Identifies the Human Resources staffing needs of the National Baha’i Administrative offices and agencies; insures that those needs are quickly and efficiently filled with personnel who meet the technical /

reception, scheduling and clerical

administration is necessary.

necessary.

WORLD CENTER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Have you been searching for the right opportunity to offer your skills in service to the Faith? The Baha’i World Center is looking for people of different capacities, from youth offering a year of service to retir professionals. Current needs include the following:

Administrative assistants. Responsibilities include routine correspondence,

work. The ability to manage multiple tasks is

essential. Word processing experience is preferable.

Document analysts. Responsibilities include summarizing, retrieving and indexing information. Experience in writing reports and abstracts is helpful. Analytical and reading comprehension skills are desirable. Experience in Baha'i

Correspondence processors/quality control. Responsibilities include word processing, editing, proofreading and quality control of documents. Excellence in spelling and grammar skills is required. Must be able to meet deadlines.

Executive secretaries. Responsibilities include correspondence, writing, analyzing and summarizing reports as well as managing multiple tasks. These positions require strong organi: analytical and supervisory skills and experience in Baha’i administration.

Translators. Responsibilities include providing written translation into English from Persian, French, Spanish, German or Arabic and vice versa. Fluency in one of the above languages and a good command of English are

These are just some of the opportunities for service. We are also looking for skilled tradespeople, photographers, floor care specialists, horticulturists, and much more. Volunteers serve for a term of one year, eighteen months, thirty months or longer. If interested, please send a resumé to the Office of Personnel, Baha’f World Center, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel (phone 972-4-835-8389, fax 972-4-835-8325, e-mail

ating and responding to

tional,

professional requirements of the positions and the organizational standards for spirit and manner in which the work is accomplished. Needs exceptional interpersonal skills that include courtesy, warmth, hospitality, tact, diplomacy in relaying sensitive information. Must be multi-tasked, extremely flexible, and able to respond to constant change with a kind and loving attitude. Background in recruiting desirable. Able to use WordPerfect and Word for Windows. System Support Specialist, Management Information Systems (MIS). Responsible for the management and maintenance of the following Baha’i National Center enterprise-wide systems: electronic mail, telecommunications (PBX switches at all sites), help desk and training. This position also provides direct support to the Hardware Support Specialist in the maintenance and troubleshooting of computers and related hardware systems. Will communicate with Network Support Specialist in the operation of all enterprise networks. Programmer! Analyst, Management Information Systems. In this position you will be primarily responsible for enhancing and maintaining existing systems and the planning, development, documentation and support for new client/server systems. Prior Windows programming experience and SQL is necessary along, with some knowledge of reporting, HTML, networks, and the Internet. For information on any of these positions, please mail updated resumé to Christine

itanwood, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201, or fax 847-733-3430.

THE BAHA‘f International Community has a position open for an aide to the principal representative to the United Nations. The aide will provide administrative and secretarial support, and will work closely with the principal representative at the Baha’f offices at the UN in New York. The position requires strong writing and verbal skills in English; proficiency in Spanish and/or French in addition is preferred. Knowledge of computerized word processing is essential. Please direct replies to Dorothy Longo, Operations Officer, Baha’ International Community, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017 (fax 212-803-2566).

TEACHING-EDUCATION Coordinator needed at Louis G. Gregory Baha'i Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina. Responsible for planning, implementation and evaluation of all teaching and education programs at the Institute. Four

years’ administrative/management experience and a graduate degree in education, management or a comparable field desired. For information or an application, please contact Christine Stanwood, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201, or fax 847-733-3430.

ADMINISTRATIVE coordinator, Bosch Baha'i School. Knowledge of computer programs, specifically Word, My List, Meeting Pro, Publisher, PageMaker, Quicken, CC:Mail and Pro-Cite desired. Communication skills including the ability to generate written correspondence, accounting and bookkeeping experience, typing skills and knowledge of most office business machines required. Some college required, bachelor’s degree preferred. Candidates should be knowledgeable about the spiritual, administrative and historical precepts of the Faith. Experience on a local Assembly or other administrative communities is highly desirable. Please send resumés to Mark Bedford, Bosch Baha’{ School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-9615, phone 408-423-3387, or fax 408-423-7564.

MAINTENANCE worker needed at the Native American Baha’i Institute. Should have some knowledge of building construction and repair. Please send resumé to Joel Orona at NABI, Box 3167, Houck, AZ 86506 (phone 520-5877599, fax 520-521-1063) and a resumé to Christine Stanwood, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (fax 847-733-3430).

RETIRED couple or youth on year of service to serve as caretaker and activities coordinator at the Phoenix, Arizona, Baha'i Center. Teaching and deepening in the Phoenix community (approximately 400 believers, with another 1,000 in the metropolitan area) are intensifying; over 300 seekers have called the Baha'i Information Line in the last five months and constant and sustained activities must be established at the Center, among other places around the city. Among the goals: to open an office at the Center and keep the bookstore open every day. Please send resumes to P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 85068-9961 or call 602-9953817 for information.

