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THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

DECEMBER 31, 1998 SHARAF/HONOR BAHÁ’Í ERA 155 VOLUME 29, NO. 10

A call to proclaim equality

From the National Spiritual Assembly to the American Bahá’í Community: Launching a fresh effort to distribute the ‘Two Wings’ statement

Dearly loved Friends,

Bahá’u’lláh, the Sun of Truth, has assured us that the only remedy for prejudice—an opinion held in disregard of the facts—is the true spirit of equality and unity. The American Bahá’í Community has the ability to serve as a model to our nation in the promotion of these issues. As you know, the National Spiritual Assembly has adopted the equality of women and men together with racial harmony as our twin foci for the duration of the Four Year Plan. We must seize the opportunities afforded at this time to make a difference in the life of our nation. Our progress will help ‎insure ensure‎ the achievement of human rights for all people and, ultimately, to the attainment of peace.

In the arena of gender equality our role is to emphasize the need for a true partnership between women and men. Most individuals are aware of the advances that are needed for equality in education and employment. But let us consider the subtler challenges. We must question whether deep-rooted prejudices about women are affecting our daily behavior. In Bahá’í communities we must examine whether women occupy equally important positions as men; whether their voices are truly heard in consultation; whether their capacities are considered in each election; and whether women and men are sharing in the tasks necessary for community functioning, such as implementing children’s programs, providing food,

SEE EQUALITY, PAGE 8

Consolidation work for the Councils

Western Regional Bahá’í Council members (from left) Charleen Maghzi, Fereshteh Bethel and Erica Toussaint chat with National Spiritual Assembly member Dorothy Nelson in between work sessions Dec. 11 at the Bahá’í House of Worship. The four Councils gathered that weekend for training and consultation with the Assembly and several Counselors. Photo by Ken Duszynski

U.S. scholars support Open University

Iranian actions decried in letters, resolutions

Reports from academic institutions across the United States show consistent opposition to the closure of the Bahá’í Open University three months ago by officials of the Iranian government.

On the principle that students everywhere have a right to an education, administrators, professors and students are ready and willing to speak out in defense of the Bahá’í Institute of Higher Education in Iran.

They are making that support known publicly at special lectures and events, collectively in formal resolutions, and individually in letters to the Iranian Ministry of Education and UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ on and off campus are continuing to contact college and university officials in their efforts to raise awareness of the situation in Iran, as requested in November by the National Spiritual Assembly.

The Institute, known informally as the Open University, was the target of a crackdown in late September and early October. At least 36 of its administrators and educators across the country were arrested by agents of the

SEE OPEN UNIVERSITY, PAGE 4

Nurturing Seekers With Love

Local action to carry forward the National Teaching Plan

BY THE NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE OFFICE

Following up with interested seekers means bringing to fruition the success of our proclamation efforts and giving the message of God for this day to every waiting soul.

The beloved Guardian had this advice on bringing seekers into the Bahá’í Faith: ‘Let him remember the example set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and His constant admonition to shower such kindness upon the seeker. ... Let him refrain, at the outset, from insisting on such laws and observances as might impose too severe a strain on the seeker’s newly awakened faith, and endeavor to nurse him, patiently, tactfully, and yet determinedly, into full maturity, and aid him to proclaim his unqualified acceptance of whatever has been ordained by Bahá’u’lláh.’

The most effective way to nurture seekers to a full understanding of the

SEE NURTURING SEEKERS, PAGE 18

I·N·S·I·D·E

RESPONSE TO HATE CRIME PAGE 3

UNIFYING YAKIMA PAGE 5

CYCLING TEACHERS PAGE 16

• KID’S CORNER • 12
• YOUTH • 15
• CARTA A LOS AMIGOS • 20
• CLASSIFIED • 24-25
• IN MEMORIAM • 26
• PERSIAN PAGES • 27-30

THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1 and November 30, 1998

$15,750,000	Goal/All Funds
$10,031,151	Received/All Funds

See page 3 for details

E·X·C·E·R·P·T·S

“Put your whole trust and confidence in God, Who hath created you, and seek ye His help in all your affairs.” — Bahá’u’lláh [Page 2]

ALMANAC

Some significant dates in Bahá’í history

January and early February

January 16, 1845—The Báb arrived in Medina during His pilgrimage to sacred sites of Islam, only days after an edict was issued in Baghdad condemning Him to death as an unbeliever. The Dawn-Breakers (pages 140–141) describes His knowledge that returning to Persia would mean certain martyrdom.

January 12, 1853—Bahá’u’lláh and several members of His family, including ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, began their journey out of Persia never to return, after Bahá’u’lláh was banished to Baghdad. The journey through snowy terrain was one of many hardships the Blessed Beauty endured in a series of exiles. “My God, My Master, My Desire! ... Thou hast created this atom of dust through the consummate power of Thy might, and nurtured Him with Thine hands which none can chain up. ... Thou hast destined for Him trials and tribulations which no tongue can describe, nor any of Thy Tablets adequately recount.” —Bahá’u’lláh, in a prayer revealed about this time, quoted in God Passes By, p. 109

January 3, 1922—The first, private reading of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed that the Master established the Institution of the Guardianship, and that His grandson Shoghi Effendi was appointed to that position. The will was read to a gathering of Bahá’ís of many countries on January 7, and the Greatest Holy Leaf cabled the news of the Guardianship to the Bahá’ís of the United States on January 16. “After the passing away of this wronged one, it is incumbent upon the Ag͟hṣán (Branches), the Afnán (Twigs) of the Sacred Lote-Tree, the Hands (pillars) of the Cause of God and the loved ones of the Abhá Beauty to turn unto Shoghi Effendi—the youthful branch branched from the two hallowed and sacred Lote-Trees and the fruit grown from the union of the two offshoots of the Tree of Holiness—as he is the sign of God, the chosen branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God. ...” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Will and Testament, p. 11

February 1, 1959—The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States opened the first dependency of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois: the Bahá’í Home for the Aged. “[Around] the central Edifice of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár [House of Worship] ... in the fulness of time shall cluster such institutions of social service as shall afford relief to the suffering, sustenance to the poor, shelter to the wayfarer, solace to the bereaved, and education to the ignorant. ...” —Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í Administration, p. 184

January–February 1983—The building that is the Seat of the Universal House of Justice was completed and formally occupied by the Supreme Body of the Cause of God. “Rejoice, for God hath in this Day established upon thee His throne, ‎bath hath‎ made thee the dawning-place of His signs and the dayspring of the evidences of His Revelation. Well is it with him that circleth around thee, that proclaimeth the revelation of thy glory, and recounteth that which the bounty of the Lord thy God hath showered upon thee.” —Bahá’u’lláh, from the Tablet of Carmel, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed After the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, p. 4 Facts compiled from A Basic Bahá’í Chronology

Significant upcoming dates

• Ayyám-i-Há (Intercalary Days), Feb. 26–March 1
• Month of fasting (‘Alá), March 2–20
• Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í New Year), March 21
• Festival of Ridván (anniversary of Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh), April 21–May 2

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

Louis-David Calicdan Apostle, a 13-year-old Bahá’í from Glassboro, New Jersey, received the President’s Award on his completion of sixth grade for earning all A’s for 12 consecutive marking periods in school. He has won a number of honors for his academic work as well as for service.

Elizabeth Dahe, a Bahá’í from Polacca and Phoenix, Arizona, received the Patrick Stenger Native American Elder Award, in recognition of her “role modeling” as a productive elder. This was the first such award given by the Phoenix Area Office of the Indian Health Service, which annually recognizes outstanding care givers and volunteers in an area covering parts of four states.

Paul Harris, an 18-year-old Bahá’í from Mableton, Georgia, recently earned the Eagle Scout award. His service project involved leading local youth in building a nature trail and bird habitat for an elementary school.

Katherine Hippchen, 13; Michael Hippchen, 11; and Kirstin Cook, 9, Bahá’ís in Richmond, Virginia, were each honored last spring for making all A’s for the year in their respective grades.

Paul Jacobi, a Bahá’í from Madison, Wisconsin, received the 1998 Hamilton Community Service Award of the NAACP at the annual Freedom Fund Banquet Nov. 6. He was honored for 16 years of “invisible and invaluable” volunteer work for the NAACP, and was also cited for his work as a hospice volunteer.

Miranda Pfeiffer, age 9 and the daughter of a Bahá’í from Charlotte, North Carolina, was grand prize winner in an essay contest focusing on acts of kindness. Co-sponsored by the Charlotte Observer, the contest was entered by more than 3,000 students from two states in grades K-8.

Soheyl Pourmehdi, a Bahá’í from Beachwood, Ohio, who is a neurological researcher associated with Case Western Reserve University and a private firm, has received a $100,000 grant co-sponsored by the National Institute of Health. He is principal investigator for a research project on rehabilitation for survivors of spinal cord injury, studying the use of high-level cervical neural activity for control of movement.

Maryam Rahimi, a Bahá’í student at the University of Oregon in Eugene, received the Chemistry Department’s General Chemistry Achievement Award for the 1997–98 school year. Born in Trinidad, she only came to the United States a year ago. Her major fields are pre-medicine and exercise and movement science.

Karen D. Schwartz, a Bahá’í from Albuquerque, New Mexico, won first place in the 1998 Southwest Writers Workshop competition, in the young adult short story category with a story titled “The Donation.” She has also written a play produced locally.

Kimberly N. Smith, a 17-year-old Bahá’í from Ontario, California, was honored as the best junior counselor for the United Peace Officers Against Crime program by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. She had served children ages 7 to 12 at a department-sponsored summer camp.

Nooshin Sturdivant, a Bahá’í from Greenbelt, Maryland, was one of 350 high school students nationwide chosen for the 1998 National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine summer program at Georgetown University, leading to her acceptance into an advanced placement medical program for the current school year. She was also one of five students at her high school chosen to participate in Carl Rowan’s Project Excellence, receiving four scholarships for academic excellence.

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Tel/ 847.853.2352 Fax/ 847.256.1372 E-mail/ [redacted] http://tab.usbnc.org

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES Bahá’í National Center 847.869.9039

Managing Editor / Editorial Content James Humphrey

Managing Editor / Art Director Amethel Parel-Sewell

Associate Editor Tom Mennillo

Associate Editor Ramzia Duszynski

Print Production Specialist Jemeul Johnson

Facilities Manager Artis Mebane

Contributors Jo Ann Borovicka, Jim Cheek, Jerry Dick, Randolph Dobbs, Ken Duszynski, Caswell Ellis, Jane Everson, Mike Relph, Veronica Shoffstall, Pauline Steinbrink, John Thompson, Bob Weber

PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 DAYS (plus one special issue) for a total of 10 issues per year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices.

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO Office of Information Services, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113

SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS The AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í welcomes news, letters or other items of interest from individuals and the various institutions of the Bahá’í Faith.

• ARTICLES should be clear and concise. Stories may be edited for length.
• PHOTOGRAPHS may be color or black-and-white prints or slides. Please submit photos that are well composed and in focus and identify people in photos when possible. If you wish photos returned, include a self-addressed envelope.
• DEADLINES for upcoming issues:

Jan. 4 for the issue dated Feb. 7, 1999 Jan. 28 for the issue dated March 2, 1999

PLEASE ADDRESS ALL ITEMS for possible publication to Managing Editors, The American Bahá’í, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail [redacted]).

©1998 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 3]

S. California friends seize chance for service in wake of hate crime

BY RANDOLPH DOBBS

Bahá’ís in greater Los Angeles—and their longstanding leadership in race unity efforts—were instrumental in helping an African-American family that had suffered from hate crimes.

Two days after the Walker family moved to their new home near Torrance, California, in October, someone threw a Molotov cocktail onto the property. The explosive failed to ignite but charred the front of the house, causing $1,000 worth of damage.

It was assumed to be an isolated incident. But 2 1/2 weeks later, someone torched the family car parked in the driveway. The car was burned beyond repair.

The Walkers had moved from Inglewood to a two-bedroom home in a mostly Latino neighborhood because it seemed safe and peaceful. Although it wasn’t the first time a black family had been victimized in the area, the neighborhood seemed safer after the Sheriff’s Department pursued hard-core gang members following a violent period last year.

Police and observers have little doubt that the arson was racially motivated.

Questa Walker, who works for a homeless shelter and a drug rehabilitation program, told reporters, “It’s really like burning a cross in your yard. ... there were no words exchanged. It’s just like a message.”

The Walkers’ misfortune received media attention, with stories appearing on television news and in the local newspaper.

“For a while we thought we were all alone,” said Maria Walker. But a surge of goodwill soon grew from the ashes of hatred.

Some of that goodwill came from a concerned Torrance resident. Bob Owens, who is active with A Season for Non-Violence and the Community Human Relations Forum of Torrance, took the initiative to introduce himself to the family.

He invited them to the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center where he and his wife, Dee, met with members of the task force, plus representatives from the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission, L.A. City Councilman Nate Holden’s office, and other concerned citizens and faith groups.

Although no formal agenda was prepared, everyone had an opportunity to express their feelings. Some anticipated that some solution could be found to the disease of racism, while others vented their outrage at the reprehensible act of vandalism committed against the Walker family.

Most were hopeful that the Walkers would stay in their new home and not give in to intimidation. But Maria Walker, pregnant with their second child, no longer feels safe there and is determined to move.

Unfortunately, the couple had spent all their money moving to the new home and their resources were exhausted.

Auxiliary Board member Burrell Bullock, who also attended the meeting, suggested that perhaps the L.A. Spiritual Assembly could set up a humanitarian fund to receive contributions for the Walker family.

The Assembly—meeting that night in another part of the center—agreed right away to establish such a fund. Enough money was raised that night for the Walkers to stay, temporarily, in a hotel.

Since that night, a used car has been donated for the Walkers’ use and more than $1,000 contributed to the fund, with disbursements administered by the L.A. Assembly.

SEE LOS ANGELES, PAGE 31

Questa (front right) and Maria Walker (front second from right) pose with Bahá’ís and other friends in the Los Angeles area.

Enrollments
November 1998	91
Since May 1, 1998	920

THE FUND
May 1—November 30, 1998
Contributions received by National Treasurer
Received since May 1, 1998:	Goal for entire year:
$10,031,151	$27,000,000
37% of year’s goal was met
58% of fiscal year has passed
April 30, 1999

Allocations to other funds
Arc Projects Fund $1,147,169
‎Internationâl International‎ Bahá’í Fund $655,902
The two amounts above add up to 18% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 26%)
Continental Bahá’í Fund $237,496
2.4% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 2%)
Other contributions: $336,086

Total revenues and expenses at Bahá’í National Center May 1—Oct. 31, 1998 (Latest available figures)
$11,194,162
Revenues
$9,331,964
Expenses
To avoid additional borrowing, some critical projects have been deferred, resulting in revenues temporarily exceeding expenses.
Mail contributions to: National Bahá’í Fund 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800 Please write Bahá’í ID # on check

90^TH Bahá’í National Convention

• Foundation Hall • Bahá’í House of Worship • Wilmette, IL • April 22-25, ‎1998 1999‎

The National Spiritual Assembly looks forward to greeting the elected delegates at the 90th Bahá’í National Convention. The Convention will open Thursday evening, April 22, and close midday Sunday, April 25.

All elected delegates will have reserved seats in Foundation Hall throughout the Convention.

Visitors, including family members of delegates, may apply for pre-registration with this form. Due to limited seating space, only those who have applied will be admitted to the Bahá’í House of Worship Visitor Center during the Convention. Seating will be assigned on a first-applied, first-served basis.

Last name:	First name:
Bahá’í ID number:
Mailing address:
Day phone:

Please complete this form and mail to: Conventions Office Bahá’í National Center Wilmette IL 60091

No phone or e-mail registrations, please [Page 4]

New York celebrates courage of Iranian believers

BY VERONICA SHOFFSTALL

A special on-stage celebration of the courage of the Bahá’ís in Iran drew a full-house crowd to the New York City Bahá’í Center on Nov. 2, and parts of the event were aired a few days later on the PBS television program Religion and Ethics Newsweekly.

The variety program included music, dance and recitations of the Holy Writings, as well as a brief recounting of the troubles threatening the Iranian Bahá’í community in recent months.

The Bahá’ís of New York organized the event on five days’ notice, responding to a special request from the National Spiritual Assembly to seize a media opportunity swiftly.

Producers of the TV program originally had wanted to announce the Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh ‎a ‎ with the National Assembly’s Office of Public Information, the producers became interested in doing an immediate news story on how American Bahá’ís reacted to the persecutions of their fellow believers in Iran.

Quickly, the National Spiritual Assembly asked the New York City Spiritual Assembly to organize an event that would have meaning for the Bahá’í audience as well as providing an interesting film clip for the TV program.

As local Bahá’ís swiftly arranged the hourlong program, e-mail and word of mouth helped spread notice through the community.

The weekend after the event, a news report on the PBS program—aired on many public TV stations nationwide—included parts of the stage tribute as well as a few spot interviews.

In the interviews, a cousin of one of the Iranian ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ on death row shared her story with candor and eloquence, and Auxiliary Board member Eugene Andrews spoke about the situation of the Bahá’ís in Iran.

“The news item was accurate and exactly what we’d hoped for,” said Victoria Jones of the Office of Public Information.

Producers of Religion and Ethics Newsweekly indicated that parts of the stage program moved them deeply, suggesting that their impressions from the event might positively influence future PBS reports on the Bahá’í Faith.

The Universal House of Justice has urged National Spiritual Assemblies to seize such opportunities for “maximum publicity” on the recent persecutions in Iran. The U.S. Office of Public Information has long been developing a relationship with the PBS show’s producers.

Opening with brief remarks by Gilbert Smith, chairman of the Local Assembly, on the troubles faced in recent months by the Bahá’ís in Iran, the Nov. 2 stage program drew deeply from talent within the local Bahá’í community. For example:

• A choir of about a dozen sang a prayer set to Pachelbel’s Canon in D, then was joined by a singing, clapping audience in gospel-style songs with Bahá’í-themed lyrics.
• Eight-year-old Michelle Yousefian recited from memory an address by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on what it means to be a Bahá’í.
• Kamal Sinclair and Chitra Badii danced a graceful pas de deux.
• Renowned jazz pianist Mike Longo played “Olinga,” a Dizzy Gillespie composition.

Many viewers expressed pride in the community’s rich pool of artistic talent, and in their ability to produce a high-quality show—and bring in an audience of hundreds—on such short notice.

While the program succeeded in its intent to achieve publicity for the plight of the Bahá’ís in Iran, some Bahá’ís afterward expressed disappointment.

No Persian chants were included in the program, and some Bahá’ís felt the atmosphere was not sufficiently reverent to honor the courage of our beleaguered coreligionists in Iran. Others said too few Persian believers were asked for their input beforehand.

Some felt the program was too contrived, and worried that the courage of the Iranian Bahá’ís was being celebrated less than the chance to be on television.

“There was some confusion about what the event actually was,” said Jan Smith, a New York City Spiritual Assembly member, speaking as an individual and not on behalf of the institution.

“It was never intended to be a memorial service; it was a celebration,” she said. “The program we were asked to create was aimed at a particular audience: the viewers of Religion and Ethics. There was some concern that, given the opportunity, the PBS editors might excerpt just what seemed foreign and unusual, whereas the goal was to show our diversity as Americans.”

The Office of Public Information, in a Nov. 3 letter to the Local Spiritual Assembly, praised the response of the New York Bahá’ís who organized the program to fit the direction determined by that office in consultation with the Office of the Secretary for External Affairs.

“The friends from New York who worked on and participated in the program are to be commended for their understanding of the very exacting elements that were required for this PBS show,” the letter stated.

One local believer noted, “[Some] people may not have agreed with the direction, but there was a high degree of obedience and unity.” ♦

The New York City Bahá’í Choir performs at the Nov. 2 program celebrating the courage of the Bahá’ís in Iran. The event was videotaped for a PBS news segment. Photo by Mike Relph, New York, NY

OPEN UNIVERSITY, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Iranian government’s Ministry of Information. All the arrestees refused to sign documents acknowledging closure of the Open University and pledging to end their involvement with it. Most have since been released.

The Institute was created to provide a high-quality education to college-age students who are officially banned from Iranian universities because they are Bahá’ís. It operated discreetly, holding small-group classes and laboratory sessions in private homes and offices.

Here is a sampling of the hundreds of responses reported from U.S. campuses as of early December:

PUBLIC DISCUSSION

• University of California at Berkeley: The mayor of Berkeley issued a proclamation designating Dec. 3 as “A Day of Solidarity with Bahá’ís in Iran,” coinciding with a campus forum on human rights where speakers included a former Open University participant.
• Drew University, Madison, New Jersey: A Hindu studies professor from Harvard University, recognized for her leading work on interfaith subjects, spoke at length about the plight of Bahá’ís in Iran during the question-and-answer portion of a public lecture.
• Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana: Faculty have invited presentations in several classes about the Open University situation. Petitions on campus have collected numerous signatures.
• St. Mary’s College, South Bend, Indiana: The campus ministry requested that all Catholic Masses on campus during a recent weekend include prayers about the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

FACULTY AND STUDENT RESPONSE

• University of North Alabama, Florence: The president, vice president and several deans have written letters of protest.
• Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, Georgia: The university president is a signatory on petitions circulated campuswide protesting the closure of the Open University.
• University of Nebraska at Lincoln: The Student Association passed a “very thorough resolution condemning the recent acts of the Iranian government.”
• Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts: The college president and student government have written letters of protest to UNESCO and the Iranian government.
• Oregon State University, Corvallis: The Faculty Senate passed a resolution condemning the action against the Open University.
• University of California at Los Angeles: A number of faculty have written letters protesting the Iranian action. At an on-campus celebration of the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the keynote speech focused on the closure of the Open University.
• University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse: The chancellor has written letters to U.N. and Iranian officials.
• Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland: The acting dean of the School of Public Health is asking other prominent administrators within the university to follow his lead in writing to protest the closure.

IN THE MEDIA

The Nov. 13 issue of the Chronicle of Higher Education published an article on the action against the Open University, quoting an educator at Carleton College in Minnesota as saying the quality of the Open University “is above the norm of higher education in Iran.”

• University of New Mexico at Albuquerque: The university newspaper published an article about the Open University situation. Signatures were collected on a petition to send to U.N. and Iranian officials.
• Kent State University, Kent, Ohio: The campus interfaith newsletter has published information on the action against the Open University.

BAHÁ’ÍS TAKING STEPS

• University of Tulsa, Oklahoma: Bahá’ís here met separately with the university president and chaplain. Both officials suggested a number of ideas for educating students about the issue.
• Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho: At least five colleagues of a Bahá’í professor have promised to write letters of protest, after he appealed to several via e-mail while on sabbatical in Switzerland.
• Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago: Bahá’ís have received several pledges by faculty to write letters on the issue, and a presentation by a Bahá’í professor generated interest within the Faculty Senate.
• Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia: Meetings with the chancellor and provost were planned after the dean of education received a packet of information with “great enthusiasm and compassion.” ♦

[Page 5]

Education group draws students into unity

EMPIRE in Yakima area claims list of successes

BY TOM MENNILLO

A school multicultural program in central Washington state, administered by a Bahá’í and counting two Bahá’í communities among its sponsors, is showing tangible results helping students thrive in their diversity.

Eleven elementary and secondary schools in the Yakima Valley are banding together for EMPIRE (Exemplary Multicultural Practices in Rural Education), a group effort that has been spotlighted as a model by the President’s National Initiative on Race.

Randie Gottlieb, a Yakima-area Bahá’í who administers the program, recently reeled off a list of its successes: “Academic achievement has improved, discipline referrals have declined, cross-race friendships have formed, members of rival groups are working and playing together for the first time, parent involvement has tripled and community relations have improved.”

The Bahá’í communities of Yakima and Toppenish are co-sponsors of the project, whose leadership team is based at Heritage College on the Yakama Indian Reservation.

EMPIRE brings together educators, students, parents and community members to promote race relations and an appreciation for ethnic and cultural differences. Participating schools design and carry out their own projects in light of local needs.

The consortium has operated for seven years, as the mostly rural Yakima Valley has grown in population and diversity—and in potential for cross-cultural friction.

The project began with four schools, Dr. Gottlieb said. Each submitted a proposal for a multicultural project and was granted $3,500 for its implementation. Initial money came from the Ford Foundation through a grant to the Rural Clearinghouse at Kansas State University.

Different schools had different motivations, Dr. Gottlieb said. Some wanted to “expose a homogeneous student body to greater diversity. ... For others, the need was to help language-minority students succeed in school and to promote harmonious relations.”

The Yakama Nation Tribal School got involved to increase parent involvement and educate the wider community on the school’s role.

