The American Bahá’í/Volume 29/Issue 9/Text

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[Page 1]THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í NOVEMBER 23, 1998 QAWL/SPEECH BAHÁ’Í ERA 155 VOLUME 29, NO. 9

An appeal to nation’s educators

Focused effort on Iran situation aimed at colleges

In a unique response to acts of suppression against the Bahá’í Faith in Iran, the National Spiritual Assembly is waging a focused campaign to raise the awareness of college-level educators about the Iranian government’s actions to close the Bahá’í Institute of Higher Education.

Through the four Regional Bahá’í Councils, Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í college clubs across the country, the National Assembly acted beginning in late October “to inform and mobilize public opinion in the higher education sector.”

“Our hope is that organizations and prominent individuals in this sector, including universities, academic departments, faculty and administrators, will forcefully register their outrage at the Iranian Government’s efforts to prevent Bahá’í students from obtaining higher education and to deny Bahá’í educators the right to pursue their profession,” read part of an Oct. 29 letter from the Assembly to Local Spiritual Assemblies.

SEE IRAN, PAGE 22

“The National Spiritual Assembly asks that ... every Bahá’í community, group, and individual believer devote their most ardent prayers for the protection of the Iranian believers and the emancipation of the Bahá’í Faith in Iran.” —from Nov. 3, 1998, letter to the American Bahá’í community

Remembering the Bahá’ís in Iran

Erfan Ferdowsian, 10, lights nine candles in remembrance of the believers in Iran as part of the commemoration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh held in Edmond, Oklahoma, on Nov. 11. Communities across the nation rose to the National Assembly’s call for special prayer during the Holy Day on behalf of the Bahá’ís in the Cradle of the Faith. For more photos, see pages 20–21. Photo by Negeen Sobhani, Edmond, OK

HOUSE OF JUSTICE COMMENTS ON TEACHING

A message from the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, dated Nov. 15, 1998

The Universal House of Justice read with keen interest the report on the progress of activities across the United States prepared by your National Teaching Committee and forwarded with your letter of 8 September 1998. We have been asked to express the immense pleasure of the House of Justice at the high response to the media campaign; it is impressed with the analysis of the results to date and with the manner in which the campaign facilitates the teaching work throughout the country.

The deliberate effort being made to integrate the various aspects of teaching—proclamation with the aid of the media, expansion through individual and collective activity, and consolidation through institute programs and deepening classes—is very much in keeping with the systematic action called for in the last Ridván message of the House of Justice. In this respect your community has adopted a mode of operation that is highly exemplary.

It is commendable, too, that the media campaign has begun with so effective a theme as “the power of race unity”, since this addresses a deeply entrenched problem of the American nation. In view of your success, the House of Justice welcomes your intention to proceed with other themes, such as “the power of prayer” and “the advancement of women”.

The report reflects the importance of the services being rendered by the National Teaching Committee to Regional Bahá’í Councils, Local Spiritual Assemblies and individual believers in such a way as to reinforce their initiatives at the grassroots of the community. Kindly convey the warm appreciation of the House of Justice to that Committee.

Be assured also of its continuing supplications at the Holy Threshold for the uninterrupted progress of your dearly loved community.

—Department of the Secretariat ◆

INSIDE

• OUTSHINING THE DARKNESS PAGE 3
• CHAMBLEE CONSOLIDATION PAGE 27
• VINEYARD OF THE LORD PAGES 28–29
• KID’S CORNER • 5
• CARTA A LOS AMIGOS • 18
• YOUTH • 19
• CLASSIFIED • 32–33
• IN MEMORIAM • 34
• PERSIAN PAGES • 36–38

THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1 and October 31, 1998

$13,500,000 Goal/All Funds

$8,607,045 Received/All Funds

See page 3 for details

EXCERPTS

“Beware lest ye contend with any one, nay, strive to make him aware of the truth with kindly manner and most convincing exhortation.” — Bahá’u’lláh

NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN UPDATES: Local happenings, institutes, 800-22-UNITE • Pages 23–25 [Page 2]

Day of the Covenant

A Bahá’í Holy Day Observed between sundown Nov. 25 and sundown Nov. 26 •Work is not suspended

"‘Abdu’l-Bahá told the Bahá’ís that... [May 23] was not, under any circumstances, to be celebrated as His day of birth. It was the day of the Declaration of the Báb, exclusively associated with Him. But as the Bahá’ís begged for a day to be celebrated as His, He gave them November 26th, to be observed as the day of the appointment of the Centre of the Covenant. It was known as Jashn-i-A’zam (The Greatest Festival), because He was Ghusn-i-A’zam, the Greatest Branch. In the West it is known as the Day of the Covenant." (H.M. Balyuzi, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 523)

Anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

• Observed Nov. 28 at 1:00 a.m. •Work is not suspended A Bahá’í Holy Day

"It is clear how that most dire of calamities, that most great disaster which was the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, may our souls be sacrificed for His meekness, has set our hearts on fire and dissolved our very limbs and members in grief. Darkness settled on our souls, of blood were our tears. Even the essences of sanctity cried out in fear, and the gems of holiness moaned and lamented, while our own inner selves fell to ashes, and there was no peace left in the soul, no patience in the heart.

"No more does the ardent nightingale carol its joyous songs, and the sweet and holy melodies of the immortal dove are hushed. That gleaming Moon is hidden now behind the clouds of everlasting life, that Orb of the high heavens sank down at the setting point of glory and rose into the skies of the world that we see not, and above the realm of the placeless He is casting forth His rays." (Shoghi Effendi, Babiyyih Khánum, pp. 148-149)

"The Day of the Covenant, Nov. 26th, and the Day of the Ascension, Nov. 28th, ... must be observed by the friends coming together, but work is not prohibited. In other words the friends must regard observance of these two anniversaries as obligatory but suspension of work not to be regarded as obligatory." (Shoghi Effendi, Letters of the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand, p. 89)

•Further study: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by H.M. Balyuzi; Babiyyih Khánum: The Greatest Holy Leaf, a compilation by the Bahá’í World Center.

Significant upcoming dates

• Ayyám-i-Há (Intercalary Days), Feb. 26-March 1 •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

Kathryn Bentley, a Bahá’í who teaches second grade in Duluth, Georgia, was honored twice as teacher of the year—the same year.

BellSouth selected Bentley in September from among more than 900 other nominees in metro Atlanta to be its Teacher of the Year, making the presentation in front of thousands at an Atlanta Braves game.

• More recently, her peers at Berkeley Lake Elementary School selected Bentley for a similar honor.

"The biggest influence on my life and on my teaching has been the principles of the Bahá’í Faith," Bentley said. The importance and merit of educating children, of course, is high among those principles.

"It's important to me to reach all the children in my class and, in the process, ensure that each child's self-esteem remains high," she said, adding that she highly values communicating with children and their parents outside of school.

Bentley employs an eclectic style in her teaching methods. She has created several characters who come to class, in costume, to teach special skills or lessons. For example:

•Professor Schmitt, with a cap and gown and a (fake) mustache, gives English or vocabulary lessons.

•Miss Polly, a traditional Southern belle, likes to "drop names" and teaches about proper nouns and correct grammar.

• Capital Kid, an eraser-toting cowboy, teaches capitalization and has "shootouts" with children to correct capitalization at the chalkboard.

Raised in New York state, Kathy Bentley taught in Virginia before moving to Georgia. She and her husband, Mark, have three children. -Submitted by Al Viller, Decatur, GA

BRANDT BADOUIN, an 18-year-old Bahá’í from Chino, California, graduated from Chino High School with a 4.03 grade point average. He was awarded two major scholarships and is attending California Poly- technic University, Pomona.

ELIZABETH DWYER, a Bahá’í from Long Beach, California, was one of 700 college graduates chosen to be trained for Teach For America, the national teacher corps. The Northwestern University (Illinois) graduate's name was printed in a national magazine advertisement captioned "The Fortunate 700."

CYNTHIA EATWELL, an 11-year-old Bahá’í from Hermiston, Oregon, was honored with the President's Award For Educational Excellence, after she earned the highest score in the Statewide Academic Achievement Test in the fifth grade level, scoring in the 99th percentile in math, reading and language.

CRAIG LANGRALL, an 18-year-old Bahá’í from Phoenix, Maryland, scored a perfect 800 on the verbal section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Since graduation from the Gilman School in Baltimore, where he was awarded school prizes for literature and community service, he has entered Princeton University.

ABBAS EARL MAHVASH, a 16-year-old Bahá’í from Spring Valley, Texas, was honored last spring as "Outstanding Freshman Boy" at Memorial High School in Houston. As a ninth-grader, he won the school's 10th grade mathematics award. He also has been elected president of his class two years running.

TAHIRIH MCLAUGHLIN, a Bahá’í from Bastrop, Texas, was presented with an award for devotion to duty, outstanding accomplishments, respect for authority, integrity and striving for excellence, during her graduation ceremony from Army basic training Sept. 30 in Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

JOHANNA OFNER, an 11-year-old Bahá’í from Grimes, Iowa, received a Certificate of Merit at the statewide Invent Iowa competition last April after advancing through local and regional competitions. Her entry was the "Dish 'n' Dash," a design for a dishwashing machine that eliminates piece-by-piece unloading by cleaning dishes in racks that fit in a kitchen cabinet.

MIRANDA PELOQUIN, a 9-year-old Bahá’í from Hernando County, Florida, won second place at her grade level in the Hernando County District Science Fair last spring, after gaining first place at her school. Her project compared the fabric-staining properties of several brands of commercial juice drinks.

JULIETTE WHITTAKER, a Bahá’í from Peoria, Illinois, received a Women's Equality Day award from the local chapter of the National Organization for Women in recognition of her lifetime effort to create understanding, appreciation and respect for the diversity of the human race. The retired educator is also a 1998 recipient of the David Kellum Award from the National Spiritual Assembly.

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Tel/ 847.853.2352 Fax/ 847.256.1372 E-mail/ 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: Susanne Alexander, Addison Bibb, Daniel Bolm, Sedona Callahan, Jim Cheek, Manuchehr Derakhshani, Jerry Dick, Ken Duszynski, Heidi Greengus, Gloria Haithman, Sandy Jasnau, Ken Parel-Sewell, Roger Reini, Negeen Sobhani, Morgan Spriggs, Thad Taylor, Siavash Vojdani, Ruhi Vargha, Nancy Wong

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: Nov. 25 for the issue dated Dec. 31 Jan. 4 for the issue dated Feb. 7, 1999

PLEASE ADDRESS ALL ITEMS for possible publication to Managing Editors, The American Bahá’í, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

©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]

OUTSHINING THE DARKNESS

Service to Cause is big part of Buffalo believer’s emotional healing

BY TOM MENNILLO

We hear often that while the Faith is perfect, Bahá’ís are not.

And we see it borne out every day. After all, everyone carries into the Faith baggage from the old world and must constantly struggle to shed it.

But that’s little comfort to a young girl who has suffered abuse from people she trusted—people who happened to be active Bahá’ís.

Deana Choczynski had been that young girl. For years afterward she couldn’t reconcile that reality with her love for Bahá’u’lláh and her respect for the service her abusers performed for the rest of humanity.

She erected barriers between herself and the horrible truth. Between herself and the Faith.

But in ushering her own healing process forward, Choczynski has not only come back to the Bahá’í community—she has brought a number of young people onto a hopeful path, and helped her community glimpse a new view of service.

Deana Choczynski (seated, center) poses with some of the youth and children who regularly attend virtues classes in Buffalo, New York.

A TRAUMATIZED YOUTH

Part of a poem she wrote years ago reflects an emotional storm:

“I know everything but feel nothing. I see everything but will never allow it to be seen. I hear everything but will never allow it to be heard. This is my protection. It’s the way I exist, the way I go on, the way I’m able to live. It can never be shattered or broken, for not one word can ever be spoken.”

Choczynski’s life had imploded. Her adolescence and young adulthood were one long self-medication to numb the pain inside.

Another poem, written recently, reveals the depths she plumbed:

“I am shattered and battered, and it doesn’t even matter. I have no respect because it was taken from me. I have to pay for what was done to me. For now I am 10, and I think it’s the end. ...

“I have used and abused. I have been everywhere there is to be. I have seen everything there is to see. I still can’t find a place for me. For now I am 16. I’ve been too high to cry. I would like to die. ...”

Healing had to begin sometime. As the poem concludes, “For the rage that stays in the cage has found its door and will stay no more. Honor the rage and free the cage.”

Choczynski entered therapy, and through it what had lain hidden began to come out. But it scared her to think what else might emerge. She left therapy.

She also sought to reconnect with the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. One day she prayed: “I don’t know how to live. I don’t know how to die. OK, Bahá’u’lláh, I’m stuck here. What do I do?”

BACK HOME TO THE FAITH

Soon after, Choczynski called a friend and asked for a ride to Bahá’í school in her community of Buffalo, New York. She began teaching Bahá’í classes and with her husband, Ray, working with youth.

Young people need others who are “real and honest” in their lives, she says from experience.

Those were the mid-1990s, when the Army of Light was at its brightest. The Bahá’í youth—including, to her surprise, her daughter—were hitting the streets to attract their peers to firesides.

Before long the couple were bringing 10 to 30 young people to Bahá’í school on Sundays. And they took the kids

SEE BUFFALO, PAGE 27

Gift helps Honduras gain a national center

BY THE OFFICE OF THE TREASURER

When the Universal House of Justice called on our National Spiritual Assembly to contribute toward the purchase of a Bahá’í National Center in Honduras, it came by coincidence at one of the bleakest times in recent memory for the Central American nation: Hurricane Mitch had just struck.

Now, though it can’t erase the physical suffering, the $100,000 gift from the U.S. National Bahá’í Fund will not only help advance the Cause of God over the long term and provide a beacon for humanity in need—it will provide a small boost to the economy of a recovering nation.

The Universal House of Justice and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Honduras had consulted for some time about a suitable facility to house a new Bahá’í National Center. The Supreme Body then gave the American Bahá’í community the privilege and opportunity of helping bring it to reality.

On Oct. 29, the House of Justice notified our National Spiritual Assembly that funds were needed to finalize the Honduran sale. Miraculously, our National Fund had enough cash and within hours $100,000 was on its way to the National Assembly of Honduras.

At Ridván 1996, the beginning of the Four Year Plan, the House of Justice had asked several National Spiritual Assemblies to commit to international financial collaboration goals. No details were given; it was understood that opportunities would emerge later in the Plan.

Since that time, on notification by the Supreme Body, our National Fund has given nearly $375,000 to cover the costs of acquiring national centers in Malawi, Ukraine, Albania, Sao Tome and Principe, the West Leeward Islands and Honduras.

These funds come from the unrestricted contributions of American believers and are over and above the regular support of the Bahá’í International Fund.

Many of our sister communities in the world came into being assisted by the effort and sacrifice of American Bahá’ís. It is a great blessing for this generation of American Bahá’ís to be joined with them still in a shared endeavor to build Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order. ♦

AS A RESULT of the devastation from Hurricane Mitch, our National Spiritual Assembly has sent a substantial contribution specifically for the relief of the friends in Honduras and Nicaragua. If you wish to help this relief effort financially, send a check to the National Bahá’í Fund (address at right) along with a note indicating the money is for the relief of the friends in Honduras and/or Nicaragua. This will allow for safe and expeditious transfer of funds.

Enrollments

October 1998	128
Since May 1, 1998	829

THE FUND

May 1–October 30, 1998

Contributions received by National Treasurer

Received since May 1, 1998:	Goal for entire year:
$8,607,045	$27,000,000

• 32% of year’s goal was met
• 50% of fiscal year has passed
• April 30, 1999

Allocations to other funds

Arc Projects Fund $1,077,792

International Bahá’í Fund $604,402

The two amounts above add up to 20% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 26%)

Continental Bahá’í Fund $111,511

1.3% of contributions received by National Assembly (goal is 2%)

Other contributions: $316,086

Total revenues and expenses at Bahá’í National Center

May 1— Sept. 30, 1998 (Latest available figures)

$8,649,762

Revenues

$8,000,667

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 [Page 4]

How to help The American Bahá’í inspire hearts

As long ago as 1925 the beloved Guardian, in a communication to the National Spiritual Assembly, wrote that the national Bahá’í News Letter “should be made as representative as possible, should be replete with news, up-to-date in its information, and should arouse the keenest interest among believers ... in every corner of the globe.”

The editorial staff of The American Bahá’í hopes to continue progressing in the spirit of that mandate, bringing the American believers not only reports of activities at the national and international levels, but also helping to inspire them with news of the many local and regional successes that build the foundation for the Kingdom of God on earth.

This second part is where you come in.

We’re asking you, in a way, to don a reporter’s hat when you send us material to be published. Put some thought into the stories, letters or photographs you send, and they will shine through in their truest spirit when we pass them along to the Bahá’ís across the country.

This page contains a few guidelines to consider. We will be updating and publishing them about once a year.

IMPORTANT POINTS

• Check page 2 of The American Bahá’í every issue for deadlines coming up within the next two months.
• Please address articles, letters and photos to: Managing Editors, The American Bahá’í, 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201-1611 • e-mail

KEEP IT TIMELY

Please bear in mind that from the moment we receive any article, it might not appear in The American Bahá’í in your mailbox until a month later—at the soonest. This is because of the time needed to edit, print and mail each issue.

These automatic delays make it all the more important that you:

• Alert the editors in advance by e-mail, letter or phone if something that would interest the Bahá’ís nationwide is coming up in the next two months. We can then mention it in the Calendar of Events in a timely manner.
• Send your reports on local events promptly, ideally within a week after the happening. In most cases, if you wait much longer the report can lose relevance quickly.
• Be conscious of deadlines (which will be published on Page 2 of each issue). Send material so that it arrives well beforehand, when possible.

KEEP IT RELEVANT

The National Spiritual Assembly has set the editorial agenda of The American Bahá’í to be concerned chiefly with winning the goals of the Four Year Plan, particularly as detailed in each year’s Riḍván message from the Universal House of Justice.

• This priority leaves plenty of room for news of how communities are spreading the Word locally, using the arts in all activities, establishing training institutes, developing their administration, or otherwise advancing the process of entry by troops. But it will often prevent us from publishing articles that might otherwise be interesting.
• Letters from readers are encouraged toward an exchange of ideas and opinions, never to denigrate another’s views or attack anyone. Letters should be brief (a 250-word maximum is suggested) and may be edited for length and style. They should deal with the goals of the Four Year Plan or be in response to content of The American Bahá’í.
• Don’t be afraid to summarize, then summarize further.
• But: Don’t leave out places, dates or full names. We’d rather have too much factual information of this type than too little.
• People like to hear from people. Once you’ve summarized the essentials, add a few interesting direct quotes or actions demonstrating how people feel about the subject of your article.
• Let the praise flow from the facts or quotes. For example, if an activity contributes toward meeting national or international goals, say so. If somebody feels joy or admiration, quote that person in his or her words.
• Please understand if we have to edit for length. Even your most conscientiously condensed report may not quite fit the space we have available. We promise our best efforts to maintain accuracy and stay true to the spirit of the article.

HOLD READER INTEREST

Many of these points seem obvious, but they bear stating here:

• If it makes the biggest difference, put it first. What specific occurrences make your story come alive? What results helped your community advance the Four Year Plan? What did your event or project do for the community, for the good of humanity, for people’s hearts? Try to make your first six to 10 words contain at least some element of this most important or interesting point. You can explain in detail later in the story.
• Who, what, when, where, why, how. At least the first four of these elements should be in the first paragraph of a straight, factual report. However, the “why” or “how” often can be the most interesting part.
• Be economical with words. Rather than providing a complete list of activities or a session-by-session narrative, focus on this: What highlights would be interesting or useful to you if you lived far away?