OPPORTUNITIES abound in China. The “country of the future” holds excitement and innumerable opportunities. For more information contact Susan Senchuk (phone 847-733-3506, fax 847733-3509, e-mail

THe American Bans’ = 22

PIONEERING (OveRSEAS)

EMPLOYMENT opportunities 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 help the National Assembly secretary and to train a replacement. Tanzania—Teachers. Zambia—Teachers. AMERICAS: Belize—Receptionist for National Center. Grenada—Manager of small bed and breakfast. Honduras— Teachers. Turks & Caicos—Government doctor. Venezuela—Computer outlet store for sale. ASIA: India—Volunteers and teachers to teach moral education at a Montessori school. Macau—Teachers. Sakhalin—Teachers. AUSTRALASIA: Australia—General Manager for Baha’i Publications Australia; physicians, especially psychiatrists; child and adolescent psychiatrists; obstetrician/ gynecologists and radiologists. Mariana Islands—Physician at a health center on Rota. Western Caroline Islands—Selfsupporting assistant to the National Assembly Secretary. EUROPE: Czech Republic—Primary and secondary teachers in mathematics, science, humanities, Spanish, English as a secondary language. URGENT NEEDS: Australia—Immediate need for General Manager to run Baha’f Publications Australia, including product development, publishin; ee sales and distribution. Belize—The Office of the Secretariat needs a self-supporting person to staff the Visitor’s Center and maybe serve as caretaker. Honduras— Need for slementary and secondary school teachers. Macau—The School of Nations needs qualified kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers. Solomon Islands—Self-supporting + couple to serve as custodians of the Baha’f Center in Honiara. Volunteer to train National Center office staff. For additional information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 847733-3512, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

PIONEERING (HomMEFRONT)

MONROEVILLE, Pennsylvania, is looking for a few Baha’fs to move in and help preserve one of only three local Spiritual Assemblies in western Pennsylvania. The Assembly has a solid record in external affairs, including work with the NAACP Interfaith Ministerium and the local Race Unity Forum. The community has a strong emphasis on children, hosts regular firesides and devotional meetings, and hopes to help form a Baha'i club at the Boyce Campus of the Community College of Allegheny County. Ten miles east of Pittsburgh, this city of 30,000 is racially diverse and has an excellent school system. For information, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of Monroeville at PO. Box 1226, Monroeville, PA 15146 (phone 412-374-8584).

MOVING TO the San Francisco Bay area? Newark, California, is near the south end of the bay, accessible to the Oakland area, “Silicon Valley” and the San Jose International Airport. With a diverse population of 39,000 in a major metropolitan area, Newark provides many teaching opportunities. The Baha’i community has lost several active members and new residents can help ensure an active local Spiritual Assembly. For information, phone Steven Rinker, 510-490-3111 ext. 5741; or Kouroush Nikoui, 510-226-1919; or write the Spiritual Assembly of Newark, P.O. Box 462, Newark, CA 94560.

See ADS, next page

[Page 23]EDUCATION

‘Im B.E. 154 * October 16, 1997

23

‘Irfan Colloquia explore variety of religious views

Scriptures and practices of a wide range of world religions were examined from a Baha'i perspective in this year’s English-language ‘Irfan Colloquium sessions in the United States and Great Britain.

Scholars at the 15th colloquium Aug. 9-10 at the Baha’ National Center in Wilmette, Illinois, and the 14th on July 4-8 at the Manchester, England, Bahai Center, presented lectures and papers on the theme of “World Religions and the Baha’f Faith,” also to be the theme of next year’s ‘Irfan Colloquia.

Comparative views of salvation, mystical knowledge and the religious epproach to science were presented along with Baha’i perspectives on Islamic traditions, Buddhism, African religions and the New Age movement.

Both events were sponsored by the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund, with the Manchester gathering assisted by a Nurredin Momtazi Memorial Grant.

The Wilmette colloquium featured:

A lecture on the prophetic nature of the Revelation of Baha’u’llah by Dr.

Ads

Continued from Page 23

SPANISH-speaking Baha'is are being sought to pioneer on the home front in Santa Ana, California. In the center of rank County, 40 minutes south of Los Angeles and 2 hours north of Mexico by car, the city of Santa Ana has a large Mexican population. There are many job opportunities in the area including manufacticne, retail sales, government, aerospace, military, medical and law. Santa Ana has a junior college, and several colleges and universities are in the area. The Baha'i community in Santa Ana is small but very active, with a Spanish teaching project that has continued for over a year. For information, please contact the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Santa Ana, P.O. Box 28354, Santa Ana, CA 92799-8354.

Pera

WRITTEN or taped accounts by Asian or Hispanic Bahd’is of their Baha‘{ life and activities are being sought by the National Baha’{ Archives. Anyone having accounts they could donate is asked to send them to the National Baha‘f Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

THE NATIONAL Bahd’‘f Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Adolphe E. Bosse, Viola M. Bower, EL. Bowers, Corinne Bowman, Harold M. Bowman Sr., Walter H. Bowman, Edith H. Boyd, Louise D. Boyle, Eda Rae Bracken, Evelyn Bradt and Theresa Bragg. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these letters from the Guardian is asked to contact the National Baha’i Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

MEW)

‘THE MILWAUKEE Baha’f community is looking for past community members to help celebrate their 75th Anniversary ata gale celebration April 26, 1998. It will be held at the beautiful Italian

David Ruhe.

¢ “A Comparison of Mass Movements in Hindu Villages: Baha’i and Christian” by Dr. Susan Mameck, who found that more rural Hindus of all castes were converting to the Baha’{ Faith than to Christianity.