“Indian parents felt no partnership with the school system because of the way government has handled Indian education,” school Superintendent Anita Swan explained. “We wanted them to take an active role and to feel welcome here.”

The public outside the reservation also had a distorted view, she says. The facility started as an alternative school but since 1980 has been a private institution.

To achieve its goals, the school has drawn parents and the public through various multicultural programs and speakers, Swan said.

One such program is the annual Thanksgiving dinner that honors tribal elders. It features artistic expression from many traditions, including Indian, Hawaiian, Filipino and Hispanic.

In keeping with Yakama tradition that no one goes home empty-handed, the school gives each visitor an item—bumper sticker, keychain, magnet—identified with the school and EMPIRE.

EMPIRE’s results speak for themselves, Dr. Gottlieb said.

The number of participating schools grew as changes surfaced in the way students related to each other. School officials say they have grown personally and professionally from the experience, and staff and faculty increasingly accept the need for multicultural reform.

The Local Assemblies of the Bahá’ís of Toppenish and Yakima, as co-sponsors, give a small annual financial contribution for multicultural activities at the various EMPIRE schools.

Each Assembly also sent a representative to address the schools at the project’s annual fall planning retreat and its newly instituted spring multicultural conference.

Lorentha Warwick, a Yakama Indian who is appellate judge for the tribal court and a Bahá’í resident of Toppenish, was keynote speaker for the fall retreat Oct. 21.

Swan said the fall retreat helps school EMPIRE administrators plan programs for the year ahead and obtain valuable input from people of different backgrounds.

She said the school has interacted with the area Bahá’í communities in other ways as a result of the program. For example, school representatives have spoken several times at Dr. Gottlieb’s home on topics relating to diversity and culture.

Other sponsors of EMPIRE include the Yakima Valley Farmworkers Clinic, Educational Service District 105, the Yakima Herald-Republic, the Yakima Sunrise Rotary Club and several individual donors.

Harrah Elementary School students (above) perform at the annual Pow Wow, established by the school’s EMPIRE team and supported by the community. Mary Looney (left), member of the Yakama Nation and the EMPIRE leadership team, makes a presentation on the benefits of multicultural activities at the Yakama Tribal School.

Photos courtesy of Randie Gottlieb, Yakima County, WA

For more information on EMPIRE, contact Dr. Randie Gottlieb at Heritage College, 3240 Fort Road, Toppenish, WA 98948 (phone 509-454-3662, e-mail r_gottlieb@heritage.edu) or see the Web site (www.heritage.edu/‎communit/empire community/empire‎).

Friends encouraged to support convention of United Nations Association in March

The 1999 national convention of the United Nations Association of the United States will be held March 6–9 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. Bahá’ís are encouraged to attend, regardless of whether they are UNA-USA members.

The theme of the Convention is “The United Nations in the New Millennium: We’re All in it Together. Building a Society for All Ages.”

The convention will bring major speakers to United Nations headquarters, highlighted by the second annual UNA Members Day at the U.N. A luncheon will commemorate March 8 as International Women’s Day and 1999 as the International Year of Older Persons.

General sessions and workshops will focus on U.S.-U.N. relations and important issues on the U.N. agenda. Business sessions will give participants the opportunity to help shape the future course of the association.

Any UNA member or representative of an affiliated organization may attend as a voting delegate. Non-voting observers are welcome.

Registration is $150 (luncheons extra). Deadline for registration is Feb. 15. Day rates are available.

Rooms at ‎the at the the‎ newly renovated Roosevelt Hotel are $155 single or double. This rate is available the night before the convention through the night after. To make a reservation, please call 1-888-NY-TEDDY by Feb. 20.

Any Bahá’í planning to attend the convention—or who are already members of the UNA-USA—are asked to contact the U.S. Bahá’í U.N. Office (USUN), 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017-1822 (phone 212-803-2531, e-mail usbahai-un@bic.org).

The USUN is creating a list of Bahá’ís, Assemblies and groups who are members of or affiliated with a United Nations Association chapter or division.

Your excellent skills & your work experience are very much needed by our beloved National Spiritual Assembly here at the Bahá’í National Center and a number of off-site locations. Our paid full-time and part-time positions have very good medical and dental benefits. Different lengths and types of service are possible: On professional sabbaticals. Between careers or after retirement. You may just wish to serve here. You tell us under what conditions you can serve, and the area or areas of service you would like to pursue. There just might be a place for you! See page 24 for opportunities For a Bahá’í National Center application contact: Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430, e-mail res_office@usbnc.org).

[Page 6]

Harmony fills the air at Peace Fest

Diverse people, music foster warm fellowship

BY JO ANN BOROVICKA

Sonny Pressley, his wife and daughters planned to stay at Peace Fest ’98 only briefly. But day’s end found them still on the grounds of the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina.

“This is our first Peace Fest, and we are enjoying ourselves!” said Pressley.

Mike Harper, who had encouraged the family to attend, was not surprised. “Didn’t I tell you? We’re all family here,” he said.

It was the 14th annual Peace Fest dedicated to the Bahá’í principles of peace and unity. Music filled the air Sept. 12–13 as friends old and new basked in fellowship and a spirit of racial harmony.

Joni Bishop, a folk singer from Nashville, Tennessee, said, “I see a joyful radiance in the Bahá’ís. ... And to be doing this all over the world—this is amazing.”

The unity in diversity demonstrated by festival-goers was reinforced by the many stage performances.

One highlight was a series of dramatic dances on a powerful theme of unity. It was performed by a youth group from the Institute area, sponsored by the Justine Roberts Performing Arts Academy.

Performing artists traveled from as far away as New York and Nevada to volunteer their talents, including:

• Reggae musician Sarge Dwyer of South Carolina.
• Queen Ayacodobae of Maryland.
• Third Avenue, a New York City rhythm and blues group.
• Triple FX of North Carolina.
• Showstoppers, a barbershop quartet from North, South Carolina.
• Marvin “Doc” Holladay, jazz saxophonist from Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.
• Carrie Gerstmann, a country singer from Asheville, North Carolina.

Other performers from the immediate area included the Conway Bahá’í Youth Workshop, Tahirih Moffit and Ruhiyyih Brown, the Louis Gregory Children’s and Gospel choirs, and the Eternal Light Interdenominational Choir from Plantersville.

Lucy Shropshire, a gospel singer from Las Vegas, Nevada, said the three-day drive was well worth the effort.

The Charlotte, North Carolina, native—whose music is a popular fixture on WLGI Radio Bahá’í in Hemingway—said she was thrilled to get acquainted with her “East Coast Bahá’í family.”

Jo Ann Borovicka is from Conway, South Carolina.

“I see a joyful radiance in the Bahá’ís. ... And to be doing this all over the world—this is amazing.” —Joni Bishop, Nashville, ‎Tennbessee Tennessee‎

Members of the Bahá’í Junior Youth Workshop of Conway, South Carolina, win the hearts of Peace Fest-goers at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in September. Photo courtesy of Jo Ann Borovicka, Conway, SC

Iowa Bahá’í helps lead fight against binge drinking

Carolyn Cavitt of Iowa City is so respected as chair of Stepping Up, a local coalition to fight binge drinking, that after two years she isn’t being allowed to step down.

For now the Bahá’í continues to juggle these responsibilities and her job as branch manager of a brokerage firm.

Cavitt represents the Chamber of Commerce on the coalition. The mayor and the president of the University of Iowa asked her to chair the group.

The university’s students are the focus of Stepping Up. UI is proud to be known for a great education at a reasonable price, but not so proud of a study that identified it as having a high rate of excessive alcohol consumption.

So with a Robert Wood Johnson grant, a civic-campus partnership was formed to make a dent in the problem—binge drinking and its secondhand effects on society, including vandalism, harassment, sexual assault, unsafe sex, AIDS, and inappropriate public behavior. Some key actions include:

• Development of a widespread media campaign.
• Examination of policy enforcement at the local, university and state levels.
• Creation of social activities that create a student culture focused away from alcohol.

The six U.S. universities participating in Stepping Up will be used as a model for other institutions.

High school club creates powerful message at parade

The Bahá’í Club of Florin High School in South Sacramento, California, won first-place awards for its float and “spirit truck” in the school Homecoming Parade this year, after placing in the top three twice in recent years.

With a rainbow-like structure overhead, the float carried students from various ethnic groups at the school. In a gesture of unity, the Bahá’í Club had invited other clubs to help make sure many cultures were represented.

As the unit approached the judging stand, club co-chairman Robert Vang read a poem by Craig Worthington of Roseville, California, that was the basis for the float’s theme:

“Full of glorious color, a rainbow of peace/Will connect our planet from the West to the East/And the world will be considered as just one place/And its people will be known as the human race/Oh! what a decade to behold/When we find in our hearts the rainbow’s pot of gold.”

A Homecoming Parade float carries some proud members of the Florin High School Bahá’í Club. Photo courtesy of U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office

—Reported to the Bahá’í Refugee Office by a helper in South Sacramento. For further information on the work of the Refugee Office, please call 847-733-3525.

Riverside spotlights children’s role in unity

A program titled “Raising the Rainbow Generation: Children and the Power of Race Unity” was hosted Oct. 11 by the Bahá’ís of Riverside Judicial District, California.

A candidate for Riverside County school superintendent was one of six non-Bahá’ís participating in the workshop along with Bahá’ís from several communities.

The video The Power of Race Unity was shown as part of the program, and special activities for children were provided using resources from Brilliant Star.

Walls in the library community room were decorated with poetry by Robert Hayden, Roger White and others. A display by Professor Richard Thomas of Michigan State University titled “U.S. and Bahá’í Activity to Eliminate Prejudice: A Comparison from 1900–1990s” was surrounded by materials referred to in the timeline and photos of individuals mentioned in it.

On tables were books and handout materials. One table was devoted entirely to children’s literature. Also available was information on the Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop and Calling All Colors. [Page 7]

Assemblies share excitement over National Center visits

The National Spiritual Assembly extends opportunities for Local Spiritual Assemblies from around the country to participate in a special two-day visit to their Bahá’í National Center and the Bahá’í House of Worship.

Designed to coincide with National Spiritual Assembly meetings, the visits over the past two years have included talks with members of the National Assembly who share information on new national initiatives and listen to news, concerns or questions from visiting Assemblies.

Through an extensive tour and meetings with department heads, this visit also helps Assemblies learn of all the resources available to them at their Bahá’í National Center.

Responses from visiting Assemblies and their members have been very positive. Among them:

• “The opportunity to directly witness how the operation works gave depth, breadth and height to our awareness of how much is accomplished by so few. You serve as a model for our own growth and development. Seeing how you operate has renewed our sense of direction, enlightened us on what can be accomplished with limited resources and bestowed on us the spirit of love which permeates every level of that building. We feel a new connection to the offices of, and individuals who serve at, the National Center. We are sure this strengthened bond will enhance our own effectiveness.”
• “It brought me so much closer to Bahá’u’lláh seeing the Administrative Order in process. It truly is a beautiful sight.”
• “[T]remendous love [was] shown to us ... I feel like I’ve been on a pilgrimage to a very special place, a home.”
• “We have learned so much that provides us a greater resource, a sense of unity and family, a closer connection for enabling our own growth as a Spiritual Assembly.”

Each visit runs Friday morning until late Saturday afternoon and accommodates three or four Assemblies. Visitors participate in the monthly devotions and general staff meeting with the National Spiritual Assembly, then tour the offices at the Bahá’í National Center on Friday while most staff are available. Saturday activities concentrate on the House of Worship, including prayers, a tour of the Cornerstone Room and Visitors’ Center, a presentation on House of Worship restoration efforts and a chance to visit the Archives and see relics of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Bahá’u’lláh.

Time is also allotted for the participating Assemblies to share issues, concerns, ideas, etc. with facilitation by the Office of Community Administration and Development.

This has proved to give special value to visits that include a number of Assemblies from the same area; for example, most Minnesota Assemblies participated in one visit and another included most St. Louis-area Assemblies. ♦

If your Assembly is interested in a special two-day visit to the Bahá’í National Center, please contact the Office of Assembly Development (phone 847-733-3490, e-mail ). Those responding will be put on a waiting list and invited in order of response, as dates become available. Participating Assemblies should be able to bring at least a quorum of their membership. Assemblies and/or their members are expected to cover transportation and hotel costs. The National Spiritual Assembly covers meals and transportation to and from the events and the hotel.

Kids work for months to benefit National Fund

For the third year in a row, the Bahá’í Kids Club of Central New Jersey reached its fund-raising goal for the National Bahá’í Fund at Unit Convention—which was $1,000, double the 1997 goal.

The effort was undertaken with the permission of the Spiritual Assembly of Piscataway Township, which sponsored the Convention on Oct. 4.

The Kids Club, with members ranging in age from 7 to 12, had met frequently since June to plan its goals and projects and to create craft items such as:

• International dolls.
• Wreaths.
• Wall hangings incorporating a nine-pointed star and the ringstone symbol.
• Potpourri pots with quotations from the Hidden Words attached to them as little flags.

The idea was to make quality goods that convention attendants would like to buy, preferably with a Bahá’í theme, that could be displayed in their homes. In addition, they made baked goods wrapped for quick sale.

The Bahá’í Kids Club set up an attractive display and eagerly staffed their table before convention and during lunch. Buyers paid for the items what they wanted to pay, rather than a fixed price. ♦

The TREASURER’S Corner

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

Good Summer News

Last summer, giving to the National Fund did not show its usual “summer slump.” This break in a long-observed pattern of lower contributions during the summer months has prevented the customary bank borrowing necessary during this period in previous years. Although meeting the annual goal remains a challenge, it is particularly encouraging to note that the habit of the summer slump may have been broken and that a new and healthier pattern of giving has begun. Congratulations to all of us.

Receipting Non-Cash Gifts

Treasurers often have questions about the proper way to receipt gifts other than cash, sometimes called “in-kind” contributions. As more communities acquire Bahá’í centers and receive furnishings and other necessary items as contributions to the local Fund, it becomes critical that recording and receipting of these items be done properly. The actual receipt should not list a dollar figure, but simply a detailed description of the item contributed. Maintaining an inventory of contributed items is important and may be done differently for items intended for use, as opposed to items that are contributed for the purpose of being sold to generate additional income for the Fund. For more details on receipting, refer to Stewardship and Development, Chapter 5. (Available through Bahá’í Distribution Service, phone 800-999-9019.)

Fund Raising for Charities

Raising funds for worthy causes, in cooperation with like-minded organizations, may be a way for Bahá’ís to connect with the greater community, helping them to become acquainted with us and with our beliefs. We must, however, be judicious in choosing with whom and how we participate. The Universal House of Justice cautions:

“There would be no objection to the Bahá’í community’s joining with others to give a concert or undertake some other similar activity to raise funds for a deserving charity. Such activities or even the making of donations to humanitarian work should be, and should be seen to be, acts of sincere assistance and co-operation.

“In choosing to engage in such fundraising, a Bahá’í community would need to ensure that assisting the charity would not have partisan political implications or support purposes contrary to the interests of the Faith. It would need to watch carefully that its involvement in such activities does not divert its energies from the vital work of teaching the Faith and consolidating its Institutions.” —Written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice, Aug. 20, 1987, Bahá’í Canada Supplement, January 1988

“Every Bahá’í no matter how poor, must realize what a grave responsibility he has to shoulder in this connection, and should have confidence that his spiritual progress as a believer in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh will largely depend upon the measure in which he proves, in deeds, his readiness to support materially the divine institutions of His Faith.” —Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Dawn of a New Day, p. 68 ♦

HUQÚQU’LLÁH — THE RIGHT OF GOD

Payments to Huqúqu’lláh should be made to “The Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust” (please write your Bahá’í identification number on your check) and sent to one of the Trustees:

• Dr. Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449)
• Mr. Stephen Birkland, Arden Hills, MN 55112 (phone 612-484-9518)
• Dr. Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 216-333-1506)

Inquiries about Huqúqu’lláh should be referred to one of the Trustees or to the Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, Rocky River, OH 44116. [Page 8]

EQUALITY, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

administering meetings, speaking at events, and executing teaching plans.

The role of Bahá’í men, as partners in this process, is critical. Bahá’í men must make a concerted effort to assist, encourage, and support women to realize and fulfill the high aspirations that are held for them in the Bahá’í Writings. We call upon Bahá’í men to confront the attitudes, assumptions, and behaviors that promote the world’s currently deplorable moral climate that denigrates women. Bahá’í men can and must explore ways in which to support the often unspoken aspirations of the women in their midst and encourage them to step forward in action.

Just over one year ago, the statement Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men was issued. At that time, we appointed the National Committee for the Advancement of Women in order to bring this issue to the forefront of the American Bahá’í Community. Since then, over 100,000 copies of the statement have been distributed nationwide, and numerous deepenings, conferences, training sessions, public meetings, and consultations have taken place regarding the equality of women and men. A new momentum is being witnessed in the Bahá’í community around this vital issue. As a means of reinforcing this momentum, the National Committee for the Advancement of Women has been renamed the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men.

In addition, the National Spiritual Assembly is launching a national campaign focused on gender equality designed to complement the race unity campaign, “The Power of Race Unity.” A video focusing on the equality of women and men will be released in March 1999. At this moment a nationwide effort is being initiated in which each Local Spiritual Assembly is asked to present the statement Two Wings of a Bird to the Mayor and City Council in their respective communities by April 1999 and to report their results to the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men.

“... a nationwide effort is being initiated in which each Local Spiritual Assembly is asked to present the statement Two Wings of a Bird ... to the Mayor and City Council in their respective communities by April 1999. ...”

We invite you to consider the following questions in your families, communities and Spiritual Assembly meetings:

1. What should our community do to become a true model of equality? 2. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stated, “When men own the equality of women there will be no need for them to struggle for their rights!” (Paris Talks, p. 163) How can men “own” equality? 3. How are we raising our children to practice equality in their lives? 4. How can we reach out to the community at large to share the Bahá’í view on equality? 5. How can we use the Two Wings of a Bird statement more effectively?

We look forward to receiving reports of the results of your consultations.

Be assured of our ongoing prayers for your success in the closing months of this Century of Light.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States ♦

‘A sharpened sense of the privilege and importance of giving’

BY THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER

Picture yourself in a warm, inviting setting ... perhaps with a fragrant floral arrangement, candlelight, soft music. You’re surrounded by your Bahá’í brothers and sisters and immersed in the Sacred Writings of our Faith. About the room are colorful posters, slide presentations—maybe even some balloons—all designed to give you a hands-on experience that you’ll never forget. By the end of the day, you’ll have been inspired and moved by the power of the Holy Word, and by the depth of new understanding you’ll come away with.

The topic? The stewardship and development of the Bahá’í Funds—the “life-blood of the Cause.”

The Four Year Plan speaks to our collective responsibility as individuals, as institutions and as communities to develop in ways that will advance the process of entry by troops. One of the easiest, most inspiring and transforming ways of developing spiritually is to attend a Stewardship and Development Seminar.

JOIN OR HOST A STEWARDSHIP SEMINAR NEAR YOU

Join your fellow community members at a scheduled Stewardship and Development seminar near you. Or consider hosting a seminar.

Together, we’ll learn more about how we can change the world through our systematic efforts to support our Faith materially. Together, we’ll learn to put spiritual development into action in preparation for entry by troops.

Here is a partial list of scheduled Stewardship and Development seminars as of early December, with phone numbers/e-mail addresses for information. Many more are in the planning stages. For an updated list and more information, visit the National Spiritual Assembly’s Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org).

• ARIZONA: Glendale, January, ; Yuma, Jan. 16, 520-783-0052
• CALIFORNIA: Modesto, Jan. 3, 209-529-1936; San Clemente, ; San Francisco, Jan. 24, 415-431-9990
• COLORADO: Englewood, Feb. 13, 303-770-1190
• FLORIDA: Jacksonville, Jan. 24, ; Orlando,
• INDIANA: Bloomington, February,
• KANSAS: Wichita, February,
• MICHIGAN: Grand Rapids, Jan. 3, ; Kalamazoo, Jan. 30, 616-382-3707
• MINNESOTA: Minneapolis, Jan. 9, 612-789-5718; Roseville, Jan. 30, 612-789-5718
• MONTANA: Missoula, Jan. 9, 406-543-0898
• NORTH CAROLINA: Asheville, Jan. 30, 828-258-3854; Boone, April 24, 828-264-2297
• NEBRASKA: Lincoln, January,
• NEW MEXICO: Albuquerque, January,
• NEW YORK: Rochester, Jan. 16, 716-436-2184
• OHIO: Dayton,
• TENNESSEE: Memphis, Jan. 17,

To find out more about the Stewardship and Development seminars, materials, or program, please contact Jennifer Torrence in the Office of the Treasurer, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3421, fax 847-733-3471, e-mail ).

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Take a look at what participants at recent Stewardship and Development seminars had to say about their experiences:

• “The spiritual atmosphere set by music and the Writings transported me to that ‘spiritual place.’ The picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Writings beautifully printed, and the loving and sacrificial spirit of the presenters particularly moved me.”
• “Most helpful to me was the focus on the responsibility of the whole Local Spiritual Assembly, not just the Treasurer.”
• “Learning about more aspects of the Faith and about how funds are collected, dispersed, and what they are used for was very helpful to me since I am a new Bahá’í. Sometimes these technical things are overlooked when we’re just starting out.”
• “My whole understanding (about the Funds) was changed. I am very grateful for this information.”
• “The quotes and Writings on the importance of universal participation were most helpful to me.”
• “(The Stewardship and Development seminar was) “... comprehensive and very well-prepared—very well-done!”
• “The education about the fact that the concept of the Fund is a spiritual matter, not a material one (was most helpful to me).”
• “I have a deeper understanding of the purpose of giving to the Faith and sacrificing. I am now better able to explain this to new believers.”
• “There is a renewed sense of possibility for the use of our resources. (I liked the) re-framing of the question/purpose for supporting our Funds. I have a sharpened sense of the privilege and importance of giving—the spiritual import and bounty of giving.”
• “The spiritual aspect of the Fund escapes most Western believers with Christian backgrounds. I didn’t realize how important the spiritual connection was (even though I attended the seminar last year).”

ACROSS THE COUNTRY

About 300 people have participated in a Stewardship and Development seminar this Bahá’í year, many of them as members of Local Spiritual Assemblies. From September through early November, 23 seminars were held in Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas. Another 46 seminars have been scheduled; more than 200 are expected to be offered by May 1999.

The manual Stewardship and Development, available through the Bahá’í Distribution Service at 800-999-9019 for $10.95 each (including new 1998 Additions), is a companion to the seminars. This comprehensive resource includes selections from the Holy Writings and practical instruction in the spiritual principles and their applications.

The Universal House of Justice encourages us all to play a part in the process of entry by troops by developing ourselves materially and spiritually. Get ready to be inspired and moved—attend a Stewardship and Development Seminar! ♦ [Page 9]This Is Faith Lucy Shropshire $15.00 CD (TIFCD)

A vibrant and inspirational collection of original gospel and contemporary music by one of the most outstanding vocalists of our time. This is the soul-stirring music your heart has been waiting for!

MUSIC

Quickeners of Mankind Pioneering in a World Community $9.95 SC (QMS)

This compilation brings together a number of quotations on the important subject of pioneering. It is hoped that this compilation will serve to inspire and encourage others to follow in the footsteps of the vanguard of teachers who have left their homeland for the love of God and their fellow man.

160 pp., 5” x 8” Bahá’í Publishing Trust, U.S.

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE We’re Moving!

Dear Friends,

The Bahá’í Distribution Service has relocated. Please direct all orders, payments and correspondence to:

The Bahá’í Distribution Service 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30336

The e-mail address will remain the same ( ) as well as the toll-free number (800) 999-9019.

With warmest greetings, The Staff of the Bahá’í Distribution Service

Do They Hear You When You Cry by Fauziya Kassindja and Layli Miller Bashir $24.95 HC (DTHWCH)

This book chronicles the harrowing story of a young girl from Togo who seeks asylum in the United ‎Sates States‎ to escape polygamy and genital mutilation. Instead of gaining asylum and putting her life back together after arriving in the U.S., she is stripped, shackled, and locked up in various INS detention facilities for 16 months. It is then that a young Bahá’í student takes up the challenge of defending this young girl’s right to asylum because of gender-based persecution, and wins a landmark decision that has given hope to many who face the same circumstances.

518 pp., 6” x 9” Delacorte Press

The Holy Passions by Michael Fitzgerald $24.95 SC (THPS)

George Ronald’s second major collection of poetry by Michael Fitzgerald.