SHOW YOUR FACES

Photographs showing active Bahá’ís are an unequaled way for The American Bahá’í to reach straight to the hearts of its readers and foster a feeling of unity. Please keep these tips in mind:

• Show activity or emotion, clearly. The best photos often show a single activity or a singular emotion in a simple, relatively uncluttered scene. Try these tests: Does the eye naturally go toward a person or thing near the center of the photo, and do you want to keep looking at it? Does the photograph evoke an emotion or mood such as joy, excitement or empathy?
• Remember appropriateness. Photos of activities should be unrehearsed, i.e. not set up. But dignity (not stiffness) of posture, clothing and setting remain essential.
• Compose pictures well. In taking the photo, try to get close to the subject, but don’t cut out tops of heads or essential parts of the action. Sometimes it’s best to hold the camera vertically, rather than horizontally, to frame the best image up close. In general, compose images with care.
• Stay in focus. Blurry images usually are unusable, so be aware of the focus and hold the camera steady.
• Try to take pictures in consistent light. Brightly lit surroundings are best, but beware of splotchy shadows in the picture—they can be distracting and cause problems in printing.
• Let the faces show. Make sure the faces in the photos you choose are well-lit and can be seen clearly against the background.
• Identify people and their activities. We don’t want to guess who is doing what in a photo. Rather than writing caption information on the back of a photo, the best method is to type or write it on a separate sheet included in the mailing. If two or more photos are included, state clearly which caption belongs to each photo.
• High-quality prints or slides. We can use color or black-and-white prints or slides. Please avoid sending negatives.
• Handle with care. Mail photos in a proper envelope or with relatively stiff cardboard included to prevent folding.

A SPECIAL NOTE ON SENDING PHOTOS ELECTRONICALLY

We would really prefer that you send original photo prints or slides. This allows us to prepare the image for printing in a professional manner from the start.

However, if you must send a computerized version of a photo because of time constraints or other reasons, please note:

• Scan the photo in a high resolution. Photo prints should be scanned at 300 dpi resolution. The Internet standard (72 dpi) is simply too coarse for printing on paper. As for slides, unless you have them professionally scanned, please allow us to scan them to avoid more complex resolution problems.
• Send us a JPEG or TIFF-format image. Other formats, such as .bmp, .tga or .gif don’t translate well to the printed page.
• Ship the photo on disk if possible, rather than e-mail. Electronic photo files suitable for our use are usually so large (often larger than 1 MB) that sending them over e-mail raises the danger that a little transmission problem will ruin the whole image.

SPACE LIMITS: ITEMS WE USUALLY WON’T PRINT

In order to keep the space in the paper manageable, here are some items we will most often turn down:

• Lengthy commentaries, unless filled with new, relevant information.
• Articles not dealing directly with the goals of the Four Year Plan, except for Excellence in All Things and obituaries.
• Advance articles/display ads promoting upcoming local activities, except those sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly, its agencies, or Regional Bahá’í Councils. If a locally sponsored activity is truly geared to invite Bahá’ís from the whole nation, or at least from an entire region, it can be listed in advance in the Calendar of Events.

HELP US HELP YOU

To keep communication at its smoothest, please take the following into consideration:

• Give us a means to contact you. E-mail and telephones (especially a daytime phone number) are the fastest and often most satisfactory channels for follow-up communication, so we encourage you to provide those along with your return address.
• Understand we can’t reply to every contributor. Let this stand as a blanket statement of thanks for your generosity and helpfulness. We have so many submissions that we can’t reply to every one separately and still produce the paper. However, you are welcome to call this office to confirm whether we received a particular article or photo.
• Understand we can’t always promise publication. Even if your article meets the deadline, last-minute decisions often must be made that delay publication of otherwise deserving items.
• If you want photos or documents returned: Let us know clearly which items you wish returned. Please include a suitable self-addressed envelope in your mailing if possible, and state clearly any special requirements for mailing or shipping.

[Page 5]

Brilliant Star KID’S CORNER

rich & noble, too!

LIANG FOUND A WONDERFUL STORY showing just how generous ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was. After the story, Liang has a fun activity for you! Enjoy!

In the home of Bahá’u’lláh, there was a beautiful rug. One day, a poor Arab brought a load of wood to the house. He saw the rug and was very much attracted by its beauty. Out of generosity, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá told him, “If you like the rug, take it.” The man could not believe it was really a gift, so he put it over his shoulder and began to run. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá reassured him and said, “Go on, no one is going to take it away from you.”

—From Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Activity by Treasurer’s Office

A GIFT FOR ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ!

If you were going to make a rug as a gift to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, what would it look like? What colors or patterns would you use? Design your own beautiful rug in any way you like. We’ve started one for you below. Give your rug to a friend and tell them the story about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s kindness. Or, cut it out and send it in with your contribution to the Bahá’í Funds in memory of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s generosity!

A gift to: ___________________________________ From: ___________________________________

Illustration by Heidi Greengus

“And if, at any time, any gift were presented to Him, that gift was accepted as a token of His grace unto him that offered it.” —Bahá’u’lláh

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!

Our upcoming themes: Dynamics of Prayer Study of the Holy Texts Inspired to Teach

Send mail to: Brilliant Star (Submissions) Managing Editor BRILLIANT STAR c/o Bahá’í Media Services 1233 Central St. • Evanston, IL 60201 tel/847.853.2355 • fax/847.256.1372

How do you feel about prayer?

The next issue of Brilliant Star will talk about the power of prayer. When we pray, we express our love for God. We thank God and ask for God’s help, too. Why do we pray? What happens ‎we when‎ you pray? How do you feel when you pray? Do you have a special story about how prayers helped you or your friends in a tough situation? Do you have a favorite prayer? Share your thoughts with us! Please include your age and Bahá’í community with your name.

‎BRILLANT BRILLIANT‎ STAR SUBSCRIPTION FORM

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TAB/11.23.98 [Page 6]

Community of 1,400 rises at Green Lake event

BY RAMZIA DUSZYNSKI

The weekend of Sept. 18-20 went too fast—for me and for most of the 1,400 participants in the Green Lake Bahá’í Conference.

It was my first visit to this conference, and I think we started a family tradition for ourselves. Green Lake has become a special tradition to many families, an opportunity to meet old and make new friends and to recharge spiritual batteries.

What was so special about this event on the shores of picturesque Green Lake, Wisconsin? Why does it attract so many people, making it the largest Bahá’í conference of its kind? I think I know the answer: It’s the spirit of Green Lake—the great feeling of unity and togetherness that attracts the hearts of many friends. Green Lake took my heart, too.

The conference began in 1960 with only a handful of participants. Over the years those tiny seeds have been carefully nurtured into a beautiful garden of love and fellowship.

Three new aspects enlivened this year’s timely, informative gathering:

• The Regional Bahá’í Council of the Central States, in its first year, participated as a whole.
• Dr. Peter Khan, a member of the Universal House of Justice, gave a far-reaching address to the friends on the condition of the Bahá’í Faith in relation to the state of the world.
• At the same time, Green Lake had its first full-fledged youth conference, “In the Footsteps of Badasht.”

The theme of the conference—“The Blue Bench: The Presence of Bahá’u’lláh”—was based on the concept of individual teaching: What can you do as an individual to feel closer to God?

A blue bench in the main conference room symbolized the presence of Bahá’u’lláh, intended to inspire a clear vision of one’s personal relationship with Bahá’u’lláh.

Participants had the option to listen to speakers, meet with special guests or friends, participate in workshops and seminars, attend lectures or children’s classes or take part in specially planned family activities.

The Regional Bahá’í Council took the opportunity “to appear before the many Bahá’ís of the region at one time,” said Council chairman Caswell Ellis. “Additionally, it allowed us the opportunity to present the primary elements of the teaching plan for the Central States.”

The Council organized two workshops, one for youth. “We had a

SEE GREEN LAKE, PAGE 39

Green Lake Bahá’í Conference committee members Lori Block (left) and Jocelyn Boor (right) share a few happy words with conference-goers as the weekend event in Wisconsin continues. Photos by Ken Duszynski

“I was an Auxiliary Board member in the Midwest for a number of years. The highlight to me is seeing people who were new Bahá’ís 23 years ago when I left. ... now they have become very strong, very firm, very devoted in the Faith. ...

“I think the central need for us is to persist in our efforts to express the teachings with confidence that those efforts will yield the practical result in due course, ... in the spirit of understanding and fellowship, so gradually they will be attracted to the truth.” —Peter Khan, member, Universal House of Justice

National Assemblies get benefit of external affairs training

National Spiritual Assemblies from five continents were represented by 15 people at Green Acre Bahá’í School Oct. 10-18 in a historic initiative to help national Bahá’í communities encourage their governments to support human rights education.

The weeklong Human Rights Education Training Seminar, called for by the Universal House of Justice, was conducted by members of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) Office in New York, along with Kit Cosby of the Office of the ‎Secertary Secretary‎ for External Affairs in Washington, D.C., and Gerald Filson, a member of the Office of External Affairs of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.

The training session was aimed at supporting the development and implementation of external affairs strategies on a global scale.

Trainees enjoyed musical performances by the Northeast Regional Bahá’í Gospel Choir, Susan Lewis Wright and the Salt River Trio.

Other presentations focused on the history and spiritual significance of Green Acre. Trainees were led on tours to the sites visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His 1912 visit, and to the grave of the Hand of the Cause of God Louis Gregory.

Fifteen National Spiritual Assembly representatives attending the Human Rights Education Training Seminar gather at Green Acre Bahá’í School. First row (left to right): Margaret Elias, Papua New Guinea; Humaida Jumalon, the Philippines; Tuku Akuri John, Cameroon; Maria Morera de Keillor, Costa Rica; Brendan McNamara, Ireland; Jerry Jacobs, South Africa. Second row: Peyvand Khaleghian, New Zealand; Jutta Bayani, Luxembourg; Amelia Youssefi, Brazil (Latin American Office of External Affairs). Third row: Bharat Koirala, Nepal; Sheryl Maillor, New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands; Elena Florentina Muntean, Romania; Afsaw Tessema, Ethiopia. Back row: Sergei Poselski, Russia; Valerie Lewis-O’Bryan, Jamaica. Photo courtesy of Green Acre

Fall programming at Green Acre continues the weekend after Thanksgiving, Nov. 27-29, when Counselor Tod Ewing presents “The Most Vital and Challenging Issue: Meeting the Challenge With Honor.” This text-based course will explore how to create vibrant models of unity in our communities, with applications for “deliberately cultivating” freedom from racial prejudice. The course will draw on the recently published compilation Toward Oneness. Registration begins at noon Nov. 27.

Kambeze Etemad facilitates a special Study Intensive Dec. 11-13 for high-school youth in grades 10-12. This “Apostles Training Academy” will be a transformative program of study and preparation to become Apostles of Bahá’u’lláh. Enrollment is limited; contact the registrar in advance for an application.

Green Acre’s annual Winter School, scheduled Dec. 26-31, will feature guest presenter Jane Faily on the role of individuals and families in response to the Four Year Plan. A variety of afternoon workshops and activities are included, plus sessions for all ages, including junior-high and high-school youth.

A Weekend Retreat for Seekers will be held Jan. 22-24. This cozy winter weekend by the fireside will offer the opportunity to learn more about Bahá’u’lláh and the teachings of His Faith.

Just in time for Ayyám-i-Há and the Holy Days to follow, a “Special Days” Parent/Child Weekend will be offered at Green Acre Feb. 5-7. Families can deepen their spiritual connection to Ayyám-i-Há, Naw-Rúz, the Fast and Ridván as they prepare for them with projects and activities facilitated by Pepper Oldziey.

Local Spiritual Assemblies that would like to hold a weekend retreat at Green Acre’s Ole Bull Cottage during December, January or February can contact the registrar for information on special rates.

For more information or a brochure, contact Green Acre (phone 207-439-7200, e-mail ). ♦ [Page 7]

Radio Bahá’í finally gets a permanent facility

BY TOM MENNILLO

The Radio Bahá’í “air force” has a shiny new base of operations but remains ever aware of its support role in reaching souls with the message of Bahá’u’lláh.

In recent months, WLGI-FM 90.9 moved its studios at the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, from a dilapidated trailer to a modern facility across the street.

The brick ranch-style former residence also houses the station’s offices, bringing the on-air and administrative staff together for the first time.

Construction began three years ago, with volunteers from many communities working side by side with station staff “to rip out Sheetrock, knock down walls, and remove windows,” said veteran Radio Bahá’í program manager Ernie Hilton.

Then new walls went up, separating three studios from office and storage spaces, along with new sandwich-type windows to soundproof the building—or at least muffle the sound. Hilton says recording of spots must pause whenever a mower passes outside, for example.

Outside contractors were called in to do the intricate finishing work. By February, tech adviser Stephan Dimitroff and former general manager Greg Kintz began hooking up the boards and consoles.

The result is a home that WLGI personnel are proud to invite people into. In fact, a public grand opening was planned upon completion of driveway paving.

“We had to deliver Bahá’u’lláh’s message from a raggedy trailer that was about to fall down around our ears,” recalled production manager Laurie “CJ the DJ” Cohen, a longtime staffer.

At the new studios, by contrast, “people feel the spirit when they come in,” she said.

Just as important, “our own spirit has lifted here,” Cohen said. “It’s so important for us to keep attracting people. If we let our own struggles come through over the air we will lose folks.”

Fortunately, that hasn’t happened.

“We really feel like we’re on a roll,” Cohen said. “We’re getting more recognition and more people are listening.”

These days, radio staffers walk into a restaurant or store and “people recite dialogue from spots we put on the air,” she said. “Little indicators like that tell us we’re doing the right things.”

Those “things” include pursuing the station’s core mission—to deepen area Bahá’ís—plus enhancing the teaching work and fostering the social and economic development of a rural, chiefly African-American audience.

Cohen and Hilton know there’s a long way to go on that score. They put so much staff time into keeping Radio Bahá’í on the air 15 hours a day, seven days a week that, for example, writing and producing in-depth deepening programs has taken a back seat.

“We’ve been really, really good at [priorities] No. 2 and No. 3,” Cohen said. “We’ve been really, really bad at No. 1.”

Then there are other time-consuming tasks staffers perform willingly, from keeping computers at the Institute humming to answering phones and doing maintenance.

“It doesn’t matter what title’s on the door,” Hilton said. “If we get our hands dirty in the gardens or working the tractor, it doesn’t matter. We’re all here to do one thing: to get Bahá’u’lláh’s word out there and serve the Cause.”

But they acknowledged a little help from the friends could go a long way:

• Additional Bahá’í-produced educational segments are needed on topics such as health care and gardening. The staff encourages experts in a topic area to send in 90- to 150-second scripts or, if they have access to good equipment, to record the scripts.
• The same plea goes out to Bahá’í musicians. Songs in such genres as jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip-hop are always welcome. And there’s a crying need for 30- or 60-second “music beds” for spots.

In the final analysis, though, a Bahá’í radio station can do only so much to advance the Cause.

“We’re like an air force, ‘bombing’ people 15 hours a day with the love of God,” Cohen said. “But Radio Bahá’í doesn’t make Bahá’ís. It takes infantry to get out there and get in people’s faces and say, ‘OK, what do you need to know about Bahá’u’lláh to become a Bahá’í?’” ◆

Volunteer disc jockey Clifford Matthews (above) shows off Studio A at the new permanent facility for WLGI Radio (at left), near Hemingway, South Carolina. Photos by Tom Mennillo

Detroit community goes international to celebrate Assembly’s 75th year

More than 150 Bahá’ís and friends of Bahá’ís honored the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Detroit at an Oct. 17 celebration in the International Institute of Metro Detroit.

Principal speaker Reggie Newkirk, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada, gave an informative talk on the nature of a Local Spiritual Assembly—its functions, duties and responsibilities to the community as a whole as well as to the Bahá’í community.

Opening prayers and three songs from the Detroit Bahá’í Gospel Choir, based on Bahá’í prayers, launched a program that featured several commemorations, honors and greetings for the Assembly from:

• The Universal House of Justice, which assured the Assembly of its prayers at the Sacred Shrines for the success of this event.
• The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States.
• The Regional Bahá’í Council of the Central States.
• The Local Spiritual Assemblies of Windsor, Ontario, and Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
• U.S. Rep. John Conyers and U.S. Sen. Carl Levin.
• The state of Michigan, in a resolution presented by state Sen. Jackie Vaughn.
• A personal note of congratulations from Peter Khan, member of the Universal House of Justice, who lived in the nearby Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti areas during the 1960s and 1970s.

After the formal program concluded with prayers, the atmosphere became truly festive, with dancing and general celebration.

—Submitted by Roger Reini, Westland, MI ◆

HELP WANTED: PIONEERS

Combining to such a degree the essential qualities of audacity • of consecration of tenacity • of self-renunciation and unstinted devotion that will prompt them to abandon their homes, and forsake their all, and scatter over the surface of the globe, and hoist in its uttermost corners the triumphant banner of Bahá’u’lláh

(Requirements from The Advent of Divine Justice)

Contact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail ) [Page 8]

Conferences at Bosch face equality and healing issues

The beautiful autumn weather set the scene for two important conferences at Bosch Bahá’í School.

The National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men presented a three-day training seminar for the Western Region, Sept. 17–20, featuring Randa Wilbur and Larry Miller in leadership and public speaking skills training. Committee members Cynthia Thomas and Mike Rogell facilitated a study and discussion of the statement Two Wings of a Bird. Attendance was limited, but interest in the workshop was high.

The Bahá’í network on AIDS, Sexuality, Addiction and Abuse (BNASAA) Annual Conference, Sept. 24–27, featured Counselor Wilma Ellis as plenary speaker, with workshops on related topics and sharing/consultation on these important issues. The loving, spiritual, supportive environment was a demonstration of the power of the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh. An “Evening of the Sacred” and tribute to the late Sam McClellan, who had worked closely with BNASAA prior to his passing, added a special spiritual quality to the weekend.

December programs at Bosch will present a variety of offerings for both head and heart, as well as practical application of the Writings in today’s world, starting with the outstanding Wilmette Institute’s course on Islam, Dec. 18-20 (see box at right).

Take a break from the materialism of the holiday season with Winter School at Bosch, Dec. 30–Jan. 3. Hearts and spirits will be uplifted by the inspirational stories and personal accounts of Shelia and Amin Banani in “Glimpses of the Guardian” as they share historical perspectives, personal experiences and stories from Amin’s father, the Hand of the Cause of God Musa Banani. As Knights of Bahá’u’lláh who opened Greece to the Faith in 1953, the Bananis have many recollections from the time of the global expansion of the Faith orchestrated by Shoghi Effendi. Another perspective on the Guardian will be presented by Jerry Sinclair with “The Most Vital and Challenging Issue in Today’s World.”

The San Francisco Bahá’í Youth Workshop will perform and an “Evening of the Sacred” will begin the new year with beauty and reverence.

The Grassroots Education Conference, Dec. 27–Jan. 1, will provide an opportunity to share and to learn what is happening in the world of Bahá’í education. This working conference is meant to help Bahá’í educators cooperatively forge common principles, practices and administrative structures for spiritually based education. Participants will consult in depth on practical topics and problems, and participate in workshops sharing successful teaching methodologies, learning strategies, techniques and materials. If you are working in education—or are planning to open a Bahá’í school—this conference is for you!