¢ “Ascertaining the Validity of Islamic Hadith: A Personal Perspective” by Nabil Fares, who examined how the Baha’f Faith uses and validates many hadith, traditions of words and acts by the Prophet Muhammad.

¢ “Salvation: Staticity into Motion” by Joan Sheppard, looking at how the idea of salvation developed inJudaism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith.

¢ “Religion and Science in Harmony: A New Reality” by Muin Afnani, exploring the issue in nor, in the world religions, and in Baha’{ theology.

¢ “The Hidden Treasure” by Mozh. Khadem, who delved into Baha’f ‘1 or mystical knowledge, especially on such subjects as the Most Holy Outpouring, Wonderment, Life in God, and the various worlds of God (suchas the World

Community Center and will feature speakers, music, historical displays and entertainment. Reservations can be made at $25 per seat. yee are a former member of the Milwaukee Baha’i community and/or are interested in attending, please send your name and address with telephone number and any juestions or comments to Historychives Project, Milwaukee Baha’f Center, 2526 West Vliet Street, Milwau THE TUCSON, Arizona, Baha’{ community will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the formation of its Spiritual Assembly during the next Baha’ year, and plans are under way for an area-wide teaching campaign. Also, the Assembly’s 50th Anniversary Task Force is seeking memorabilia, photos with identifying information, anecdotes and articles documenting milestones in the development of the Faith in and near Tucson. A “memory book” is being compiled, and a display will be devel eal showing how fives andl word Baha’{ developments coincide with world events of the time. Anecdotes will be used not only in the archives, but also next year in the Southern Arizona Baha’{ newsletter. Memories and history may be recorded on audio tape for transcription. Please contact the 50th Anniversary Task Force, P.O. Box 41961, Tucson, AZ 85717 (fax 520-323-7245; e-mail

MUSICIANS and composers wanted to create music with themes celebrating Ridv4n. Enter a competition with a $50 pezein each category: English lyric,

ersian lyric, lyrics in other languages, and instrumental, by composing and presenting music related to Ridvaén on cassette, CD, sheet music, 8mm or VHS video (NTSC). Historical accuracy is important, pestis imagery encouraged, various styles sought. Send music (with title, length, name(s) of composer(s)/ performer(s), translation of lyrics if other than English, address of contact person, and permission to use in Ridvén proams) by November 19 to Anne and im Perry, Arts Afire, Dallas, TX 75243 (fax 972680-9128; e-mail Please write for ideas for themes and listing of known music about Ridvan.

of Cause and the World of Creation).

¢ “The Blind Men and the Elephant: Perspectives in Buddhist and Baha’i Metaphysics” by Dann May, offering BahA’f interpretations of such Buddhist concepts as nirvana (enlightenment), sunyata (emptiness), anatta (no soul), rebirth and karma.

• “Buddy, Can You Spare A Paradigm? The Baha’{ Faith and the New

Age Movement” by Paul Dodenhoff.

e colloquium in Manchester drew lecturers from Europe, North America and Africa, and a centerpiece of the gathering was an afternoon focusing on African religions and the Baha'i Faith.

Dr. Akwasi Osei, a psychiatrist from Ghana, asserted that African religions contain a mix of truths and outmoded

ractices, and that the Bahd’{ Faith can

elp glean the valid aspects.

Enoch Tanyi of Cameroon noted that African religions are essentially monotheistic; divide creation into five categories (mineral, vegetable, animal, human, and spiritual); assert that humans have a dual nature; venerate ancestors and value good deeds in their name; and, contrary to the Baha’j Faith, emphasize prvenic phenomena.

A pepe y Margaret and Crispin Pemberton-Piggot, delivered in their absence, explored Swazi religion and called on Baha’{ authors to present the Faith in traditional African forms.

Other sessions were conducted by:

¢ Dr. Iraj Ayman on the Baha’ Faith’s immunity to division into sects.

• Per Olaf Akerdahl of Sweden on the

Baha’f World Center from the perspective of religious history.

• Moojan Momen on an approach to

Buddhism that emulates Baha’f scriptural approaches to Western religions.

¢ Kamran Ekbal on 19th-century messianic movements in China.

• Robert Stockman exploring ways

of defining “Baha’i scripture.”

• Stephen Lambden on the significance of key Shi’ite messianic terms to

the Babi and Baha'i Revelations.

¢ Julio Savi on Bahd’u’llah’s use and modification of Sufi terms in The Seven valleys and The Four Valleys.

¢ Zaid Lundberg of Sweden on how the Bahd’{ Faith falls outside the popular definition of the New Age Movement.

Collections of abstracts are available for $3 per conference from the Research Office, Baha’{ National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Books containing the complete papers are planned for eventual publication.

The ‘Irfan Colloquium was founded by the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund, named after a turn-of-the-century Baha’f scholar in Iran who was an expert in the Bible and the Qur’n.

Two additional colloquia per year are conducted in Persian.

Persian classes set next summer

The National Persian/ American Affairs Office, in collaboration with the Wilmette Institute, is planning three courses for intensive study of Persian language: a beginning class on the basics of reading and writing Persian, an intermediary class for those who know the basics and wish to improve their reading comprehension and writing skills, and a special class for those who have a good command of reading and writing Persian and wish to be able to study the Baha’{ Writings in the original language.

Classes will begin July 18, 1998, and end August 8, 1998, at the same time as the “Spiritual Foundations for a Glo bal Civilization” program of the Wilmette Institute. Students can take advantage of dormitory facilities at National-Louis University near the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette.