“Michael Fitzgerald has something genuine in every poem.” —Alice Quinn, poetry editor, The New Yorker

5 1/2” x 8 3/4”, 384 pp. George Ronald, Publisher

Leroy Ioas: Hand of the Cause of God by Anita Ioas Chapman $30.95 SC (LIS)

This book is more than a biography. It illuminates Bahá’í history in the first 50 years of the Formative Age, when Bahá’í institutions were painstakingly built up, Bahá’í laws and principles given application and the great teaching missions begun. Anita Ioas Chapman’s inspiring account will be of value to the many Bahá’ís who did not personally experience those times and who wish to enhance their understanding.

6 1/4” x 9 3/4”, 416 pp. George Ronald, Publisher [Page 10]

Rivers of Light

Grant Hindin Miller $15.95 CD (RLCD)

“I’m listening to it now and am loving it and crying all at the same time. It is simply wonderful.” —Chris Kitchen

A CD and songbook, with words, notes, and guitar chords. Fifteen magnificent tracks of prayers, Writings and stories from acclaimed musician Grant Hindin Miller.

48 minutes Nightingale Press

Love Is Always There

Parvin Davari $15.95 CD (PLATCD), $10.95 CS (PLATCS)

This is an album of Bahá’í songs and chants with Persian classical music. Includes four chants for special occasions that are sure to brighten everyone’s spirits.

41 minutes

MUSIC

Garden of Freedom

Oraea Varis $15.00 CD (GFCD)

Oraea’s beautiful, rich vocals and fine acoustic guitar styling display these well-crafted, spiritually uplifting songs. From liltingly reverent to celebratory, these selections are soul-stirring and thought-provoking.

39 minutes Heartstream Records

Creating a Culture of Growth

The Four Year Plan $19.95 VT (ECCGN)

The Four Year Plan focuses the Bahá’í world on one overriding aim—advancing the process of the entry of humanity into the Cause by troops. Creating a Culture of Growth documents exemplary efforts of communities in each of the regions which were addressed in special messages from the Universal House of Justice at the start of the Four Year Plan. It provides an inspiring global vision of efforts to prepare for the next historic phase of the development of the Cause.

33 minutes Bahá’í International Community, Office of Public Information

Stewardship and Development with 1998 Additions

A Desktop Reference Office of the Treasurer

with 1998 Additions $10.95 (SAD98), 1998 Additions only $2.00 (SAD98A)

This valuable manual, when used in conjunction with the Stewardship and Development seminars, or as a stand-alone guide to the spiritual principles related to our gifts, has recently been expanded to include many more references from the Sacred Writings. A brand-new chapter devoted entirely to sorting out the complex issues of acquiring a local Bahá’í center is particularly timely as we face entry by troops in our communities. Stewardship and Development includes several passages never before published, as well as in-depth guidance for local treasury management. In addition, extensive appendices and sample forms for use in accounting for contributions, earmarking, proper receipting, tax deductibility and fund raising make this expandable document a must-have resource for Local Spiritual Assemblies and individuals alike.

8 1/2" x 11", 185 pp. National Spiritual Assembly of the United States

The Modern Renaissance

An Approach to a Healthier Lifestyle by Reza R. Mobine SC $6.95 (MODRS)

This book identifies the source of problems in our society that continue to escalate, threatening to become monumental obstacles to the progress of mankind. It goes on to demonstrate, by means of Bahá’í teachings, how the shackles of our adversities can be broken and the foundation of a New World Order laid.

4 1/4" x 7", 231 pp. Bahá’í Publications Australia

A Love Which Does Not Wait

by Janet Ruhe-Schoen HC $18.95 (LWDNWH)

In these, the stories of nine Bahá’ís eulogized by Shoghi Effendi as a “distinguished band of co-workers,” Janet Ruhe-Schoen captures the essence of their service and sacrifice to a Cause they loved so dearly. Through stories, anecdotes and personal correspondence, the author illustrates the exemplary characteristics of these early pioneers.

5 3/4" x 8 3/4", 341 pp. Palabra Publications

PER: Bi-Yád-i Dúst

In Memory of the Friend $15.00 SC (PBYDS)

The Friends of Persian Culture Association presents this compilation of some of the writings of the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Abu’l-Qásim Faizí, an account of his life and services and loving reminiscences about him—as a gift to his many admirers throughout the world.

6" x 9", 211 pp. National Spiritual Assembly of the United States

A Prayer for Fluffy

by Roxana Faith Sinex illustrated by Wendy Cowper-Thomas HC $12.95 (PF)

Prayer as a means to an end is the lesson everyone should learn at an early age. But be careful what you pray for, because as this story for children shows, there may be a delightful twist in your results as well! An excellent story for demonstrating to children the unique power and wisdom behind prayer.

7 1/2" x 9 1/2", 30 pp., illustrations Bellwood Press [Page 11]Like Pure Gold The Story of Louis G. Gregory by Anne Breneman illustrated by Gregory Newson $14.95 HC (LPG)

In this children’s book the life of Louis Gregory is chronicled in a manner that any child can readily identify with. His hardships and triumphs, and, most importantly, his example are painted as vividly as the full-color illustrations in the book. Sharing this story with your child will leave an impression they won’t soon forget.

9 1/4" x 7 1/4", 45 pp., illustrations Bahá’í Publishing Trust, U.S.

Love, Power, and Justice The Dynamics of Authentic Morality by William S. Hatcher $11.95 SC (LPJ)

What is authentic morality? How do we know that we are being true to an authentic, and not self-conceived, moral standard? The purpose of this book is to facilitate the understanding of how a person can reach these critical conclusions and come closer to the truth, about the value of their convictions and the worth of those convictions relative to a higher authority. Using precepts and arguments from three disciplines with something to say on the subject of morality, namely philosophy, science and religion, Dr. Hatcher explores with fascinating insight an ages-old problem with freshness and vigor, bringing into this mix the considerable force of the arguments provided by the Bahá’í revelation itself. A truly groundbreaking effort into one of the more intractable debates of our time, a time when so many factions and individuals claim to speak with “authentic morality.”

5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 155 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, U.S.

BACK IN STOCK

• Bahá’í Prayers, HC • (BPH) $7.95
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Also...Lift Up Your Voices now available in cassette format:

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Ali’s Dream The Story of Bahá’u’lláh by John S. Hatcher illustrated by Mary Holveck $22.95 SC (ADS)

A revised edition with all new illustrations to highlight this favorite story about Ali, an 11-year-old boy whose life becomes a quest for the meaning of a dream. Weaving scenes from the history of the Bahá’í Faith into the narrative, John Hatcher draws out of this story universal truths about sacrifice, suffering and spiritual qualities in a way that allows a personal identification with these qualities and with a cause greater than one’s own self.

6" x 9", 333 pp., illustrations Bahá’í Publishing Trust, U.S.

Divine Art of Revelation by John S. Hatcher $4.95 SC (DAR)

Adapted from Dr. Hatcher’s popular book The Ocean of His Words, this stand-alone revision of the first chapter of that work deals specifically with the concept of revelation as an art form. This insightful analysis and the conclusions drawn offer the reader an excellent framework regarding the role of art in a religious context and, more importantly, the benefits of deeper understanding derived from the examination of revelation in this context.

5 1/2" x 6", 60 pp. Bahá’í Publishing Trust, U.S.

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God Loves You!

The money you give to the Bahá’í Funds makes it possible to tell others about Bahá’u’lláh and His teachings like the equality of women and men. Liang has learned that whether a girl or a boy, God loves you the same because God considers both equal.

Activity:

Look up the following words in the “Two Wings of a Bird” puzzle! Each word has something to do with the equality of women and men. Can you figure out how they relate?

Capable	Partner
Compassion	Patience
Education	Peer
Equal	Pure
Father	Opportunity
Friends	Service
Human	Soul
Intelligence	Support
Love	Tender
Mother	Trust

Activity by Treasurer’s Office

“Two Wings of a Bird” puzzle

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“The world of humanity consists of two parts: male and female. Each is the complement of the other.” - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Do you want to be a PEN PAL? Do you have something to submit to BRILLIANT STAR like photographs, stories, poems or drawings? Tell us what you are doing lately in your Bahá’í community!

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The next special edition of Brilliant Star will talk about Bahá’í communities — groups of Bahá’í families and friends who make up one big family. Tell us about your community and what you like about it. What do you think makes a good community? Do you have a special story about how your community teaches the Bahá’í Faith? Can you picture or illustrate your idea or vision of a good community? Share your thoughts and drawings with us! Please include your age and Bahá’í community with your name.

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page 12 THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í • KID’S CORNER December 31, 1998 TAB/12.31.98 [Page 13]

STATE OF THE PROFESSION:

BEHIND-THE-CAMERA PROFESSIONALS SAY THEY FOCUS ON PUTTING DEEDS, NOT WORDS, IN FOREFRONT

COMPILED BY TOM MENNILLO

Bahá’ís who develop films and television programming recognize the great potential that these media hold for uniting humanity.

But they caution that wisdom must govern our efforts to use the big and small screens in advancing the Cause of God. Focus on deeds, not words, they say, and let the beauty of the Faith speak for itself.

Four behind-the-camera professionals responded to the survey, sent out via e-mail and personal letters.

We present their answers, edited for length.

ABOUT OUR RESPONDENTS

“California Bob” Dix Brimmer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is an actor, writer and producer whose Hollywood credits go back to the 1950s. Today he is president of Milwaukee Productions, which makes programs to air on the Milwaukee Access Television Authority. Topics include race unity and helping America fulfill its destiny to lead the world spiritually. “The pay is not much, but you can’t buy peace,” he says.

Joseph Andrejchak Galata of Reno, Nevada, is founder and artistic director of Lanakila Consulting, which produces television, video, stage productions and multicultural festivals. He recently produced a TV documentary in the People’s Republic of China on the art of Chinese storytelling and hosted a series of programs on the Holocaust that won numerous national and international television awards. Galata also facilitates workshops and seminars on creativity, spirituality and psychology and is a university faculty member.

Phil Lucas of Issaquah, Washington, is a writer, director, producer and actor. The Choctaw Indian owns Phil Lucas Productions Inc., which develops documentary films and television programs on topics relating to America’s indigenous peoples. A TBS series of which he directed an episode won an Emmy, and several of his films have earned awards at festivals.

Andrew Newell of Atlanta, Georgia, is network operations coordinator for TNT, an entertainment-oriented cable channel that is part of the Turner Broadcasting Systems division of Time-Warner Inc. He also is an independent film director and writer.

---

What role did your profession play in your decision to become a Bahá’í and how has becoming a Bahá’í influenced steps you have taken within the field?

Joseph Galata: I first discovered the Bahá’í Faith as an adolescent, dancing with a troupe performing in Israel. An Israeli government agency put me on a kibbutz up the road from ‘Akká. A group of Israeli soldiers took me there every Saturday when the kibbutz closed down. I’d sit in Bahjí gardens and bring all these dancers I knew from around the world.

I left Israel and ended up dancing in the Broadway musical Jesus Christ Superstar. Every night we’d end the show lying on stage, and I’d hear people from the audience as they left, talking about spirituality, God, religion, going back to church, etc. By this time I was reading everything I could get my hands on about Bahá’í and communicating with Bahá’í institutions. It was difficult trying to figure out how to blend old family cultural traditions, ways, expectations, mandates, laws with this new religion.

What made me declare was: I met a lovely Bahá’í woman and man who were isolated believers. They introduced me to a Polish Bahá’í artist and asked me to come to a private fireside. After a few prayers and readings they told me the story of the Purest Branch and I said I wanted to do a Gypsy dance in honor of the Purest Branch. So they tossed aside the furniture in the living room and I danced Gypsy and then the old couple started dancing with me, with each other, and eventually I think we just all forgot about each other and just danced like a bunch of whirling dervishes for God alone. That was it for me!

Then every night during Jesus Christ Superstar I’d lie there on the stage while the audience exited and I’d whisper over and over “Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá” for each member of the audience.

Phil Lucas: When I declared my faith in Bahá’u’lláh in 1964, I was a newly sober entertainer playing guitar and singing in nightclubs. I soon decided that promoting alcohol was probably not the Bahá’í thing to do, so went back to college and got a degree in visual communications. I simply wanted to influence people in a positive way and felt that film would provide a powerful vehicle to do that.

Andrew Newell: Although I wouldn’t have said it at the time, art was my religion of choice before I became a Bahá’í. I always loved art, particularly movies and music, and through them I felt I could see what it meant to “touch” God.

Before I became a Bahá’í, I was very lost as an artist. It seemed I was always being encouraged to follow my passions, whatever they might be. This seemed dangerous and I always felt very uncomfortable about it. I bounced all over the map trying to find guidance. I often made certain producers, directors, actors, etc. into demi-gods.

My first independent feature film was about a man who was obsessed with telling the truth—I’m convinced the decision to make it accelerated my search process. Through many ups and downs, I came to see that the truth I thought was art was actually God.

I was elated! Through the principles of the Faith, I finally could know with certainty the purpose of art and the function it had in society. I was allowed to get clear of the briars and brambles of self! Thank you, thank you, God! Since then, I judge every artistic work against the Divine Standard and feel so much more directed in my efforts.

Bob Dix Brimmer: I had been a contract actor before 1956, the year I became a freelance actor and heard about the Bahá’í Faith from my dramatic coach. The Faith was new to both of us, and after about six months of study we both became Bahá’ís. It was my turning point.

I’d be dead today if it wasn’t for the guiding light of the Blessed Beauty. I was the son of Richard Dix, a movie star, and raised with all the trappings that implies: money, cars, false adoration, two homes staffed with servants, beautiful people all around and their kids were my playmates. Thanks to my mother, I did believe in prayer.

Today, Bahá’í is my life 24 hours a day. I have learned that one meaning for “ego” is “ease God out.” And if God is not in my life, guess who moved!

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What particular daily challenges do you face in your work because of your beliefs?

Phil Lucas: Over the past 23 years I have made over 75 films and video programs, all dealing with Native American subjects. As a Bahá’í I was, and still am, compelled to correct the abuses of history and to promote and foster a better understanding between the dominant society and the indigenous peoples we call Native Americans.

The daily challenges, in my work, to my beliefs are few, as I own my own company and choose the projects carefully.

Bob Dix Brimmer: In the movie industry, daily there are challenges to the standards set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for living the life. But I think it’s the same in every profession. Western culture is “out there”: The fast lane, fancy cars, pretty people, false gods, position, power and fast-buck artists are in all our lives. And very few people are interested in God’s Plan for man.

Joseph Galata: None. When you grow up a minority in a very prejudicial society you either compromise your beliefs to survive or you hold onto your beliefs and take the lumps—and there are plenty of lumps. For some reason, I was born with this absolute inability to compromise my principles. So I face no daily challenges in my work because of my beliefs—or maybe I do; I’m just oblivious to such. My old Gypsy grandmother who just died at the age of 101 used to always tell me, “God gave us two choices: laugh or cry. You better laugh in my house, because in my home the only place you’re gonna find sympathy is in the dictionary!”

Andrew Newell: I sense that there are many Christians here at work who are fervently praying for me because of my “strange” faith. Other challenges relate to backbiting, gossip, and the incessant want of people to relate everything to sex. I try to steer people away from these practices and often get teased.

Still, I have found this company to be ripe in regard to teaching. For as I continue to define my ideals and principles—often through unconscious deeds—I see people drawn to them. People apologize for swearing, or for talking about an inappropriate topic. They know my stance on race unity and often make supportive comments.

---

“We need to create professional projects which will spiritually move audiences, not use the arts as a means of preaching.” —Joseph Galata, Reno, Nevada

“[I] am compelled to correct the abuses of history and to promote ... better understanding between the dominant society and the indigenous peoples. ...” —Phil Lucas, Issaquah, Washington [Page 14]

STATE OF THE PROFESSION

“[T]HERE MUST BE REVIVED AMONG THE INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS A SENSE OF MISSION, A FEELING OF EMPOWERMENT TO MINISTER TO THE URGENT NEED OF HUMANITY FOR GUIDANCE AND THUS TO WIN VICTORIES FOR THE FAITH IN THEIR OWN SPHERE OF LIFE.”

—Universal House of Justice, from the May 19, 1994, letter to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Is there a fine line you have to tread in bringing a Bahá’í perspective to your work?

Joseph Galata: I just constantly think of Shoghi Effendi, my hero, who wrote so much about using wisdom in teaching. When people watch a ‎televison television‎ show, or attend a theater production or a dance concert, they want to be entertained and inspired, but not necessarily informed and most definitely not preached to. Recently, I was filming a television show in New York City. I took my daughters to a Gypsy dance program down in the Village—singing, dancing, hollering and shouting until the dancers and singers and musicians were hoarse. The audience didn’t understand one word, but I saw the audience sobbing and sobbing. If I passed out cards asking people to give up their race or ethnic heritage and convert to be a Gypsy, the cards would have been signed with tear stains, because the audience members were moved to the depth of their souls. That’s what we want in life: to feel! To have our souls moved! I try to create Bahá’í beauty in my work, but I don’t turn my work into Bahá’í firesides.

Phil Lucas: There is indeed a fine line to be trod in bringing a Bahá’í perspective to my work. I have to let the works themselves speak to that. I have yet to do an overt “Bahá’í” film, but my work is permeated with the sensibility of the teachings.

Bob Dix Brimmer: In my work today as a producer, I share the Faith at many levels. With my coworkers, people I meet everywhere and, most importantly, in relationships both personal and professional, I try to live by the code, “Let deeds, not words, be your adorning.” Believe me, easier said than done. Road rage comes to mind!

Andrew Newell: No, because I think teaching by deeds works the best in a job setting. It’s when I cross into the realm of utterance that I have to be more careful and remember Bahá’u’lláh’s words: “Not everything that a man knoweth can be disclosed, nor can everything that ‎be he‎ can disclose be regarded as timely, nor can every timely utterance be considered as suited to the capacity of those who hear it.” This often means I have to subtly direct people to reach conclusions on their own, or encourage them when they exhibit virtuous behavior. I spend a good deal of my time listening to people, building friendships and trying to encourage unity.

To what extent is your profession seen by its practitioners and the public as a catalyst for unifying the forces of society?

Andrew Newell: I don’t think people in this profession realize the weight they have in regard to promoting unity. Most people I talk to just think of entertainment as pointless fun. If anything, they might see entertainment as having the opposite potential: the potential to corrupt. In cases where people consider the possibility of positive, virtue-based programming, they overwhelmingly say it can’t make money.

I once interviewed for a position as an assistant to a veteran news producer for CNN. The impression I got was that she and other “hardened” news professionals were just idealists who had been beaten into submission over the course of their careers. It might just take the slightest shift to re-engage their idealism.

Phil Lucas: It’s very hard to judge how your work is a catalyst for unifying the forces of society. However, The Honour of All has had an enormous impact on the Native American sobriety movement and has transcended cultural bounds to impact the dominant society. The same is true of Healing The Hurts, which is being used by Healing Racism chapters all across the country.

Joseph Galata: When people’s souls are touched to the depths and people discover spiritual feelings, then an audience is united. Recently I saw the Broadway production of the musical Ragtime about dealing with prejudice at the turn of the century—upper-class Caucasians, poverty-stricken African-Americans and starving immigrant Jews. The best Broadway musical I’ve ever seen! It moved the audience to jump out of their seats and cheer and cheer and cheer. That audience was filled with Jews, African-Americans, Caucasians and we were united because we saw beauty! That’s what this Faith is all about. Beauty. Bahá’u’lláh isn’t called the Blessed Beauty for any other reason than what? Beauty from God!

Bob Dix Brimmer: Movies have the power to unify hearts all over the planet. Unfortunately, they are not being used for that purpose. My fellow writers have nicknamed me “Preacher High Pockets” because I fight to bring to the screen hope for the human family. We would go round and round about sex and violence. A quick glance at your local video store and you will see what a great influence I have had regarding the finished product!

“A little schooling and a very nominal fee and you can broadcast your ideas, your stories, your programs to your community [on public access TV]. The process of entry by troops will be greatly enhanced by your efforts, I’m sure.”

—Bob Dix Brimmer, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

What can Bahá’ís in your profession do individually or collectively to foster a catalytic role (assist the exploration of these issues, influence the profession’s evolution, encourage young people to enter the field)?

Bob Dix Brimmer: What can we do to effect change? We must get the Word of God as a foundation to stories. Every deepened Bahá’í has something to offer. Become producers. Go to your local cable access TV broadcast center and tell them you want to become a “producer/member.” It’s already set up by the FCC and their deal with the cable companies. A little schooling and a very nominal fee and you can broadcast your ideas, your stories, your programs to your community. The process of entry by troops will be greatly enhanced by your efforts, I’m sure. All aspects of putting ideas on videotape, live programming and TV broadcasting, including work both in front of and behind the camera, are available.

Joseph Galata: Talk to any Bahá’í who is a professional dancer, musician, writer, actor, singer, etc., and we’ll all speak the same sentence: “There is a difference between professional productions and community proclamations!” Community proclamations tend to be produced very inexpensively with no salaries paid to the artists. Professionals will say you get what you pay for. We need to create professional projects which will spiritually move audiences, not use the arts as a means of preaching.

Recently I was teaching courses on creativity and spirituality at Maxwell Bahá’í School [in British Columbia]. The kids showed me a theatrical program they had produced with a fabulous Bahá’í dancer and choreographer from Nevada. The program is professional in quality, and non-Bahá’ís are flocking to see these kids perform this piece.

Andrew Newell: When I focus on Bahá’í principles, I have the most success. For instance, I am developing a friendship with the Equal Opportunity Employment human resources representative, trying to be informative and to encourage her to assert her ideas and plans. At a company picnic, I encouraged the bosses to give the leftover food to a group of nearby homeless people. These types of actions can affect the characters of those working in entertainment, which therefore affects the decisions they make relating to entertainment. Outside of the company, I can network with other media professionals and consult on ways to exert influence in areas where we have open doors.

Phil Lucas: I personally don’t think we need to organize media groups, entertainers and artists. But as professionals we need to always serve the people first. Through service comes the opportunity to demonstrate the veracity of the Bahá’í Faith. ♦ [Page 15]“O ye illumined youth, strive by night and by day to unravel the mysteries of the mind and spirit.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’í Education, p. 41 ♦

TRUE WEALTH

Bahá’í Institutions Are Gifts from Bahá’u’lláh to the World

Why is it important that only Bahá’ís give to the Bahá’í Funds?

Shoghi Effendi explained that it is because Bahá’í Institutions are Bahá’u’lláh’s gifts to the world and that it is for the protection of the Faith:

“He wishes me to stress again that under no circumstances the believers should accept any financial help from non-Bahá’ís for use in connection with specific administrative activities of the Faith such as the Temple construction fund, and other local or national Bahá’í administrative funds. The reason for this is twofold: First because the Institutions which the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ are gradually building are in the nature of gifts from Bahá’u’lláh to the world; and secondly the acceptance of funds from non-believers for specific Bahá’í use would, sooner or later, involve the Bahá’ís into unforeseen complications and difficulties with others, and thus cause incalculable harm to the body of the Cause.”

(From a letter written on the Guardian’s behalf dated April 14, 1934, quoted in the Compilation of Compilations, Vol. 1, p. 548)

• What might be considered as “unforeseen complications and difficulties?”

• In what ways does the principle that only Bahá’ís give to the Funds help to foster unity? ♦

Firesides: Who, When, Where

BY JERRY DICK

Second of two parts

Last issue, we learned what a fireside is and how often we should have one. Now the task of implementing them begins.

For the youth, this process can really simplify our teaching. We can invite our non-Bahá’í friends over to our home, serve them some refreshments and introduce them to a few of our Bahá’í friends. A relaxed atmosphere would make everyone more comfortable when they meet.

If the home of a Bahá’í youth is unavailable, we can invite our friends to a popular eatery that is conducive to an atmosphere of discussion—someplace where people can hear themselves talk.

Just as important is the choice of Bahá’í youth that you invite to meet your friends. Obviously we want to give a good impression of the Faith to our friends and to answer any questions, so we would need to balance the attributes of deepened knowledge of the Faith, a goodly character and, hopefully, the ability to be cool.

A goodly character is perhaps the most important of those three, since much of the teaching is done in simple interaction.

Ideally, we should speak to our friends about the Faith, and if they show a favorable response we can invite them to meet a couple of other Bahá’í youth in a fireside setting—as described above. For this we need to acquire teaching skills.

We should practice introducing the Bahá’í Faith in our conversations. In the course of casual interaction we can find ways of mentioning the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. It is not as difficult as it first appears—we can relate the Bahá’í teachings to just about anything.

But some things this requires:

• A certain amount of deepening.
• Memorizing key phrases for use in different situations. That will allow us to simply say “the Bahá’í Writings say ...” or “Bahá’u’lláh says ...” If this sparks interest, some people will eventually ask us to tell them about Bahá’u’lláh.