The Calendar of Events lists other winter offerings. With the variety of upcoming sessions, we’re sure there will be something for everyone. Contact Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 408-423-3387, fax 408-423-7564, e-mail ).

LAST WILMETTE INSTITUTE MINICOURSE AT BOSCH

The last Wilmette Institute course on world religions, focusing on Islam, will be held Dec. 18–20 at Bosch Bahá’í School. Presenters are Brian Miller and Muin Afnani, both researchers in Islamic studies. Topics will include:

• Major Themes of the Qur’án.
• Early History of Islam and Development of Islamic Civilization.
• Islamic Doctrines and Beliefs.
• Islamic Mysticism as a Context for Studying the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Students will have the option of doing home study projects after the classes end to deepen their knowledge. The course costs $75 if one registers two weeks in advance, and $100 if one registers at the door. Call Bosch to register. If you have questions, call Robert Stockman at the Wilmette Institute, 847-733-3425. ♦

Youth programs at Louhelen help answer perennial question

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Young people hear this question over and over. Yet the question is usually asked with only one meaning—career, profession or vocation. The richer meanings of this question are seldom considered.

What kind of person do you want to become? What kind of virtues and moral character do you want to develop and be known for? What spiritual attributes will define who you really are? What kind of husband, wife, father, mother, neighbor, friend will you be? “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Social influences can bind us into a sophisticated prison, where our possibilities seem limited. The vast potentials endowed on us by God may become narrowed by materialism, peer pressure and popular culture. How can we learn to hear the seemingly small voice within us that calls us to a higher path, to our nobler nature, to our full potential?

Thinking in new ways about these richer questions are a large part of what youth programs are all about at Louhelen Bahá’í School.

IMMEDIATE NEED FOR YOUTH VOLUNTEERS

Louhelen has an immediate need for additional Youth Service Corps volunteers, age 18 or older. Enlarge your vision of service to the Cause and service to humanity! Watch as your efforts are connected to the progress of the Cause. Work hard. Experience the national and international Bahá’í community first-hand as thousands ‎or of‎ students and visitors come and go at this major crossroads of Bahá’í life. Deepen and grow spiritually. Volunteers are needed now! Contact Louhelen for details.

INSTITUTES FOR YOUTH

Each of us is a fingerprint of ... How would you say it? ... of God? ... of the Universe? Each of us is connected to a large universal Plan of God that includes everything that has ever been created. Each of us urgently needs to know who and what we are and to take up our personal work in the universal, eternal Plan of God.

All of history has been pointing toward this moment. All the forces of the universe are surging toward a new civilization on earth. Is each of us in tune with the Plan? Do we know how best to make a positive difference? Is our life a signpost pointing in a new direction for humanity, or are we wandering lost among the confused masses of a declining society?

If we are truly a fingerprint of God, a signpost for humankind, we need time to honor this station, study its meaning, and reflect on how we can grow in our capacity to live an active, uplifting life.

All the youth courses ‎are at‎ Louhelen are intended to stimulate spiritual reflection, study and growth toward who each of us really is as a blessed child of Bahá’u’lláh. Today’s youth are taking part in the most significant endeavor in earth’s history. Connect yourself to this story. Attend one of these upcoming programs at Louhelen. For details contact Louhelen Bahá’í School, 3208 S. State Road, Davison, MI 48423 (phone 810-653-5033, fax 810-653-7181, e-mail ).

A youth counselor works with a participant in last summer’s Camp Louhelen Children’s Institute at Louhelen Bahá’í School. This is one of a variety of ways youth can work on bringing out their full potential at the school. Photo by Jim Cheek

Dec. 27–Jan. 1: Winter School, for families with children and youth of all ages. Concentrated study of the Four Year Plan and the Ridván 155 message, in the light of the ‎pinciples principles‎ explained in the Kitáb-i-Íqán. With Habib Riazati and music by Brenda and Rick Snyder.

Feb. 26–28: Family Session, for families with children and youth of all ages.

March 19–20: Naw-Rúz Session, for families with children and youth of all ages.

April 2–5: Institute for Young Women, for girls ages 12–17.

April 9–11: Youth Eagle Institute, for youth ages 15 and older.

April 30–May 2: Junior Youth Institute, for youth ages 12–15.

May 7–9: Parent-Child Weekend, for families with children and youth of all ages. ♦ [Page 9]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

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

MUSIC

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

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

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

We’re Moving!

Dear Friends,

The Bahá’í Distribution Service will be relocating to a new facility at the end of December. We are excited about the move and the new warehouse and offices. Since this relocation requires that we close operations for a short time, we wish to let you know how it may affect service.

We are currently scheduled to close the last two weeks of December. If you plan to order from us during this month, please be sure to send your order so that we receive it prior to December 15. Orders received before this date will be processed and shipped before we discontinue operations. Any orders received after this date will be filled after we are set up in the new facility. We plan to reopen on January 4, 1999.

Orders placed after December 15 can be sent via e-mail to the same email address:

Mail orders and all other correspondence, returns, etc., should be sent to:

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

Of course, if you prefer to call, the toll-free number will be the same: 800-999-9019.

With warmest greetings,

The Staff of the Bahá’í Distribution Service [Page 10]

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

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

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 that exist in our society, problems which 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

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

The Straight Path (SP10) $4.00/10 pack

Excerpted from a message of the Universal House of Justice to a Bahá’í Unity Conference in Navajoland, this long out-of-print pamphlet has been redesigned and reissued to assist with teaching efforts among Native American populations. In a few short paragraphs the Universal House of Justice introduces Bahá’u’lláh as a Messenger from God, describes His mission and explains our part in it.

Bahá’í Publishing Trust, United States

Would You Have Known Jesus? by John Adler $3.50/10pk, $25.00/100, $180.00/1000 (WYHKJ)

“Would you have known Jesus?” is a question that many teachers in the Cause would like to ask a Christian, but without risk of offense. In this pamphlet the question is put directly in the context of Christian belief and brought into the present by presenting Bahá’u’lláh as the Promised One foretold by Christ. At once challenging and subtle, this pamphlet may well help a seeker to look more closely into their own hearts for the answer to this question.

Stonehaven Press

Racial Healing in the Bahá’í Faith by Gary Matthews $3.50/10pk, $25.00/100, $180.00/1000 (RHBF)

A balanced, well-written introduction to the Bahá’í views on prejudice and its elimination. Presents concisely, yet formidably, the concept of prejudice and its origin, the spiritual solution for its elimination, and the concept of race in the Bahá’í community.

Stonehaven Press [Page 11]

Like Pure Gold

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, United States

Love, Power, and Justice

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, United States

BACK IN STOCK

• Family Virtues Guide • (FVGS) $14.95
• Bahá’í References to Judaism, Christianity and Islam • (BRJ) $24.95
• Bahá’í Wall Calendar • (BWC) $2.95
• Bahá’í Datebook • (BDB) $2.95
• Multifaith Resource Planner • (MRP) $9.95
• Multifaith Calendar • (MFC99) $11.95
• Bahá’í History Calendar • (BHC) $7.50

Ali’s Dream

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, United States

Divine Art of Revelation

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 for 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, United States

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A look at regional schools’ role at the dawn of training institutes

BY THE EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS OFFICE

The role of regional summer and winter schools has never been more important than now. The more than 30 regional summer and winter Bahá’í schools exist for specific purposes mandated by Shoghi Effendi: “deepening the knowledge, stimulating the zeal, and fostering the spirit of fellowship among the believers in every Bahá’í community.”

Their role will become increasingly important as we welcome more and more new believers to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Regional schools often provide the first opportunity for a new believer to deepen his/her knowledge of the teachings and history of the Faith in a systematic fashion and to participate in “close and intense community life.”

Summer school is a place for everyone to return, year after year, to replenish and refresh the soul, mind and body from daily devotion, study, fellowship and recreation. For many children and youth this is the place where their identity as Bahá’ís is cemented. This is the way it has been for more than 70 years since the first Bahá’í schools started in America.

Kids of all ages gather in the sunshine at last summer’s Four Corners Bahá’í School south of Gallup, New Mexico.

UPCOMING FALL AND WINTER SCHOOLS

Nov. 26–29: Menucha Bahá’í School (Western Oregon) Facilities: Conference center east of Portland. Program: Personal Spiritual Transformation/Individual’s Role in Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops. Speakers to include Joan McBride and William Allmart. Cost: Adult $140, youth $100; more private lodging, $180. Registrar: Oregon Bahá’í Schools Committee West c/o Portland, OR 97213. Pre-register with 50% deposit. More information: Lynne Nesbit (phone 503-282-0182, e-mail). Nov. 26–29: Florida Bahá’í School Facilities: Holiday Inn, Cocoa Beach. Program: “Action.” Speakers include John Hatcher, Howard Tangler, Javidukht Khadem and others; Persian sessions; youth and children’s classes. Registrar and for more information: Denise Godsey, Pompano Beach, FL (phone 954-942-1844, e-mail). Pre-register, pay by Nov. 9 for 20% discount. Dec. 26–29: Montana Youth Rendezvous Facilities: Ursuline Center, 2300 Central, Great Falls, Montana. Program: For youth and mature pre-youth. Tentatively to be on marriage and preparing for marriage. Cost: $60–$85 depending on accommodation; food and conference fees included. Registrar: Sandi Marisdotter, Helena, MT 59601 (phone 406-442-7526). Pre-register with $10 deposit per person. More information: E-mail Kay Maloney or see the Web site (www.nvdi.com/mtbahai/mbs/). Dec. 31, 1998–Jan. 3, 1999: Texas Bahá’í Winter School Facilities: Green Family Camp, Bruceville, TX. Program: “The Life of Bahá’u’lláh”; speakers to include David and Margaret Ruhe, Darius and Grace Shahrokh. Registrar: Muhammed Mazidi, P.O. Box 381653, Duncanville, TX 75138-1653. Jan. 1–2, 1999: Heartland Bahá’í School (Illinois) Facilities: Springfield Hilton, Springfield, Illinois. Program: “Strengthening the Family: Nuclear, Extended and Spiritual”; classes on marriage, preparation for marriage, parenting, aging, individuals and the Local Spiritual Assembly. Registrar: Carl Clingenpeel, Aurora, IL 60504 (phone 630-898-0520). More information: See the Web site (empath.vp.uiuc.edu/heartland/). Jan. 29–31, 1999: Iowa Bahá’í School Facilities: Valley West Inn, West Des Moines, Iowa. Program: “Prepare the Way—Welcoming Diversity.” Programs for adults, youth and children. Registrar: Al Prosser, West Des Moines, IA 50265 (phone 515-224-4966). ♦

• Schools and institutes: centers of learning. Summer and winter schools are referred to by Shoghi Effendi as centers of learning. The Universal House of Justice uses the same term for training institutes. Both these centers of learning have significant roles to play in advancing the process of entry by troops.

Schools and training institutes share many objectives, such as preparing teachers, infusing a deep love of Bahá’u’lláh in the heart of each participant, and fostering a firm Bahá’í identity. Both use devotion and intense study of the Sacred Writings as the primary vehicles for achieving these goals.

• Difference in focus. Training institutes are charged with “training” believers in specific skills needed “to foster and facilitate the process of entry by troops with efficiency and love.” They are action- and goal-oriented.

The work of the schools is no less important. In addition to seeing the schools as “the best preparation for all prospective Bahá’í teachers,” Shoghi Effendi also envisioned the schools’ tremendous role in shaping Bahá’í community life. They do this by fostering enthusiasm to serve and infusing “in the hearts of all those present such spirit as will enable them to translate the ideals of the Cause into daily deeds of constructive living ... not only in their theoretical aspect, but first and foremost in their relation to the present day needs and requirements of Bahá’í Community life.”

Summer and winter schools offer a working model of Bahá’í community life. Importantly, they offer recreation and fellowship as components of their curriculum in addition to study and devotion.

Another distinction is that regional schools at this point are limited in duration, lasting three to 10 days. Institutes, by contrast, are ongoing and offer courses year-round.

• Different organs, one body. As distinct parts of an organic Administrative Order, schools and institutes still are likely to work together at times to create programs at the regional level.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá observed, “Thus when that unifying force, the penetrating influence of the Word of God, taketh effect ... This diversity, this difference is like the naturally created dissimilarity and variety of the limbs and organs of the human body, for each one contributeth to the beauty, efficiency and perfection of the whole. ...”

• New regional schools. The National Spiritual Assembly sees regional schools as a vital element in the life of the American Bahá’í community. It recently appointed new regional school committees in Western Washington and Indiana, and new committees in Louisiana and Georgia are pending.

Surveying the opportunities for service and growth before us, we are reminded by the Guardian: “The institutions of summer and winter schools, so vital and beneficial at the present stage in the development of the Faith, must be continually expanded, enriched and consolidated.” ♦

Combined ‘Irfán Colloquia take intensive look at Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh

The first-ever simultaneous Persian and English sessions of the ‘Irfán Colloquium drew nearly 150 people to Louhelen Bahá’í School on Oct. 9–12, with most of the dozens of scholarly presentations focusing on the revelation of Bahá’u’lláh in the years before His exile to ‘Akká.

The 19th (Persian language) and 20th (English) ‘Irfán Colloquia were part of a series of conferences sponsored each year since 1993 in North America and Europe by the Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund.

“‘Irfán” is a Persian word referring to mystical, theological, and spiritual knowledge.

The Persian session, attended by about 120, featured 17 presentations focusing on the revelation of Bahá’u’lláh during the Istanbul-Adrianople period (1863–68).

The colloquium opened with a summary of that period, then each presentation focused on a specific tablet—for example, the Tablet of the Branch, the Kitáb-i-Badí‘ (the longest work by Bahá’u’lláh not yet translated into English), Bahá’u’lláh’s mathnaví (a poem), the tablets to the Kings, etc.

Themed talks considered “The Vanguard of the Revelation of Laws,” “Pantheism and the Station of the Manifestation of God,” “The Most Great Separation,” “Human Rights and Collective Security” and “Principles of Bahá’í Theology.”

Every evening a panel discussion with all the day’s speakers allowed the audience to ask questions. Persian songs and music by Shokouh Reza’i and Manuchehr Vahman followed, along with socializing.

The English session, with an audience of 25, opened with three talks on the Bahá’í Faith and Christianity. The other 12 presentations over the weekend dealt with many of the tablets featured in the Persian session.

Both colloquia had special sessions devoted to the sesquicentennial of the Conference of Badasht. Special programs for children followed the same themes as the conference.

The Haj Mehdi Arjmand Memorial Fund was established in 1992 to foster study of the scriptures of the world’s religions from a Bahá’í perspective. It was named in honor of Haj Mehdi Arjmand (1861–1941), a Persian Bahá’í well-known for his profound knowledge of the Bible, Qur’án and Bahá’í scriptures.

The booklet of abstracts from the 20th colloquium (36 pages), as well as abstract booklets for many other English-language sessions, are available for $3 each from the Research Office, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091. Checks should be made to the Bahá’í Services Fund.

Eventually many of the papers will be published in a series of Arjmand-sponsored volumes.

Next year’s ‘Irfán colloquia in English and Persian will be held at Louhelen over the Columbus Day weekend. ♦ [Page 13]

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 ).

ACS GROWING

The Automatic Contribution System (ACS) is growing—both in the number of participants and in the total amount of contributions received. October’s ACS contributions were well over $300,000, representing more than 2,600 individuals, Local Spiritual Assemblies and registered groups. The ACS is a great assistance in that it guarantees an amount each month that is available for the work of the Cause at all levels. Please share this information with your community and make available the forms for subscribing to ACS. Forms can be obtained from the Office of the Treasurer (phone 847-733-3472) and copied for distribution locally.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS DISCONTINUED

As year’s end approaches, friends in your community may still be expecting an annual summary statement of their total contributions to the National Fund. Please remind the friends that these summary statements for mail-in contributions have been discontinued. The receipts issued for each individual mail-in contribution can be used as proof of the contribution for tax purposes. Summary statements are now issued only for total annual contributions through the Automatic Contribution System. This change in procedure represents significant savings to the National Fund.

WAYS TO GIVE

There are a number of ways to support the Funds of the Faith in addition to gifts of cash. Gifts of appreciated stock have been mentioned previously in this column. This is one of several methods known as “planned giving,” and can result in significant tax savings for the contributor, sometimes making it possible to make a larger gift than anticipated. “Ways to Give,” a booklet that describes many options for giving, is available through the Office of the Treasurer (phone 847-733-3472, e-mail ). Individual copies are free and local treasurers can order a supply for $3.50 per dozen. Treasurers: The year’s end is a good time to share this information with the friends.

DELAYED REMITTANCES

Occasionally treasurers delay in remitting contributions made for the International and National Funds. Unfortunately, this delays the fulfillment of the individual contributor’s wish to support the Faith. It may also cause interest income to be lost to the institution receiving the gift, as all interest accrued on the gift belongs to that institution. In light of these considerations, whenever possible, we will want to avoid delays in remitting the contributions of the friends to the institutions for which they are intended.

REGARDING UNIVERSAL PARTICIPATION...

“The unity of the believers, rich and poor alike, in their support of the Fund will be a source of spiritual confirmations far beyond our capacity to envisage.” —The Universal House of Justice, Sept. 17, 1992 ◆

Updated modules refresh Assembly training programs

Six new training workshops will soon be available for the development of Local Spiritual Assemblies, in the broadest refinement yet of the 10-year-old Assembly Development Module program.

The Office of Assembly Development is releasing these module workshops on topics vital to Assembly functioning:

• A Sense of Partnership: The Individual and the Spiritual Assembly
• Loving Shepherds of the Multitudes: Applying Spiritual and Administrative Principles
• Builders of Communities: Stress Management and the Bahá’í Community
• Channels of Divine Guidance: The Spiritual Nature of the Local Spiritual Assembly
• Channels of Divine Guidance: Consultation Part One: Developing the Requisites of Consultation
• Channels of Divine Guidance: Consultation Part Two: Consulting in Unity and Harmony

Some of these modules are entirely new, while others are extensive revisions of existing modules.

Module workshops utilize the Bahá’í Writings as the basis of experiential learning exercises that help participants understand the concepts, apply them to their communities, and develop personal action steps to help cement the learning.

The latest in adult learning theory, along with the Core Curriculum model of instruction, have been utilized to ensure that the experience is a practical step in an Assembly’s development.

The modules are designed for individual Assemblies but can be used for groups of Assemblies or full communities. They can be done in any order except for the two modules on consultation, for which Part One should be done before Part Two.

Basic module workshops are around three hours long, and contain optional exercises that can extend the session if more time is available. Shortening the modules is discouraged, since the topics are multi-faceted and the experiential nature of the exercises, while more effective, is more time-consuming than other formats. However, some shortening is possible since the workshops are divided into separate segments by theme or objective.

Communities without access to an Assembly Development representative may purchase the Facilitator’s Guide. This complete and specific guide makes it possible for anyone with training skills to present the modules. Assemblies are encouraged, however, to select objective facilitators from outside their community to increase acceptance by participants.

The Office of Assembly Development will continue to revise them and create new ones on topics of concern to Local Spiritual Assemblies. These will be announced in The American Bahá’í as they become available.