It is essential for those interested in studying Persian to respond to the Persian/ American Affairs Office as soon as possible, but no later than Jan. 1, 1998. The courses will be organized if there is sufficient interest. Tuition, residence hall costs and registration requirements will be announced later.

Contact the Persian/American Affairs Office at the Baha'i National Center (phone 847-733-3526, fax 847-8690247, e-mail

Institute brings classes to Bosch

The Wilmette Institute and Bosch Baha’f School are planning a series of joint courses on religions from a Baha’i perspective.

The first of the seven weekend courses, to be held Jan. 9-11 at Bosch, will be followed by five weeks of home study. Classes at Bosch will start Friday evening and end at noon Sunday.

Topics planned to date include Hinduism and Buddhism; Chinese Reli ion and Philosophy; Judaism and

hristianity; the Old and New Testa ments; Islam; the Baha’i Faith and Philosophy; and Baha’{ Theology.

Each course, which is the equivalent of one-quarter of a semester course, will be conducted at the undergraduate level and can be taken separately from the others.

The curricular materials were originally developed for “Spiritual Solutions for a Global Civilization,” the Wilmette Institute’s four-year study program on the Faith.

English translation of letter to Persians available

The latest message of the Universal House of Justice to the Persian believers throughout the world, dated Baha 154 (March 1997), elaborates in detail the roles and responsibilities of the Persian Bahd’is in strengthening the fabric of Baha'i community life. The Persian text of the message was published in the May 17,1997, issue of The American Baha'i.

Due to the importance of the message, the Supreme Institution has sent the English translation of this document to all National Spiritual Assemblies. Copies of the original text and the translation may be obtained from the National Persian/American Affairs Office at the Baha’f National Center, telephone 847-733-3526.

[Page 24]ore) VI]

ITY NEWS

24

THe American BaxA’t

Councilfire in Northwest connects Native Americans, Siberians

Native Siberians and American Indians joined in celebration at the annual United Spiritual Gathering Councilfire, attended by more than 500 people Aug. 15-17 in Neah Bay, Washington.

The Siberian visitors helped create joy even before the Councilfire began, as a children’s dance group from Amga, on the northern slope of Siberia, performed for about 100 people at the Makah Tribal Community Center. Dancers from the host community also performed.

And they brought the message of Bahd’u'llah back to their homeland in Russia. After the gathering, an instructor with the dance group and a TV station manager conducted a 45-minute

video interview to be aired in Siberia, discussing the Councilfire and Baha'i teachings, as well as the possibility of holding such an event in Siberia.

Within about a week after the Councilfire, an elder of the Makah Nation and a Siberian friend of the Faith declared belief in Bahé’u’ll4h.

“Your service to the Blessed Beauty will surely have nurtured and encouraged many souls on their own path of service to Him,” Counselor Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, a featured speaker, commented after the event.

Chris Norleen, a member of the American Indian Teaching Committee, added, “What happened there needs

to be shared with the rest of our American Indian brothers and sisters in the United States, Canada and Alaska.” Organized by the Baha’is of the Makah reservation, the Councilfire featured traditional ceremonies and performances by a Baha‘{_ drum/song group from Cowichan Valley in British Columbia and a Tsimshian group from Alaska, as well as songs by Phil Lucas and a Siberian blessing-of-the-fire ceremony. There was a get-acquainted session led by Ferris Paisano in which hundreds shook hands ina “round dance.” And after the talks and formal festivities, firesides and deepenings lasted well into the night at many campsites.

‘(Community Development

Haleh Arbab (Columbia) Eloy Anello (Bolivia)

Elizabeth L. Bowen (U.S.) Gustavo Correa (Columbia)

Dwight Allen (U.S.)

Jaime Duhart (Chile)

Joseph Andrejchak Galata (U.S.) Michael W. Horton (Bahamas) Owrang Kashef (Canada)

Larry M. Miller (U.S.)

Red Grammer (U.S.) Thelma Khelghati (U.S.) Phil Lane, Jr. (Canada)

TRACK NETWORKS:

PLEASE PRINT NAME

ADDRESS.

CITY.

ZIP. PHONE CHILDREN NAMES AND AGES.

STATE.

INDICATE ANY SPECIAL NEEDS

E-MAIL.

consultation, participants will enhance their capacities * they can cultivate the limitless potentialities latent in human consciousness.”

DECEMBER 18-21, 1997 - CLARION PLAZA HOTEL - ORLANDO, FLORIDA

FEATURED PRESENTATIONS: Radio Baha'i in Latin America - Foundation for the Application and Teaching of Science (FUNDAEC) - Nur University - Four Worlds International Institute for Human and

May Khadem (U.S.)

FEATURED PERFORMERS:

Jack Lenz (Canada) Mary K. Makoski (U.S.) Joel V. Orona (U.S)

1997 BAHA’i CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AMERICAS

THEME: DEVELOPING BAHA’i COMMUNITIES OF SERVICE.

"..service to humankind is the purpose of both individual life and social organization."