Youth have a special responsibility to host a personal fireside every Bahá’í month and to understand some of the skills and requirements for these firesides. Throughout the history of the Faith, youth have arisen and been in the vanguard of the teaching efforts. Undoubtedly, the future will be filled with even more glorious successes.

This piece was based on a collection of Bahá’í Writings about the nature of firesides compiled by Darren Hiebert. ♦

How Many Firesides?

“The power of action in the believers is unlocked at the level of individual initiative and surges at the level of collective volition.” —Universal House of Justice, letter dated May 19, 1994, to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States

At the encouragement of the National Youth Committee, college clubs across the country rallied around an intense fireside campaign with the goal of 500 FIRESIDES NATIONWIDE BY THE END OF THE FALL SEMESTER. With the semester at a close, please report all your individual or group firesides by Jan. 10 to the National Youth Committee (phone 847-733-3499, e-mail ) so we can compare our action with our goal.

The National Youth Committee would appreciate receiving copies of

ALL BAHÁ’Í YOUTH PUBLICATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES

at our national office. Please forward a copy to the National Youth Committee, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL, 60201.

Dancing in tribute

The Regeneration Bahá’í Youth Workshop performs for the commemoration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh in Somerset, New Jersey. The workshop is made up of young Bahá’ís from the Mercer County, New Jersey, area. Photo by Bob Weber, Allentown, NJ

ESSAY CONTEST: Why we need the U.N.

The United Nations Association of the United States (UNA-USA) recently launched its 1999 national high school essay contest with the topic: Who Needs Whom: Why the U.S. Needs the United Nations.

If you are in grade 9–12 and interested in why the U.N. is important to people across the United States—not only the country as a whole—then consider entering an essay on these questions:

“As we approach the next millennium, the U.N. faces its greatest challenge. Every aspect of the U.S./U.N. relationship is in question, from financial obligations to the role of the U.N. in peacekeeping, to the continued U.S. commitment to economic and social development. America’s leadership role is now in question. There are those who question the relevancy of the organization to the United States as we move into the next millennium. Is there really a need for so many U.N. agencies? Is it worth the cost? And maybe the most fundamental question: Why should the U.S. be a leader in the U.N. community?”

Entry deadline is May 3. For more information, please contact John R. Gagain Jr., assistant coordinator, Model U.N. and Education Programs, United Nations Association of the United States of America, New York, NY 10017-4706 (phone 212-907-1326, fax 212-682-9185, e-mail ( ) or see the Web site (www.unausa.org). ♦

Heroic Deeds of Service to the Cause

National Bahá’í Youth Campaign

“We look to the members of the Bahá’í community in the United States to perform, during the Four Year Plan, heroic deeds of service to the Cause, which will astonish and inspire their fellow-believers throughout the world.”

—Universal House of Justice, Ridván 153 B.E. message to the Bahá’ís of North America

Pledges are coming in from all ages, from all over the country! Seize the opportunity to contribute to the pledges of Heroic Deeds of Service to the Cause that the National Youth Committee will send to the Universal House of Justice.

To learn more about the campaign, check out the National Youth Committee Web page at the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org).

To participate in this campaign, please contact the National Youth Committee, c/o Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail ( ). [Page 16]

Two-wheeled touring and teaching

Arizona couple embark on a rolling proclamation through the end of the Four Year Plan

BY TOM MENNILLO

They’ve been run off the road and had motorists run off the road rubbernecking them. Been bitten by dogs, endured hailstorms, and survived interminable hills.

But the freewheelin’ Knudsons, Jerome and Lucia, keep pedaling their dream of traveling by bicycle to teach through the end of the Four Year Plan.

The Kingman, Arizona, couple began their trek at the Desert Rose Bahá’í Conference in November 1997. Since then, they have covered 27 states and a Canadian province, accepting rides at times to stay on schedule but mostly churning away on their recumbent bikes. Sometimes they stay in motels, sometimes with Bahá’í families.

Along the way, Jerome and Lucia have brought the Bahá’í message to thousands.

Whether it be in a coffeehouse or bike shop, they find a way to bring up the Faith in just about every encounter. Then there are the 8- by 12-inch BAHÁ’Í FAITH banners on their bikes and the “I’m a Bahá’í, Ask Me Why” T-shirts on their backs.

Of course, the unusually shaped bicycles are an instant conversation starter themselves.

Perhaps most important, the Knudsons have assisted dozens of Bahá’í communities—mostly isolated—with teaching. They’ve spoken at firesides and socials, taught children’s classes, met with Bahá’í youth, and given numerous newspaper and radio/television interviews arranged by the friends.

They’ve also had the bounty of helping out at the Louis G. Gregory and Native American Bahá’í Institutes, Green Acre Bahá’í School, and the Bahá’í House of Worship.

“The quotation ‘be not content with the ease of a passing day’ [from the Hidden Words] motivates me to get out and teach even on a day off,” Jerome said.

Evidence of how that work pays off comes in stories of how the cyclists’ journey has touched people.

In Savannah, Georgia, Jerome Knudson was the key speaker at a successful Bahá’í social in a park and was interviewed by a local television station, local Bahá’í Michael O’Neal said. He also taped a program for the Bahá’í community’s ongoing public access TV series.

His visit also caused the community to step up its consultations on making the best use of traveling teachers, O’Neal said, and that will pay dividends for years to come.

Jerome Knudson’s ground-level tour of North America is a continuation of efforts that go back to 1976, when he got out of the Navy.

“I went to see the House of Worship,” Jerome recalled. “When I flew back to Southern California I had less than one dollar in my pocket, and I liked how that felt.”

Later, he rode and drove to the 1977 National Youth Conference and in the next two years pedaled the length of California and to Colorado.

In 1982, he adopted a pattern of traveling teaching advised by the National Teaching Committee. “I send out a letter of introduction and schedule to communities and ask how I can be of service,” he explained.

To fund this lifestyle, many years he worked in the winter and traveled the rest of the year. For this trip, the Knudsons saved up enough to stay on the road through the end of the Plan.

Lucia came into the picture in 1994. She had always enjoyed bicycling, but when she met Jerome he coached her on how to pedal for fitness.

Rides of up to 30 miles a day soon became 60 miles a day, and she knew she could sustain a cross-country trip.

“Youth have the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps,” she said. “Adults who become Bahá’ís—I declared seven years ago—don’t have that same flexibility.”

So think of this as her year, or two, of service. She has participated in nearly all of the trip since at last year’s Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, with a brief break while Jerome rode from Florida to Pennsylvania.

“I’ve been to some of these cities before, but it’s a more intimate experience on bicycle,” Lucia said. “I get more of a feel for people and the country. We let people approach us, and they do.”

To her surprise, many of these people know about the Faith or know Bahá’ís. “Past proclamation efforts clearly have touched people,” she said.

Where will the freewheelin’ Knudsons go now?

After a breather at home in Kingman, where they’ve had to replace lots of Lucia’s clothing ruined in storage while they were away, the Knudsons have their sights set on the West Coast and beyond.

The schedule is still fluid, but their determination is not. Look for them on a back road near you.

Jerome and Lucia Knudson pause before the gardens at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette on the Illinois leg of their year-round journey across the country on bicycle. Photo by Caswell Ellis

Peace park blossoms in Michigan

A longtime Bahá’í property in Muskegon, Michigan, is serving residents of an inner-city neighborhood anew with the construction of a meditation garden.

Deborah Pless, a Bahá’í in nearby Spring Lake, designed the garden. It features a meandering concrete trail leading from the public sidewalk to a nine-sided cement pad 19 feet in diameter. On the pad are stone benches surrounding the focal point, an inlaid granite nine-pointed star.

Nancy Watters, who now serves at the Maxwell Bahá’í School, was project coordinator and spry 82-year-old Goldman Bradshaw, a new Bahá’í in Muskegon, provided much of the sweat equity.

Area Bahá’ís volunteered their energy and their financial gifts—the total cost was $7,000, including a $5,000 sidewalk assessment—to make the park a reality. The $1,000 granite star was created and donated by a Grand Haven design center.

A few residents were hired to help clear the property. Other neighbors kept watch and offered the workers water and access to electricity.

The Bahá’í Peace Park was dedicated Aug. 8 as part of a unity festival on the site.

“We want it to be a place of peace for the neighborhood and a place of unity,” Watters was quoted as saying by the Muskegon Chronicle, which published an extensive feature article on the eve of the dedication.

The property on Marquette Avenue was purchased by the Bahá’ís in 1911 so a non-Bahá’í woman and her three orphaned grandchildren would have a place to live.

At the time, the friends were struggling to raise money for construction of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette. But they diverted their attention to helping the family in need, and their sacrificial efforts were confirmed when fund raising for the Temple suddenly picked up momentum.

Though a fire destroyed the house later, the Bahá’ís maintained ownership of the land and later purchased adjoining lots. Now a meditation garden blooms there.

A meandering path leads to the meditation garden at the Bahá’í Peace Park ‎dedeicated dedicated‎ recently in Muskegon, Michigan. [Page 17]“The art of music is divine and effective. It is the food of the soul and spirit. Through the power and charm of music the spirit of man is uplifted.”

— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 52

Music is heartbeat of Ohio effort

Concert energizes integrated teaching project in goal city of Canton

Planning the Canton Concerts

The Local Spiritual Assembly of Kent adopted a grassroots proposal for a musical event. Goals were to proclaim the Faith and provide a springboard for “heart to heart” teaching in Canton, where the Bahá’í group is working toward Assembly strength. An organizing committee was appointed for the two Canton concerts as well as coordinated teaching activities. It continues to work on a strategic teaching plan for the area. The Canton Cultural Center for the Arts and the Canton Palace Theatre were chosen as sites for the concerts, for accessibility and status as the city’s cultural centers. A friend of the Faith, independent TV producer Ron Ponder, was enlisted to help develop a publicity plan, which included TV, radio and print ads. Fifty community leaders and their spouses from local organizations were invited to the concerts as guests. As the scope of the project widened, the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Central States and the National Teaching Committee were contacted. Advance planning helped smooth such arrangements as hotels, food and transportation for performers, fostering the flow of love and unity. Choir director Tom Price of the Nashville, Tennessee, area and co-director Barbara Baumgartner of the Cleveland area brought the performance together in a prayerful and lighthearted one-day rehearsal. A mailing list has been compiled from ticket sales to help publicize any future Bahá’í-organized public events. ◆

Northeastern Ohio Bahá’ís extended themselves to build an all-around teaching plan for the goal city of Canton, as they staged twin choir concerts Nov. 14–15 designed to open hearts to the Faith.

An excerpt from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh greeted the audiences—totaling 275—when they opened their programs at the two concerts, presented by the Bahá’ís of Canton and the Bahá’í One World Choir under the direction of Tom Price.

Seventy members of the One World Choir from 17 states were joined by Price, Dash Crofts, Red Grammer and Erin Byrne to support a teaching effort developed by a team of Bahá’ís, with the further guidance of the Spiritual Assembly of Kent.

Even in the planning stages, the project showed itself as “a significant step in the use of the arts in teaching, and showed the capacity of the Bahá’ís to organize an event of this scope by putting together the technical and spiritual components,” said Curtis Russell, a member of the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Central States.

Coordinated teaching initiatives included a one-day youth service project that included a deepening and teaching workshop and culminated in distribution of 7,000 fliers.

Youth acted as ushers at both performances. As people came through the doors, they were given a program and a copy of The Bahá’í magazine.

Information about the choir and its international history and about the diversity of the Faith was displayed in the foyers of both venues.

The audience greeted the musical program resoundingly. Asked afterward what they thought of the performances, audience members used words such as incredible, surprised, delighted, wonderful and amazing.

Opening with the African rhythms of “Siyahamba,” the program moved through songs that often inspired hand clapping or tears. The rousing finale “In This Day” brought the cheering audience to its feet.

Special soloists Dash Crofts and Red Grammer entertained superbly as always, but special mention must go to hometown teen-age soloist Erin Byrne.

With a magnificent soprano voice, she delighted the audience with the difficult “Whither Can A Lover Go” and the aria ‎“Visi D’Arte” “Vissi d’arte”‎ from the opera Tosca by Puccini.

Besides the hundreds of radio and cable TV advertisements, other parts of the advance publicity added up to a proclamation in its own right:

• Four half-hour TV shows featuring interviews with local Bahá’ís were broadcast over two weekends.
• Local newspapers ran two-page articles over four weekends highlighting the three soloists and director Price.
• The performances were taped for television at the suggestion of Ron Ponder, a friend of the Faith and independent producer who was invited to help plan publicity.

Television personnel were impressed by the patience and friendliness of the choir during taping.

When Ponder was asked what experience he would most take away with him, he answered without hesitation that “the Bahá’ís were the most friendly and loving people” he had worked with in his career. ◆

—Submitted by Jane Everson

Tom Price leads the One World Choir in a Canton, Ohio, concert that featured Erin Byrne (right, seated) as one of the soloists. Photo by Pauline K. Steinbrink, Tullahoma, TN

Red Grammer brings his flair as a solo performer to the One World Choir concerts. Photo by John D. Thompson, Canton, OH [Page 18]

NURTURING SEEKERS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Faith is to build strong friendships. Many Bahá’í communities are holding activities for seekers centered around fellowship. This is a vital way for Bahá’ís to share a loving spirit with seekers and help them ease into Bahá’í community life. Fellowship also creates a hospitable environment where seekers can be met with unconditional love and acceptance. It is under these conditions that ‎seekers hearts seekers’ hearts‎ will open with receptivity to the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá offers the following method for teaching the Faith to seekers through love:

“The friends of God should weave bonds of fellowship with others and show absolute love and affection towards them. These links have a deep influence on people and they will listen. When the friends sense receptivity to the Word of God, they should deliver the Message with wisdom. They must first try and remove any apprehensions in the people they teach. In fact, every one of the believers should choose one person every year and try to establish ties of friendship with him, so that all his fear would disappear. Only then, and gradually, must he teach that person. This is the best method.”

In addition to creating a loving environment of fellowship, it is important that communities organize a system of activities to enrich both believers and seekers. These would include regularly held devotional gatherings to enliven the spiritual life of the community; training institutes to develop capacity by drawing the hearts closer to Bahá’u’lláh through acts of service; activities that address the principles of the equality of women and men, racial unity, and the education of children and youth.

The relationship between Bahá’í and seeker should be one of mentoring through love. Shoghi Effendi stated, “Let him not be content until he has infused into his spiritual child so deep a longing as to impel him to arise independently, in his turn, and devote his energies to the quickening of other souls, and the upholding of the laws and principles laid down by his newly adopted Faith.”

Advancing the Process OF ENTRY BY TROOPS

What’s Happening

• 30- and 60-second commercials are airing nationally on Odyssey and BET cable channels.

What’s Coming Up

• Three new videos being prepared for focus group testing: The Power of Prayer, Two Wings of a Bird, and a program addressing Christians
• New materials: Companion handbooks for the Two Wings video, commercials for local use, video report on the National Plan to date
• Surveys: of new believers, of seekers who made contact through the 800 number and the public Web site
• 800-22-UNITE: New system (see below)

How Communities are Serving Their Seekers

• Springfield, Massachusetts: The Local Spiritual Assembly saw the need for creative approaches to meet the needs of seekers—particularly the several who inquired about the Faith after viewing The Power of Race Unity. The Assembly created a Welcoming Committee to be in charge of keeping track of interested seekers, inviting them to community events or dinners and creating a public class about the Bahá’í Faith. So far, 10 of those seekers have attended at least one of two ongoing firesides, devotional gatherings or a weekly Sunday school. When the upcoming videos on prayer and on the equality of women and men are released the Welcoming Committee will send out announcements to their seekers encouraging them to view those programs.

• Jacksonville, Florida: The Bahá’í community has been keeping track of seekers in databases and sending them monthly newsletters.

• Indianapolis, Indiana: In addition to monthly newsletters, this community has been sending seekers on its database a packet that includes a copy of The Power of Race Unity, the statement The Vision of Race Unity, an introductory book on the Bahá’í Faith and a Bahá’í prayer book.

• Des Moines, Iowa: The Bahá’ís send seekers literature and a list of ongoing events in the community.

• Encinitas, California: In response to several recent seeker calls from the 800-22-UNITE phone line, the Assembly has prepared a list of community activities to distribute to inquirers.

—Submitted by the National Teaching Committee Office

HANDLING A SEEKER’S RESPONSE BY PHONE

Seeker calls 800-22-UNITE
Seeker’s request for literature and/or call-back goes to NTC voice-mail box
Bahá’í National Center staff download the calls, then log the information into a database
Seeker’s original voice-mail message is forwarded to community’s voice-mail box Literature is mailed from the Bahá’í National Center to each seeker: The Bahá’ís magazine The Vision of Race Unity statement The Light of Unity booklet
Community contacts seeker* and follows up with newsletter, invitations, information about firesides etc.

• Phone calls should not be made to seekers unless they specifically request one, even if they provide a phone number.

800-22-UNITE: Frequently asked questions about changing procedures

After many months of confusion and misunderstanding we are now nearly finished with canceling our AT&T service for our toll-free number. In November AT&T told us that individual communities needed to cancel their AT&T service individually. This is no longer the case. AT&T should be handling all of the cancellations for us. We apologize for the difficulties this old system has caused.

I’m still getting AT&T bills. What should I do?

Do not pay any bill for calls after the end of September. If you have paid for October or beyond please e-mail us ([...]).

We’re already hooked up to the new system. Do I still need to cancel with AT&T?

No. AT&T should cancel every community by the middle of December. If you are still receiving bills by the end of December please contact us at the e-mail above.

Our community signed up with several other communities, but now we want our own voice-mail box. What do we do?

First, contact the communities with whom yours signed up. Consult about who wants to take which areas.

We are now routing calls by ZIP code instead of by area code and prefix. Choose the ZIP codes for your area and make sure you don’t overlap with other areas. Each community needs to complete its own application. Please request an application form by e-mailing us ([...]).

We haven’t been part of 800-22-UNITE yet. What do we do to get started?

E-mail us at [...] and request an application form.

Once we return the application via e-mail what happens?

The National Teaching Committee Office will provide you with your own voice-mail box and password.

How do we ‎retreive retrieve‎ seeker phone calls from our voice-mail box?

With permission from your Assembly, anyone with a touch-tone phone may call 1-800-22-UNITE (800-228-6483), press 7 (to bypass the options), enter the box number and password. The system will then announce your community’s name and ask you to press 1 to receive new messages. Be prepared to write down seekers’ information. [Page 19]

Reconquering Wyoming: Teaching team dedicates efforts to a state without an Assembly

Bahá’ís in Fort Collins, Colorado, and southern Wyoming are teaming up to invigorate the Bahá’í presence in Wyoming, a state that has several Bahá’í groups and a wide scattering of believers—but no active Local Spiritual Assemblies.

Together with host families, the One World musical/teaching group based in Fort Collins is dedicating the first Saturday of each month to visiting various parts of the state. Their goal is to spark teaching fires and refresh connections with isolated friends.

“The One World Bahá’í group is made up of people of many diverse backgrounds and ages,” reported Jessica Morse of Fort Collins. “Our purpose is to develop our own personal transformation, teach the Faith and help in unifying the community.”

The inaugural trip for the group was Nov. 7 to the home of Janice and Al Ayala in Cheyenne. Featured were an “incredible spaghetti and salad dinner,” an enthusiastic singalong of Bahá’í tunes, and a fireside on the theme “Personal Transformation and the Human Heart.”

“Feelings of love and happiness filled the room and the group’s laughter warmed my heart,” Morse wrote. She added that the group was grateful “to all of those who said prayers and are supporting the group’s travel teaching efforts.” ◆

For more information on the One World teaching group’s plans in upcoming months, contact Jessica Morse (e-mail ).

Mike Moxcey on banjo leads the music as Karl Calkins (center), Kaye Williams and others sing “We are Soldiers” at the One World teaching team’s Nov. 7 visit in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Unprecedented international goals

In response to the critical and urgent needs of the Faith in these last four years of the century, the National Spiritual Assembly adopted these international goals for the Four Year Plan:

• 4,500 traveling teachers.
• 1,200 pioneers.

With confidence born out of the successful response of the friends to the international needs of the Faith to the Three Year Plan, the National Spiritual Assembly set forth these extraordinary goals before our community in direct response to the call of the Ridván Messages of 153 B.E.

As of Dec. 1, 1998, 470 pioneers and 2864 traveling teachers have served internationally in this plan for a total of 3334.

The Universal House of Justice reminded us in one of these messages that the believers of North America, in response to the mandate of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, “have carried the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to all parts of your continent and throughout the breadth of the planet. ... These Tablets launched you on a worldwide enterprise which you, and the generations to succeed you, are called upon to continue during the vast period of time stretching throughout the Formative Age and into the Golden Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.”

The Universal House of Justice calls on “the indigenous believers ... to make their own distinctive contribution to the pursuit of the goals of the Four Year Plan, both beyond the confines of North America and at home ... in the circumpolar areas and in the Asian region of the Russian Federation.”

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

Further, “... the friends of Hispanic background have fertile fields before them throughout Latin America.”

The Universal House of Justice states, “We look to the members of the Bahá’í community in the United States to perform, during the Four Year Plan, heroic deeds of service to the Cause, which will astonish and inspire their fellow-believers throughout the world.”

The National Assembly turns to each and every believer in our community to take to heart the call for 5,700 traveling teachers and pioneers in the Four Year Plan.

Follow the footsteps of those who have gone before you. Plan to offer a few days, a week, a few months or a lifetime in service to the Cause of God internationally. Contact the Office of Pioneering for additional information or to begin making your plans. ◆

People to call at the Office of Pioneering

NORTHEAST AND CENTRAL REGIONS: Alex Blakeson (phone 847-733-3511, e-mail

SOUTHERN REGION: Sherdeana Jordan (phone 847-733-3507, e-mail

WESTERN REGION: Aurore Ragston (phone 847-733-3512, e-mail

OR YOU MAY CONTACT THE OFFICE OF PIONEERING AT: 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

TEACHING SKILLS 9: INVITING SEEKERS TO JOIN THE FAITH

Shoghi Effendi stated through his secretary, “Those responsible for accepting new believers should consider that the most important and fundamental qualification for acceptance is the recognition of the station of Bahá’u’lláh in this day on the part of the applicant. ... The early believers in both the east and the west, we must always remember, knew practically nothing compared to what the average Bahá’í knows about his Faith nowadays, yet they were the ones who shed their blood, the ones who arose and said: ‘I believe,’ requiring no proof, and often never having read a single word of the Teachings. Therefore, those responsible for accepting new enrollments must just be sure of one thing—that the heart of the applicant has been touched with the spirit of the Faith. Everything else can be built on this foundation gradually.” (A Special Measure of Love, pp. 20–21)

This statement clearly indicates that many people can recognize the truth of the Bahá’í Faith very soon after hearing about it. In that light, a teacher should not unnecessarily prolong the seeker’s search, if the seeker is ready to accept Bahá’u’lláh.

Some Bahá’ís are hesitant to invite seekers to join the Faith, feeling that this would constitute proselytizing. It is true that the teacher should not coerce or bring “undue pressure” upon the seeker to join the Faith, but obviously one can extend an invitation without being coercive.

The teacher is performing a disservice to the seeker (and to the Faith) if he fails to extend an invitation when the seeker has the capacity to become a Bahá’í. There have been many cases of believers who, when asked why they did not declare, have responded that they would have, but no one had invited them to become Bahá’ís.

Thus, it is very important to develop the skill of inviting seekers to embrace the Faith.

Of course, extending the invitation requires tact and wisdom. The teacher can—through prayer, inquiry and observation—try to determine when to invite a seeker to join the Faith.

The teacher can ask the seeker to share his feelings about the Faith and inquire if he has any unanswered questions about the Teachings. If the teacher then feels the seeker is close to the Faith, the invitation can be extended.

How does one tactfully invite someone to join the Faith? The teacher should adopt an approach suitable for each seeker. Here are a few examples of how one might invite a seeker to enroll in the Faith:

• “We lovingly welcome you to join the Bahá’í community and to use your God-given talents in creating a better world.”
• “If you believe the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh are the teachings the world needs, then embrace them as your own and join us in promoting them.”
• “We invite you to join us in building the Kingdom of God on earth (or ‘a new society based on spiritual teachings’ or ‘a peaceful, unified world’).”
• “Do you believe in Bahá’u’lláh? If so, then you are a Bahá’í.”

You will discover your own way of appropriately inviting seekers to join the Faith.