Other modules, not yet revised but still available, include:

• Teaching and the Spiritual Assembly.
• Connecting the Hearts to the Fund.
• Bahá’í Social and Economic Development.
• Celebrating Diversity.
• That East and West May Embrace.
• Cultivating and Integrating the Arts in our Bahá’í Community Life. ◆

TO ARRANGE AN ASSEMBLY DEVELOPMENT MODULE WORKSHOP IN YOUR COMMUNITY:

FACILITATOR

• Contact one of the 56 trained Assembly Development representatives around the country. If you don’t know which representative is in your area, check the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org) or contact the Office of Assembly Development, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3490, e-mail ).
• If your community doesn’t have access to an Assembly Development representative, please select a facilitator, preferably somebody objective from outside your community.

MATERIALS

• If an Assembly Development representative conducts one of the six new workshops, you may order handouts for participants in packages of 10 from the Bahá’í Distribution Service (phone 800-999-9019).
• If a non-Assembly Development representative is to conduct the workshop, your community may order a Facilitator’s Guide from BDS. This guide includes: guidelines for facilitation; information on the Assembly development process; resources available from the Office of Assembly Development; objectives for the module, explaining purpose of and activities for each segment; an agenda with suggested timing; a list of needed materials; and a package of handouts for participants. ◆

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 14]

Indy careful of spiritual vision in center project

BY TOM MENNILLO

Instant obedience has its rewards, the Bahá’ís of Indianapolis, Indiana, have discovered as ground-breaking nears on their long-awaited center.

The capital city’s Center Fund started about 20 years ago. Over the years, money came in dribs and drabs, according to Center Committee member Phyllis Rapier.

Then, in 1994, the Spiritual Assembly decided the time had come to move the project to the forefront. It directed a committee to study every aspect of a Center and started a fund-raising push.

But the needs of the Faith dictated otherwise. When the Universal House of Justice called on the Bahá’ís of this generation to realize their privilege in constructing the Arc on Mount Carmel, Indianapolis responded. An outpouring of contributions allowed the community to send almost $70,000 to World Center of the Faith.

This could have been seen as a setback in the Bahá’í center quest. Rather, it brought the community together and helped the friends recognize their true capacity to give.

So, when fund-raising resumed, a momentum was built that has led to the purchase of 1.9 acres on the city’s northwest side for $42,500; rezoning of the site; site improvements and hookup to utilities for $40,000; and a center design that is nearly ready to be turned into reality for another $120,000 or so.

In the meantime, the Assembly rents an apartment in a former hotel with excellent meeting facilities. It is giving the community experience in operating a facility while temporarily satisfying its growing need for space beyond ‎indviduals’ individuals’‎ homes.

Construction on the center is expected to begin in February and last six months. Final city approval of the design is expected soon. Then building permits can be obtained.

The one-story structure, with a stucco-like finish, will be 76 by 46 feet—nearly 3,500 square feet. A main meeting room seating about 200 will be augmented by classrooms, a kitchen, lobby, library/archives and restrooms. A handicap access ramp and beautiful landscaping will help make the facility inviting.

To enhance the building’s utility, all weight-bearing walls are on the exterior. That allows interior walls to change with the community’s needs. The land also should be able to handle expansion of the building.

The neighborhood, convenient to an expressway, is diverse and growing. Next door to the center site is a school and across the street is a new subdivision. Some commercial activity is nearby.

Meanwhile, fund-raising continues and the Assembly anticipates having enough money in hand to obtain a manageable mortgage. One popular method—made easier by having a scale model built—has been to allow community members to “buy” a window, door, or other feature of the building.

Children have been instrumental in the effort. They’ve not only contributed to the Center Fund but suggested ways to raise money and assisted in those activities.

Indeed, the center project is a perfect example of universal participation. The Assembly and the committee ensured that all community members have a say in what the center will look like and how it will be used. As a result, it is a facility with which everyone will be comfortable.

“It’s not about you or the community,” Rapier sums up. “It’s about building the kingdom of God.”

This architect’s drawing shows the proposed front view of the Indianapolis Bahá’í Center. Drawing courtesy of Spiritual Assembly of Indianapolis

Stewardship course helps build power to act systematically

The Universal House of Justice, in its B.E. 155 Riḍván letter to the Bahá’ís of the world, cited three developments that brightened their expectations about the process of entry by troops:

• A “greatly strengthened faith, a more conscious spiritual identity, and a deepened commitment to Bahá’í service”; “solid results being produced wherever training institutes are in operation.”
• A “notable improvement” in the “establishment and renewal of Local Spiritual Assemblies.”
• A “new confidence in teaching” that is “stirring the friends” and “yielding impressive results.”

To bring about and be prepared for entry by troops, the Universal House of Justice tells us that we must have “a realistic approach” and take “systematic action.” A systematic approach to Bahá’í service, for instance, requires methodical, harmonious and balanced action in order to develop our human resources.

Many other resources are needed, as well, including those of a material nature. And the stewardship of the Funds of the Faith is as important now as it ever was. It is one of the prerequisites for the future progress and achievement of the Faith.

After participating in one of four 3-day training sessions offered by Office of the Treasurer, more than 50 new Stewardship and Development facilitators have begun the process of offering seminars to the friends across the country.

The facilitators “came alive” and “felt spiritually renewed” as a result of the comprehensive training they received, and are sharing the same with those who attend the Stewardship and Development Seminars.

Participants’ comments from a recent seminar in California tell a part of the story: “[T]he (Stewardship and Development) materials are very good and enlightening. The facilitator was warm and quite knowledgeable, and presented the information in a very interesting manner. I particularly liked the reminder of and emphasis on the spiritual aspects of giving. . . .” “The consultation, quotations, and stories about the Funds” were quite helpful, wrote another participant, adding that the most helpful aspect of the seminar was discussing the Sacred Writings.

More of the story will be revealed as we spend time together being immersed in the transformational power of the Writings about the “life blood of the Cause”—the Bahá’í Funds. We will learn about the spiritual principles of privilege, of sacred obligation, and of universal participation. We’ll see the many hats a Local Spiritual Assembly Treasurer wears, and how we are all stewards of the Faith, asked by the Central Figures to inspire, to teach, and to rise to a new level of service.

As a companion to the seminars, the manual Stewardship and Development provides ample selections from the Holy Writings, principles and application exercises. This comprehensive resource is a must-have for Local Spiritual Assemblies, groups and individuals. It was recently updated to include more references about planned giving and fund raising, and offers an entire chapter devoted entirely to communities considering a local Bahá’í center. Manuals (with the 1998 Additions) are available for $10.95 each through the Bahá’í Distribution Service at 800-999-9019.

We can all be a part of sustaining the continuous expansion and consolidation of our communities. Through systematic action, we’ll grow in our understanding of the many privileges we share as Bahá’ís.

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 principles into action in preparation for entry by troops.

Here is a partial list of scheduled Stewardship and Development seminars as of late October, along with phone numbers 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).

Dec. 5: Philadelphia, PA Bahá’í Center 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Dec. 5: Kalamazoo, MI 13815 Drake Road Suite G 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Phone 616-382-3707

Dec. 5: Boise, ID Bahá’í Information Center 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Phone 208-887-5692

Dec. 6: Charleston, WV Women & Children’s Hospital 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Dec. 6: Las Vegas, NV 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Phone 619-262-8462

Dec. 19: Charlotte, NC 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Phone 704-552-7117

Dec. 19: Springfield, IL 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Phone 217-546-6895

Dec. 19: San Diego, CA Bahá’í Center 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Phone 619-262-8462

Jan. 3, 1999: Modesto, CA Enslin Park 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Phone 209-529-1936

Jan. 9, 1999: Minneapolis, MN 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Phone 612-789-5718

Jan. 30, 1999: Roseville, MN 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Phone 612-789-5718

Jan. 30, 1999: Asheville, NC 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Phone 828-258-3854

April 24, 1999: Boone, NC 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Phone 828-264-2297

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 ). [Page 15]

Cleveland events expose thousands to Faith

BY SUSANNE M. ALEXANDER

Cleveland’s ‎Bahá’í Bahá’ís‎ reached out to many of the people seen to be most receptive to the Bahá’í message—those interested in spirituality, global thinking and advancement of women—and gained the interest of thousands of visitors and a number of important contacts.

The Spiritual Assembly of Cleveland, Ohio, adopted an individual’s initiative when it got involved in the Whole Life Expo, Sept. 11–13, and the Everywoman/“It’s a Girl Thing” health exhibition Sept. 26. Both events were held at the International Exposition Center in suburban Brook Park.

“This was an incredible feat for any North American Bahá’í community, but especially for Cleveland,” said Nik Tressler of Ashtabula, a volunteer. “Here we are at the edge of the frontier, introducing ourselves to the whole new age community.”

VARIETY OF INTERESTS

The Whole Life Expo featured a variety of exhibits and workshops on the themes of natural health, personal growth, spirituality and global change. It drew 17,000 people—the fourth-highest figure in the 13-year history of the touring event.

About 5,000 visitors picked up literature from the Bahá’í booth, which focused on world peace, healing and spirituality.

“The material was grabbed out of our hands as fast as we could collate it,” said volunteer Craig Farnsworth of Chagrin Falls. People particularly connected with a handout of “Three Tools for Healing,” a new publication by Special Ideas. A main booth at the entrance requested a stack to distribute from that table.

People from Ohio and around the country filled out 40 interest cards, and a follow-up team is arranging Bahá’í contacts for each seeker.

“People were extremely friendly, warm and very open,” said Marzieh Carmody, secretary of the Cleveland Assembly. There were many opportunities at the booth for personal conversations with seekers.

Richard Cunningham and Marj McCabe pose with the artwork they designed for the Whole Life Expo in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo by Susanne Alexander, Cleveland, OH

Some of the 40 Bahá’ís staffing the booth were so excited by the positive energy and response, it was hard for them to leave when their shifts were over. “I didn’t want to stop, I just really wanted to keep on going and going,” said Jered Cunningham, a youth from Chesterland.

“No way was I leaving,” said Ernestine Talliaferro, an elderly member of the Cleveland community. “And I’m in a wheelchair.”

The volunteers had participated in weekly deepenings set up by an Assembly planning team in advance of the event, focusing on the Bahá’í views of new-age and health topics.

And their presence went beyond the Bahá’í booth—they helped expo organizers with setup, information booths and preparation of handouts.

The planning team has been transformed into a teaching institute. Plans are in progress for the LifExpo in February, the return of the Whole Life Expo in September 1999 and other activities.

The friends’ response reflected the Assembly’s enthusiasm for the project from the beginning. “We were whistling and cheering when this proposal was presented at the Assembly meeting,” said Yvonne Billingsley, chairman. “There was not even any hesitation.”

Prominent people at the expo, some of whom interacted with Bahá’ís, included musician Isaac Hayes, authors Wayne Dyer and Dan Millman, and physicians Elaine Ferguson and Deepak Chopra.

Buddy Zelman, a personality at WERE radio in Cleveland, renewed his acquaintance with the Faith at the booth and invited the Bahá’ís to be on his talk show Sept. 18. That show resulted in the highest rating it has received in three years.

He has since had Bahá’ís on his show several times. Supportive call-ins jammed the switchboard on Oct. 2, when the main topic was the arrest of teachers in Iran.

Other contacts led to a request from a regional publication for an article about the Bahá’í Faith.

A UNIQUE PRESENCE AT WOMEN’S HEALTH EXPO

Two weeks later, the community stepped into the forefront again with a booth at the women’s health expo. Attendance was 600, and the Bahá’í booth was the only one promoting equality and the only one with male volunteers. About 250 information packets were distributed.

Bahá’í volunteers also were a part of the overall success of “It’s a Girl Thing.” They welcomed attendees, assisted at workshops, sold T-shirts, worked at the Health Museum booth and helped with registration.

Patricia Horvath, chief operating officer for the Health Museum, a sponsor for the event, was delighted that Bahá’ís arranged free air time for her on WERE before the event. She invited the Bahá’ís to consider providing a speaker at next year’s expo.

“Your volunteer hours were so badly needed and were greatly appreciated,” she later wrote to the Bahá’í planning team. “My stress level went down enormously when I saw all your friends show up!” ♦

Small Steps Toward Wide Distribution of Bahá’í Books
In keeping with its wish to make Bahá’í-related literature available to more people, the National Spiritual Assembly has approved a formal study on the accessibility of Bahá’í literature through commercial bookstores and public libraries.
Results of the study could be influential in any possible National Assembly decision to move forward with such a project in the next few years.
In the meantime, authors will be encouraged to write books relating to the Faith that are of interest to a more general audience.
Based on the National Spiritual Assembly’s publishing agenda, the Bahá’í Publishing Trust is focusing on two main themes: Influencing the life of society. Promoting individual spiritual transformation. ♦

Five months’ work pays off with concert in Washington

The Kirkland, Washington, Bahá’ís set a daunting goal for themselves: to present an enjoyable family concert with recognizable talent to attract people in the upscale, arts-savvy community.

Five months of intense work paid off Aug. 9 when between 1,000 and 1,500 people viewed the program at a public park, celebrating the special gifts that various cultures bring to the human family.

Musical acts included Tsunami Taiko Drummers, a Japanese youth percussion group; the jazz guitar and flute sounds of the Steven King Duo; traditional indigenous songs from Snoqualmie Tribal Chairman Andy de Los Angeles; the Terra Cantus duo featuring instruments from around the world; the African drum and dance of Adefua; and featured group Bochinche, voted Seattle’s favorite band in a newspaper poll.

Film and television producer Phil Lucas, a member of the National Indian Teaching Committee, and KIXI Radio personality Dan Murphy were emcees. Murphy, though not a Bahá’í, effectively wove the Faith’s teachings on race unity and unity in diversity into the program.

Adefua, an African drum and dance group, was one of a variety of artists performing at a public event put on in August by the Bahá’ís of Kirkland, Washington. Photo courtesy of Karen and Nick Kinler, Kent, WA

A message from the mayor of Kirkland, read to attendees, said in part: “Appreciation and respect for racial and ethnic diversity is extremely important. The city of Kirkland recognizes the fact that efforts such as yours greatly contribute to the betterment of our entire community. Once again, we applaud the Bahá’ís of Kirkland’s efforts and wish you success at your event.” ♦ [Page 16]

Bahá’í home becomes instant goodwill embassy

Monterey entertains international scholars’ group

The Monterey, California, Bahá’í community gained a measure of good will for the Faith when it hosted more than a dozen international Fulbright scholars at an impromptu barbecue and music fest in August.

The students, from such countries as Rwanda, Colombia, Nepal, Belgium, Syria, Japan and Mexico, were in the area for a three-week study of the U.S. culture before moving on to graduate studies at American universities.

Two of the Fulbright scholars were, in fact, Bahá’ís, but hadn’t managed to locate the Bahá’í community on their own. In turn, group coordinators had tried in vain to connect the visiting students with local families.

Then a teacher, with a greeting of “Alláh-u-Abhá!” told the Bahá’í scholars that her daughter was a Bahá’í, and agreed to help contact the Monterey Bahá’í community.

The local Bahá’ís immediately invited all 23 students to a home for dinner. Fourteen were able to attend, grateful for the invitation.

A Bahá’í scholar from Rwanda had evolved to be the scholars’ unofficial leader after his colleagues had been attracted by his kindness, generosity and loving qualities.

So when the students met other Bahá’ís at the dinner, they asked many questions about the Faith. A group coordinator also was eager to hear more, having been treated by a Bahá’í health worker for a serious illness when she had volunteered for the Peace Corps years ago in western Africa.

There also was a great deal of discussion about the students’ fields of study—telecommunications, journalism, engineering and environmental studies—and how these careers would benefit their countries when they returned.

Musical instruments were brought out for an after-dinner songfest and dancing, and slides of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb were shown by a Bahá’í landscape architect who had volunteered at the World Center.

Since that evening, the Monterey Bahá’ís and the students have kept in contact via e-mail and telephone.

—Submitted by Sedona Callahan, Salinas, CA ◆

Tradition renewed in Wyoming

A southern Wyoming tradition was revived this year after an 18-year lull. A “Unity Picnic” was held in early August at Veedauwoo Park between Laramie and Cheyenne, Wyoming, along with a teaching project. About 35 gathered at the event, co-sponsored by the groups of Cheyenne and Laramie and the Spiritual Assembly of Boulder County, Colorado. Photo courtesy of Sharon Babbitt, Loveland, CO

Hundreds experience drama of Táhirih, which draws recognition of state senator

A Sept. 19 performance of Táhirih: A Woman and Her Words by Mutahdia Rice and Parke McAlister drew an audience of 500, including at least 200 guests of the Bahá’ís, to the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center.

California state Sen. Diane Watson, at the event, presented certificates of recognition both to Rice and to the Unity Center, which houses a number of social development activities.

“I have been entirely struck by the story of Táhirih,” Watson said afterward, praising Rice’s performance. “I don’t know how we missed Táhirih in women’s history. This young ‎women woman‎ really changed the world during her time. Táhirih was an absolutely phenomenal woman in the history of suffrage and the struggle for equality.” ◆

People to call at the Office of Pioneering
The Office of Pioneering at the Bahá’í National Center has reorganized in recent months to more efficiently handle inquiries from various regions of the United States. If you wish to ask about pioneering or international teaching, contact the consultant for your region:
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
IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY BEEN ON AN INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP: The Office of Pioneering needs to know that our goals are being fulfilled. See the response form on page 35. ◆

TEACHING SKILLS 8: LISTENING ATTENTIVELY

One of the essential skills of teaching is attentive listening. Listening is important for at least three reasons:

• Attentive listening by the teacher increases the receptivity of the seeker. If the seeker has concerns and questions about an issue but gets no opportunity to express them, he will be less likely to listen when the teacher is speaking. It is as if the seeker’s “glass” is full. Unless the seeker is given a chance to “empty” the glass, the teacher cannot fill it with the Teachings.

• By listening, the teacher can learn about the seeker’s needs, interests and background. This will help the teacher more effectively adapt the presentation of the Teachings to the seeker.

• Listening is important for developing friendships with seekers. The teacher must be a friend to the seeker, and not just someone trying to force his own ideas onto another. Friends would naturally be interested in each other’s concerns and thoughts on issues.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá has set the example for us in the skill of attentive listening. This is how Bahá’u’lláh described ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s manner of listening:

“Consider the way in which the Master teaches the people. He listens very carefully to the most hollow and senseless talk. He listens so intently that the speaker says to himself, ‘He is trying to learn from me.’ Then the Master gradually and very carefully, by means that the other person does not perceive, puts him on the right path and endows him with a fresh power of understanding.” (Stories from the Delight of Hearts, pp. 109–110)

Like other skills of teaching, listening requires awareness and practice. Here are some practical ways we can improve our attentive listening:

• Be genuinely interested in what the speaker is saying.
• Maintain eye contact with the speaker.
• Have a “receptive” body posture (e.g. body turned toward the speaker, leaning slightly forward, arms not folded).
• Nod and acknowledge the speaker’s comments.
• Make affirmative comments (e.g. “I fully agree with your point about ...”)
• Ask questions of the speaker, especially to confirm your understanding of what the speaker is saying.
• Encourage the speaker to explain other aspects of a topic (“Please tell me more about ...”).

Extract from Raising the Call: The Individual and Effective Teaching (Palabra Publications, 1998). Used by permission of the author. ◆ [Page 17]

Greetings and reflections from a youth serving Down Under

BY MUNIB JALALI

Munib Jalali (second from left, in hat) joins Bahá’í National Center staff in front of the House of Worship in Sydney, Australia, during his year of service.