—tThe Prosperity of Humankind

With featured presentations and speakers from throughout the Americas and a series of track networks for in-depth

.in equipping people and institutions with the means through which ‘The Prosperity of Humankind

Representatives and Program Participants Invited from 150 Baha’i Projects, Institutions/Agencies and Baha’i-Inspired Organizations from 29 countries, plus Baha’i International Community

FEATURED SPEAKERS AND PLENARY SESSION PRESIDERS: William E. Davis (U.S.) Kenneth Gould (U.S.) Jacqueline Left Hand Bull (U.S.) Duncan Hanks (Bolivia) Ann Jorgensen (Panama) David S. Ruhe (U.S.) Andy A. Tamas (Canada) Susanne E. Tamas (Canada)

OTHER FEATURED TRACK PRESENTERS:

Jack Lenz (Canada) Patricia Osorio (Chile)

Austin Bowden-Kerby (Puerto Rico) Helen Mirkovich (Costa Rica) Marilyn J. Smith (Honduras)

i Eloy Anello Alfred K. Neumann (U.S.) Barry Smith (Honduras) (Bolivia) Gordon A. Naylor (Canada) Neil Whatley (Costa Rica) Brian O'Toole (Guyana) Donald R. Witzel (Venezuela) Pamela O'Toole (Guyana) .-and many more William Roberts (U.S.) ae Barbara J. Rodey (U.S.) EY Jacqueline Left Hand Bull (US) Andy A. Tamas (Canada)

Advancement of Women; Agriculture; The Arts; Broadcast/Media; Business and Economics; Education; Environment; Health; Indigenous Peoples; Literacy; Marriage and Family; Peoples of African Descent.

“Let them step forth to take their places in the arena of service where their talents and skills, their specialized training, their material resources, their offers of time and energy and, above all, their dedication to Baha'i principles, can be put to work in improving the lot of man.” —The Universal House of Justice (Message to the Baha'is of the World, October 20, 1983)

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Adult Fee HOTEL/AIRLINE INFORMATION November ‘Special Baha'i group discount rates for: fer Novonber 20, $119 “Hotel rooms at the Clarion Plaza Hotel in Orlando: $44 Children & Jr. Youth Fé Perinight (up to 4 persons) neuer we, Limited Availability Call Promptly (3-14 years) Hotel Reservation: 1-800-627-6258 Before November 20: $39 of 407-354-1703 After November 20: $59 “Airfare Discounts from American Youth Fee Travel Consultants a 1-800-393-5050 (outside North America e2 yoo a 20: $59 407-879-6655) File No. XS883 After November 20: $79 Make Check Payable and Mail To:

Add $19, if possible, to assist with Scholarships.

No refund for “no-shows.”

Phil Lane, Jr. (Canada)

RABBANI CHARITABLE TRUST

1477 W. FAIRBANKS AVE., Suite 200 WINTER PARK, FL 32789

GENERAL INFORMATION: 407-740-5415

Jack McCants, a member of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly, spoke about the need for Native Americans to travel and teach the native peoples in Siberia. A list of names was gathered to be submitted to the World Center, for prayers and plans to be set in motion.

Counselor Left Hand Bull spoke of the special position of American Indians within the Baha'i Faith, saying it is time for the Baha‘is of color to recognize the power they have in bringing Bahd’‘u'llah's Message to humanity.

The Counselor read a letter to the Councilfire from the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahé Rthfyyih Khaénum, emphasizing the promise of ‘Abdu’l-Baha that through the Baha’{ teachings, American Indians can “become so enlightened that the whole earth will be illumined.”

Also speaking that weekend were Jolie acid inerer Haug, on the equality of men and women; Doug Harris, on progressive revelation; and Jim Workman, on unity in diversity.

Opportunity taken to introduce Faith

to fellow employees

ABaha’{in Columbus, Ohio, recently sponsored an introductory class on the

aith for employees at Lucent Technologies in Columbus.

The company, requires that its employees enhance their world view by taking part in classes offered by anumber of organizations within-the company (i.e., Chinese, American Indian, women, Bible club, and so on) as a part of their professional training.

Dina Firoozmand, a Baha'i who works at Lucent as an electrical engineer, submitted a proposal to introduce the Faith and its teachings to her fellow employees. The company approved the classas a part of its diversity training and accepted a copy of Baha’u'llah and the New Era for its library.

Employees were informed of the class via e-mail, fliers and electronic bulletin boards in various places at company headquarters, giving all of Lucent's 5,000 workers a chance to hear about the Faith and to consider Baha‘u'llah’s assertion that “the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.”

One hundred twenty-three employees attended the class July 17 in the company auditorium. After a prayer by ‘Abdu’'l-Baha was recited, Dr. David Hansen of Upper Arlington pve apresentation covering the teachings, history, laws, administration, Holy Places and Houses of Worship, and social and economic development projects by Baha’is around the world.

Also, 200 copies of the pamphlets “The Baha’ Faith” and “Bahé’u’llah, God’s Messenger to Humanity” were distributed to those attending the class.

A question-and-answer session followed, drawing inquiries about the Bahd’i perspective on the oneness of religions, heaven and hell, homosexuality, the destiny of the non-believer, etc.

One person in attendance attacked the Faith, saying Baha’u’llah was a false prophet. Dr. Hansen briefly responded and the employee later was given the book Thief in the Night.

Since the class, several employees have been investigating the Faith.

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of the Institutions.”

The success of last summer’s mediafueled teaching project in Atlanta, Georgia, convinced the National Spiritual Assembly that the time had come to implement a national effort.