Adapted from Raising the Call: The Individual and Effective Teaching (Palabra Publications, 1998). Used by permission of the author. ◆ [Page 20]

LATIN AMERICAN TEACHING

ENGLISH Letter to the friends from the Latin-American Task Force Dear and Esteemed Friends in the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh: In The Advent of Divine Justice (p. 19), in stressing to the American Bahá’ís the imperative need for rectitude of conduct in our lives, the beloved Guardian quoted these words of Bahá’u’lláh: “The companions of God are, in this day, the lump that must leaven the peoples of the world. They must show forth such trustworthiness, such truthfulness and perseverance, such deeds and character that all mankind may profit by their example.” Now, let us stop and consider: Bahá’u’lláh referred to us, His followers, as “the companions of God ... in this day.” Surely this is an exalted station to which He calls us, a blessed mantle that he places upon our unworthy shoulders! But what does it mean to “leaven” the peoples of the world, and how are we to achieve this? The dictionary indicates that our word “leaven” comes from the Latin levare, to make light or raise. It can mean a small piece of fermenting dough put aside to be used for producing fermentation in a fresh batch of dough. The process of leavening is defined as any influence spreading through something and working on it to bring about gradual change; causing a ferment; or having a power of transformation. The quantity of leaven is very small in relation to the total amount of dough or batter, yet its influence or transforming power spreads throughout all of the mass, working a gradual and uniform change on the whole. Leaven is also frequently used in a figurative sense, having to do with the influence of the Word of God. In the Bible (Matthew 13:33) we read: “The Kingdom of God is like unto leaven, which a woman hid in three measures of meal until the whole was leavened.” We see that the leaven was put in different places, so that the entire mass would be raised. That leaven is the Word of God, revealed in this day by Bahá’u’lláh. Now that the Cause of God has spread throughout the world, this spiritual leaven exists in every part of the human race and is therefore ready to raise all of humanity to great spiritual heights. But contrary to ordinary leaven, whose transforming effect takes place without any conscious decision on its part, we followers of Bahá’u’lláh must choose to act in order to become this transforming influence in the life of humanity. In referring further to this (quoted in The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 19), Bahá’u’lláh stated: “I swear by Him Who is the Most Great Ocean! Within the very breath of such souls as are pure and sanctified far-reaching potentialities are hidden. So great are these potentialities that they exercise their influence upon all created things.” Beloved friends! The entire human race has now been prepared with God’s leaven. If we become aflame with the fire of the Love of God, the heat it generates will cause the transforming power given to us by Bahá’u’lláh to be released, exercising its influence and gradually transforming the whole of mankind. Every one of you is part of that leaven: where in the mass of humanity has Bahá’u’lláh chosen to place you to help “leaven the peoples of the world”? With loving greetings, The Latin-American Task Force ♦

ESPAÑOL Carta a los amigos de la Comisión de Trabajo Latinoamericana Queridos y Estimados Amigos en la Causa de Bahá’u’lláh: En El Advenimiento de la Justicia Divina (página 37), el amado Guardián, al enfatizar la imperativa necesidad de rectitud de conducta en nuestras vidas, cita estas palabras de Bahá’u’lláh: “Los compañeros de Dios son en este día, la masa que debe levantar a los pueblos del mundo. Ellos deben manifestar tal sentido de integridad, de veracidad y de perseverancia, tales hechos y testimonio de conducta que todo el género humano pueda beneficiarse de su ejemplo.” Ahora, consideremos: Bahá’u’lláh dice que nosotros, Sus seguidores, somos “los compañeros de Dios... en este día.” ¡Ciertamente es una exaltada posición a la cual Él nos llama, un manto bendito que coloca sobre nuestros hombros desmerecedores! Pero ¿‎que qué‎ significa “leudar” o “levantar” a los pueblos del mundo, y ‎como cómo‎ podremos lograrlo? El diccionario nos dice que nuestra palabra “levadura” viene de la palabra en latín levare, hacer liviano o levantar, que puede ser un pedazo pequeño de masa fermentante guardado para producir la fermentación en amasijo fresco. El proceso de leudar o fermentar se define como cualquier influencia difundiéndose a través de algo y efectuando sobre ello un cambio gradual. Y también algo que causa un fermento, o que tiene poder de transformación. Comparada con la mezcla total, la cantidad de levadura es muy pequeña, y sin embargo su influencia o poder transformador se distribuye a través de la masa total, efectuando un cambio gradual y uniforme en el conjunto. La palabra “levadura” también se usa a menudo en sentido figurado, teniendo que ver con la influencia de la Palabra de Dios. En la Biblia (Mateo 13:33), leemos: “El reino de Dios es como la levadura que una mujer mezcla con tres medidas de harina para hacer fermentar toda la masa.” Vemos que la levadura quedó puesta en diferentes sitios, para hacer levantar al conjunto entero. Aquella levadura es la Palabra de Dios, revelada en este día por Bahá’u’lláh. Ahora que la Causa de Dios se ha extendido a través del mundo, esta levadura espiritual existe en todas partes de la raza humana y por lo tanto está lista para levantar a toda la humanidad a grandes alturas espirituales. Pero a diferencia de la levadura normal, cuya efecto transformador se realiza sin ninguna decisión consciente de parte de la levadura, nosotros, los seguidores de Bahá’u’lláh, tenemos que tomar la decisión de actuar para poder convertirnos en esta influencia transformadora sobre la vida de la humanidad. Al referirse nuevamente a este tema (El Advenimiento de la Justicia Divina, página 38), Bahá’u’lláh declara: “¡Juro por Él, Quien es el Supremo Océano! Dentro del mismo aliento de las almas puras y santificadas, se encuentran ocultas potencialidades de gran alcance. Tan grandes son estas potencialidades que ellas ejercen su influencia sobre todas las cosas creadas.” ¡Amados amigos! La raza humana entera ya ha sido preparada con la levadura de Dios. Si nosotros ardemos con la llama del Amor de Dios, el calor que genera hará liberar el poder transformador dado a nosotros por Bahá’u’lláh, cuyo poder ejercerá su influencia para transformar gradualmente a la humanidad entera. Cada uno de ustedes forma parte de la levadura: ¿‎donde dónde‎ en la masa de la humanidad Bahá’u’lláh les ha colocado para ayudar a “levantar a los pueblos del mundo”? Con cariñosos saludos, La Comisión de Trabajo Latinoamericana ♦

PARA EL CENSO DE LOS BAHÁ’ÍS HISPANOS EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS (FOR THE CENSUS OF HISPANIC BAHÁ’ÍS IN THE UNITED STATES)

Srta. / Sra. / Sr. __________________________________________________ Miss / Mrs. / Ms. / Mr. _____________________________________________ Dirección/ _______________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________ Ciudad/ ____________ Estado/ ___________ Código postal/ _____________ City _______________ State ____________ ZIP code __________________ Número telefónico/ (     ) ____________ Número de fax/ (     ) ___________ Telephone / (     ) ____________ Fax / (     ) ________________________ Dirección de correo electrónico/ ______________________________________ E-mail address ___________________________________________________ País de origen/ ___________________________________________________ Country of origin __________________________________________________ ¿‎En donde En dónde‎ Ud. se hizo Bahá’í?/ ______________________________________ Where did you become a Bahá’í? _____________________________________

¿Ud. es o ha sido miembro de ... ? / Are you or have you been a member of ... ? Cuerpo de Consejeros Continentales / Continental Board of Counselors ______ Cuerpo Auxiliar / Auxiliary Board ______ Asamblea Espiritual Local / Local Spiritual Assembly ______ Asistente a un miembro del Cuerpo Auxiliar / Assistant to Auxiliary Board member ______ ¿A quién? / To whom? ______________________________________________ Comité nacional / National committee __________________________________ Comité local / Local committee _______________________________________ ¿Cuántos miembros de su comunidad Bahá’í son latinos? / How many members of your Bahá’í community are Latinos? ___________ ¿Cuántos en su Asamblea Espiritual? / How many on your Spiritual Assembly? ______ Enviar a la Comisión de Trabajo Latinoamericana / Send to Latin-American Task Force por correo a / by mail to: por fax a / by fax to: por e-mail a / by e-mail to: Vera Breton Larry Kramer LATFORCE (773) 509-0466 Vienna, Virginia 22181

[Page 21]Henry Wigfall (left) and John McLaughlin greet each other at the Austin, Texas, airport for the first time since Wigfall became a Bahá’í decades ago.

Mighty oak sprouts from a seed of ’60s

Navy shipmates reunited as Bahá’ís

You never know what will happen when you hand out Bahá’í materials. Just ask John McLaughlin.

Thirty-six years ago the young white U.S. Merchant Marine sailor gave two Bahá’í pamphlets to a black shipmate. Two years ago the recipient of those pamphlets, Henry Wigfall, got in touch and filled him in on what happened next.

Turns out Wigfall eventually declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh, pioneered, and became a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahamas. His wife, children, sons-in-law and grandchildren all are Bahá’ís. He now lives in Charleston, S.C.

For years, Wigfall tried without success to contact McLaughlin. He struck gold when he called another former pioneer, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Elana Marsella. She contacted McLaughlin through his step-daughter Linda, a member of her Bahá’í community—who is secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Hawaii.

Marsella, coincidentally, has another connection to the story. Wigfall was instrumental in securing for the Faith the boyhood home of the late Hand of the Cause Louis G. Gregory in Charleston. As a girl, Marsella met Louis Gregory at Sunday classes in a Bahá’í home in Maine and remembered him as having the bearing of a “majestic African king.”

This spring, McLaughlin and Wigfall reunited in Texas, where Wigfall spoke at a Bahá’í youth conference sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of San Marcos. McLaughlin lives in Bastrop, Texas.

Then, in October, McLaughlin and his wife, Alicia, visited Wigfall while they were in South Carolina to attend the graduation of their daughter Tahirih from basic training at Fort Jackson. The old shipmates lunched together and Wigfall took them to the Louis Gregory home, which is being lovingly turned into a museum. ◆

Bahá’í scholarship brought to attention of U.S. academia

Bahá’í scholars are making more and more of their colleagues aware of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh by making presentations and forming contacts within national associations. Here are efforts made through the national conferences of two of these organizations.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF RELIGION

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Six talks by Bahá’í scholars were presented at the 1998 annual conference of the American Academy of Religion, held Nov. 21–24 at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida. The conference was attended by 12 Bahá’ís. They were among about 7,500 faculty and students of religious studies, clergy, and persons interested in studying religion who gathered to hear approximately 1,000 talks on religion and Biblical subjects. The Bahá’í Publishing Trust had a booth in the exhibit hall where over 100 publishers displayed their latest works. The new edition of William Hatcher and Douglas Martin’s The Bahá’í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion was featured and many copies were given away to faculty seeking texts for courses that include the Bahá’í Faith. Many people took copies of The Bahá’í Magazine and information about the closure of the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education in Iran. Contacts were made and renewed with dozens of professors of religious studies. One result was an invitation for presentations on the Faith at a conference on new religious movements. The six talks were at the center of two panel discussions. Presenters and talks at the first, on Nov. 21, were: Christopher Buck, “Problems with Truth Claims and Proof Texts: The Case of Bahá’u’lláh as Zoroastrian Savior.” Susan Maneck, “The Pharisaic Phenomenon and the Dynamics of Denial.” Jeff Huffines, “Religious Behavior and Personality Traits of the U.S. Bahá’í Community.” Presentations at the second panel, Nov. 23, were: Robert Stockman, “The Bahá’í Concept of Unity as an Ethical Principle.” Christopher Jones, “The Purpose of Evolution and the Universe as the Body of God: A New View of Bahá’í Environmental Ethics.” Paul Dodenhoff, “We Are Not Ducks: Some Thoughts on Bahá’í Self-Presentation.” Both panels generated good questions and discussion and were a great success. The American Academy of Religion’s 1999 conference will be Nov. 20–23 in Boston, Massachusetts. ◆

Principles put forward at a workshop by Bahá’í educators were so inspiring at the 1998 Conference of the Religious Education Association that some other workshop presenters referred to them later in their own presentations. The theme of this year’s conference, held in Orlando, Florida, Nov. 21–24, was “Teaching for Spiritual Meaning and Religious Commitment.” The program committee for the Religious Education Association (REA) had invited Bahá’ís to conduct a workshop. In response, Dr. Iraj Ayman, a member of the REA board of directors, and two members of the Bahá’í National Education Task Force—Dr. Barbara Johnson, director of the National Teacher Education Center at Louhelen Bahá’í School, and Dr. Saba Nolley, Chair of the Department of Psychology, Northeastern Illinois State University—conducted a workshop on “Bahá’í Guiding Principles of Education” and “The Role and Function of Art in Spiritual Education: A Bahá’í Perspective.” Not only did some attendees refer to the workshop in their own presentations, but Bahá’í participants provided perspectives from the Faith at other sessions. They also were able to provide information on the Bahá’í Faith to interested participants both at the REA Conference and at the concurrent Annual Conference of Association of Professors and Researchers of Religious Education. Interested Bahá’ís are encouraged to join these two associations, contribute articles to their journals and participate in their conferences. For more information, contact Dr. Iraj Ayman at the Education and Schools Office, Bahá’í National Center (phone 847-733-3501, e-mail iayman@usbnc.org). ◆

’99 Persian Culture Association conference, May 27–31, to focus on home and family life

The Ninth Annual Conference of the Friends of Persian Culture Association will be held May 27–31 at the Holiday Inn O’Hare in the Chicago area.

“Home and Family Life in Persian Culture” is this year’s theme. A number of presentations will be devoted to topics such as:

• Marriage in Iranian Culture.
• Bi-Cultural Challenges and their Effect on Raising Children.
• The Role of Women in Iranian Families.
• Iranian Houses in Urban and Rural Settings.

There will also be a variety of musical, dramatic and dance performances. Presenters and participants will consist of both Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís.

Concurrent sessions will be held in Persian and English, as well as special classes for children ages 3–12.

The latest conference in September attracted some 1,200 people, Persians and others, from around the United States, North America, Europe and Asia. About the same number are expected this year.

Fees and registration information will be announced in later issues of The American Bahá’í.

For hotel reservation the friends may call 847-671-6350. The special conference rate is $81 per room (1 to 4 people) plus tax. When reserving a room you must mention you are participating in the “Bahá’í Arts Festival” to obtain this rate. Parking will be $5 per day for conference participants.

Shuttle service is free from O’Hare International Airport to the hotel.

For more information please contact the Persian-American Affairs Office (phone 847-733-3528). ◆ [Page 22]

Youth session serves as ‘Rite of Passage’ at Louhelen

“If the sunshine of our Iranian brothers and sisters is dampened, fear not. The North American youth have increased their luminosity, we will be free to work together for our Cause.” —youth attending Youth Eagle Institute at Louhelen

Louhelen Bahá’í School 3208 S. State Road Davison, MI 48423 810-653-5033

The sacrifice of the Iranian believers deeply touched youth gathered at Louhelen Bahá’í School recently for the Youth Eagle Institute, Nov. 6–8, and strengthened their determination to arise in greater service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

With the loving assistance of Ted Jefferson and Anita Jefferson, faculty for the session, 40 youths participated in spiritualization and consultation activities that inspired them to make serious and systematic plans that will affect their lives in the coming months.

Launching from the theme “Rite of Passage” as a point of departure, the youth defined stirring plans and lines of action at the local, regional, national and international levels. Youth pledged themselves to a wide variety of actions that, when completed, will provide tangible evidence that the Bahá’í youth in North America have truly “come of age” as servants willing to arise in sacrificial service akin to their Iranian brothers and sisters.

Consultation focused on the idea that noble words must be matched by consistent deeds of service. With a burning desire to be recognized for their capacity, the participants identified a diversity of deeds so that every person could commit to achieve something—for example:

• Actions as personal as daily prayer and steadfastness.
• Personal teaching activities and group projects.
• Offering volunteer service, and traveling teaching.
• Pursuing education and international service.

On closure of the session the youths sent a letter to the Universal House of Justice, which read in part:

“Upon our arrival we were bestowed with the humbling, historic responsibility of creating opportunities for strengthening the faith of Bahá’í youth. We feel the problem is that youth don’t have enough ways in which to serve, it is not that youth do not wish to serve. We have drafted a proposal of incremental steps which compose a process named, Rite of Passage. .... We feel that by fulfilling the conditions of this rite, youth can feel a sense of accomplishment and belonging to our Divine Faith.

“We hope this will be a motivating program in a society where the young people can be so easily led astray. We are trying to create an identity for ourselves so that youth can internationally relate. ... For we are young eagles and we are here to make our mark.”

Future youth sessions at Louhelen are: Feb. 26–28: Institute for College Age Women. April 2–4: Youth Eagle Institute for ages 18 and up. April 30–May 2: Junior Youth Institute for ages 12–15.

See the Calendar on page 32 for more upcoming sessions at Louhelen.

Ted Jefferson leads a session of the Youth Eagle Institute in November at Louhelen Bahá’í School, where 40 young people participated. Photo by Jim Cheek

Wilmette Institute Update

Registration is still open for the two Wilmette Institute distance-education courses that start Jan. 1: The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh 1853–63 and Hinduism for Dialogue and Deepening. Registration for both courses will continue until mid-January unless the courses fill.

Registration has also opened for:

• Judaism for Dialogue and Deepening ($100, March 1–April 30), which will cover the Old Testament.
• The Kitáb-i-Íqán and Related Texts ($225, April 1–Sept. 30).
• Buddhism for Dialogue and Deepening ($100, May 1–June 30).

Registration for the Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization program ($825 tuition; May 1, 1999–April 30, 2000) has opened and will continue through April 30. Spiritual Foundations is a four-year program involving three weeks of summer classes and 10 months of home study. It covers the entire Bahá’í Faith comprehensively.

Financial aid is available for all programs.

• Local Spiritual Assemblies and registered groups have been mailed information on all Wilmette Institute courses and programs.
• Information is on the Internet (www.usbnc.org/wilmette).
• You may use the automated telephone line (847-733-3595) or call the registrar (847-733-3415).

Verities course draws enthusiastic support

An outpouring of support from Local Spiritual Assemblies and individuals greeted the announcement of the series of tuition-free training institute courses at Bosch Bahá’í School designed to develop effective, inspired teachers of the Cause through a systematic, ongoing program. Recommendations from Local Spiritual Assemblies and Auxiliary Board members for people of capacity interested in the program quickly filled the first three-weekend series of classes in November and December.

Registration is being accepted for the second series Jan. 8–10, 29–31 and Feb. 19–21. A third series will be held March 26–28, April 16–18 and May 7–9. Classes are limited to 20. Participants must be recommended by a Local Spiritual Assembly or Auxiliary Board member, and must commit to attending all three sessions.

The support of this program by Local Assemblies who responded with one-time contributions, ongoing monthly pledges from $1 to $60, and prayers for the success of the program clearly demonstrates the maturation of that institution and their recognition of the need to develop human resources.

Other upcoming events: Feb. 12–15: This long weekend conference will bring people of diverse backgrounds together to explore “Racism/Race Unity: Two Sides of the Same Coin.” Outstanding presenters, joyful music, stimulating discussions and loving fellowship always make this conference one not to be missed! Counselor Wilma Ellis, LeNise Jackson-Gaertner, Fernando and Angelica Huerta and others will provide insights on dealing with this “most vital and challenging issue” in both our Bahá’í and secular communities. There are always wonderful surprises from the friends sharing their special talents.

March 5–7: In a special retreat for the Fast, “Rendezvous of the Soul,” Derek Cockshut will lead a study of Bahá’u’lláh’s Seven Valleys. There will be dawn prayers and early breakfast, time for personal study and meditation, and the opportunity to share this special time with other Bahá’ís immersed in a spiritual environment.

March 30–April 3: The Spring Children’s Academy for fourth- through sixth-graders is a popular program and fills quickly, so make your plans early. Directed by Linda Bedford, the study will focus on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, our example in teaching. Children can learn about their Faith, enjoy service and recreation, make lasting friendships and have fun together—always under the watchful eyes of their teachers or cabin counselors!

Bosch offers many other programs, so check the Calendar on the back page of The American Bahá’í or the Bosch brochure and come spend a weekend with your Bahá’í family at Bosch!

SEARCHING FOR RARE BOOKS

Bosch Bahá’í School is making an appeal to any Bahá’ís who may have old and rare books from the Geyserville Bahá’í School. When the school was moved to Santa Cruz, many of the books in the library were given away. Now, for its reference library, Bosch is rebuilding the Geyserville collection of both Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í books signed by John or Louise Bosch, or other early believers such as Thornton Chase, Ella Bailey or Clara Weir. If you have some of these “rare gems” and are willing to part with them, the Bosch library would be most appreciative. Just mail them to Jeremy Milbank, Librarian, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or call 831-423-3387. Your generosity will make these precious works available to the many guests who visit the Bosch library each year.

Bosch Bahá’í School 500 Comstock Lane Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-423-3387 [Page 23]

Winter/spring focus: teaching, community

Green Acre Bahá’í School 188 Main Street • Eliot, ME 03903 207-439-7200

The process of joyful learning, building loving communities and teaching with enkindled hearts are among Green Acre Bahá’í School’s Winter-Spring 1999 program topics. All programming, for those young and old, believers new and veteran, is designed to inspire in the Bahá’í community a greater manifestation of faith in action.

Jan. 22–24: A Retreat for Seekers and New Believers offers a cozy winter weekend by the fireside, with discussion of Bahá’í teachings, the Faith’s history and relationship to other religions, and a Bahá’í perspective on spiritual life. Mary K. Makoski facilitates this weekend of stories, prayer, music and fun.

Jan. 22–24: Peter Oldziey offers “Building a Better Magnet,” exploring the “patterns of behavior” that the Universal House of Justice has indicated will transform our communities into spiritual magnets that attract waiting hearts.

Jan. 29–31: The National Youth Committee holds its next Campus Clubs Symposium at Green Acre. All students and those involved in teaching students are invited. The program aims to help foster unity in campus settings and develop a Bahá’í student network.

Feb. 5–7: Get ready to celebrate “Special Days” in a Parent/Child Weekend for ages 8 and up, led by former Brilliant Star editor Pepper Oldziey. Deepen your spiritual connection to Ayyám-i-Há, the Fast, Naw-Rúz and Ridván as you prepare for them together with special projects. Materials fee. Special classes offered for younger children.

Feb. 12–14: Find out how spiritual study can be a source of joy when educator Dwight Allen conducts “Finding Joy in Bahá’í Learning: A Seminar for Adults and Youth.” Methods include group activities, individual study and games with a purpose. The goal is for every participant to take home strategies for joyful teaching and learning. Ideas for campus clubs will be included.

March 5–7: Green Acre’s annual Spiritual Retreat for the Fast, for those age 15 and older, will offer time for prayer, reflection and retreat as well as sessions led by Tahereh Ahdieh on “The Life of the Soul.”

March 26–28: Farah Rosenberg leads the second in a series of Magdalene Carney Bahá’í Institute courses, “Establishing Training Institutes: Teaching the Cause.” Delve into the spiritual significance of teaching, clarify often-misunderstood ideas about it, define the attributes of a teacher, and develop approaches to teaching efforts. Required: attendance at all sessions (Friday evening through Sunday afternoon) and purchase of course booklet. No children’s program.

March 26–28: At Green Acre’s next Junior Youth Institute for those ages 12–15, Joycelyn Jolly and Clyde Herring plan an exciting weekend of learning, activity and fun to empower junior youth to be noble servants of humanity. Enrollment is limited and the campus will be closed.

Other upcoming events:

April 9–11: “Citadel of Faith” with Habib Riazati, examining the Guardian’s vision for our nation.

April 9–11 and 16–18: Core Curriculum Teacher Training for the spiritual education of children.

April 16–18: “Work as Worship: Bahá’í Principles at Work” with Chet Makoski (no children’s program).

April 30–May 2: “Spiritual Values and Development,” a Study Intensive with Mona Greiser (certain readings required; contact registrar).

May 28–30: “The Spirit of Children,” Conference on Children’s Literature & Art, with representatives from the Bahá’í Publishing Trust and Brilliant Star.

May 28–30: Assembly Development Forum with members of the Office of Community Administration.

June 4–6: “The Nature and Dynamics of Love,” Landegg Academy course with Dr. Hossein Danesh. ♦

‘Dar’ means ‘to give’ in Spanish

The Bahá’í community of Chino Valley, Arizona, displays some of the Bahá’í literature in Spanish that it recently donated to the local library. Left to right: Marcia Brehmer, Jessica Brehmer, Allen Rothlisberg, Carl Brehmer, Nancy Coker and Josh Coker. Photo courtesy of Carl Brehmer, Chino Valley, AZ

Midwest youth fit workshop idea to their region

Bahá’í youth in Nebraska and Iowa are finding new ways to use their energy and talents.

Because these youth live up to five hours apart, their dreams of becoming a Bahá’í Youth Workshop could never quite gel until about a year ago at a youth retreat in Aurora, Nebraska.