Maybe the first thing I noticed when I stepped out of the airport in Sydney was how small the cars are in Australia.

This astute (alas irrelevant) observation probably came from what my family was doing before I left: buying another car. Statistics, model names, odometer readings, reliability records—I had unwittingly carried this excess baggage on the flight, now unfairly dumping it all on innocent little Australian cars.

Fortunately, my attention soon went to the fragrance of eucalyptus in the air, the refreshing cleanliness of Sydney, the genuine friendliness of the Qantas baggage agent who helped me with tracking a suitcase that had been left in Los Angeles.

And the awe that slowly crept over me as I realized I was actually standing halfway around the world from home, about to begin a year of service.

I probably should record my answer to the question “Why did you choose Australia?” I could push a button and just play back: “That’s how it worked out.”

Honestly, I had no great yearning to see Australia. The Office of Pioneering suggested it to me, and because of language and the kind of service needed here, I decided to try it out, though it didn’t sound very exciting. I admit I was at times ambivalent about going. But I knew I needed to go somewhere, to be out in the world for a year and learn a bit about life.

Slowly, that has happened here.

I served for about four months during spring and summer at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Sydney, working in the gardens and assisting the property manager. The work could be physically demanding, but rarely challenged the mind.

Living and working so close to the Temple, however, was a privilege. Having easy and frequent access to the Dawning-place of the Praise of God was a gift I in no way deserved, but it inevitably presented itself to me. Along with this came twin opportunities: meeting National Spiritual Assembly members when they assembled monthly at the Hazíratu’l-Quds, and working with the beautiful, dedicated, inspiring servants of Bahá’u’lláh who were the National Center staff.

For all these bounties, service at the Temple involved a great deal of isolation and (for me) routine and monotony in the work. I took an opportunity to serve somewhere else in Australia, for the sake of balance and variety of experience. Traveling west via Melbourne and Perth, I finally arrived in Albany, Western Australia. Albany is a small, beautiful oceanside town of 20,000, and coming here felt somewhat like going back to my Georgia hometown. The scenic beauty mirrors the beauty of the Bahá’í community here. I am grateful for being part of this vibrant community, even for a short time, and working and serving with the wonderful souls who live here.

Mainly I am coordinating a 2 1/2-month teaching project, with such other duties as teaching children’s classes, conducting radio interviews, and organizing the Assembly’s library. I am living with a Bahá’í family in Albany, and the hospitality and warmth I receive from all the community members is an incredible testament to the universality of this Faith and the mysterious spiritual kinship of its members. Indeed, I often think I have received far more than I’ve given to the places I’ve been—a special paradox, I suppose, that favors any youth year of service.

My advice to any youth considering a period of service is this:

• Before anything else, make sure you are going to serve Bahá’u’lláh. And understand what this means. I’m afraid a significant part of my intention was to take a break. But a break is a two-week trip to the beach, not a yearlong venture. You will have to work hard and, more often than not, figure out for yourself what the work should be.
• Have a clear idea of what you can contribute to the community where you’re serving. This must be something you can give regardless of external situations, something about yourself that you know will benefit others and satisfy yourself.
• Make sure to live. Take along a guitar or a tennis racket, your watercolors or favorite books. A year is a long time and most of it will be to yourself. Don’t imagine you have to live ascetically, just because you are serving or teaching. You will find that having enjoyable things or activities nearby will actually help your teaching and will let you make unique contributions to your host community.

I have about a month of service left, and then it’s back home to work hurriedly at the local peach packing shed so I can pay off some of the expenses of this past year before starting uni. That’s Australian for university—they tend to shorten words here: sunglasses are sunnies, biscuits (cookies) are bikkies, and McDonald’s is Mackers.

I’m looking forward to stopping back at the House of Worship in Sydney for a few days on my way home: a chance to pray and reflect on the past months and supplicate Bahá’u’lláh to accept whatever meager amount I’ve accomplished here; to complete a circle, tie off loose ends, shape into a whole the experiences I’ve had in this vast and beautiful country. ♦

Countries/territories in need of pioneers and traveling teachers

These international pioneering and traveling teaching needs for the Four Year Plan are in categories as defined by the Universal House of Justice in 1996. Parentheses indicate the National or Regional Spiritual Assembly under whose jurisdiction a country or territory falls.

CATEGORY 1

The needs are especially pressing.

Africa: Equatorial Guinea, Lesotho, Gambia

Australasia: Cook Islands, French Polynesia (Hawaii)

Europe: Yugoslavia (Austria)

CATEGORY 2

The Faith is established, but pioneers are needed to stimulate the process of growth and to help open new centers.

Africa: Benin, Botswana, Burkina, Cape Verde, Eritrea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Namibia, Niger, Réunion, Sao Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, St. Helena (South Africa), Tanzania, Uganda

Americas: Argentina, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (Venezuela), Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands (Jamaica), Chile, Chiloé Island (Chile), Dominica, East Leeward Islands, Easter Island (Chile), Falkland Islands (United States), French Guiana, Galápagos Islands (Ecuador), Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Jamaica, Juan Fernández Islands (Chile), Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos Islands (United States), Venezuela, Virgin Islands, West Leeward Islands

Asia: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Armenia, Asiatic Russia, including Sakhalin, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Korea-South, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Ogasawara Islands (Japan), Ryukyu Islands (Japan), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Australasia: Christmas Island (Australia), Eastern Caroline Islands, Fiji Islands, Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Nauru (Kiribati), New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands, Norfolk Island (Australia), Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Caroline Islands

Europe: Albania, Andorra (Spain), Azores (Portugal), Balearic Islands (Spain), Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Channel Islands (United Kingdom), Corsica, Croatia (Slovenia and Croatia), Cyprus-Northern, Cyprus-Southern, Czech Republic, Denmark, Elba (Italy), Estonia (Baltic States), Faroe Islands (Iceland), Finland, Gibraltar (United Kingdom), Greece, Hungary, Latvia (Baltic States), Liechtenstein (Switzerland), Lithuania (Baltic States), Macedonia, Madeira Island (Portugal), Malta (Italy), Moldova, Monaco (France), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino (Italy), Sardinia (Italy), Sicily, Slovak Republic, Slovenia (Croatia and Slovenia), Spitsbergen (Norway), Ukraine

CATEGORY 3

The process of expansion and consolidation has a significant momentum, but there is a need for pioneers who can undertake specific tasks, such as arousing the interest of prominent people, strengthening the communities in certain areas, or assisting with projects of social and economic development.

Africa: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rodrigues (Mauritius), South Africa, Swaziland, Togo, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Americas: Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay

Asia: Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan

Australasia: Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa

Europe: Canary Islands, Iceland

CATEGORY 4

Pioneers are greatly needed, but entry is difficult due to restrictions on Bahá’í activity, lack of security, or other circumstances. These conditions present a need for believers who will resourcefully seek out opportunities for pioneering. “Bahá’í World Center” appears in parentheses next to particularly sensitive areas, and those interested in pioneering or traveling to teach in such areas should contact the World Center directly.

Africa: Angola, Burundi (Bahá’í World Center), Comoros (Mauritius), Djibouti (Ethiopia), Liberia, Mauritania (Bahá’í World Center), Mozambique, Rwanda (Bahá’í World Center), Somalia (Kenya), Sudan

Americas: Cuba, Haiti, St. Pierre and Miquelon (Canada)

Asia: Afghanistan (Bahá’í World Center), Bhutan (India), Brunei (Malaysia), Indonesia (Bahá’í World Center), Korea-North, Laos, Maldives (Sri Lanka), Myanmar, Tajikistan, Vietnam (Bahá’í World Center)

Australasia: Wallis and Futuna (New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands) ♦ [Page 18]

Letter to the friends from the Latin-American Task Force : Carta a los amigos de la Comisión de Trabajo Latinoamericana

ENGLISH

ESPAÑOL

Dear and Esteemed Friends in the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh: The forms for the national census of Latin-American believers continue to arrive. We have received information from friends in all parts of the country, friends who serve on Local Spiritual Assemblies or as assistants to Auxiliary Board members, friends who have been pioneers or children of pioneers abroad, etc. As a significant detail, there deserve to be mentioned some Persian friends who were born in Central or South America of pioneer parents, who write us saying: “I am Latin-American, I ask to be included in the census.” We include you with all our hearts, dear brethren! Blessed be the day when we have finally achieved such a fusion of hearts, that we only see in every human being a brother—when the differences of cultures and languages have ceased to be impediments that divide us and become precious fruits that adorn the tree of humanity. Is this not the very reason for our keen desires and struggles along the arduous path of teaching? Is it not the sincere desire to serve as an example to a world bleeding in the midst of a fratricidal slaughter, what it is that moves us to rise above small inconveniences caused by the multiplicity of languages and cultures in which we co-exist? October was Hispanic Culture month. The Latin-American cultural heritage was celebrated everywhere. It is indispensable that as Bahá’ís we show the rest of the world how we have banished from our communities the limited concepts of nationalism and ethnic inequalities, and have made out of being Hispanic a bridge between races and cultures. We are citizens of the world. The multiethnic, multicultural and liberating embrace of our Bahá’í identity allows us to affirm our Latin-American cultural heritage at the same time that it impels us proudly to contribute it to the cultural wealth of humanity. The Four Year Plan is moving closer to its end. The number of Latino believers has not grown significantly, in spite of the increase in teaching activities of all kinds through the length and breadth of the country. It is imperative that all Latino Bahá’ís redouble their efforts to offer as a gift to Bahá’u’lláh the hearts of their brothers and sisters. The traditional hospitality of our peoples lends itself wonderfully to the multiplication of fireside gatherings. Let us then show great hospitality to all, causing each Latino home to be the center of teaching of the community. The beloved Guardian has told us that it is enough simply to offer love and hospitality in the haven of our homes while we converse amicably about the Faith with our guest. It is not necessary to have an elaborate show, nor to invite a professional presenter or speaker. You, yourself, in your own home. Invite your neighbor, your colleague, your friends. Speak to them about Bahá’u’lláh at the same time that you offer them your hospitality. Begin a prayer group in your home and invite your neighbors. You will see how simple it is, and how soon there will multiply the hearts that have become enamored of Bahá’u’lláh. With loving greetings, The Latin-American Task Force P.S. If you still have not done so, please fill out the form below and send it to us; we shall be most happy and grateful to receive it. ◆

Queridos y Estimados Amigos en la Causa de Bahá’u’lláh: Continúan llegando los formularios del censo nacional de los Latinoamericanos. Hemos recibido información de amigos de todas partes del país, amigos que sirven en Asambleas Espirituales Locales, o como asistentes a miembros del Cuerpo Auxiliar, amigos que han sido pioneros o hijos de pioneros nacidos en el exterior, etc. Como detalle significativo, merecen mencionarse unos amigos Persas que han nacido en Centro y Suramérica de padres pioneros y quienes nos escriben diciendo: “Soy Latinoamericano, pido ser incluido en el censo.” ¡Estáis incluidos de todo corazón, hermanos! Bendito sea el día cuando finalmente hayamos alcanzado tal fusión de corazones, que sólo veamos en todo ser humano a un hermano—cuando las diferencias de culturas e idiomas hayan dejado de ser impedimentos que nos dividen y se constituyan en frutos preciosos que adornen el árbol de la humanidad. ¿No es ésta acaso la razón última de nuestros afanes y luchas en el camino arduo de la enseñanza? ¿No es acaso el sincero deseo de servir como ejemplo a un mundo que se desangra en medio de una carnicería fratricida, lo que nos mueve a pasar por alto pequeñas inconveniencias causadas por la multiplicidad de lenguas y culturas en medio de las cuales coexistimos? Octubre fue el mes de la Hispanidad. Se celebraron en todas partes homenajes a la herencia cultural Latinoamericana. Como Bahá’ís, es indispensable mostrarle al resto del mundo, como hemos desterrado de nuestras comunidades los limitados conceptos de nacionalismo y desigualdades étnicas, y hemos hecho de nuestra hispanidad un puente entre razas y culturas. Somos ciudadanos del mundo. El abrazo multiétnico, multicultural y liberador de nuestra identidad Bahá’í nos permite afianzar nuestra herencia cultural Latinoamericana al tiempo que nos impulsa orgullosamente a contribuirla al patrimonio cultural de la humanidad. El Plan de los Cuatro Años casi llega a su fin. El número de creyentes Latinos no ha aumentado significativamente, a pesar del aumento de actividades de enseñanza de todo tipo a lo largo y ancho del país. Es imperativo que cada Bahá’í latino redoble sus esfuerzos por regalarle a Bahá’u’lláh los corazones de sus hermanos. La hospitalidad tradicional de nuestras gentes se presta maravillosamente a la multiplicación de las charlas hogareñas. Hagamos pues un gran despliegue de hospitalidad y hagamos que cada hogar Latino se convierta en el centro de enseñanza de la comunidad. El amado Guardián nos ha dicho que basta solo con brindar amor y hospitalidad en el seno de nuestros hogares mientras se conversa amistosamente sobre la fe con nuestro invitado. No es necesario un elaborado despliegue, ni el invitar a un presentador o disertador profesional. Tú mismo, en tu casa. Invita a tu vecino, a tu colega, a tus amigos. Háblales sobre Bahá’u’lláh al tiempo que les regalas tu hospitalidad. Inicia en tu hogar un grupo de oraciones e invita a tus vecinos. Verás que sencillo es, y cuan pronto se multiplicarán los corazones que se han enamorado de Bahá’u’lláh. Afectuosamente, La Comisión de Trabajo Latinoamericana P.D. Si aún no lo has hecho, llena por favor el formulario a continuación y envíalo a nosotros; estaremos bien contentos y agradecidos de recibirlo. ◆

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 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: Vera Breton Vienna, Virginia 22181 por fax a/by fax to: Larry Kramer (773) 509-0466 por e-mail a/by e-mail to: LATFORCE

[Page 19]“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

YOU MAY ALREADY HAVE GIVEN A FIRESIDE—YOU JUST DIDN’T KNOW WHAT IT WAS

BY JERRY DICK

What are firesides really, anyway?

Teaching the Faith. We all know that it is very important. We have all heard about advancing the process of entry by troops. But how can we do that? One staple of that process is the regular fireside.

“One of the best ways to teach is what Americans call a fireside, in other words a little group of your friends in your own home, to whom you can introduce a few believers whom you feel would be congenial and help confirm them.” (Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Lights of Guidance, No. 833)

“... the most powerful and effective teaching medium that has been found so far is the fireside meeting, because in the fireside meeting, intimate personal questions can be answered, and the student ‎find finds‎ the spirit of the faith more abundant there.” (Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Teaching: The Greatest Gift of God, p. 31)

From the above quotes we learn that a fireside is a small group of friends, who meet in someone’s home, are shown Bahá’í hospitality, are introduced to selected Bahá’ís and allowed to ask any questions which concern them, including intimate personal questions. We know that Bahá’u’lláh calls teaching “the most meritorious of all deeds” (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 278) and enjoins it upon everyone, but perhaps we should become more familiar with the injunction by the Guardian that we each host a fireside once every Bahá’í month:

“The friends must realize their individual responsibility. Each must hold a Fireside in his or her home, once in 19 days, where new people are invited and where some phase of the faith is mentioned and discussed.” (Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Lights of Guidance, No. 829)

So now that we know what a fireside is and how often we have to hold one, our next step will be learning how to implement one. For help with that process, check in next issue.

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

Jerry Dick of Sunrise, Florida, can be e-mailed ( ). ◆

TRUE WEALTH

THE GREATEST GIFT

Do you find yourself wondering if it is OK to give money to help people in need or other causes (like animal rights) when you are trying to regularly support the Bahá’í Funds? Shoghi Effendi tells us we are permitted to give money to charities, if we are able to do so:

“Regarding your question concerning helping the poor: The Bahá’ís should not go so far as to refrain from extending charity to the needy, if they are able and willing to do so. However, in this, as in many other things, they should exert moderation. ...”

He further explains, though, the importance of our efforts in helping to build the institutions of our beloved Faith:

“The greatest gift that we can give the poor and the down-trodden is to aid to build up the divine institutions inaugurated in this day by Bahá’u’lláh as these institutions, and this World Order when established, will eliminate the causes of poverty and the injustices which afflict the poor. We should, therefore, do both, support our Bahá’í Fund, and be so kind and generous to the needy.” (On behalf of the Guardian, March 11, 1942)

Hence, our beloved Guardian reminds us that when we support the Faith by giving to the Bahá’í Funds, we are in fact helping those in need! ◆

One magazine seeks contributions

One, a national grassroots youth magazine, is seeking contributions: art, poetry, reviews, essays and interviews. If you’d like to know more, write to

NATIONWIDE CAMPUS FIRESIDE SWEEP

This fall semester, the National Youth Committee is encouraging all college clubs across the country to rally around an intense Fireside Campaign. The goal is for college clubs to collectively hold

500 FIRESIDES BY THE END OF THE FALL SEMESTER.

We believe a simple, unified, regular goal will lead to a surge in activity: “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.)

We hope your college club will contribute to reaching this goal! Please contact the National Youth Committee to let us know about your firesides (phone 847-733-3499, e-mail ). We will list clubs that have held firesides in upcoming issues of Fertile Field, the national Bahá’í youth newsletter.

Music at Green Lake

Youths at the Green Lake Bahá’í Youth Conference in Wisconsin rehearse between sessions for the event’s Youth Art Showcase. See page 6 for a first-person report on the September event. Photo by Ken Duszynski

“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

HEROIC DEEDS OF SERVICE: A PLEDGE

Received by the National Youth Committee: For my heroic deed I’m going to commit myself to daily study of the Bible, to enhance my ability to teach the Faith to Christians. I will also make it a point to regularly attend the services that take place in the chapel of my school, and whenever possible recite Bahá’í prayers during the services. ◆

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 offer as a gift to the Universal House of Justice.

To learn more about the campaign, please visit the National Youth Committee Web page (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 ).

YOUTH COMMITTEES, GET IN CONTACT!

The National Youth Committee is compiling contact information for local Bahá’í youth committees across the country.

A local youth committee is to be distinguished from a college club or a Bahá’í Youth Workshop; a local youth committee may be defined as anything from an informal, regular gathering of youth, to a more 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 the following information to us-

• Contact name
• Locality or area the committee/group serves
• E-mail address
• Mailing address
• Number of members
• Brief description of current activities

Any portion (and/or duplicates) of this information will be useful to us in our efforts to communicate more effectively across the national, regional, and local levels of youth in the United States. ◆ [Page 20]Say: God sufficeth all things above all things, and nothing in the heavens or in the earth but God sufficeth. Verily, He is in Himself the Knower, the Sustainer, the Omnipotent. —The Báb

Is there any Remover of difficulties save God? Say: Praised be God! He is God! All are His servants, and all abide by His bidding! —The Báb

The American Community Remembers the Iranian Bahá’ís

Eatonton, GA: Barry Darugar (center), related to some Open University faculty, reads updates at the Holy Day observance with his wife, Debbie (left), and Ken Jasnau.

New York, NY: Miles Williams (left) greets a friend at the local Birth of Bahá’u’lláh observance.

DeKalb County, GA: In a dramatic work put on for the Holy Day at the local Unity Center, Jamilla Canady portrays a woman who kissed Bahá’u’lláh as He was leaving Baghdad.

Emporia, KS: Peggy Keating-Bolm lights candles for the Iranian Bahá’ís at the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh commemoration.

Toro-Laguna Seca, CA: Marilyn Von Berg and Carmelita Carriedo listen to a recited prayer at the Holy Day observance.