The Atlanta pilot project got into full swing in early June. A specially produced 30-minute program, “The Power of Race Unity,” was broadcast on local cable TV and generated about 600 direct

in the first two weeks. Reguince then have yielded consistently high levels of response. zens of seekers have attended area sides, devotional meetings and other events. As of early September, eight enrollments were durectly attributable to the broadcasts, and 23 more stemmed from other teaching efforts that were part of the campaign.

Intensive local public relations efforts coordinated with the broadcasts included radio and print ads promoting, the program.

“Although this was a modest effort by today’s standards, it definitely proved two important things,” said Ken Bowers, secretary of the National Teaching, Committee. st, there really are large numbers of people out there who will respond to the Baha'i message. Second, an intelligent and systematic approach will yield results.”

National initiative

The upcoming national initiative will include the following elements:

¢ “The Power of Race Unity” and at least one other 30-minute program will be broadcast on at least one national cable channel. Tentative starting time is January 1998. These broadcasts will be complemented by commercial spots promoting the program.

¢ These tapes, together with a series of specially developed radio ads, will be made available to Baha’i communities for local use.

• A national World Wide Web site

will be established with links to local sites, to help seekers gain information on nearby local activities.

¢ Anew toll-free telephone number will be linked to a system that can route calls to local Baha’i communities.

• Public relations materials will be

developed and distributed, with a pro ram for helping communities learn ow to conduct public relations successfully.

• Programs for training Baha'i teachers, especially through the regional

training institutes, will be accelerated.

Several agencies of the National Spiritual Assembly are working together to develop the campaign. Details will be shared with the friends as they are worked out.

Dr. Henderson pointed out that a number of recent developments combined to set the stage for an intensified national effort.

“For the past two years, several groups have been working to develop Broadepst quality materials for use on commercial television channels,” he said. “The Satellite Initiative Development Corporation (SIDCorp), an independent collaboration of Baha’is interested in this issue, together with the National Teaching Committee and the National Assembly’s Baha’i Media Services, have spent a great deal of effort learning how to reach viewers with the Baha’i message in a way that produces a high level of response.”

Began with research

The process began with extensive research on potential audiences for whom the teachings of the Baha’i Faith would likely have a high appeal. Based on this research, SIDCorp produced a pilot version of “The Power of Race Unity.”

The program went through a series of tests using “focus groups” of nonBahd’is. Results from these tests led to several revisions, until the tape began to get a good enough response to be used in an actual test broadcast.

The National Teaching Committee looked on Atlanta as “a natural choice” for a location to test the campaign, Mr. Bowers said.

“The Atlanta Baha’i community is very active and has a good track record of involvement with the larger community in the area of race relations,” Mr. Bowers said. “In addition, the general population includes large numbers of people who, based on our research, would be receptive to the Faith.”

The Teaching Committee spent several months before the broadcast in consultation with local Spiritual Assemblies, the Auxiliary Board and many other believers in the area. The purpose was to put in place all of the elements necessary for advancing the process of entry by troops.

“Tt is clear that the use of media is an essential element of the teaching work,” Mr. Bowers said. “At the same time, it is only one of many that need to be pursued. Others include public relations, fireside teaching, devotional gatherings, teacher training, service projects, and others. They have all been described by the Universal House of Justice, and they are meant to be harmonious and complementary. Together they make for a pattern of activities that advance the process of entry by troops.”

Enhancing local work

National proclamation activities are intended to enhance the local efforts already under way, Mr. Bowers said.

“What this is really about is helping to bring seekers into our local communities,” he said. “Mass media are not a substitute for individual teaching, but they can create unprecedented opportunities for the friends, both individually and collectively, to share the Faith with their countrymen.”

Mather worked with youth in Caribbean

George Mather, who pioneered with his wife and family to the Virgin Islands from 1972-86, and to the Leeward Islands until 1994, died August 10 after a long battle with cancer. He was 77 years old.

Mr. Mather, who had a degree in

business and transportation and was certified as a commercial pilot for single- and multi-engine planes, was a devoted teacher who, with his wife Shirley, was especially involved in supporting activities for children and youth.

‘ILm B.E. 154 ¢ October 16, 1997

31

PMO William Jr., Michael Sears served Faith around globe

William Sears Jr. and Michael Sears, pioneers, worldwide traveling teachers and sons of the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears and Marguerite Sears, passed away in the same week in August.

William Jr. died Aug. 6 in Simi Valley, California, at age 62 from a lung infection after a year’s illness. He is survived by his wife, Mariel, and four daughters.

Michael, who had lived at various posts in southern Africa since July 1953, died Aug. 10 in Johannesburg, South Africa, at age 61. He had collapsed soon after his brother’s passing. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, and two sons.

They are also survived by their mother. Their father passed away in March 1992.

The brothers are familiar to many Baha’is worldwide through their father’s books God Loves Laughter and All Flags Flying. The latter book relates stories of the family’s teaching travels on several continents and life on their farm outside Johannesburg.

William Sears Jr. attended college in Johannesburg before taking a temporary pioneering post at St. Helena Island. In the late 1950s, he and his friend Fred Schechter (later named a Counselor) answered a call for service in Uruguay. There Mr. Sears met his future wife, the daughter of early Chilean Baha'is Carlos and Julia Bulling.

The couple returned to live in the United States, where Mr. Sears worked in the fields of security and computer programming/system ad: ration. He also assisted in editing some of his father’s writings, including In Grandfather’s Barn.