They deepened on the Four Year Plan and consulted on contributing to the advancement of entry by troops. Over the next few months they solidified a new kind of youth workshop: Youth On Unity (Y.O.U.).

They created T-shirts to help raise money and unify the group.

They also decided to use the arts in a way that doesn’t require extensive rehearsal time: They paint murals as a service project to help cover graffiti.

Their first mural was done in conjunction with other youth groups at the Prairie Peace Park just outside Lincoln, Nebraska.

Don Tilley, park director, approached the Lincoln Bahá’ís about the idea, and they referred him to the Y.O.U. crew, which had just completed a mural idea.

In turn, the youth invited Tilley to the next retreat and the joint project began. Y.O.U. was assigned the west side of the Peace Park’s two-story building and painted the mural during one of the hottest weeks of July.

Tilley commented on the unity of the group and was impressed that Y.O.U. members began each day at the mural site with prayers. ♦

Core Curriculum: Parenting and Discipline

This article introduces a series on an important issue for parents: disciplining. Many of the ideas here are drawn from the Core Curriculum Parenting program.

BY THE EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS OFFICE

Learning is always the purpose of discipline. The Bahá’í communities that grow most dynamically are usually centered on child development—they focus on the development of children as teachers and servants of the Cause. An essential element in the development of children is proper use of discipline by authority figures: parents, teachers and the community at large.

Our American culture has strong and often negative reactions to authority. The Universal House of Justice commented on this tendency in its letter to us titled “Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh,” pointing out that these reactions influence our thinking and feeling about this important concept.

Parents have authority in the family, but exercise of it requires wisdom and guidance. The Universal House of Justice notes in the May 19, 1994 letter, “... authority ... is an irrevocable necessity for the progress of humanity; its exercise is an art to be mastered.”

Parents will want to reflect on the ways they give direction and the spiritual qualities that characterize their speech. The Supreme Institution explains, “The atmosphere within a Bahá’í family as within the community as a whole should express ‘the keynote of the Cause of God,’ which, the beloved Guardian has stated, ‘is not dictatorial authority but humble fellowship, not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank and loving consultation.’”

It may be as helpful to know what discipline is not as to know what it is. The words “punishment” and “discipline” often are used interchangeably, but punishment alone is not discipline. A child cannot learn without knowing what to begin or stop doing.

Still, punishment is necessary because teaching that choices have consequences is at the heart of discipline. Discipline requires that the parent teach the child what he or she did to merit the punishment and what he or she must do to avoid it in the future.

A letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi states, “Severe punishment paralyses the faculty of the child. Discipline, though, is necessary. Society cannot function without the principles of punishment and reward given by Bahá’u’lláh in His Tablets. Discipline always implies punishment and reward. Encouragement is not sufficient. Encouragement without punishment spoils the child, and punishment without encouragement kills initiative. Keep the balance between the two.”

If you would like more information on the Core Curriculum Parenting Program, or to find Parent Facilitators in your area, please contact Loubelen Bahá’í School (phone 810-653-5033). ♦ [Page 24]Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads are accepted. Some of the opportunities have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise judgment and care in responding.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Service opportunities at the Bahá’í World Center

The Mount Carmel Projects, constructing the buildings and terraces of the Arc in Haifa, Israel, have the following opportunities for service: Industrial/commercial electrician. Needs experience in outdoor power and lighting distribution systems, general lighting control and maintenance. Experience in high tension and large cable installation will be an added qualification. Industrial/commercial plumber. Needs experience in all aspects of the trade, including drainage, fittings, etc. Gardeners/horticulturists. Needed at all levels of practical knowledge, from basic maintenance skills to advanced professional experience, including graduates in horticulture or related disciplines. Security supervisor. For round-the-clock security on the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb. Will supervise security team, prepare duty schedules and act as liaison with the public. Training will be provided. To apply, please mail or fax résumé to Mount Carmel Projects, Project Manager’s Office, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel (phone 972 (4) 835-8237, fax 972 (4) 835-8437, e-mail [email address]).

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SKILLED WORKERS AT THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER in Haifa, Israel:

Horticulturists • Archivists • Lawyers • Executive officers • Senior-level managers • Painters • Plumbers • Electricians • Book conservators • Accountants • Finance professionals • Translators • Librarians • Secretaries • Telecommunications engineers • Computer professionals To send your résumé or CV to inquire about a position, contact: Office of Personnel, Bahá’í World Center, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, ISRAEL (fax 972 (4) 835 8325, e-mail [email address]).

AT THE BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER

Education & Schools Coordinator. Provides input to and output of information which advances the understanding of issues pertinent to the function of the schools and institutes. Develops procedures, in conjunction with the Office of Human Resources, to advance the function of the permanent schools/institutes and their operations. Supervises development of curriculum and materials to support individual and community development. Background in educational administration and advanced education degree preferable.

Administrative Assistant, Education and Schools Office. A key position in the administrative functioning of the Education and Schools Organization (ESO), this person is the contact point both internally and externally. Responsible for administrative support of the office, the Education and Schools Coordinator, the Education Task Force, permanent schools and Administrators and Institute for Bahá’í Studies. Must be able to produce error-free documents; word processing 55-60 wpm. Must be able to organize the workload and establish priorities; strong organizational skills, strong database management and desktop publishing skills. Needs excellent verbal and written communication skills; we prefer familiarity with professional education vocabulary and procedures, and familiarity with Bahá’í Sacred Writings on education.

Program Assistant, Persian/American Affairs Office. Assists the manager of the Persian/American Affairs Office or the Program Coordinator in following up on the execution of programs and projects. Performs general office functions and related work. Monitors various related projects; handles incoming and outgoing correspondence in Persian and English; translates documents and letters as needed into and from Persian; handles records management. Needs written and oral communication skills in Persian and English; knowledge of Bahá’í administrative practices; familiarity with Iranian culture; English and Persian typing of at least 30 wpm; good knowledge of general office practices; ability to perform detailed work with frequent interruptions.

Accountant, Office of the Treasurer. Applicant should have strong interpersonal and analytical skills and be familiar with integrated PC-based accounting software. Experience in implementing internal control procedures is highly desirable. Must have degree in accounting or equivalent accounting experience. Some travel required. Must be able to maintain a sense of humor while working in a fast-paced, flexible environment. Appreciation for the importance of confidentiality essential.

Administrative Assistants. Several openings possible. Will initiate and coordinate clerical and secretarial functions required to implement administrative needs effectively. Must be deepened Bahá’í well grounded in the spiritual principles and administration of the Bahá’í Faith. Must perform administrative duties in a mature, efficient and professional manner; must be familiar with computer word processing applications (Windows 95, Word, e-mail and various databases extremely helpful); good communicator, highly organized, confident and capable of working steadily, often on many things at once. Must be able to speak, read and write English.

The Bahá’í Encyclopedia Project is seeking an administrative assistant to support its editorial team. Maintains a variety of files and records, inputs editorial corrections from hard copy, assists with various research tasks. Must type a minimum of 60 wpm, have excellent computer skills, sound judgment, strong writing and editing skills, and the ability to produce professional-quality work.

If interested in any of these positions, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT BAHÁ’Í MEDIA SERVICES, WILMETTE

Associate Editor, Brilliant Star, part-time. Works with Managing Editor to coordinate and execute all phases of magazine development. Will compile, evaluate and edit assigned or submitted content; help contributors develop their work; help edit and proofread manuscript, proofs and layout; network with authors and artists to encourage and acquire content; conduct research for manuscript and art; respond to correspondence; assist with marketing and promotion. Needs excellent editing skills/judgment in children’s publishing (age range 6–12) plus strong command of writing and content development; minimum 1–2 years’ experience in writing, publishing and/or print production in children’s or educational publishing; excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to work with minimum of supervision under deadline pressure. Should be located within 100 miles of Evanston/Wilmette.

Administrative Assistant, Media Services. Supports day-to-day operations in the office; combines office work with unorthodox and unexpected requests to provide support for Media Services projects and personnel; responsible for procurement of and payment for goods and services; maintains budget; directs all incoming communications including faxes, e-mail, phone calls and mail to the staff; assists Media Archives library.

If interested in either position, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT WLGI RADIO BAHÁ’Í

Radio Coordinator to manage operation of the Bahá’í radio station in Hemingway, South Carolina. Will help formulate and implement plans for development of station operations, facilities and services; evaluate the station’s performance, especially in relation to its audience; supervise, recruit and evaluate personnel; formulate a budget; oversee communications within and outside the Bahá’í community; ensure compliance with laws and regulations; promote Bahá’í standards among station staff, volunteers and members of the community; and assume on-air shifts and other tasks. Required: 3 years radio management experience or 5 years related management experience, including financial; Bahá’í magazine experience; record of human relations and communications skills. Desired: Master’s degree in radio broadcasting or equivalent experience; wide-ranging knowledge/experience in all aspects of radio station operations; training in principles of Bahá’í Radio. If interested, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT THE BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE, Fulton County, Georgia

Shipping/Receiving Clerk. Responsibilities include pulling, picking and packing orders, inventory receipts and returns, warehouse organization and inventory disposition. Should have warehouse experience and knowledge of various shipping methods and regulations (primarily domestic). Should be detail-oriented and in good health.

Customer Service Representative. Will process phone, fax and electronic orders, respond to customer queries, maintain customer records, and handle correspondence. Should have strong communication skills, strong data entry skills, experience in telephone customer service or related work, pleasant voice and patient demeanor. Knowledge of Bahá’í literature is a plus.

Accounts Receivable/Payable Clerk, part-time. Will process accounts receivable and payable, maintain financial records, and have other accounting duties. Should have experience in accounting or bookkeeping.

If interested in any of these positions, please contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430) or Ford Bowers (phone 800-999-9019 ext. 111).

AT GREEN ACRE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

Maintenance worker. Enthusiastic, industrious, spiritually motivated. General knowledge of custodial duties, building maintenance and repair, grounds work and mechanical systems helpful. High skill in interior/exterior painting a plus. Work environment requires a resourceful person dedicated to courtesy, meticulous attention to detail. Minorities, women encouraged to apply. Professional training available. Contact James M. Sacco, Co-Administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903-1800 (phone 207-439-7200, fax 207-438-9940, e-mail [email address]).

AROUND THE COUNTRY

Brighton Creek Conference Center, a rustic Bahá’í-owned facility about 30 miles from Tacoma, Washington, is looking for a facilities manager immediately. Will manage food service, budgeting, recordkeeping, maintenance/housekeeping, events coordination; will direct volunteers and a small staff. A hotel/motel management background and a pioneering spirit would be ideal. An apartment onsite and a small stipend are available; outside employment is available in nearby communities. The facilities, owned by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Pierce County #3, include a dining room, meeting spaces and 16 cabins on 25 acres of land. The facilities are in nearly continuous use during spring, summer and fall. For more information, contact Dan Locke (phone 360-456-2865, e-mail [email address]).

INTERNATIONAL

China: Numerous openings for English teachers and professionals willing to travel for service in this rapidly developing country. For more information contact Susan Senchuk (phone 847-733-3506, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail [email address]).

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

SOMETHING NEW! The Office of Pioneering has consulted on the best way to assist the friends considering international service, given our limited resources. After evaluating the current situation and estimating the future needs of the friends, we are changing the jobs listings. We are outlining the types of positions available in the international arena, rather than publishing every job listing. All positions received from Bahá’í Institutions will be listed. In future issues, a compilation of Web site and e-mail addresses for job searches will be a standard feature. We hope this change will give you greater flexibility and resources.

AFRICA

Health care workers, Nurses, Specialists in reproductive health and maternity and child health, Agricultural positions in management, Finance and micro-credit officers, Country representatives and directors, Livestock restocking project, Construction/rehab management, Educational managers/directors, Program managers, Technical advisers including water and sanitation, Marketing advisers. [Page 25]• C L A S S I F I E D •

AMERICAS

Advisers, Legal consultants, Project managers, Economists, Country directors, Teachers, Tutors, Traveling teachers for SED projects, Regional coordinators, Nurse trainers, Social scientists, Procurement specialist, Environmental planner, Marine policy and resource planner, Government doctors, Health educators.

ASIA

Program officer, Small enterprise development and micro-credit specialist, Senior program adviser, Technical adviser for training, Projects director, Legal officer, Tax attorney, Program manager, ESL teachers, Engineering manager, R&D mechanical engineer, Au-Pair/teacher, Information communications specialist, Economic adviser, Financial investigator and treasury auditor, Information technology manager, English teachers, Medical coordinator, Country director, Teachers.

AUSTRALASIA

Network administrator, Senior analyst, Assistant attorney general, Professor Department of Business Studies.

EUROPE

Commercial law liaison, Project manager, Waste information specialist, Country directors, Primary and secondary teachers, Montessori teacher, Economics teachers, Manager and director/manufacturing operations, Personnel officer, Lecturer, Senior lecturers, Finance officer, Senior forestry officer, Fishery resources officer, Economists, Information systems administrators, Analysts, Applications programmers, Linguists, Children’s health specialist, Teachers, English teachers, Trade analyst, Marketing research analyst, Chief of water, sanitation and health, Urban environmental health, International corporate editor, Legal specialists.

URGENT NEEDS

Alaska: Bahá’í Camp director needs an assistant (female). Located in Palmer.

Bahamas: Need self-supporting couple to serve as caretakers for the National Center; Pioneers needed especially for Abaco, Andros, and Eleuthera.

Belize: Couple or single individual to serve as caretaker for Bahá’í Center in Belmopan, national capital.

Costa Rica: Full-time service for 6–12 months for Spanish-speaking, self-supporting (preferred) youth to work with Bahá’í Youth Workshop.

Eastern Caroline Islands: Custodian/Caretakers (independent means).

Gambia: Permanent Institute manager.

Honduras: Elementary and secondary school teachers.

Macau: The School of Nations needs qualified kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers.

Mariana Islands: Chamorro pioneers needed to assist the teaching work.

Samoa: Full-time caretakers for House of Worship with extensive practical skills (e.g. building maintenance, gardening, etc.); prefer those with independent means.

Solomon Islands: Self-supporting couple to serve as custodians of the Bahá’í Center in Honiara. Volunteer to train National Center office staff.

Swaziland: High school principal/headmaster for new school to open in January.

Thailand: Santitham Vidhayakhom School needs youth volunteers.

Turks and Caicos Islands: Great need for medical personnel, including family physicians, with a variety of specialties, internist, obstetrician, health care service manager, clerical officer, biomedical technician and medical records officer.

Venezuela: Self-supporting couple (preferable) to serve as caretakers of the Bahá’í National Center and assistants to the National Assembly secretary.

Western Caroline Islands: Custodian/caretakers (independent means).

For information, contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail ).

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT

The Bahá’ís of Greeley, Colorado invite homefront pioneers to help strengthen our Assembly, as we will soon have only nine adult Bahá’ís. Greeley is a university town with many parks, a wonderful library system and the main hospital for Eastern Colorado plains rural communities. Only 60 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park, recreational opportunities abound. We support Bahá’í children’s classes in nearby Fort Collins. Denver is close enough for enthusiastic commuters, both for Bahá’í activities and employment. Please contact David Dunn, secretary, Spiritual Assembly of Greeley, Greeley, CO 80631 (phone 970-346-9159, e-mail ).

Historic, scenic Calaveras County is a homefront goal area in Northern California, convenient to Columbia College (2-year), highly regarded school systems, close to Stockton and Modesto for shopping, and near Yosemite National Park and several ski areas. Mostly a rural area with a handful of resident Bahá’ís but not currently registered as a group. Special opportunity for companion/caretaker for an older believer. Please contact Verna Mauldin, P.O. Box 1202, Murphys, CA 95247 (phone 209-728-2490).

WANTED

Do you know a Bahá’í who has continued to host firesides for more than a year? Some of the friends have had firesides for years—week after week. We hope to compile a book with tips for lasting and successful firesides. If you have information that can help us, please contact Carol Butler, Fort Wayne, IN 46835 (phone 219-486-6002, e-mail CButler9@aol.com).

ARCHIVES

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following individuals: Gladys M. Clark, Harry Clark, Jean Clark, Jeanette A. Clark, Josephine Clark, Marion Clark, Helen and Charles K. Clarke, Gordon McKay Clary and Russell Clevenger. Anyone knowing family members or relatives who might have these Guardian’s letters is asked to contact the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201–1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

Several free information sheets on local archives and records are available from the National Bahá’í Archives. Any local Bahá’í community wishing a set may send a request with a mailing address to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201–1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

YOUTH

The National Youth Committee needs your help in compiling contact information for local Bahá’í youth committees. A local youth committee—not a college club or a Youth Workshop—may be an informal, regular gathering of youth or a formal group appointed by an Assembly or other Institution to spark, plan and guide youth activities. If you are part of a committee, or know of one, please send a contact name, e-mail or mailing address, locality served, number of members and brief description of current activities to the National Youth Committee (e-mail ).

World Order

Your window to teaching, deepening, and external affairs

Summer 1998 issue:

The equality of women and men: Practical applications of the National Spiritual Assembly’s statement Two Wings of a Bird

• The editorial “The Equality of Women and Men: 150 Years and Still Counting” examines gains and challenges on the sesquicentennial anniversaries of the Conference of Badasht in Persia and the Seneca Falls Convention in New York state, calling for a deeper examination of the “lying tales” that still prevent the true equality of the sexes for which Bahá’u’lláh calls.
• Dr. Rhea Harmsen’s “Science in the Hands of Women: Present Barriers, Future Promise”—a call for profound changes that would allow women’s voices to inform science’s agenda.
• “Affirming the Power of Poetry,” World Order’s fifth anthology of poetry.

Subscription type/fee: U.S. ($19 / 1 year, $36 / 2 years) Outside U.S. surface mail ($19 / 1 year, $36 / 2 years) Outside U.S. air mail ($24 / 1 year, $46 / 2 years) Single copies available on phone orders for $5 plus shipping/handling

One Country

Published quarterly by the Bahá’í International Community Subscription type/fee: U.S. ($12 / 1 year, $22 / 2 years) Outside U.S. surface mail ($16 / 1 year, $30 / 2 years) Outside U.S. air mail ($20 / 1 year, $36 / 2 years)

Herald of the South

Quarterly magazine published by the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand Subscription fee: U.S. ($28 / 1 year, $50 / 2 years)

The American Bahá’í

10 times a year, available by subscription outside continental U.S. Subscription type/fee: Surface mail ($24 / 1 year, $45 / 2 years) Air mail ($32 / 1 year, $60 / 2 years)

For Brilliant Star subscription information, please see page 12

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TAB 12/31/98 [Page 26]

Hedi Moani: ‘A mystic voyager’

BY TOM MENNILLO

Hediatollah Moani was born at a pioneering post and died at one.

In between, the sixth-generation Bahá’í was, in the words of the National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand, “a mystic voyager. He sailed his ship on the seas of life, moved by winds of the spirit.”

Moani, a former member of that National Assembly, was beaten to death sometime between Oct. 15-17 at his residence in Devonport, New Zealand. He was 54. Survivors include his ex-wife, Rosemary Stetzer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; his son, Darwin Stetzer, 18, of Milwaukee; and six of his seven brothers.

Moani loved the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand so much, he changed the spelling of his last name from Ma’ani to resemble theirs. He taught the Faith to Maori in their villages and in prisons, and he recently wrote a book about how the Bahá’í Faith fulfills prophecies of their Ratana movement.

Tragically, a Maori said to be distressed by Moani’s teaching efforts is accused of his slaying. Moani is believed to have opened his home to the man, as he had to anyone needing a place to stay.

PIONEERING HERITAGE

Hedi Moani was born in 1944 in Mahmoudabad, Iran, a Caspian Sea town to which the Ma’ani family had moved to fulfill a homefront pioneering goal set by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi.

The homefront plan was a foreshadowing of the Ten Year Crusade. Indeed, the eight Ma’ani boys eventually dispersed—six as pioneers—to the far corners of the globe.

One died at his post in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1963. Another eventually broke the Covenant. The rest are scattered from Saudi Arabia to Austria and the United States.

Hedi, the youngest, went briefly to Indonesia. He then spent 18 years in Australia as an architect. A brief period in the United States was followed by 17 years in New Zealand, where he most recently operated a shop selling Persian carpets and crafts.

Just before his death, Moani was arranging finances so he could pioneer to the Cook Islands and devote his time to studying the history of the Faith. Earlier this year he traveled to the Holy Land and visited family on three continents.

His killing was reported in extensive articles, with photos and the tributes of friends, in two Auckland-area newspapers.

In his will, Moani gave everything to the Bahá’í Faith. He earmarked a farm as an institute of Maori learning, a home overlooking the bay as a guest house for traveling teachers. Another home will revert to the Faith after his son passes.

A TRIBUTE IN ACTION

At a recent conference, New Zealand Bahá’ís of all backgrounds united in courage and determination to continue Moani’s work among the Maoris.

Seven hundred people, including media representatives and members of the accused killer’s family, attended Moani’s Maori-style Bahá’í funeral. Two of Moani’s brothers accompanied his son, Darwin.

Messages poured in from the Universal House of Justice and several National Spiritual Assemblies.

A moving presentation on behalf of the National Assembly of New Zealand read in part:

“Hedi ... had a well-trained mind, an eloquent tongue and a quick wit. These were underpinned with warmth, a love for people, an instant recognition for their disposition and an accepting humanity. ...

“How true to Hedi’s desires that in death, as it was in his life, he should have such a blaze of tragedy and publicity that brings both glory and recognition and spreads the Word of his Best-Beloved.” ◆

Message from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New Zealand, Oct. 19, 1998

We are deeply distressed at the news of the passing of Hedi Moani. He will be remembered for his devoted services to the Faith over several decades, and his dedication to the promotion of the teaching work. His commitment to the upliftment of the Maori people of New Zealand through the propagation of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh will long serve as an encouragement to others. Kindly convey to his family and friends our condolences, and the assurance of our prayers in the Holy Shrines for the progress of his soul in the worlds of God. May their hearts be comforted by the words of Bahá’u’lláh Himself that: “They that have forsaken their country in the path of God and subsequently ascended unto His presence, such souls shall be blessed by the Concourse on High and their names recorded by the Pen of Glory among such as have laid down their lives as martyrs in the path of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsistent.”

—The Universal House of Justice

Hedi Moani (right), on a recent visit to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, meets with a couple from New Zealand (left) and Bahá’í National Center staffers. Photo courtesy of Houshang Maani, Columbus, Ohio

IN MEMORIAM

Lucile Allen Tualatin, OR September 4, 1998	Henry H. Hall Jr. Fort Wayne, IN September 26, 1998	Victor Kaseska San Antonio, TX August 17, 1998	James D. Schempp Port Orchard, WA October 9, 1998
Helen Arric Tulsa, OK June 26, 1998	Emily Harper Prosser, WA September 21, 1998	Margaret Lane Falmouth, MA June 22, 1998	Bahieh Parsianie Sohrab San Jose, CA November 5, 1998
Aaron Elmore Bowen Florence, OR September 21, 1998	Grace A. Hauf Brookfield, WI October 25, 1998	Harry Wayne Lenhard Pinehurst, ID October 28, 1998	Mark Anthony Taylor Cape Girardeau, MO October 16, 1998
Ada Follett Fish Creek, WI April 10, 1998	Claude Hawk III Speedway, IN October 15, 1998	Patricia Moses Mesa, AZ October 17, 1998	Gwendolyn Terry New Britain, CT September 1998
Helen Gagnon Orlando, FL October 8, 1998	Johnnie Lee Johnson Chicago, IL October 12, 1998	Marie Rimbach Phoenix, AZ July 12, 1998	Russell M. Williams Owasso, OK November 25, 1998

Ebrahim Mansuri was ground-breaker in film

Ebrahim Mansuri, a ground-breaking worker for the Bahá’í Faith in the field of audio-visual services, passed from this world Sept. 4, 1998, in New York City. He had suffered a long illness.

Born in 1922, Mr. Mansuri was a devoted Bahá’í and active in audio-visual services from his early youth, as remembered by many Bahá’ís of that era.

He produced the first closed-circuit radio play about the events of Shaykh Tabarsí in Tehran’s newly built Hazíratu’l-Quds (Bahá’í center). He filmed the destruction by the military of the same center in 1953, and 30 years later that film was shown by ABC-TV’s 20/20 news program in a report on the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran.

Mr. Mansuri also documented on film the ruins of the Síyáh-Chál, the famous Black Pit in Tehran where Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned, before it was leveled for new construction.