Athens, GA: Rambod Charepoo performs on violin during the Holy Day gathering.

Photo credits, clockwise from top left: Sandy Jasnau, Putnam County, GA; Bahá’ís of New York; Thad Taylor, Atlanta, GA; Daniel Bolm, Emporia, KS; Siavash Vojdani, Athens, GA; Sedona Callahan, Salinas, CA.

Status of Bahá’ís in Iran

From a National Spiritual Assembly news release and updates in late October:

• Two Bahá’í prisoners in Mashhad, Mr. Sirus Zabihi-Moghaddam and Mr. Hedayat-Kashefi Najafabadi, were informed orally in September that their death sentences have been confirmed. They had been arrested in fall 1997 for holding religious family life meetings. Four others remain on death row.
• More than 200 Bahá’ís have been killed—often accused of fictitious crimes—since 1980. Most recently, Mr. Ruhollah Rowhani was executed by hanging July 21, on a disputed charge of converting a Muslim woman to the Bahá’í Faith.
• Thousands have suffered arbitrary confinement.
• As "unprotected infidels," Bahá’ís have no legal rights: marriages are not recognized, the right to inherit is denied, children are considered illegitimate, the deceased can only be buried in unmarked wasteland.
• Bahá’ís are routinely denied jobs, pensions, and licenses to practice professions. Students are denied access to higher education.
• Bahá’ís are not allowed to elect Spiritual Assemblies.
• Bahá’í cemeteries have been desecrated, holy places destroyed, community and personal properties confiscated.
• The Bahá’í Faith is the largest religious minority in Iran, with about 300,000 members.

Excerpts from an Oct. 25 editorial in the Washington Post:

Since the election of President Khatami more than a year ago, Iran watchers have been hoping for signs of new tolerance in that nation’s policies. But if treatment of the most vulnerable minority is any indication, there is little reason to cheer Iran’s recent record. Members of the Bahá’í faith, a religion that claims about 6 million adherents worldwide and 300,000 in Iran, have been facing increasingly vicious persecution.

Since its religious revolution, Iran has made life difficult for all but its dominant Shiite Muslims. Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians at least enjoy certain protections; not so Bahá’ís, who as followers of a religion that emerged in Iran and after Islam—in the mid-19th century—are viewed as particularly noxious apostates. In 1993 a United Nations official uncovered an Iranian government document outlining a policy amounting to the eradication of the Bahá’í community. Iran’s government said the document was a fake, but—as the U.S. State Department noted in its annual human rights report—"it appears to be an accurate reflection of current government practice." ...

"Executing people for the practice of their religious faith is contrary to the most fundamental human rights principles," the White House said in response [to the late September confirmation of two ‎Bahá’í’s’ Bahá’ís’‎ death sentences]. How can such a self-evident principle even need to be restated?

© 1998, The Washington Post • Reprinted by permission

Questions and answers on the arrests

At least 36 people were arrested between Sept. 29 and Oct. 3 in the crackdown against the Bahá’í Institute of Higher Education (BIHE), or informally the Open University.

In which cities did the arrests take place? Tehran • Rasht • Burujerd • Babul • Sanandaj • Babulsar • Khurramabad • Hamadan • Tonekabon • Arak • Birjand • Chalus • Tabriz • Qaimshahr • Zanjan

Who carried out these actions? Government officers under direction of the Ministry of Information, an intelligence agency of the Iranian Government.

What was seized in the raid of 532 homes?

• Classroom furniture.
• Textbooks.
• Scientific papers and records.
• About 70 computers.
• Unknown amount of personal effects, much of it from homes having nothing to do with the Open University.

What other actions were taken against the Open University? The arrestees were asked to sign a declaration that BIHE was abolished and that they would no longer be involved with it. They refused to sign.

Who is known to have been arrested?

(Not all the names of those arrested could be listed here; also, some spellings could not be verified)

Members of the Board of the Institute:

• Dr. Na’ím Khaze’í
• Engineer Sohail Golkar
• Engineer Rezwan Ashraf
• Engineer Gholamhosain Amini
• Engineer Riyaz Ighanian
• Dr. Enayatullah Mazlumi

Members of the Institute in Tehran:

• Engineer Kamran Mortezai
• Engineer Fuad Sanai
• Mr. Zabih Fakhr-Tuski

• Mr. Hosain Fanaian (Qaimshahr)
• Mrs. Faranak Iqani (Khadimin, Babul)
• Engineer Faizullah Roushan (Khadimin, Sari)
• Engineer Daryush Faez (Khadimin, Gowhardasht)
• Mr. Missagh Laqai (Khadimin, Babulsar)
• Mr. ‎Mokhtarii Mokhtari‎ (Khadimin, Tonekabon)
• Mr. Nasser Mansur (Khadimin, Chalus)
• Mr. Rezwan Tavakkuli (Registrar of the Institute, Tehran)
• Mr. Payman Ghiyami (Institute, Kermanshah)
• Mr. Nematullah Shadabi (Khadimin, Kermanshah)
• Dr. Abbas Kuhor (Institute, Kermanshah)
• Mr. Kambiz Moradipur (Institute, Kermanshah)
• Mr. Arash Kowsari (Institute, Kermanshah)
• Mr. Rafi’i (Khadimin, Kermanshah)
• Mr. Vahid Haghighi (Khadimin, Zanjan)
• Mr. Shahab Torabi (Zanjan)
• Mr. Sohrab Rowshan (Indiana University, Tehran)
• Mr. Hutan Kassiri (Secretary, Tehran)
• Mr. Fraidun Khodadadeh (Representative of BIHE, Tabriz)
• Mr. Khayrollah Bakhshi (Tabriz)
• Mr. Aref Aqdasi (Tabriz)
• Mrs. Eltefat Missaqi (Tabriz)
• Mr. Nayyer Iqani (Tabriz)

[Page 21]

Questions and answers about the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education

Why an “Open University”? The Iranian government has denied Bahá’í entrance to universities since 1980, shortly after Iran’s revolution. Professors, lecturers and administrators were fired from university positions at that time.

The Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE) was launched in 1987 as a creative, nonviolent response—a means to provide formal higher education for Bahá’ís on a private basis.

As the Bahá’ís of Iran have been blocked from operating their institutions freely and normally, BIHE officials organized the Institute as an “open university” that was both highly decentralized and carefully circumspect in its operation. For example, operations of the laboratories were kept prudently quiet, with students cautioned not to come and go in large groups that might give the authorities a reason to object.

How did the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education operate? At the time of the arrests, BIHE had more than 900 students and a faculty of 150 first-rate academics and professionals. Its “campus” was composed of classrooms, laboratories and libraries scattered throughout Iran in private homes and buildings.

It has offered bachelor’s degrees in 10 subject areas: applied chemistry, biology, dental science, pharmacological science, civil engineering, computer science, psychology, law, literature and accounting. Administered by five departments, the Institute at its peak offered more than 200 courses each term.

The Institute has maintained high academic standards from entrance exams through graduation. Though lack of Iranian government recognition has hampered BIHE’s standing abroad, some graduates have been admitted to graduate schools at major universities in North America.

The first courses were based on correspondence lessons developed by Indiana University, one of the first institutions in the West to recognize BIHE. Later, course offerings were developed internally.

The Institute has drawn largely on unpaid professors and professionals. A small and anonymous group of Bahá’í academics in North America, Europe and Australia have regularly sent in the latest textbooks and research papers, occasionally made visits to Iran as guest lecturers, and otherwise provided instructional and technical support.

How has Iran’s government dealt with the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education? The Institute was never a completely “underground” university. Its existence was well-known to the Iranian authorities since its early years and it was allowed to operate discreetly.

In 1996 Iranian authorities conducted far-reaching raids against BIHE sites, confiscating records and equipment but not moving to shut down the operation.

The latest actions are consistent with the goal of strangulation of the Bahá’í community as outlined in “The Bahá’í Question” policy, written by the Iranian Supreme Revolutionary Cultural Council in 1991 and signed by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Some quotations:

“The Government’s dealings with them, the Bahá’ís, must be in such a way that their progress and development are blocked.”

“They must be expelled from universities, either in the admission process or during the course of their studies, once it becomes known that they are Bahá’ís.”

“A plan must be devised to confront and destroy their cultural roots outside the country.”

“Deny them employment if they identify themselves as Bahá’ís.”

“Deny them any position of influence, such as in the educational sector, etc.”

Does this policy violate Iran’s commitments to the rest of the world? Yes. Iran is a party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on Dec. 16, 1966. Parties to this Covenant “recognize the right of everyone to education” and more specifically that “higher education shall be made equally accessible to all, on the basis of capacity, by every appropriate means.”

Compiled from a paper titled “Denied the Right To Learn: Iran’s Attempt to Destroy the Intellectual and Cultural Life of its Bahá’í Community” by the Bahá’í Office of Public Information, Haifa, Israel ♦

IRAN, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The campaign was launched barely a month after Iranian officials arrested dozens of officials and instructors and raided more than 500 homes nationwide in a bid to close down the Institute, known informally as the Open University.

The National Spiritual Assembly cautioned that the time was not yet appropriate for individual Bahá’ís to act in this campaign, except as the Assembly specifically requests.

However, the Bahá’ís of the United States were asked to pray and to “intensify your efforts to proclaim the Cause of God” in an Oct. 15 letter from the National Assembly.

In the meantime, the status of two imprisoned Bahá’ís in the city of Mashhad was apparently unchanged since their death sentences were confirmed in late September. Mr. Sirus Zabihi-Moghaddam and Mr. Hedayat-Kashefi Najafabadi had been arrested in 1997, accused of conducting Bahá’í family life meetings.

The issue of persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran came to the forefront in July, when Mr. Ruhollah Rowhani of Mashhad was executed by hanging on a disputed charge of converting a Muslim woman to the Bahá’í Faith.

Of the 36 or more people arrested in the Sept. 29–Oct. 3 crackdown on the Open University, four remained in confinement as of late October. The arrests had been carried out in 15 cities. (See more details, pages 20–21.)

All the arrested instructors, administrators and board members were pressured to sign statements recognizing the abolition of the Institute and pledging to stop teaching for the Institute. None signed any such statement.

In an Oct. 29 press briefing, a U.S. State Department spokesman restated that the American government condemns the two latest death sentences and the attack on the Open University.

“We continue to urge the government of Iran to eliminate restrictions on the practice of religion, and to recognize and uphold the fundamental human right to freedom of conscience and belief,” said James Foley for the State Department. “The United States urges the government of Iran to exercise restraint and not carry out these death sentences.”

Foley noted that the U.S. government condemned the death sentences and the mass arrests when the Iranian actions came to light early in October.

In another significant response, The Washington Post published an editorial Oct. 25 on the “increasingly vicious persecution” of Bahá’ís in Iran.

“We did everything with our own empty hands. It was like a miracle that brought hope to the ‎Bahai Bahá’í‎ youth.” —Open University educator, quoted in an Oct. 29 New York Times article

Outlining a series of abuses and an official Iranian policy to eradicate the Bahá’í community, the editorial concludes: “Executing people for the practice of their religious faith is contrary to the most fundamental human rights principles,” the White House said in response [to the recent confirmation of two Bahá’ís’ death sentences]. How can such a self-evident principle even need to be restated?”

On Oct. 29, The New York Times ran a substantial article headlined “With Raids and Arrests, Iran Signals New Effort to Suppress ‎Bahais Bahá’ís‎.” It contained quotes from educators and students associated with the Open University as well as from experts on Iranian politics.

“The materials confiscated were neither political nor religious, and the people arrested were not fighters or organizers. They were lecturers in subjects like accounting and dentistry; the materials seized were textbooks and laboratory equipment,” the Times reported about the raids.

The article continues: “‘We did everything with our own empty hands,’ reflected one former faculty member, who like virtually everyone interviewed requested anonymity out of fear for his safety and that of relatives in Iran. ‘It was like a miracle that brought hope to the ‎Bahai Bahá’í‎ youth.’”

The campaign seeking the support of U.S. educators was launched through the Oct. 29 letter to Local Assemblies, accompanied by a task list and a package of background facts along with reprints of the Washington Post editorial and the New York Times article.

“While the bold steps called for in this campaign will naturally place the friends in the position of calling attention to the flagrant wrongs of a regime dedicated to the downfall of their Faith, they should at all times be mindful that their role in this campaign is to enlist the support of institutions and professionals in the higher education sector to support their co-religionists, rather than entering into the fray themselves,” the National Assembly’s letter cautions. ♦ [Page 22]

FORWARD THE NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

As this issue of The American Bahá’í went to press, a third wave of national broadcasts of The Power of Race Unity was under way on VH-I, E! and Odyssey cable channels. In the meantime, we present some of the many stories of teaching successes coming in to the National Teaching Committee office.

What do Springfield, Illinois, and Springfield, Massachusetts, have in common besides the name? Both of these communities have recently received unprecedented response from seekers while carrying out the goals of the National Teaching Plan.

In Springfield, Illinois, the Bahá’ís are experiencing the power of racial unity. Activities and enrollments have accelerated since a Race Unity Day proclamation at the State Capitol in June. The Faith is interesting more seekers and attracting people of prominence.

One of several new Bahá’ís, Dr. Vibert White, had been second to the leader of the Nation of Islam, Louis Farrakhan, and is the head of African-American affairs at the University of Illinois at Springfield. He recently spoke at a fireside with 40 seekers in attendance.

Bahá’ís have been attending citywide study circles on race and making many contacts, notably several Catholic nuns who have befriended the Faith because they agree with the Bahá’í viewpoint of the organic unity of the human race.

A Unitarian Universalist church in Springfield recently invited a Bahá’í speaker—Dr. Christopher Buck, author of Symbol & Secret—to give a talk when their pastor was unavailable. As many as 60 friends of the Faith were present.

For four years, the Springfield Bahá’ís have hosted a weekly public access TV show, recently airing The Power of Race Unity. They also have attracted seekers through a series of race unity picnics.

In addition, the Springfield community has a weekly “Friday night at the Center” that includes a public talk and fellowship; a weekly Sunday devotional program; a training institute; and ongoing deepenings.

These activities are supported by Bahá’ís not only in Springfield, but also in nearby Bloomington, Decatur, Champaign-Urbana and Peoria. This support has increased resources and helped sustain teaching efforts.

Aden Lauchner, secretary of the Spiritual Assembly of Springfield, says the community has been successful because “we’ve worked on being unified. We have a very close-knit community that has a lot of love and enjoys being together. We have a lot of imagination and commit a lot of time and effort.”

In Springfield, Massachusetts, seekers have been calling on the 800-22-UNITE phone line even in times without national broadcasts, because area Bahá’ís wanted to support the National Teaching Plan regardless of the national broadcast schedule.

Bahá’í communities in Amherst, Belchertown, East Longmeadow, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Northampton, Palmer, Springfield, Westfield and Wilbraham came together and appointed a media task force, which decided to show The Power of Race Unity on a local cable channel through 2000 and bought air time on WGGB, an ABC affiliate. To cover costs, each Bahá’í community contributes funds based on its size.

For the first two showings, those costs—for air time, printing and advertising—totaled $4,000. But after negotiating with the cable company, the media task force signed a long-term contract at a much lower rate, so The Power of Race Unity can be aired at least once a month.

The task force made a major cost-cutting discovery: The program receives the same response from seekers without advertising the video.

So, what was the response? To date, 40 calls from seekers have come in from those who watched the broadcasts. The Springfield Bahá’ís have created a seeker database to handle the response methodically.

As the Bahá’í National Center sends literature to the seekers who request it from the 800-22-UNITE phone line, the media task force follows up locally with phone calls and welcome letters that list community events. Ten of these seekers have attended events in the community.

Springfield and Amherst friends hold firesides and devotional gatherings every week. In addition, the Bahá’ís are planning to hold race unity dialogues.

The Springfield community has also begun a training institute. A media task force member, Craig Harmsen, links the teaching success to the institute.

“We were obedient to the instructions of the Universal House of Justice and started a training institute and now we are getting all of these seekers,” Harmsen said. “Bahá’u’lláh wouldn’t send us all these seekers if we weren’t ready for them.”

Naturally, many other communities nationwide are active in the national plan:

DETROIT, MICHIGAN: A WARM ENVIRONMENT

A new monthly gathering provides a warm environment to invite seekers and Bahá’ís for food, love and fellowship. The flier reads, “Come and join us for the party where the strongest drug is caffeine.”

The party has attracted 60 seekers, many of whom comment that they go away feeling as though they have been at a family reunion.

To keep track of contacts, the Detroit community created a flow chart and assigned individual Bahá’ís to call seekers after each event. Another community member is assigned the job of reminding the Bahá’ís to call their seekers.

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI: MANIFOLD RESPONSE

Through the initiative of one believer, Nosratollah Ghaemmaghami, The Power of Race Unity was aired on the local CBS affiliate. Nine Jackson-area seekers called in response to this broadcast.

NORTH CAROLINA TRIANGLE: COORDINATED EFFORTS

For the past year and a half, the principle of racial unity has been a focus of proclamation and teaching. These efforts primed the communities well to support the national media initiative, and the spiritual growth and development has been stunning.

In response to the broadcast of The Power of Race Unity, a local Bahá’í was appointed as contact person and fireside coordinator for the three-county Triangle area.

Numerous weekly home firesides and public meetings in Durham, Wake and Orange counties are scheduled around broadcast times for The Power of Race Unity. The friends also showed the video at North Carolina Central University, which has a predominantly African-American student body.

The Triangle Coordinating Team, appointed by the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Southern States, has coordinated joint meetings with all Spiritual Assemblies in the area and has initiated teaching projects with the focus “to greatly increase the number of African-American and Hispanic believers.”

The Triangle offers a rich diversity of Bahá’í community life. Weekly inter-community Bahá’í schools and devotional gatherings are held at the Bahá’í centers in Durham and Raleigh in addition to regular training institutes.

There are weekly public teaching meetings, social gatherings, workshops, dialogue sessions and performing arts activities held at the Durham and Raleigh centers. A bright spot is a twice-monthly gathering and dinner at the home of Fredoon and Manijeh Borhanian in Durham, which has been consistent for 11 years.

Several teaching projects in the Triangle have been launched in the past six months, including a direct teaching project July 10–14 in Durham.

Direct teaching activities, firesides, gatherings, public meetings and music were held during the weekend as a follow-up to the 150th Anniversary of Badasht Memorial Conference a week and a half earlier in Fayetteville.

The project was well-coordinated, many participants were involved, and

SEE COMMUNITIES, PAGE 25

Bahá’ís in Springfield, Illinois, are taking advantage of momentum generated by the Race Unity Day event—shown here at the State Capitol—to interest seekers and attract people of prominence to hear the Bahá’í message. [Page 23]“TRAINING INSTITUTES AND OTHER CENTERS OF LEARNING ARE AN INDISPENSABLE ELEMENT OF A SUSTAINED ENDEAVOR TO ADVANCE THIS PROCESS [OF ENTRY BY TROOPS]. ...” —UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE, IN ITS RIDVÁN B.E. 153 MESSAGE TO THE BAHÁ’ÍS IN NORTH AMERICA

THE WILMETTE INSTITUTE: SUPPORTING THE PLAN BY STRENGTHENING BAHÁ’Í IDENTITY

The Wilmette Institute, established by the National Spiritual Assembly in 1995 to offer educational programs, has had some unexpected side effects.

Not only has the institute helped its students strengthen their local communities, it has brought isolated and inactive believers back into contact with the larger Bahá’í community.