The Universal House of Justice wrote

to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States: “Kindly convey to Mrs. Marguerite Sears and the family the expression of our loving sympathy in the loss of dear William Sears, Jr. and the assurance of our ardent prayers in the Holy Shrines for the progress of his soul in the Abha Kingdom.”

In All Flags Flying, Mr. Sears Sr. praises William Jr. as “exactly the kind of person I'd like to be ... a genuine, good-natured, thoughtful, first-class human being.”

Michael Sears’ pioneering posts included South Africa, South-West Africa (now Namibia) and Lesotho.

Originally working as an architect, he turned to free-lance writing for public radio and public relations/marketing for several large businesses.

He served for two decades on the National Spiritual Assembly of South and West Africa, which encompassed 14 countries. He continued to serve on the National Spiritual Assembly of South Africa when it was formed.

The Universal House of Justice also wrote to the National Spiritual Assembly of South Africa: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of dearly loved Michael Sears, who will especially be remembered for his long, period of pioneering to South Africa. Kindly convey our warmest sympathy to the members of his family and the assurance of our ardent prayers in the Holy Shrines for the progress of his soul throughout the divine worlds.”

Ina letter expressing its condolences, the National Assembly of South Africa praised Michael for “his humor, his dedication and his care and kindness for others.”

Bulling honored for work in 2 nations

One year after her passing, a memorial service was held August 9 in La Mesa, California, for Julia Bulling, who scorpio’ the Faith in Chile in 1945 and had lived and served in California for more than 30 years.

Mrs. Bulling and her husband, Carlos, traveled and taught throughout Chile for 20 years and were instrumental, during the second Seven Year Plan, in helping to form the first Spiritual Assemblies of Valparaiso, Vina del Mar and Quilpue.

The Bullings’ five children, their spouses, and almost all of their grand children and great-grandchildren are Baha'is.

After Mrs. Bulling’s passing, the Universal House of Justice cabled the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly:

“Saddened passing radiant veteran teacher Cause Julia Bulling of Chile. Her long record of loving services both North and South America warmly remembered. Assure ardent prayers Holy Shrines for the progress of her luminous soul in the worlds of God. Kindly extend heartfelt condolences our behalf her bereaved relations and friends.”

Gordon R. Barnes Ghodsy Geula Tampa, FL Manhattan Beach, April 9, 1997 CA

Cynthia Butler July 17, 1997 Houston, TX Mouhebatullah Hai July 14, 1997 East Amherst, NY Manizhih Darab_ ‘July 30, 1997 Olympia Fields, IL Daniel W.C. Hough July 26, 1997 Mosier, OR Richard Folster August 17, 1997 Sidney, NE Tahereh Ighani

August 13,1997 Simi Valley, CA

August 3, 1997

Nargess Kaempf _Bettijane Walker White Plains, NY Boardman, OH July 8, 1997 August 28, 1997

George Mather Bradenton, FL August 10, 1997

Margaret K. White Attleboro, MA August 7, 1997

Earl R. Rowell Nina Whiting Springfield, MO Pacific Grove, CA July 16, 1997 July 1997

Michael Sears Lee Williams South Africa Laramie, Wyoming

August 10, 1997 William Sears Jr. Simi Valley, CA August 6, 1997

August 14, 1997

[Page 32]

THe American BaxA’l 32

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

For information about events sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Baha’{ National Center, please phone 847869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. The numbers for the permanent Baha‘ schools and institutes are as follows: Bosch Baha'i School, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564; e-mail Green Acre Baha‘i School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail

Louhelen Bahd’f School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail Louis G. Gregory Baha’i Institute, phone 803-558-5093; fax 803-558-9114; e-mail Native American Baha'i Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063;

e-mail

OCTOBER

24-26: Star ‘Trek teaching weekend, Bosch Baha'i School.

24-26: “Bringing the UN Home’ with Jeffery Huffines, U.S. Bahé’{ represent * tative to the United Nations, Green Acre Bahd’i School.

Soneeoey nicure earlier pspaties le Baas eaten tee 25: “World Citizenship: A Global Ethic for Sustainable Development,” free

which also included the Junior Youth Workshop, drew repeated cheers from public panel discussion, Green Acre Baha‘{ School. , onlookers. Parade judges were reported to have been especially pleased by the 2 30- jov. 1: The | itab-i-Aqdas and You,” facilitated by Azadeh and Nabil number of Baha'is taking part in the parade entry. (Photo submitted by the U.S. Fares, Bosch Baha’{ School. aed a ‘ Bahé' Refugee Office. For information on teaching or involving Southeast 30-Nov. 2: Pioneering/ Year of Service/SITA Institute presented by the Office Asians in the Baha'i community, call the office at 847-733-3522.) of Pioneering, Green Acre Bahd’{ School.