A movie about Badí’, which he produced and directed, is believed to have been the first Bahá’í-produced feature film about a prominent historical figure of the Faith. ◆ [Page 27]

یادی از جناب هدایت الله معانی

REMEMBERING HEDI MOANI

جناب هدایت الله معانی در یک نقطهٔ مهاجرتی چشم به جهان گشود و در نقطهٔ مهاجرتی دیگری چشم از جهان بست.

در میان میلاد و مرگ به گفتهٔ محفل روحانی ملی نیوزیلند "مسافری معنوی بود. بر بحر حیات و به اریحای روحانی سفر می‌کرد."

جناب معانی که سابقاً یکی از اعضای محفل روحانی نیوزیلند بود در فاصلهٔ روزهای ۱۵ تا ۱۷ اکتبر سال ۱۹۹۸ در منزل خود در دون‌پورت Devonport در نیوزیلند به قتل رسید. هنگام مرگ ۵۲ ساله بود. همسر و پسر ۱۸ ساله‌اش از او باز مانده است.

جناب معانی به بومیان مائوری Maori نیوزیلند آنقدر عشق می‌ورزید که هجی نام خانوادگیش را به صورتی کرد که شبیه اسامی مائوری بشود. او امر بهائی را در دهات و زندان‌های مائوری تبلیغ می‌کرد و اخیراً کتابی دربارهٔ امر مبارک و تحقق پیشگوئی‌های نهضت راتانا Ratana نگاشت.

باعث تأسف است که جناب معانی به دست یکی از افراد مائوری که از فعالیت‌های تبلیغی آن مبلغ خدوم ناخشنود بود، به قتل رسید. از قرار معلوم قاتل در خانهٔ جناب معانی را کوبیده و اظهار نیاز به محلی برای اقامت کرده بوده و ایشان نیز به صرافت طبع در بر او گشوده و سپس قربانی ظلم شده است.

جناب هدایت‌الله معانی در سال ۱۹۴۴ در محمودآباد متولد شد. خانواده‌اش برای تحقق بخشیدن به اهداف نقشه تبلیغی به آن نقطه مهاجرت کرده بودند. نقشهٔ مذکور پیش‌درآمد نقشهٔ جهاد کبیر اکبر بود.

این مهاجرت چنان در برادران معانی تأثیر نهاد که بعدها ۶ نفر از ۸ تن آنان به مهاجرت در نقاط مختلف جهان برخاستند. یکی در سال ۱۹۶۳ در نایروبی کنیا به ملکوت ابهی صعود کرد و دیگران در عربستان سعودی و اندونزی و اتریش و ایالات متحده مقیم شدند.

هدایت‌الله که کوچک‌تر از همه بود نخست به اندونزی مهاجرت کرد. سپس ۱۸ سال در استرالیا به سر برد و در آنجا مهندس معمار شد. مدت کوتاهی را در ایالات متحده گذراند و ۱۷ سال نیز مهاجر نیوزیلند بود و اخیراً در آنجا یک مغازهٔ فروش فرش و صنایع دستی ایران دایر کرده بود.

جناب معانی پیش از صعود داشت ترتیبی می‌داد که به جزائر کوک Cook Islands مهاجرت کند و اوقاتش را به تمامی صرف مطالعهٔ تاریخ امر مبارک نماید.

همچنین در اوایل سال ۱۹۹۸ به زیارت ارض اقدس توفیق یافت و از خانواده و اقوام در سه قاره دنیا دیدار کرد.

قتل جناب معانی در روزنامه‌های گوناگون آکلند Auckland در مقالات متعدد همراه با عکس و خاطرات دوستانش گزارش شد.

جناب معانی در وصیت‌نامهٔ خود تمامی دارائیش را به امر مبارک تقدیم کرد. در آن وصیت‌نامه مزرعه‌ای را برای تأسیس یک مؤسسهٔ مائوری و یک خانه را برای مبلغان سیار معین کرد.

در مراسم تشییع جنازهٔ جناب معانی که به سبک مائوری اجرا شد، ۷۰۰ نفر شامل ارباب جراید و اعضای خانوادهٔ متهم به قتل او شرکت کردند.

پس از انتشار خبر قتل جناب معانی پیام‌های تسلیت از چهار گوشه جهان سرازیر شد.

معهد اعلی از صعود ایشان اظهار دلتنگی فرمودند و از خدمات او در دهه‌های گوناگون و فعالیت‌های تبلیغی‌اش قدردانی نمودند. از خدماتش برای اعلاء بومیان مائوری در نیوزیلند یاد کردند و آن را باعث تشویق دیگران اعلام فرمودند.

در مرقومه محفل روحانی ملی نیوزیلند آمده است که جناب معانی فکری مهذّب و زبانی فصیح و شوخ‌طبعی سریعی داشت. در زیر این احساسات محبت و مهری عمیق نسبت به مردم نهفته بود. همچنین ذکر شده است که جناب معانی فردی یکتا بود و از حدود فرهنگی و تعلیمات ظاهری خود فراتر گام نهاد تا به درک جدیدی دست یابد. او آمیزه متعادلی از بهترین عناصر شرق و غرب بود.

جایش خالی است اما یادش برقرار.

یادی از دکتر حسین رستگار

IN MEMORY OF DR. HOSSEIN RASTEGAR

دکتر حسین رستگار در ۲۲ سپتامبر سال ۱۹۲۰ در طهران متولد شد. ایشان فرزند جناب میرزا نصرالله رستگار بود. جناب نصرالله رستگار به امر مبارک ایمان آورد و یکی از شاگردان جناب صدرالصدور و مؤلف تاریخ حیات ایشان بود. همچنین جناب نصرالله رستگار در اولین محفل مرکزی ایران عضویت داشت.

دکتر رستگار در جوانی ورزشکار بود و به اخذ ۱۱ مدال در دو میدانی و فوتبال و مسابقات دوچرخه‌سواری توفیق یافته بود. همچنین در بازی تخته نرد مهارت داشت.

دکتر رستگار پس از گرفتن لیسانس در رشته روانشناسی و فلسفه به بابل رفت. در آنجا با خانم آذر غضنفری آشنا شد و سپس با او ازدواج کرد. ثمرهٔ این ازدواج ۴ فرزند است.

دکتر رستگار با پشتیبانی و تشویق همسر مهربان به تحصیل طب پرداخت و سپس در رشته روانپزشکی تخصص یافت. همچنین از آنجا که به تاریخ و فرهنگ ایران عمیقاً علاقه‌مند بود کتابی دربارهٔ ایران نگاشت.

خانهٔ دکتر رستگار چه در ایران چه در امریکا مرکز فعالیت‌های گوناگون و جلسات مختلف امری بود. ایشان خود محور خانواده و مبلغ اتحاد و ترک تعصبات بود. بسیاری از افرادی که ایشان را می‌شناختند، او را مصداق بیان مبارک "عاشروا مع الادیان کلها بالروح و الریحان" می‌دانستند.

یادش بردوام و روانش غرفهٔ مهر ایزدی باد!

یادی از جناب ابراهیم منصوری

IN MEMORY OF MR. EBRAHIM MANSURI

آقای فریار منصوری مطالبی به دفتر این نشریه ارسال داشته‌اند که ترجمهٔ فارسی آن در زیر درج می‌گردد:

"آقای ابراهیم منصوری در تاریخ چهارم سپتامبر سال ۱۹۹۸ پس از یک بیماری طولانی در شهر نیویورک به ملکوت ابهی صعود کردند.

جناب منصوری بهائی مخلصی بود که از آغاز جوانی خدماتش بیشتر در زمینهٔ امور سمعی-بصری عرضه می‌شد و بسیاری از یاران ایرانی این نکته را به خاطر دارند.

او نخستین برنامهٔ رادیوئی مدار بسته را دربارهٔ وقایع قلعهٔ شیخ طبرسی در حظیرةالقدس نوساز طهران تهیه کرد. همچنین در سال ۱۹۵۳ مخفیانه از تخریب همان حظیرةالقدس فیلم‌برداری کرد. این فیلم در سال ۱۹۸۳ از برنامهٔ 20/20 شبکهٔ ای‌بی‌سی ABC در ارتباط با تضییقات احبای ایران در سال ۱۹۸۱ پخش شد.

جناب منصوری همچنین از سیاه چال طهران یک فیلم ۱۶ میلیمتری تهیه کرد و این پیش از تخریب آن زندان به منظور بنای یک ساختمان جدید در محل آن بود.

جناب منصوری به گفتهٔ ایادی امرالله جناب علی‌اکبر فروتن نخستین کسی بود که به تهیهٔ یک فیلم کامل دربارهٔ جناب بدیع توفیق یافت. این نکتهٔ اخیر را مشارالیه شخصاً به بنده هنگامی که در سال ۱۹۹۶ در ارض اقدس مشرف بودم اظهار فرمودند."

عکسی هم از ایشان رسیده است که در اینجا درج می‌شود. [Page 28]

نهمین کنفرانس سالانه انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE CONFERENCE

نهمین کنفرانس سالانه انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی از ساعت ۷ عصر روز پنجشنبه ۲۷ مه تا ساعت ۱۲ ظهر روز دوشنبه ۳۱ مه سال ۱۹۹۹ در شهر Holiday Inn O’Hare در شهر روزمانت در حومه شیکاگو تشکیل خواهد شد. (در شماره پیشین تاریخ آغاز کنفرانس به اشتباه ۲۶ می درج شده است. دوستان عزیز توجه داشته باشند که آغاز کنفرانس روز ۲۷ می خواهد بود.)

علاقه مندان می‌توانند برای رزرو کردن اتاق و استفاده از نرخ مخصوص کنفرانس با هتل مذکور مستقیماً تماس حاصل نمایند و یادآوری کنند که برای شرکت در Bahá’í Arts Conference اتاق لازم دارند. نرخ مخصوص برای شرکت در کنفرانس شبی ۸۱ دلار است و در هر اتاق تا ۴ نفر می‌توانند بخوابند. نرخ مخصوص تا ماه مه سال ۱۹۹۹ تضمین شده است. رفت و آمد از فرودگاه به هتل مجانی است.

شماره تلفن هتل: ۴۳۲۹-۶۹۵ (۸۰۰) یا ۱۳۵۰-۶۷۱ (۸۴۷)

موضوع اصلی کنفرانس "خانه و خانواده در فرهنگ ایران" است. کنفرانس متشکل از بخش‌های گوناگون مانند سخنرانی، جلسات میزگرد، جلسات گفت و شنود، جلسات به زبان انگلیسی، کلاس‌های کودکان و بخش‌های هنری شامل موسیقی، نمایش، رقص و شعرخوانی خواهد بود.

کسانی که مایل به ایراد سخنرانی و عرضه کردن مقالات خود باشند و همچنین هنرمندانی که قصد اجرای برنامه هنری داشته باشند باید هر چه زودتر با ارسال مقاله یا نوار سخنرانی یا ویدیوی برنامه هنری آمادگی خود را برای همکاری در کنفرانس اعلام نمایند. هیئت مدیره انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی و کمیسیون هنری بعد از بررسی دقیق برنامه‌هایی که تا قبل از ماه مارچ سال ۱۹۹۹ به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی رسیده باشد، نظر نهائی را درباره مطالب انتخاب شده اعلام خواهند نمود.

در شماره‌های بعدی این نشریه نرخ نام‌نویسی همراه با اطلاعات بیشتر به آگاهی دوستان خواهد رسید. همچنین دوستان می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر انجمن تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۲۵۳۱-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷) e-mail

ملاحظاتی درباره کنفرانس‌های انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

SOME CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE CONFERENCES

(دنباله از شماره پیشین)

در شماره پیشین این نشریه در بخش اول این مقاله به اهداف اصلی تشکیل کنفرانس‌های سالانه از جمله حفظ ارتباط بهائیان ایرانی با میراث فرهنگی و ادبی ایران؛ تشویق جوانان بهائی ایرانی تبار؛ آشنا ساختن اعضاء جامعه بهائی با فرهنگ ایران، اشاره شد.

همچنین گفته شد که برخی از پیشنهادهایی که بعضی از دوستان اقامه کرده‌اند حاکی از این است که احتمالاً اهداف انجمن چنان که باید روشن نبوده است. در تشریح این اهداف تأکید شد که مناسبت و ارتباط برنامه‌های کنفرانس را با موضوع و هدف آن نباید فراموش کرد. باید به خاطر داشت که برخی از برنامه‌ها و موضوع‌ها، به رغم اهمیتی که دارند، خارج از موضوع کنفرانس قرار می‌گیرند و بدین ترتیب در برنامه‌های آن گنجانده نمی‌شوند.

بنابراین دوستان عزیزی که با شرکت در کنفرانس‌های سالانه انجمن بر دست‌اندرکاران آن منت می‌نهند و آنان را سپاسگزار و مدیون خود می‌سازند، باید لطف فرمایند و هدف از تشکیل آن را در نظر داشته باشند.

نکته دیگر اینکه، کنفرانس سالانه انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی "کنفرانس ایرانی‌ها" یا "کنفرانس بهائیان ایرانی" نیست. آنچه بسیاری را بر آن می‌دارد که رنج سفر بر خود هموار دارند و در کنفرانس شرکت جویند، علاقه آن‌ها به موضوع کنفرانس یعنی "فرهنگ و هنر ایران" است. شکی نیست که دیدار دوستان با یکدیگر و تازه کردن معاشرت و آشنایی‌های دیرینه از پیامدهای خوشایند هر کنفرانس بهائی است. منتهی باید بخاطر داشت که، از دید تشکیل دهندگان کنفرانس‌های گوناگون بهائی، این دیدارها جنبه فرعی و ثانوی دارد. مسلماً هیچ اشکالی ندارد و چه بسا که مناسب هم باشد که جلسات و مجامعی صرفاً جهت الفت و دیدار یاران از یکدیگر تشکیل شود، اما کنفرانس‌های انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی در وهله اول به این منظور برگزار نمی‌شود و هدف آن چنانکه گفته شد آشنایی بیشتر با فرهنگ و هنر ایران و زبان و ادب فارسی است. بدین ترتیب برنامه‌هایی که در آن اجرا می‌شود در ارتباط با موضوع آن انتخاب و تهیه می‌گردد.

البته دست‌اندرکاران تشکیل کنفرانس‌های سالانه به صراحت و بی هیچ تعارفی اذعان دارند که کژی‌ها و کاستی‌های بسیاری در برگزاری این کنفرانس‌ها وجود دارد و می‌کوشند که نقیصه‌ها را برطرف سازند تا برنامه‌ها به بهترین صورت ممکن تهیه و اجرا گردد. انتقادها و پیشنهادهای شرکت‌کنندگان در کنفرانس، اعضای انجمن را یاری می‌دهد که برای بهبود برنامه‌های کنفرانس بیشتر بکوشند و با به کار بردن نظرات و راهنمایی‌های دوستان و انتقادهای سازنده آنان رضایت خاطر آن عزیزان را فراهم نمایند. از جمله:

• کوشش بیشتری خواهد شد که جلسات کنفرانس اعم از سخنرانی‌ها و برنامه‌های هنری بدون تأخیر و رأس ساعت اعلام شده و با نظم و ترتیبی درخور اهل بهاء آغاز شود.
• سعی خواهد شد از تعداد برنامه‌ها برای جلوگیری از فشردگی زیاده از حد آن کاسته شود.
• تلاش خواهد شد که درمورد ترتیب غذا، وسائل سمعی-بصری و نیازهای فنی از افراد حرفه‌ای استفاده شود.

انتخاب برنامه‌های هنری بنا به خصلت خاص آن‌ها کار دشواری است. مسائل هنری با ذوق و سلیقه و برداشت افراد ارتباط دارد و بدین ترتیب آنچه را که یک نفر می‌پسندد ممکن است دیگری نپسندد. آنچه مسلم است اینکه سعه صدر را نباید فراموش کرد و دست و پای هنرمند را نباید بیهوده و بر مبنای ذوق شخصی افراد بست. اگر برنامه‌ای که ارائه می‌شود با موازین کلی اخلاقی امر مبارک منافات نداشته باشد، صرفاً به جهت پسند و سلیقه شخصی افراد نباید از اجرای آن جلوگیری کرد. امکانات هنرمندان بهائی برای ارائه هنر خود بسیار محدود است و اگر در کنفرانس "فرهنگ و هنر ایرانی" نیز نتوانند کار خود را ارائه دهند، چه مجالی برای نمایاندن و پرورش هنر خود یا تکمیل و بهسازی آن خواهند داشت؟ استقبال یا عدم استقبال تماشاچیان از یک برنامه هنری - اعم از رقص و موسیقی و شعرخوانی و غیره آن - محکی به دست هنرمند می‌دهد که با یاری آن در کار خود بازنگری کند و کاستی هایش را به هر صورتی که مناسب بداند، برطرف سازد.

امید است که شرکت کنندگان در کنفرانس‌های سالانه با در نظر گرفتن نکاتی که به آن اشاره شد درباره آن مجامع داوری فرمایند. انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی دیگربار از الطاف عزیزانی که با شرکت در کنفرانس‌های سالانه بر رونق آن می‌افزایند سپاسگزاری می‌نماید و در انتظار دریافت پیشنهادها و انتقادهای سازنده آنان جهت بهبود محتوای آن مجامع سالانه است.

کلاس‌های فشرده زبان فارسی

INTENSIVE PERSIAN COURSE

دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/امریکائی با همکاری مؤسسه ویلمت در صدد تشکیل کلاس فشرده‌ای برای آموزش زبان فارسی در تابستان سال جاری در نزدیکی مشرق الاذکار است.

کلاس‌های فارسی تابستان امسال در سطح ابتدائی، و در صورت وجود داوطلب، در سطح متوسط تدریس خواهد شد. برنامه کلاس‌ها از ۱۹ جولای تا ۸ آگست سال جاری ادامه خواهد داشت. برنامه درسی هر کلاس هفته‌ای ۵ روز و هر روز ۵ ساعت ادامه خواهد یافت. بعلاوه فعالیت‌های فرهنگی خاص در خارج از کلاس ترتیب داده می‌شود تا کمک به یادگیری دروس داخل کلاس کند.

قیمت ثبت‌نام برای هر کلاس فشرده فارسی در طی سه هفته ۴۵۰ دلار و مخارج خوابگاه شبی ۲۰ دلار است.

علاقه مندان می‌توانند برای نام‌نویسی و یا دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر امور احبای ایرانی-امریکائی تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۳۵۲۶-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷) [Page 29]

بزرگداشت شجاعت احبای ایران در نیویورک

NEW YORK BAHÁ’ÍS CELEBRATE STEADFASTNESS OF BAHÁ’ÍS OF IRAN

۲ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۸ جلسه‌ای در حظیره القدس نیویورک برای بزرگداشت شجاعت احبای ایران تشکیل شد. جلسه مذکور با استقبال گرم شرکت کنندگان روبرو گردید و بخش‌هایی از آن از طریق شبکه تلویزیونی PBS در برنامه مخصوص دینی آن شبکه پخش شد.

برنامه‌های جلسه شامل موسیقی و رقص و قرائت آثار مبارکه و یادآوری مختصری از تضییقات احبای ایران در چند ماه گذشته بود.

تشکیل دهندگان این جلسه فقط ۵ روز برای تشکیل آن وقت داشتند. تهیه کنندگان برنامه تلویزیونی ابتدا می‌خواستند برنامه‌ای راجع به ولادت حضرت بهاءالله تهیه کنند اما پس از تماس با دفتر امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی تمایلی نشان دادند که واکنش تضییقات احبای ایران را در احبای امریکا ارائه کنند.

محفل روحانی ملی با شتاب از محفل نیویورک درخواست برگزاری جلسه‌ای کرد که محتوای آن قابل استفاده برای بهائیان و نیز افراد غیربهائی باشد. بدین قرار جلسه مذکور با سرعت زیادی ترتیب گرفت. هفته بعد از تشکیل جلسه مذکور گزارشی درباره آن به همراه بخش‌هایی از برنامه و مصاحبه‌های کوتاهی از بسیاری از ایستگاه‌های تلویزیونی PBS پخش شد.

در قسمتی از این مصاحبه‌ها یکی از بستگان یکی از احبایی که حکم اعدامش در ایران صادر شده است، شرح حال و اوضاع آن بهائی ایرانی را با بلاغت و شجاعت بیان می‌کند.

تهیه کنندگان برنامه تلویزیونی اظهار داشتند که برخی از برنامه‌های جلسه آنان را سخت تحت تأثیر قرار داده است و به تلویح گفتند که احتمال آن هست که در آینده گزارش‌های بیشتری درباره امر بهائی از شبکه تلویزیونی پخش شود.

بسیاری از بینندگان برنامه اظهار خشنودی و افتخار کردند که جامعه بهائی اعضای بااستعدادی دارد که می‌توانند به رغم کمی وقت برنامه‌ای با کیفیت عالی تهیه کنند.

با اینکه هدف برنامه مذکور که آشنا ساختن مردم با اوضاع وخیم احبای ایران بود، برآورده شد، اما عده‌ای از دوستان نیز اظهار نارضایتی کردند. از جمله شکایت کردند که چرا تلاوت آیات الهی به زبان فارسی در برنامه گنجانده نشده بود. برخی نیز اظهار ناخشنودی نمودند که در خلال جلسه آن قدر که باید حرمت احبای ایران را رعایت نشده بود. عده‌ای نیز گفتند که از احبای ایرانی چنانکه می‌بایست استفاده نشده بود. بعضی هم جلسه را تصنعی دانستند و اظهار نگرانی کردند که شاید فرصت پخش برنامه از تلویزیون اهمیتی بیش از شجاعت احبای ایران به خود گرفته بود.

یکی از اعضای جامعه امری نیویورک می‌گفت که انگیزه تشکیل جلسه برای بسیاری از احباء روشن نبود. هدف از این برنامه مسلماً تشکیل جلسه تذکر نبوده است. این برنامه با هدف خاصی و با در نظر گرفتن تماشاگران برنامه تلویزیونی شبکه PBS تهیه شده بود. یکی از این اهداف نشان دادن "وحدت در کثرت" و تنوع جامعه بهائی امریکا بود.

دفتر امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی در نامه‌ای به تاریخ ۳ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۸ خطاب به محفل روحانی نیویورک خدمات احبای جامعه را مورد ستایش قرار داد.

یکی از احبای محل می‌گفت که ممکن است بعضی از احباء با برنامه‌های جلسه موافق نبوده‌اند ولی وحدت و اطاعتی که نشان دادند حاکی از ایمانشان بود.

راه صحیح تدریس فارسی

CORRECT WAY OF TEACHING PERSIAN

بیت العدل اعظم در پیام شهرالبهاء ۱۵۴ بدیع خطاب به احبای ایرانی در سراسر جهان می‌فرمایند:

چه نیکوست عده‌ای از احبای ایرانی در هر شهر و دیاری که تعدادی از ایرانیان بهائی ساکنند پیشقدم گردند و به اطفال و جوانانشان فارسی بیاموزند.

به منظور تسهیل اجرای این دستور معهد اعلی، مرکز ملی تربیت معلم در مدرسه بهائی لوهلن با همکاری دفتر ملی امور احبای ایرانی-امریکایی دوره‌ای را از ۹ تا ۱۱ آپریل ۱۹۹۹ به روش تدریس خواندن و نوشتن فارسی اختصاص داده است. در این دوره شرکت کنندگان نه فقط می‌آموزند که چگونه به خردسالان ایرانی‌تبار خواندن و نوشتن فارسی را بیاموزند، بلکه چگونگی آموزش زبان فارسی به عنوان زبان دوم را نیز فرا خواهند گرفت. علاوه بر این در این دوره که از غروب روز جمعه ۹ آپریل آغاز می‌شود و تا ظهر روز یکشنبه ۱۱ آپریل ادامه دارد نحوه تهیه مطالب خواندنی ساده برای نوآموزان نیز مورد بحث قرار خواهد گرفت.

از آنجا که تعداد شرکت کنندگان در این دور بیش از بیست نفر نمی‌تواند باشد، شایسته است علاقه‌مندان هر چه زودتر برای نام نویسی به مرکز تربیت معلم لوهلن مراجعه نمایند.

طب و بهداشت در تعالیم بهائی

به تازگی کتابی تحت عنوان "طب و بهداشت در تعالیم بهائی" به قلم دکتر احمد عطائی در ۳۳۶ صفحه توسط مؤسسه مطبوعات امری آلمان به چاپ رسیده است.