All this is in addition to achieving its stated goals of:

• Raising up a new generation of diverse, knowledgeable, articulate teachers and administrators of the Bahá’í Faith.
• Developing various skills, particularly teaching skills.
• Fostering Bahá’í identity.
• Deepening Bahá’ís systematically in order to strengthen the Faith’s human resources and further the process leading to entry by troops.

All Wilmette Institute courses are designed with the majority of adult Bahá’ís in mind. While they are “formally organized” and “systematic” (as the Universal House of Justice has urged) they are not designed exclusively for “scholars.”

The following excerpts are from messages by Wilmette Institute students, enrolled in “The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, 1868–1892.” They are learning about the Faith and about other religions to become more community oriented, better teachers, and stronger Bahá’ís.

• Joyce, living in Barstow, California; married with two grown sons and two grandsons; working in school district food services.

I am taking this course because I am the only Bahá’í in my town and the closest ones to me are 45 miles away. [By studying Christianity and comparing it to the Bahá’í Faith] ... when I realized how they all fit together it was like the sky opening up for me. ...

I now understand that I am not giving up being a Christian. I feel that I have a better knowledge of the Bible and of what God wants of me than I ever have in my life.

• Elizabeth, living in the New Hampshire mountains; married with sons ages 10 and 11, whom she educates at home.

I’m an isolated believer. ... It has been so wonderful to have the opportunity to participate in a national training institute. Having known that I would be going to unit convention and giving a presentation on my experience, which I just did, I took time last week to read everything I could find on training institutes and I must say that the Wilmette Institute is a powerfully shining example of what they are to be.

My experience truly was transforming. ... My love of Bahá’u’lláh has deepened, I have felt the courage and ability to teach effectively for the first time in my Bahá’í life and I feel that this has happened in a loving and spiritually disciplined atmosphere.

• Dana, living near Roanoke, Virginia; married with two daughters ages 6 3/4 and 10, whom she has home-schooled.

It is impossible to state all that the course has done and is continuing to do for me, my family, my community and our area. Although I really do not have the time to take this [her second course], I cannot pass it by. There is so much to be gained.

To those of you who are just starting this course, you will be astounded! I discovered early on in the other course that there are no dumb questions to the faculty and all of my questions and more were answered patiently, earnestly and lovingly. Asking them questions also led to more discussion that led to even greater enlightenment.

TWO-PRONGED PROGRAM

The two main areas of service by the Wilmette Institute:

• Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization. This four-year program provides 10 months of home study, teaching, and service each year and includes an annual intensive residential session consisting of classes, service projects, building a Bahá’í community, and teaching opportunities.

Each year’s program is devoted to one of four themes: World Religions and Philosophies and Bahá’í Theology; The Individual and the Family; Community and Governance; and Carrying Forward an Ever-Advancing Civilization. In addition, four other modules are taught every year: Bahá’í History; Bahá’í Writings; Research and Communications Skills; and Teaching the Bahá’í Faith.

• General Studies in the Bahá’í Faith. This program offers correspondence courses taken at home via mail, e-mail, and telephone (no residential session is required). To date, the General Studies program includes two series of courses—on world religions and on the revelation of Bahá’u’lláh—with other courses being designed.

The student council elected at the Wilmette Institute’s “Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization” residential session last summer in Wilmette, Illinois, reflects the wide diversity of the Bahá’í family in North America. Many other Wilmette Institute courses don’t require any travel. Photo by Manuchehr Derakhshani

New booklets to support video themes

The Bahá’í Publishing Trust is producing several items, many to be available by early 1999, to help believers make the most of the National Teaching Plan’s media initiative.

Just as the video program The Power of Race Unity was supported by The Vision of Race Unity statement by the National Spiritual Assembly and the booklet The Light of Unity: Healing Racism, the upcoming themes will be supported by similar items:

• The Two Wings video will be backed up with several versions of the National Spiritual Assembly’s statement Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men. A new booklet, similar to The Light of Unity, will feature a compilation of Bahá’í Writings on the subject accompanied by attractive photographs. Several other already-published titles support this theme, including Advancement of Women: A Bahá’í Perspective by Drs. Peter and Janet Khan.

• The Power of Prayer video will be supported by a third booklet with a similar low-cost format with Bahá’í writings and attractive photographs. Existing books like Bahá’í Prayers—coming out in a new leather-bound edition, suitable as a gift for new believers—and The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh will also support this theme.

ATTENTION 800-22-UNITE Users!

Communities who were linking to the national toll-free Bahá’í number for seekers attracted by media proclamation efforts should know: Effective IMMEDIATELY

To complete your switch to our new, improved phone service for 800-22-UNITE:

• CANCEL YOUR AT&T SERVICE if you haven’t done so. Call the number on your AT&T bill listed under “any questions” and tell them you want to cancel the service for 800-22-UNITE. You may choose to call 1-800-413-5410, then press option #2, to cancel your service. You must give them your account number, which starts with 016 or 019. This needs to be done EVEN if you are already hooked up to the new system.
• If you had service with AT&T for 800-22-UNITE, you need to pay your bill through September 1998.
• Once you’ve canceled AT&T, if you’re not hooked up to the new system—or if you just have questions or comments—please contact the media initiative staff (phone 847-733-3493, e-mail ).

[Page 24]

Los Angeles: Components of plan work together

BY GLORIA HAITHMAN

Maybe it’s all that sun, but things are growing well in the Los Angeles area. Race unity initiatives, devotional gatherings, firesides and community building are all part of the many activities in which this area is active:

• Race unity activities. The Institute for Racial Healing (formerly the Institute for Healing Racism) holds regular dialogues at the Los Angeles Bahá’í Center that attract people from all faiths. A committee for racial unity has been formed.

Liaisons to the committee are appointed by each of the city’s Area Councils. The committee is making plans for the next Race Unity Day, as well as major activities in which each area can get involved.

On Friday nights at the Unity Center (a special facility at the Bahá’í Center), a video series for the public on race relations is aired. The series includes episodes from Eyes on the Prize, a 60 Minutes report called “Racial Tracking,” and a piece called Blue Eyes, an experiment involving discrimination based on eye color.

In the San Fernando Valley, the Area Council sponsors a weekly Monday night friendship/potluck gathering. At these gatherings, the Race Unity Dialogue Task Force meets for deepening, discussion, and planning events. These events are open to all. To keep people’s interest, the formats and topics vary.

• Los Angeles has a chapter of WIPA (Women for International Peace and Arbitration). WIPA is also an organization open to all, but, as with the Institute for Racial Healing and the Race Unity Dialogue Task Force, is guided by Bahá’í principles and ideals.

• There are at least 19 types of firesides and eight types of devotional gatherings—some weekly, others monthly—in the L.A. area. This includes the Sunday worship program at the Bahá’í Center.

The program’s charter in part reads, “How much did we contribute to building the Kingdom of God in this program? Did we bring diverse people together with a feeling of love and mutual respect, acceptance and love?”

The Los Angeles Bahá’í Center was featured recently in the “Our Times” section of the Los Angeles Times. The “A Look Inside” feature gave contact information for the center, outlined its mission and described several of its ongoing programs. Those programs include the Sunday worship program, Los Angeles Bahá’í Youth Workshop, coffeehouse, race relations video series, youth dinner discussions, Thornton Chase Bahá’í School, Cali’s Wild Rose youth gathering, Bahá’í college clubs, the Multicultural Organization for Neighborhood Arts, the Children’s Enrichment Program, the bookstore and regular Bahá’í discussions. A small photo with the article showed cars passing the center on Rodeo Road in the Baldwin Hills section of L.A. Prominent in the photo were signs for the center and its Unity Center, and the building’s striking exterior mural (shown at left).

In an article for the Los Angeles Bahá’í Journal, Tawanna Nichols wrote:

“This great teaching event allows an atmosphere of unity with diversity in which the surrounding community was encouraged to feel a sense of comfort and oneness with the Bahá’ís. The diverse atmosphere is created by the various readings from the writings of God. [All religions] are welcomed to worship at the Bahá’í Center, and the readings [from different faiths] exemplify our commitment to the oneness of religion and mankind.

“[After the devotions] that week’s speaker always seems to clearly deliver a spiritual message from a new perspective. The speakers should be commended for their ability to be creative and yet stick to the basic spiritual principles in their talk, which ranges from the bounties of prayer to the necessities for unity.

“But that isn’t all. The Sunday worship also includes a wide variety of guest performers as well as an in-house gospel choir.

“It is worth noting that one of the two leaders of the choir is not a Bahá’í. She is an active member in her own church, yet she writes and has the choir perform songs about Bahá’u’lláh. One song the choir often sings states, ‘We are building the kingdom of God. Laying foundations for a spiritual world.’ Bahá’í or not, everyone seems to respond to this important message.”

• When L.A. hosted the Vanguard of the Dawning conference, this year’s theme was “Uplifting the African-American Community” and talks dealt with African-Americans’ history, cultural perspective, and contributions to society.

The conference attracted people from all races and backgrounds. Workshops covered a variety of themes such as “The Obstacles to Racial Peace” and “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome.”

An attendee, an active Christian, was quoted by the L.A. Bahá’í Journal as writing about the conference, “I thought I knew exactly what I was about and where I was going, and I was just beginning to form an idea of how I might best contribute to the movement of our society. ... Maybe now I’m not so sure my ‘plan’—such as it is—will really make a difference.

“What I do know for sure, after attending the Bahá’ís’ Vanguard of the Dawning conference ... is that some incredibly powerful, loving, kind wonderful people are already working on the situation and that their impact will be huge.”

There was an added bonus for attendees this year. In the spirit of unity and harmony, a group of Persian friends offered to cater the conference. This was especially welcome, since the plan had been for everyone to provide their own meals.

—Gloria Haithman is a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles.

COMMUNITIES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

more than 50 new believers embraced the Faith in communities in central North Carolina as a result of the mass teaching efforts.

Many activities focus on youth and children.

The Enoch Olinga Youth Workshop, led by Bendu Sherman, a Bahá’í in Durham, uses the arts and service projects to teach Bahá’í principles and help youth from inner-city homes incorporate spiritual values into their lives.

There are numerous ongoing children and youth retreats, conferences, forums and other activities, such as a hands-on puppeteer workshop.

In addition, the Spiritual Assembly of Raleigh sponsors a weekly service project that provides after-school reading and tutoring for children in the neighborhood surrounding the Raleigh Bahá’í Center.

Community life is also enriched by the One Human Family Choir of central North Carolina, established in 1997 by choir director and gospel musician Eric Dozier under the auspices of the Bahá’í Institute for the Performing Arts.

The choir, composed of Bahá’ís and friends of the Faith, sings regularly at Bahá’í and public meetings, churches, community-sponsored events, weddings, memorial services and various other events.

Pam Brode, editor of the ‎the The the‎ Triangle Bahá’í Newsletter, states that the choir “has become one of the most utilized and effective teaching tools in the Triangle. The spirit comes through every time the choir sings before an audience, and many souls are uplifted and new hearts are attracted to the Faith.”

ACROSS NEW JERSEY: HOSPITABLE FIRESIDES

A number of successful firesides in New Jersey have one major element in common: a warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere.

• Lawrenceville: ‎Adeshair Ardeshir‎ and Pouran Dean actually built their house with firesides in mind. They designed a huge room—part kitchen, part great room—to hold more than 100 people.

Every month, 50 to 100 people show up at the Deans’ house for dinner and conversation. While a short formal talk is usually featured, much of the teaching is done during the meal or in small groups that form throughout the evening.

The key is to provide a comfortable social atmosphere where people can meet and talk without feeling intimidated or placed on the spot.

• Norwood: Kathy Nawi and family hold a Saturday evening fireside once a month. It is a more intimate gathering, with 15 to 25 people, and she, too, works to create an atmosphere where people can mingle and talk comfortably.

Of course, food—in this case dessert—helps people feel at ease. Most evenings feature a guest speaker, often international.

• Clifton: A public library is the scene of monthly firesides geared to youth. Here, too, food and fellowship greatly enhance the subjects being discussed.

In addition, once a month the local youth committee hosts a coffeehouse night at the Bahá’í cabin in Teaneck. These evenings draw anywhere from 30 to 60 people from several states.

The atmosphere is social, and artistic performances are the core of the evening. Members of the Queens (New York) Bahá’í Youth Workshop frequently attend.

In addition to hospitality, informality, and a loving atmosphere, the success of the firesides is helped by good advertising, a range of activities, and consistency. Bahá’ís know they can count on these events. [Page 25]

Unity work brings invitation for Bahá’ís in Bay Area town

Involvement in a citywide Unity Day event helped earn the Bahá’í community of Fremont, California, an invitation to help the city Human Relations Commission plan future neighborhood dialogues on race.

The city’s first Unity Day celebration Sept. 18 celebrated the cultural and ethnic diversity of Fremont with entertainment from 17 ethnic groups, as well as a variety of foods and information booths staffed by participating organizations.

Participants included Ohlone Indians, the Chinese community, the African-American Cultural Historical Society and the Afghan Association of the East Bay.

To encourage the city’s youth to learn more about Fremont’s cultural diversity, each child was given a passport to be stamped in booths they visited.

At the booth sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Fremont, Bahá’ís gave out bookmarks produced by Bill Dvorak of the Gladstone, Oregon, community. Attendees also picked from literature on race unity and the equality of men and women.

The San Jose Bahá’í Youth Workshop’s late-afternoon 25-minute performance deeply impressed the event organizers, prompting an invitation from the City Council of Fremont to receive special recognition.

The youth performance inspired one visitor to return to the Bahá’í information booth seeking information. The workshop also was invited to perform at a Fremont-area high school.

Culminating the event was a televised interview of a few local Bahá’ís by KICU, a television station that broadcasts across the San Francisco Bay Area.

—Submitted by Morgan Spriggs, Fremont, CA

Literacy leap

Croaking “Hop into reading!” a giant green frog hops into the waiting room of the Chicago Department of Health’s WestTown Clinic, handing plastic jumping frogs to children and passing out fliers to parents on the importance of reading to children. The happening was part of the “Prescribe a Book” project of Health for Humanity, which encompasses several activities encouraging parents and children to read together. Health for Humanity is a National Spiritual Assembly-sponsored organization that carries out health projects in several countries.

Photo courtesy of Health for Humanity

Lawyers group honored for work with poor, elderly

The Bahá’í Lawyers Association of Southern California was honored recently as a result of its members providing hours of free legal services to the poor and elderly through Bet Tzedek Legal Services in matters of eviction and conservatorship.

At a volunteer recognition night held by Bet Tzedek (“House of Justice” in Hebrew), two BLA members also received certificates of appreciation and the Wiley W. Manuel award from the State Bar of California for their pro bono services.

The association, with more than 20 members, is dedicated to the practice of law according to the highest ethical and moral standards based on Bahá’í teachings.

In addition to providing the free services, BLA members assist Local Spiritual Assemblies in Southern California. They also plan to create educational programs on subjects such as estate planning, the law of Huqúqu’lláh, and tax law dealing with contributions.

For more information, please contact the Bahá’í Lawyers Association of Southern California, c/o Perry Roshan-Zamir, 2530 Wilshire Blvd., Third Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (phone 310-582-1993, e-mail perry@roshan-zamir.com).

OSCAR-WINNING DOCUMENTARY SHOWS DOCTOR’S SERVICE

A Bahá’í in Tucson, Arizona, played a major role in the film that won this year’s Academy Award for Documentary Short Subject.

Kian Samimi, an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Arizona, traveled to Vietnam for three weeks in 1997 as part of an American team sponsored by Interplast, a non-profit organization.

The goal was to perform reconstructive surgery on children with birth defects—chiefly cleft lips and palates—and severe injuries. More than 100 children received surgeries that would change their lives during this trip.

This type of service “is why we all became doctors and nurses,” Dr. Samimi was quoted as saying by Lo Que Pasa, a university publication.

A film crew followed the surgeons everywhere they went in remote An Giang province. The resulting film, A Story of Healing, featured Nguyen Van Ket, a 16-year-old boy whose cleft lip made him an outcast until the American team arrived.

“This was an amazing experience,” Lo Que Pasa quoted Dr. Samimi as saying. “Not only did we encounter the gratitude of the Vietnamese, but also to be in a film that wins an Oscar. That was truly a surprise.”

SOUTHERN STATES: YES ... I CAN HELP!

The Regional Bahá’í Council of the Southern States invites Bahá’ís from the Southern region (16 states plus D.C.) to participate in this survey to help the Council build a database and develop programs for advancing the process of entry by troops. Mail to: Regional Bahá’í Council of the Southern States, 4100 N.W. 16th Ave., Suite 9, Oakland Park, FL 33309. Or fax to: 954-351-8023

Your name (last, first)
Address
City	State, ZIP
Bahá’í ID#	Birthdate	Sex	Ethnicity
Home Phone	Work phone	Fax

YOUR BAHÁ’Í EXPERIENCE	DURING THE NEXT YEAR ARE YOU WILLING TO ...	YOUR TALENTS, SKILLS AND INTERESTS
Circle all that has applied to you: Local Spiritual Assembly member Auxiliary Board member National Committee member Regional Schools Committee member State/regional agency member Assembly Development representative Core Curriculum trainer Stewardship & Development facilitator Assistant to Auxiliary Board member Bookstore/Librarian National Convention delegate National Spiritual Assembly member Local committee member	Circle all to which you can answer “yes”: Travel teach within your area? Travel teach within your state? Travel teach within the region? Homefront pioneer within your area? Homefront pioneer within your state? Homefront pioneer in the region? Add comments below:	Circle all that apply to you: Equality of Women and Men • Race Unity Social/Economic Development External Affairs • Children’s Programs Youth Programs • Crafts Fine/Performing Arts (specify at bottom) Graphic Design • Desktop Publishing Display/Exhibit Design Script Writing/Editing • Photography Video Recording/Editing • Media/PR Developing Curriculum Deepening Materials • Workshop Facilitating Conference/Project Planning Conference Registration • Hospitality Food Preparation • Library/Bookstore Telephone Communications • Bookkeeping Committee Service • Project Teaching Public Speaking • Fireside Speaking Seeker Follow-up • Home Visiting Fund Raising • Travel Planning Translating (list language below) Others (specify below)

[Page 26]

Variety of friends in Chamblee work hard to bridge language gap

BY TOM MENNILLO

A dictionary is the centerpiece when the Spiritual Assembly of Chamblee, Georgia, gathers for its monthly deepening.

That’s only fitting, because the members are not only new believers but newly acquainted with the English language. Khmer, Viet, Chinese, and Spanish are the native tongues of these immigrants living along a cultural corridor in DeKalb County just northeast of Atlanta.

The Assembly was formed at Riḍván. Although that has happened four times before, this year for the first time the local body is meeting regularly and a rich community life is developing.

Chamblee’s Bahá’í center is a duplex occupied by homefront pioneer Kenne Dunson. The young African-American woman arrived from Lakewood, New Jersey, after responding to a classified advertisement in The American Bahá’í.

So there, at a table upon which a feast of Mexican dishes had earlier been laid, sit five members of the Assembly and deepening facilitators Maria Meredith of Decatur and Dan Hofert of Scottdale. They were assigned to assist the community by Auxiliary Board members Josie Reynolds and Riaz Khadem.

The dictionary comes into play often as the facilitators go word by word through two quotations from the Bahá’í writings about the qualities an Assembly member must possess. Translations of words by members who are trilingual in Khmer, Viet, and English and those bilingual in Spanish and English fly back and forth as well.