31-Nov. 2: “The Covenant and Community Transformation,” Louhelen

_ oe 4 Baha’ School. | To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The American Baha’t, send all | NOVEMBER |_| Movinee family members’ names, new address and mailing label to: Management | phy ran : ‘i TELL US YOUR Information Services, Baha’{ National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, 7-9: National Hispanic Teaching Conference, sponsored by the Latin| | NewapprEss IL 60201-1611. If acquiring a Post Office pow your residence address (c) | American Task Force and the National Teaching Committee, with Counselor se Re A Malca Comer ednaten) Cee Arturo Serrano and others, Bosch Baha’ School. Also, retreat study group, | | | “Structuring the Community,” facilitated by Derek Cockshut. 7-9: Wisconsin Baha’{ School, Byron Center, Brownsville, Wisconsin. Theme:

A. NAME(S) y I : I “Light in Darkness.” Contact registrar Lisa Reimer, West

1 Bend, WI 50395 (phone 414-338-3023). | LD. | 7-9: Youth Eagle Institute, ages 15 and up, Louhelen Baha’{ School. | — | 7-10: “Two Wings of a Bird, with Beth Bowen, Baha'i International Commu| 3 | nity representative to many UN conferences on the advancement of women,

2 Green Acre Baha’{ School.

1D.#

la | 14-16: Special fund-raising weekend, Bosch Bahd’f School. Il LD.# j 14-16: 21st annual Conference of the Association for Baha'i Studies, Renais| sance Hotel, Washington, D.C. Theme: “Fostering Human Rights: Developing

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS Pathways to Peace.” | | 14-16: “Pen of Glory” with Dr. David Ruhe, Louhelen Baha’{ School. | | ane a ea

x rae sie Gila walling addaese wing, Alberta Deas an arles Bullock. Contact Carol Payne, P.O. Box 289, caries Rss | | Skipperville, AL 36374 (phone 334-774-0020, e-mail for | Apartment GFappieabey ‘partment 8 (i epplicabley | hotel room reservations call 800-232-2416.

14-16: Seekers and New Believers Weekend, Green Acre Baha'i School.

| Gy Gy | 21-23: “Business Ethics and the Bahd’{ Faith,” with Dr. Dorothy Marcic, | | Melita Elmore, Channing Miller, Trip Barthel and others, Bosch Baha'i School.

State Zip code State Zip code The conference will explore the formation of a U.S. Baha’i Business Forum. le J 21-23: “Finding Spiritual Solutions to Social Problems,” Louhelen Baha'i | p.New community E, HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER School. | 27-30: Oregon Western Baha’f School, near Portland, Oregon. Contact Lynne

= SE = = 7 — Nesbit, Portland, OR 97213 (phone 503-236-4708). |_—eeae BE commmnenty Mario date 1] "Arma code; Eien usher: «iN | 27-30: Florida Bahé’{ Winter School, Holiday Inn, Cocoa Beach. Theme: “The | WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) | Four Year Plan.” Contact Denise Godsey (phone 954-942-1844, e-mail | — | 28-30: Two courses at Green Acre Baha’{ School: “Bridges from the Bible” [ofa eae eeenenber baw. ‘Area code Phone Dares Nome | with Gary Matthews; “The Worlds of God,” with Diane Iverson and Ron Tomanio, members of the Foundation for the Science of Reality.

| G.WERECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: H.IWOULDLIKEACoPY — | 28-30: Third Divine Art of Living Conference, Sheraton Grande Torrey Pines, | sr. do at have the same last Ah lst names and addresses n our Querautold wecivercotyne | | La Jolla, California. Talks by Dr. Riaz Ghadimi in Persian, translated simulta| | | |

for tact Please cancel the copy listed above she ful nes of family pave eh te receive my own copy. neously into English, on family, courtship, spouse selection, marriage and child tited shove meme) Maca weordl Ger LOtesieryedée | ciieedet ns rearing. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of San Diego, California. For registraan ee roenre Py ove tion information mail to San Diego, CA 92130 or —— contact Bahia Farahi, phone/fax 619-755-7623; e-mail 28-30: Youth Training Conference, facilitated by Linda Gilpatrick and Alice Baha’i National Center ‘itm B.E. 154 ¢ Octoser 16, 1997 Moore, Bosch Baha’f School.

1233 Central St.

Evanston, IL 60201-1611 DECEMBER

4-7: Singles Retreat/Friends/Partners and God, Bosch Baha'i School.

5-7: “The History and Future of the Covenant,” Louhelen Baha’f School. 6-7, 13-14: Teacher training on Core Curriculum for Spiritual Education of

USPS/HI-LITER AUTOMATABLE POLY Children, Green Acre Baha’ School

19-22: Texas North Baha’{ School, Green Family Camp. Contact Homa Villagomez, phone 817-451-1819.

ji i 20-23

Children’s Academy, directed by Linda Bedford, Bosch Bahd’f School.

lishdalshall Hb aaalhassalbaMeshabalbasslllsbaaTol Bede. Thliteenich etiniel Coated Canyon Bale Conference and youth ASAAREREA EATER ANAL EAREAAREE ES Conference, Phoenix, Arizona. Theme: The Covenant. Registration Wednesday

evening, Dec. 24. Phone 602-922-1919 for conference information and registration materials; phone the Hyatt, 800-233-1234, for hotel reservations.

26-28: California Southern Baha'i School, at Pilgrim Pines Oak Glen near Yucaipa, California. Contact registrar Edye York, Ontario, CA 91764 (phone 909-983-1022, 909-735-1509 or 909-987-7129).

26-Jan. 1: Winter School general session, including children’s program, Bosch Baha’f School. Special presenters: J. Richard Hoff, “Training to Assist with Entry by Troops”; Christine Rayner, “Baha'i Family Life in Today’s World”; Jeffrey Huffines, “Bringing the UN Home.”