در معرفی کتاب آمده است که "استفاده از گیاه‌ها و سبزیجات و میوه‌ها جهت پیشگیری و معالجه امراض، مدخل جسمانی و معنوی علل و امراض و عصیان، معالجه به وسائط مادی و روحانی، شفای امراض و تأثیرات دعا و مناجات، تأثیر محیط زیست در سلامتی، تأثیر سرور و حزن و خشم و حسد و عادات زیان‌آور در صحت بدن... از جمله مسائل طبی و بهداشتی است که در آثار مقدسه امر بهائی بسیار یافت می‌شوند. نویسنده کتاب با روشن‌بینی، مطالعه و تحقیق درباره این قبیل مطالب دقیقه را وجهه همت خود قرار داده و به موشکافی و شرح و توضیح موضوع‌های طبی منجمله در لوح مبارک طب... پرداخته است."

پژوهشنامه

چهارمین شماره پژوهشنامه، نشریه مجله پیام بهائی، ویژه پژوهش در تاریخ و تعالیم دیانت بهائی، مشتمل بر شش مقاله تحقیقی در ۱۶۴ صفحه منتشر شده است. در این مجموعه مطالب زیر بررسی شده‌اند:

دانش و میثاق حضرت بهاءالله (ایان سمپل)، نظری به مطالعات و تحقیقات از دیدگاه بهائی (حسین دانش)، از مطالعات بهائی چه انتظار می‌رود (اودو شیفر)، کلمات مکنونه و اصل میثاق (نادر سعیدی)، پنج مکتوب و یک رساله تاریخی از جناب ابو الفضائل (هوشنگ رأفت)، پیرامون کتاب حضرت باب (سیامک ذبیحی).

ملکوت وجود

یکی از تازه‌ترین انتشارات مؤسسه چاپ و انتشارات عصر جدید در آلمان کتاب ملکوت وجود است. این کتاب شامل یکی از رساله‌های شهید مجید دکتر علی مراد داودی در شرح لوح مبارک حضرت عبدالبهاء خطاب به دانشمند بهائی اهل کشور سوئیس جناب دکتر هانری آگوست فورل است که آن حضرت، دو ماه پیش از صعود، در ۲۱ سپتامبر ۱۹۲۱ در حیفا نازل فرمودند.

جناب دکتر داودی در ضمن سه مبحث (تحلیل کلی مطالب لوح فورل، عقل و مناسبت آن با روح انسانی، درباره دلائل اثبات خدا) مطالب این لوح را تشریح نموده اند.

کتاب با مقدمه‌ای جامع آغاز می‌شود و سپس اصل لوح مبارک درج شده و در پی آن تقریرات جناب داودی چاپ گردیده است. در بخش بعدی مبحث حکمای وسیع النظر که در لوح فورل به آنان اشاره شده مطرح شده و در آخر اینها شرح اعلام و اصطلاحات، کتاب‌شناسی، فهرست اعلام و اهم ‎مواضیع مواضيع‎ درج گردیده است.

این کتاب به اهتمام جناب دکتر وحید رأفتی در ۱۶۶ صفحه تهیه شده و مؤسسه عصر جدید آن را با حروف‌چینی مرغوب و جلد زیبا، مزین به خوشنویسی جناب امان الله موقن، منتشر نموده است.

برای خرید این کتاب‌ها با مؤسسه ایمجز اینترنشنال در ایالت تنسی تماس بگیرید.

Images International Mrs. Shahrzad Naderi (423) 870-4525 (800) 470-4525 [Page 30]

بازتاب تعطیل دانشگاه آزاد بهائیان ایران در ایالات متحده

REACTIONS TO THE CLOSURE OF BAHA’I OPEN UNIVERSITY IN IRAN

گزارش‌هایی که راجع به تعطیل دانشگاه آزاد بهائیان از مؤسسات آموزش عالی در ایالات متحده رسیده است همگی حکایت از آن دارد که مؤسسات مذکور صریحاً نسبت به اقدام اخیر دولت ایران اعتراض کرده‌اند.

مدیران و استادان و دانشجویان اظهار کرده‌اند که بر مبنای اصول مسلم آزادی تحصیلات برای همگان آماده‌اند به صراحت به دفاع از حقوق بهائیان ایران برخیزند. ایشان حاضرند علناً در مراسم و سخنرانی‌های ویژه و به عنوان گروهی خاص با صدور بیانیه و فرداً از طریق ارسال نامه به وزارت آموزش عالی ایران و یونسکو اعتراض خود را نسبت به تعطیل دانشگاه آزاد بهائی ابراز نمایند.

چنان که از پیش به آگاهی خوانندگان رسیده است دانشگاه آزاد در اواخر ماه سپتامبر و اوایل اکتبر سال ۱۹۹۸ مورد هجوم قرار گرفت و مأموران وزارت اطلاعات کشور دست کم ۳۶ نفر از کارکنان و استادان دانشگاه مذکور را دستگیر کردند. از همه دستگیرشدگان خواسته شد که ورقه‌ای مبنی بر ختم فعالیت در مؤسسه مذکور امضاء کنند. این درخواست را هیچ یک از احباء نپذیرفت. بیشتر این یاران تاکنون آزاد شده‌اند.

از آنجا که بهائیان رسماً از نام‌نویسی و تحصیل در مؤسسات آموزش عالی محرومند، ناگزیر به تأسیس دانشگاه آزاد مبادرت کردند تا جوانانشان از تحصیلات عالی باز نمانند. دولت ایران از اواخر دهه هشتاد از وجود این مؤسسه آگاه بوده است و تا زمان حملات اخیر اقدامی علیه آن به عمل نیاورده بود.

برخی از اقداماتی که در پاسخ به تعطیل دانشگاه آزاد بهائی تا اوائل ماه دسامبر سال ۱۹۹۸ صورت گرفته به عنوان مشتی از خروار در زیر درج می‌گردد:

برکلی (ایالت کالیفرنیا) شهردار برکلی Berkeley روز ۳ دسامبر را "روز همبستگی با بهائیان ایران" اعلام کرد. اتفاقاً در همان روز جلسه‌ای در دانشگاه برکلی درباره حقوق بشر تشکیل می‌شد که در آن یکی از دانشجویان سابق دانشگاه آزاد مطالبی به آگاهی حاضران رساند.

مدیسون (ایالت نیوجرسی) یکی از استادان دانشگاه هاروارد در رشته دین هندو در بخشی از سخنرانی خود که در دانشگاه Drew University ایراد می‌شد به تفصیل راجع به تعطیل دانشگاه آزاد و تضییقات بهائیان ایران مطالبی عرضه کرد. استاد مذکور یکی از متخصصان روابط بین ادیان است.

لافایت (‎ایندینا ایندیانا‎) گروهی از استادان دانشگاه پردو در کلاس‌های خود از دانشجویان دعوت کردند که درباره وضع دانشگاه آزاد مطالبی عرضه کنند.

ساوت بند (‎ایندینا ایندیانا‎) رهبران دینی کالج سینت مری درخواست کردند که در مراسم دعای دسته‌جمعی، برای رفع تضییقات بهائیان ایران نیز ادعیه‌ای تقدیم گردد.

فلورنس (ایالت آلاباما) رئیس و نایب رئیس و چند تن از استادان دانشگاه شمال آلاباما نامه‌های اعتراضیه نوشته‌اند. همچنین مقاله سردبیر روزنامه واشنگتن پست راجع به تضییقات احبای ایران در روزنامه دانشگاه آلاباما تجدید چاپ شد.

فورت ولی (ایالت جورجیا) رئیس دانشگاه ایالتی فورت ولی Fort Valley از جمله امضاءکنندگان نامه سرگشاده‌ای بود که در اعتراض به تعطیل دانشگاه آزاد نوشته شده بود.

الیوت (ایالت میشیگان) رئیس کالج الیوت Olivet نامه اعتراضیه‌ای به نمایندگان ایران در سازمان ملل متحد ارسال داشت.

ساوت هدلی (ایالت ماساچوست) رئیس کالج مانت هالیوک Mount Holyoke و هیئت مدیره دانشجویان نامه‌های اعتراضیه به یونسکو و دولت ایران ارسال نموده‌اند.

کورولیس (ایالت اورگان) هیئت سنای استادان بیانیه‌ای مبنی بر اعتراض به تعطیل دانشگاه آزاد صادر نمود.

نورت فیلد (مینه سوتا) رئیس کالج کارلتون و ۱۰ تن از استادان نامه‌های اعتراضیه نوشته‌اند.

لوس آنجلس (کالیفرنیا) بیش از ۱۰۰ نفر از استادان و دانشجویان در مراسمی که به مناسبت پنجاهمین سال صدور منشور حقوق بشر سازمان ملل متحد تشکیل شده بود، شرکت کردند. سخنرانی اصلی این مراسم درباره تعطیل دانشگاه آزاد بود. همچنین عده‌ای از استادان نامه‌های اعتراضی به مسؤولان ارسال کرده‌اند.

لاکروس (ایالت ویسکانسین) رئیس دانشگاه ویسکانسین در لاکروس LaCrosse نامه‌ای به سازمان ملل متحد و نمایندگان ایران ارسال داشت.

لینکن (ایالت نبراسکا) سازمان دانشجویان دانشگاه نبراسکا بیانیه شدیداللحنی علیه تعطیل دانشگاه آزاد صادر نمود.

بالتیمور (ایالت مریلند) رئیس دانشکده بهداشت دانشگاه جانز هاپکینز Johns Hopkins از دیگر مدیران دانشکده‌ها درخواست کرده است که به رفتار دولت ایران نسبت به بهائیان رسماً اعتراض کنند.

نیویورک یکی از رؤسای دانشکده‌های الهیات نیویورک تعهد کرده است که اطلاعات راجع به تعطیل دانشگاه آزاد را به آگاهی همه دانشکده‌های دینی نیویورک برساند.

تروی (ایالت نیویورک) ایستگاه رادیویی مؤسسه پلی‌تکنیک رنسلر مرتباً اخبار راجع به تعطیل دانشگاه آزاد را پخش می‌کند.

آلبوکرکی (ایالت نیومکزیکو) در روزنامه دانشگاه آلبوکرکی مقاله‌ای درباره تعطیل دانشگاه آزاد درج گردید. همچنین عده زیادی نامه سرگشاده‌ای را که قرار است به سازمان ملل متحد و نمایندگان ایران ارسال شود، امضاء کردند.

کنت (ایالت اوهایو) هیئت روابط بین ادیان دانشگاه ایالتی کنت در نشریه خود اطلاعاتی راجع به تعطیل دانشگاه آزاد منتشر کرد.

نیواورلینز (ایالت لوئیزیانا) یکی از استادان اطلاعات راجع به تضییقات احبای ایران را به آگاهی رئیس گروه مذهبی خود و حامیان آن در واشنگتن دی‌سی رساند.

همچنین در یکی از نشریات آموزش عالی به نام Chronicle of Higher Education مقاله‌ای راجع به اقدامات دولت ایران علیه دانشگاه آزاد درج شد. در این مقاله آمده است که دولت ایران امر بهائی را فرقه‌ای مرتد تلقی می‌کند. همچنین در این مقاله به نقل از یکی از استادان علوم تربیتی گفته شده است که سطح آموزش در دانشگاه آزاد بهائی بالاتر از سطح آموزش در دیگر مؤسسات آموزش عالی ایران بوده است.

تجدید حیات روحانی در ایالت وایومینگ

RECONQUERING WYOMING

احبای فورت کالینز Fort Collins در ایالت کلورادو و احبای جنوب ایالت وایومینگ دست به دست هم داده و برای حیات روحانی ایالت وایومینگ چاره‌ای اندیشیده‌اند.

بهائیان ایالت وایومینگ در نقاط پراکنده در جمعیت‌های بهائی به سر می‌برند ولی محفل روحانی فعالی ندارند.

یک گروه تبلیغی و موسیقی به نام One World تعهد کرده است که اولین شنبه هر ماه را در نقاط مختلف ایالت وایومینگ به فعالیت بپردازد و بدین ترتیب جان تازه‌ای در کالبد جمعیت‌های بهائی بدمد.

گروه مذکور متشکل از افرادی با سنین و پیشینه‌های گوناگون است که هدفش تحقق تقلیب روحانی برای اعضاء و تبلیغ امر مبارک و متحد ساختن جامعه است.

سفر اول روز ۷ نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۸ به شاین صورت گرفت و شامل شام و موسیقی و یک جلسه تبلیغی با عنوان "تقلیب روحانی" بود. به گفته یکی از شرکت کنندگان "احساسات رقیق محبت و شادی فضای اتاق را پر کرده بود." خدمات این احبای عزیز را قدر می‌دانیم.

نودمین کانونشن ملی

90th BAHA’I NATIONAL CONVENTION

نودمین کانونشن ملی از ۲۲ تا ۲۵ اپریل سال ۱۹۹۹ در طبقه تحتانی مشرق‌الاذکار آمریکا تشکیل خواهد شد.

در طول مدت برقراری کانونشن، برای همه نمایندگان منتخب صندلی تهیه شده است.

دیگر افرادی که مایل به شرکت در کانونشن می‌باشند، می‌توانند برای رزرو کردن جا با دفتر محفل روحانی ملی به شماره ۳۵۲۹-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷) تماس حاصل نمایند. از آنجا که تعداد صندلی در سالن برگزاری کانونشن محدود است، کسانی که زودتر جایشان را رزرو کنند امکان بیشتری دارد که بتوانند در کانونشن ملی شرکت نمایند. [Page 31]

Kitáb-i-Aqdas translation presented in Russia

The Hall at the Dom Druzhby (House of Friendship) was overflowing as Russia’s Bahá’ís celebrated publication of a Russian translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas on Nov. 6.

The Most Holy Book was presented at the event to the director of the Library of the Russian Parliament, Irina Andreyeva. Many friends of the Bahá’ís in government, academic life and the media attended this unveiling of the book that contains the essence of Bahá’u’lláh’s Teaching.

Following words of welcome from Sergei Poselski, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Russian Federation, a talk was delivered on “The Place of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas among the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh” by Vadim Nomokonov, a university professor and member of the committee that accomplished the translation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

Two non-Bahá’í scholars, Irina Kolesnikova and Abdul Nurullaev, delivered short comments relating the Kitáb-i-Aqdas to the needs of society at large. The evening culminated with a talk on “The Significance of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas for the Individual and Humanity” by Firuz Kazemzadeh, professor emeritus of history at Yale University and secretary for external affairs of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States.

The program concluded with music by Skriabin, Chopin, Bach and Barr performed by young pianist Olga Lvova, distinguished Bahá’í cellist Lev Yevgrafov and a choral quintet, and readings from Bahá’u’lláh as well as a poem by Maria Skrebtsova and excerpts from a play by Izabella Grinevskaya.

Many guests expressed their delight with warmth of the evening, as well as the speeches and performances. Every copy of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas was sold out by the end of the evening.

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas was first translated into Russian by a prominent Russian Orientalist, Aleksandr Tumanskii, in the late 19th century.

“Its publication in a new and more accurate translation is an important event in the history of the growing Russian Bahá’í community, and its presentation to the public in a dignified and joyous atmosphere was in itself a milestone in the development of that community,” Dr. Kazemzadeh stated after the ceremony. ♦

Networking for advancement of women

State Minister of Gender and Community Development Jane Frances Kuka (center) talks with members of Uganda’s National Bahá’í Committee for the Advancement of Women during an International Women’s Day event in Kampala, Uganda, in recent months. Photo via Bahá’í International News Service

• Uruguay: The National Teaching Conference in October at the Bahá’í National Center drew about 80 participants from 15 localities. Along with the guidance of Counselor Isabel de Sánchez, the conference reviewed teaching achievements and emphasized the roles of institutes and study circles in advancing the process of entry by troops.

• Mauritius: The station of women was emphasized in a pair of conferences attended by Bahá’ís from all over the island in mid-October. A national conference, which also dealt with training institutes and individual initiative, drew the participation of about 200 friends including several members of the Continental Board of Counselors. A dozen women and two men stayed on for a second gathering, a “word for word study” of Bahá’í writings on women. “The friends were so filled with joy as they developed a greater awareness of the station of women in this Holy Dispensation,” the National Spiritual Assembly reported, adding that several volunteered to pass the inspiration along by organizing similar conferences.

TEACHING

• Tanzania: The enrollment of a group of evangelical Christians into the Bahá’í Faith has had a second-stage effect in the northern province of Mara: Scores of people taught by these enrollees have themselves accepted Bahá’u’lláh, including more than 120 in one village. Teaching efforts have been assisted by members of the Auxiliary Board and the National Spiritual Assembly. Responding to the wave of enrollments, the National Institute plans to establish a branch in that province.

• Cook Islands: About 80 friends helped carry out Nan Greenwood’s wish that her 90th birthday celebration be a teaching event at the National Bahá’í Center. A public gathering featured original music and dance plus a photographic exhibit showing Mrs. Greenwood’s Bahá’í activities in the Cook Islands and Canada. Bahá’ís also spread the Message by carrying out a public sing-along, concerts at two schools, television and radio interviews and other teaching efforts.

EDUCATION

• Panama: Seventy-five Bahá’ís from all over the country shared “A Day with the National Spiritual Assembly” in August, as the country’s senior Bahá’í institution exchanged ideas and information with participants at the House of Worship near Panama City. Discussion centered on unfoldment of the Divine Plan, especially the Four Year Plan, and how systematic teaching, the Fund, training institutes and efficient communication can contribute.

• India: Book 1 from the Ruhi Institute has been accepted into the moral curriculum of a secondary school in Padaria village, Madhya Pradesh state, for all students in grades 9 through 12. The “constant efforts of Auxiliary Board member Sadhana Mitra,” according to a report, led to the permission from the state minister of education. The classes are to be conducted twice a week.

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

• Solomon Islands: Prime Minister Bartholomew Ulufa’alu was guest speaker and presenter at ‎the the the‎ sixth annual Blums Award ceremony, honoring individuals and groups for services to the community and held at the National Bahá’í Center in Honiara. More than 300 people, including government officials and community leaders, witnessed the awarding of prizes to individuals who have helped people in remote areas with medical needs and emergency services. The National Spiritual Assembly received the group award for its Virtues project, which has conducted seminars and village-level workshops on virtues and advancement of women. Acting Governor-General Paul Tovua remarked that he needs to display one of the posters printed by the Virtues Project in his role as Parliament speaker, because “it is the politicians who need these virtues.”

• Sri Lanka: The Bahá’í Faith was acknowledged as an up-and-coming religion at a regional interfaith gathering last summer titled United Lanka, organized by the Inter-Religious Peace Foundation. The statement was made by the secretary of the Dharmavedi Social Service Organization at a welcoming speech to students of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim backgrounds. ♦

LOS ANGELES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

One member of the task force, Sheila Guttman, appeared on a local public radio station to publicize the plight of the Walker family.

Other members of the task force also have been busy putting faith into action. Bob and Dee Owens joined Sharon Sanchez of the Torrance Bahá’í community at a Community Watch meeting in the neighborhood where the Walkers live.

The residents there have achieved a measure of solidarity in standing up to the local gang element. They regularly patrol the neighborhood in cooperation with the local sheriff’s office.

Sensitive to the plight of the Walker family, Community Watch members offered advice and shared information. They are also organizing a Saturday barbecue at the Walker residence.

The outpouring of love and support has helped to address the immediate needs of the Walker family. But in a larger sense, the work of the friends in addressing the profound issues that manifest themselves from time to time in acts of hatred is the only work that will have a truly lasting effect.

Shoghi Effendi wrote, as quoted in Directives From the Guardian: “The believers should, therefore, seize this opportunity to make a supreme effort to present, in convincing and eloquent language, those social and humanitarian teachings of the Faith which we believe to constitute the sole panacea for the innumerable ills afflicting our present-day world.”

Randolph Dobbs is a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles. ♦ [Page 32]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Bahá’í National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. The numbers for the permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes are as follows: Bosch Bahá’í School, phone 831-423-3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail __________ Bosch.org. Louhelen Bahá’í School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail __________ Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, phone 803-558-5093; fax 803-558-9136; e-mail __________ Green Acre Bahá’í School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail __________ Native American Bahá’í Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail __________

JANUARY

8–10: “Fundamental Verities of the Bahá’í Faith,” three-weekend training course at Bosch. Participants must be referred by an institution; must also attend sessions Jan. 29–31 and Feb. 19–21.

15–18: Pioneering/BYSC/SITA Institutes at Bosch. Contact Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508).

15–18: “Facilitating Social and Economic Development” at Louhelen. A two-part course; second part to be held April 23–25.

22–24: Assembly Team Development at Bosch. Call Bosch if your Assembly is interested in participating.

22–24: Two programs at Green Acre: “Building a Better Magnet” on community building; Fireside Retreat for seekers and new believers.

24: Social and Economic Development Facilitator Training at Louhelen. Trainees will return for a second session April 23–25.

29–31: Campus Clubs Symposium hosted by National Youth Committee at Green Acre.

29–31: Iowa Winter School, Valley West Inn, West Des Moines, IA. Registrar: Al Prosser, __________ West Des Moines, IA 50265 (phone 515-224-4966).

FEBRUARY

5–7: “Special Days: A Parent/Child Weekend” at Green Acre.

5–7: Assembly Team Development at Bosch. Call a registrar if your Assembly is interested in participating.

12–14: “Finding Joy in Bahá’í Learning,” seminar for adults and youth, at Green Acre.

12–15: “Racism/Race Unity: Two Sides of the Same Coin” at Bosch.

15: Interfaith Brotherhood/Sisterhood Breakfast, 10 a.m.–noon, Teaneck, NJ. Featured speaker: Dr. David Ruhe. For tickets, information and hotel accommodations, contact Spiritual Assembly of Teaneck, __________ Teaneck, NJ 07666 (phone 201-837-3638).

19–21: “Turning On the Light: Creating and Sustaining a Conscious Marriage,” a two-weekend course at Bosch. Part 2 is March 26–28.

26–28: Family Session at Louhelen.

MARCH

5–7: “Rendezvous of the Soul,” spiritual retreat for the Fast, at Bosch.

5–7: Spiritual retreat for the Fast for ages 15 and older at Green Acre.

19–20: Naw-Rúz Session for families at Louhelen.

26–28: “Fundamental Verities of the Bahá’í Faith,” three-weekend training course at Bosch. Participants must be referred by an institution; must also attend sessions April 16–18 and May 7–9.

26–28: Two programs at Green Acre: “Establishing Training Institutes: Teaching the Cause” (attendance at all sessions required); Junior Youth Institute for ages 12–15 (enrollment limited).

30–April 3: Spring Children’s Academy for grades 4 through 6 at Bosch. Focus on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

APRIL

2–5: Institute for Young Women, for ages 12–17, at Louhelen.

9–11: Youth Eagle Institute, for ages 15 and older, at Louhelen.

9–11: “Citadel of Faith” at Green Acre.

9–11: Core Curriculum Teacher Training at Green Acre; should attend second session April 16–18.

9–11: Virtues Project at Bosch.

16–18: “The Spiritual Purpose of Women: Women’s Role in Advancing the Most Great Peace” at Bosch.

16–18: “Work as Worship: Bahá’í Principles at Work” at Green Acre.

30–May 2: “Spiritual Values and Development” Training Intensive at Green Acre. Contact registrar for overview and required readings.

30–May 2: Junior Youth Institute, for ages 12–15, at Louhelen.

A WALL BECOMES A BRIDGE

(Graphic text: THIS IS THE COLOR OF MY RACE / The Human Race!)

A mural captioned “This is the color of my race: The Human Race!” adorns the African Art Gallery in Tampa, Florida. Unveiled Oct. 24, the project was carried out for the Bahá’í community by Mariangela and Ryan Abeo and Haleh Abdolhosseini.

Robert James and Karen Pritchard of the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Southern States share a light moment at a gathering of all four Councils Dec. 10–12 at the Bahá’í House of Worship. Photo by Ken Duszynski

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The American Bahá’í, send all family members’ names, new address and mailing label to: Information Services, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. If acquiring a Post Office box, your residence address (B) must be filled in. Please allow three weeks for processing. (This also updates the National Center’s database.)

A. NAME(S)
1. __________________________________________________	ID# ____________________
2. __________________________________________________	ID# ____________________
3. __________________________________________________	ID# ____________________
4. __________________________________________________	ID# ____________________

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS	C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS
Street Address ______________________________________	Street Address ______________________________________
Apartment # (if applicable) ________________________	Apartment # (if applicable) ________________________
City ________________________________________________	City ________________________________________________
State _________________________ Zip code ____________	State _________________________ Zip code ____________

D. NEW COMMUNITY	E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER
Name of new Bahá’í Community ______ Moving Date ______	Area Code Phone Number ____________ Name ____________

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S)
Area Code Phone Number ____________ Name ____________	Area Code Phone Number ____________ Name ____________

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:	H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY
[ ] we do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and ID number(s) listed above.	[ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.
[ ] the last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of family members as they should appear on the national records, their ID numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

DECEMBER 31, 1998 SHARAF/HONOR • B.E. 155

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í