Finally, the quotations have been explained to everyone’s satisfaction and dessert is brought in.

But not before visitors are ushered from the room so the Assembly can consult about when to meet next.

Of course, there’s fun, too. Social gatherings featuring potluck dishes and games have helped unify the community and bring about six declarations in the past six months.

There also are basketball pickup games, hikes with other area Bahá’ís, Bahá’í children’s classes, and participation in area youth retreats.

On the social and economic development side, the community engages in after-school tutorial sessions for children three days a week and English-as-second-language classes for adults on Sundays.

This nurturing process is a natural follow-up to several years of intensive teaching through the efforts of area Bahá’ís such as Elizabeth Donnelly and Carole Miller, assisted by traveling teachers with the needed language skills.

Much effort has gone into just meeting the shelter and health needs of community members, most of whom work long hours for little pay. And it’s paying off.

One sign of empowerment is that eight of the Assembly members are female.

More evidence that members’ capacities are being brought out was recently exhibited for all of Atlanta when Khmer believer Bunthary Lisa Samreth spoke at the Bahá’í Unity Center in South DeKalb County on the topic of “Buddhism and the Bahá’í Faith” and the children performed a puppet show. Lisa attended a session at Bosch Bahá’í School earlier this year with the encouragement and assistance of area friends.

That’s not to say there aren’t still challenges. The North DeKalb and Chamblee Assemblies are consulting on ways to sustain the Bahá’í center financially. And homefront pioneer Dunson has reached the end of her deputization by the friends in New Jersey and must weigh her personal options.

But confidence is high that the recent gains will not be lost.

“The previous months were all about helping people settle in and nurturing them,” Dunson said. “Now they’re confirmed and ready to move forward as a community.”

Homefront pioneer Kenne Dunson holds one of the community’s children as Chamblee, Georgia, Assembly members socialize before their monthly deepening. Photo by Tom Mennillo

BUFFALO, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

places: to the National Bahá’í Youth Conference in Dallas, Texas; to Green Acre Bahá’í School; on weekend retreats; and just out to shoot pool or bowl.

It was on a trip to Green Acre that Choczynski’s personal struggle came to a head. The session was on sexuality and spirituality. At the end, the youth performed a skit on sexual abuse.

It hit too close to home for her.

She slipped out, but Auxiliary Board member Mary K. Radpour, a marriage and family therapist, talked with her and coaxed her to return to treatment.

CLINICAL, EMOTIONAL, SPIRITUAL HEALING

Choczynski had herself hospitalized for intensive therapy.

“For the first time I really came to terms with and understood the process I was going through,” she said recently.

Through art, she discovered in the hospital, she could express the battle within.

She created artworks honoring the Faith and the good things people in her life had done: A collage on virtues. An intricate ball, representing knowledge, with her thoughts projected onto herself. Colors representing a long dreamlike state of protection from what’s outside.

At the point of breakthrough, there was a piece symbolizing how she found her voice and broke through the barriers.

Later, a collage honoring her teaching and her work with youth. Pieces on forgiveness and ultimate freedom from the “great prison of self.”

Throughout this artwork were woven favorites of the Hidden Words and quotations from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on truth, honor and justice.

Finally, a couple of weeks before February’s wellness conference at Green Acre, her pièce de résistance was complete: a tableau honoring her rage, highlighted by the recent poem excerpted in this article.

All during this healing process, Deana and Ray’s teaching has continued unabated, as evidenced by the 14 children and youth they have helped bring into the Faith.

A NUCLEUS OF SERVICE

They bought the house next door in their inner-city Buffalo neighborhood and renovated it. Soon, Bahá’í activities began spilling over into that de facto Bahá’í center.

Deepenings on the virtues are held there. These gatherings are different from other after-school programs, Deana says, in that each begins with a discussion of prejudice—sex, weight, race, etc. The environment is crafted to be safe for all children. None are judged.

“A lot of people have declared,” said Bill Sims, corresponding secretary of the Local Spiritual Assembly. But many “have not declared and continue to be involved in it. And they feel very much at ease in being a part of it without feeling the pressure that they must become a Bahá’í.”

There’s also praying and singing for hours at times. And area Bahá’ís involved with the Bahá’í Network on AIDS, Sexuality, Addictions and Abuse (BNASAA) meet there.

The Western New York Bahá’í Youth Workshop has used the facilities as well. Deana and Ray are quite proud of the Workshop’s accomplishments. One of the latest was a triumphant appearance before an audience of about 3,000 at the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration—easily topping the Workshop’s goal of teaching 1,000 people through the arts.

It hasn’t all been roses, of course.

CHALLENGES AND ANSWERS

Most seriously, on Sept. 18 a man waged a baseball-bat assault on a street against three Bahá’í youths and a friend. One of the teens was the Choczynskis’ daughter, Elisha.

An article in the Buffalo News two days later said a 24-year-old Buffalo man was arrested on charges of assault, possession of a weapon, and aggravated harassment in connection with the attack on the teenagers—two white and two black.

Police told the newspaper the assailant came out of a bar, menaced the teens, got the aluminum bat from his car, hit them with it while yelling racial slurs, and then chased them in his car.

In defending against the attack, Deana says, two of the teens were hurt—one had a fractured disk and another’s arm was broken. A third youth was hit in the back but unhurt. Elisha wasn’t hit, but later suffered ill effects from running home to call the police.

Around the neighborhood, some people still fear the family is fostering cult activity. Overt hostility is waning, but Deana and Ray’s properties have in the past been vandalized. To help neighbors feel more familiar with the group, the Choczynskis hope to soon bring in the Youth Workshop to perform for residents.

Despite these challenges, the family is forging ahead. In the works is formal non-profit status for the human development center they envision for the adjacent property. A board of directors has been established comprising the Choczynskis and three Bahá’ís who are currently Auxiliary Board assistants.

Within the Bahá’í community, all parties acknowledge, unity of thought on this project has been gradual—partly because the active Bahá’ís were faced all at once with a lot of young people whose ways were unfamiliar.

“All the children of this neighborhood are Deana and Ray’s children regardless of their background,” Sims said. The hard fact is, many of those children are growing up in the midst of gangs.

But thanks in part to positive results from the virtues project—and to Deana’s persistence; “she’s very difficult to say no to,” Sims said—a number of Bahá’ís have at one time or another helped out. “It takes a village to pull off this kind of project,” Sims said. He added that it’s helped the Assembly and the community grow in the feeling that “it is actually a community, and not merely people who ... just happen to get together every 19 days.”

Not a bad answer to a confused young woman’s prayers.

Deana agrees: “I feel good about the way everything is working.”

Addison Bibb contributed to this story. [Page 27]

VINEYARD OF The Lord

Right: As landscaping progresses around the Center for the Study of the Texts, the building begins to show how its design will “flow” into the mountainside.

Below: Overhead sunlight plays over the entrance portico of the Center for the Study of the Texts.

“TAPESTRY OF BEAUTY” CONTINUES TO SPREAD OVER THE MOUNTAINSIDE

A large ornamental gate, flanked by columns topped with eagles, welcomes visitors to Terrace 19 at the crest of Mount Carmel, which is complete along with a 1,000-foot-long promenade.

Terrace 19 was opened to the public for daytime visits in the first week of September, at the request of the mayor of Haifa. As the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb are completed one by one, “foreshadowing the unfolding splendour from the foot to the ridge of God’s Holy Mountain” (from the message of B.E. 153 from the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the world), the interest of Haifa residents in the Bahá’í projects has become more and more intense.

Terrace 19 is drawing people in large numbers, and one can feel the sense of expectation of the visitors looking forward to traversing the remaining Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb. This undoubtedly marks another milestone in the Projects on the Mountain of God.

Other developments on the Terraces:

• Plumbing and other infrastructure is in place for nearly all the fountains, from Terrace 19 down to Terrace 2. The gentle sound of water flowing from the top to the bottom of the mountain is meant to create a peaceful, meditative atmosphere.
• ‎Landcaping Landscaping‎ is nearly done on the top five terraces. Numerous flowering trees and ground covers, olive trees, juniper and bougainvillea merge into the mountain landscape with native plants.
• Stone work is rapidly progressing lower down, on Terraces 14 to 11. Gate columns and pedestals from Italy are being installed. Work on the stone pools on Terrace 14 also has begun.

HARMONY OF THE ARC BUILDINGS BECOMING VISIBLE

When Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, raised the International Bahá’í Archives, he envisaged the construction “of several other structures which will serve as the administrative seats of such divinely appointed institutions as ... the Hands of the Cause, and the Universal House of Justice ... following a harmonizing style of architecture.” (from a Nov. 27, 1954, letter reprinted in Messages to the Bahá’í World 1950–1957, pp. 73–75) The establishment of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice was the first step toward the realization of the Guardian’s vision. Now with the construction of the Center for the Study of the Texts and the progressive completion of the International Teaching Center, the harmony of the Arc buildings is becoming visible.

On the front and rear facades of the Teaching Center, marble cladding on the walls as well as the east and west wings, window frames, entablature above the columns and precast marble soffit panels are all in place, changing the face of the building.

Inside, ceramic tiles have been installed in the service areas of levels 1, 2 and 3, the auditorium walls are covered with French stone, and drywall work is proceeding in levels 4, 5 and 6.

West of the Teaching Center building is the Arc and Terraces Communication Center (ATCC), a two-story building that serves as the nerve center for telephone and computer systems for the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb and the Arc Buildings.

A digital telephone being installed in the ATCC will become operational before the Center for the Study of the Texts is occupied. By the end of the year the Seat of the Universal House of Justice will also be integrated into the new system. [Page 28]

LANDSCAPE AROUND THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF THE TEXTS BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE

A vista of green is emerging along the Arc path from the vantage of the roof of the Center for the Study of the Texts, as landscaping in that area has begun in earnest. The ground in front of the building has been meticulously graded to a gentle slope and is being covered with grass. The same work is being carried out further up the path, in front of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, and all the star formations in the gardens are being re-established.

An area just uphill from the roof of the Center for the Study of the Texts, plus the roofs of the nearby Archives Extension and parking building, subtly blend into the edges of some of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb. The landscaping emphasizes the design of the Center as “a delicate pavilion in the gardens.”

Green tiles have been installed on the roof of the Center itself, similar to tile work on the roofs of the International Archives Building and the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. Meanwhile, marble pedestals on the roof are to be topped with ornamental vases; the roof garden has been graded and covered with volcanic gravel, and planting will be completed before the end of the year, when the building will be ready for occupancy.

In other progress on buildings:

• Inside the Center for the Study of the Texts, floors are to be finished with carpet tiles from the United States.
• The interior of the Archives Extension is receiving final wood work, and glass balustrades are being installed.
• Deep-cleaning at the Center for the Study of the Texts and the Archives Extension began in September.
• Four levels of the adjacent parking building are being relieved of their temporary duty as storage areas.
• Stone is being installed on the outer walls of the building under Terrace 11, as interior walls are constructed. The west wing, which will house the Public Information Center, has a beautiful skylight shaped as an eight-pointed star, molded of gypsum board. Work on a similar skylight is under way in the east wing, which will house the Office of Security, ‎is under way ‎. This building is to be completed by early 1999.

STRUCTURE OF BRIDGE OVER HATZIONUT AVENUE PASSES TESTS

Scaffolding has been removed from the bridge over Hatzionut Avenue, which passed all required structural tests.

As you walk under the bridge and look up, it is with a sense of thrill that you see the fair-faced concrete ‎and and and‎ the massive five-pointed star of Haykal exposed in the center of the bridge ceiling.

On the south side, leading into the courtyard of the building under Terrace 11, is a doubled curved arch, whose stone is being produced in Italy.

A smaller arch is being prepared on the north side, along with a false gate. From this vantage the public will have a stunning view of the Shrine of the Báb, as well as the grove of cypress trees where Bahá’u’lláh stood and pointed out the Spot where the Báb should be laid to rest.

In the realignment of the garden around the cypress grove to harmonize with the Terraces, two decorative one-ton stone urns were recently relocated to a garden being prepared behind the Shrine.

DESCENDANTS OF A PRECIOUS TREE

For the past few years several seedlings propagated from an orange tree planted by His Holiness the Báb in the courtyard of His House in Shíráz have been carefully nurtured in the Mount Carmel Projects nurseries.

With the blessings of the Universal House of Justice, two of the seedlings were planted on Terrace 9 on July 5, as a living tribute to the exalted memory of the Martyr-Herald of the Bahá’í Faith.

When this news was shared with the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, she expressed her delight in these words: “What could be more, one might say, ‘romantic’ in the true sense of the word than this!”

Top: The concrete star design on the underside of the bridge over Hatzionut Avenue points toward the Shrine of the Báb and the grove where Bahá’u’lláh stood as He designated the Báb’s final resting place.

Middle: A precious orange tree, grown from a cutting from a tree planted by the Báb in Shíráz, is nurtured in the shadow of the Shrine of the Báb.

Right: A monumental gate attracts the eye on Mount Carmel along Panorama Road, leading to the newly opened visitor’s entrance to Terrace 19 above the Shrine.

PHOTOS BY RUHI VARGHA [Page 29]

STATE OF THE PROFESSION: CAREGIVERS SAY THEY’RE IN AN IDEAL POSITION TO PROMOTE UNITY AND SERVICE THROUGH THEIR WORK

COMPILED BY TOM MENNILLO

Caregivers are in a perfect position to help foster unity, say Bahá’ís in the helping professions.

Nine friends responded to a survey posted on an e-mail list. The challenges they share parallel those that other Bahá’ís have on the job: bottom-line thinking, colleagues blinded by ambition, and the stress of being overworked. Add to that the dimension of dealing with illness and death.

But these challenges also are opportunities, they say. Nurturing people’s physical and mental health and nurturing their spiritual health can and should go hand in hand. Their thoughts, presented here, were all edited for length.

ABOUT OUR RESPONDENTS

Oscar Arrambide of Pflugerville, Texas, is a licensed social worker. He works as a prevention specialist in a program called Be Safe that helps elementary school children deal with issues of feelings, anger management, and drugs and alcohol.

Ronald A. Berry of Lander, Wyoming, is a family nurse practitioner with the Indian Health Service on the Wind River Reservation. He is an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service.

Nancy Coker of Chino Valley, Arizona, is a special education consultant for the Arizona Montessori Charter School in Prescott Valley.

Fran Mennick of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, is a psychiatric community health nurse with the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Philadelphia.

Susan E.A. Mojaverian of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, is a school nurse working with medically fragile preschool children in a nursery school setting.

Nancy Scott Myers of Eureka, California, is studying to become a registered nurse and a naturopathic practitioner.

Mary K. Radpour of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in family therapy in association with two clinical psychologists.

Joanne Strano of Pewee Valley, Kentucky, a registered nurse, is quality improvement coordinator for the Passport Health Plan, sponsored by AmeriHealth Mercy.

Vera Walline of Factoryville, Pennsylvania, is education director at Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock. She oversees community education as well as in-hospital education (e.g. safety, customer service, quality).

How did your Bahá’í identity influence your choice of field and how has it influenced steps you have taken within the field?

Fran Mennick: I became a Bahá’í and a nurse at about the same time. I think my concern for the sufferings of others influenced me in making both of those choices. Being a Bahá’í helps me stay comfortable with staying in direct patient care, where I feel I can do the most real good, rather than feeling that I “should” be more ambitious in climbing the administrative ladder.

Joanne Strano: Becoming a Bahá’í made me stop and think about what type of nursing I wished to pursue. My entire career has been devoted to helping the poor.

Susan Mojaverian: I had already decided to become a nurse prior to becoming a Bahá’í at age 16. Being a Bahá’í has helped me maintain an optimistic outlook in opposition to the often depressing and cynical attitudes expressed by my peers and patients.

Nancy Scott Myers: The fact that I am a Bahá’í did not materially influence my choice of professions, but has led me to consult other Bahá’ís in the same or allied professions.

Mary K. Radpour: I knew from the time I was 14 or 15 that I wanted to be a psychotherapist. At that point, I was not yet a registered Bahá’í, though my mother was a Bahá’í. Dan Jordan and Hossein Danesh had a great influence upon me, and when I was 17 I heard this passage quoted from the Seven Valleys: “Let them not be like those who have forgotten God, whom He hath therefore caused to forget their own selves.” As soon as I heard those words, I realized that Bahá’u’lláh had provided the answer to so much human suffering. Soon thereafter I decided to enroll as a Bahá’í. My deepest interest in the field has to do with the miraculous nature of the human mind and how it can transform the most painful suffering into the form the most extraordinary blessing. As a result, my professional interests lie in treating victims of abuse, and in educating families about how not to become the transmitters of the dynamics of abuse to another generation.

Oscar Arrambide: I think knowing that we have to be of service to humanity.

Ronald A. Berry: My identity as a Bahá’í and professional nurse evolved together. I entered the University of Connecticut to become a nurse about the same time I began my study of the Bahá’í Faith. In 1977 upon completing my degree in nursing I also realized I was a Bahá’í and declared my faith.

Nancy Coker: I am in administration and try to bring to school a partnership in how the school runs through consultation. Ultimately the principal is responsible for the last decision, but it empowers teachers and they do a better job.

Vera Walline: I became a Bahá’í as a sophomore in college, where I had already been considering a career in the helping professions. When I entered graduate school in public health, I had notions of “saving the world” in an African or Asian village. The Faith has influenced me to put the needs of my family ahead of career (please don’t cringe), and my career has been shaped by where I have needed to be, from Philadelphia to the Bahá’í World Center and now in rural northeastern Pennsylvania. In each location, I have found useful, but not flashy, work.

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

Oscar Arrambide: I was really perplexed. I knew I had the Writings that could help and I knew that I could not put my beliefs on others. The way I solved it: I talked with my supervisor. She said it very plainly, “Oscar, you are one of four providers. Provide.” So, I thought of ways to offer the Writings on healing.

Ronald A. Berry: On the contrary, I find I am on a wide path. As I develop a deeper understanding the fundamental truths I find them reiterated in each of the Manifestation’s writings. I see the fine lines of some people become broad strokes in my life.

Vera Walline: I find it necessary to speak around the edges of our principles, most times. Religious or even idealistic perspectives are suspect if addressed head-on (only the boss can get away with it). Being a member of a minority—and not well-known—faith adds an additional edge, but I really think some dedicated Christians are having trouble also.

Fran Mennick: I find this to be less and less true as the years go by. Nursing has always said that it includes man’s spiritual dimension, and in recent years more people seem comfortable talking openly about it. And more patients are willing to talk about spiritual matters to people outside their own church.

Nancy Scott Myers: I don’t foresee one. I propose to use consultation and cooperation in procuring the best care for my patients that I can. This may involve a lot of homework for me, but it’s a poor naturopathic practitioner who doesn’t keep on learning!

Nancy Coker: I am as bold as I can be in an extremely fundamental white Christian area. I have things all over my private office that indicate the beliefs I hold. I put quotes on education in my newsletters to parents, with credit to Bahá’u’lláh, Buddha, Krishna, etc.

Mary K. Radpour: I am particularly fortunate that there is no one looking over my shoulder to tell me what to say or how to say it, since I work for myself. So I am quite free to integrate a spiritual perspective into my work. In fact, I would say that I am able to teach spiritual principles every day of my life, and that is a great blessing.

Susan Mojaverian: I feel that in the helping professions it is easier to consider your work as an act of worship. It is a best fit to be a nurse and a Bahá’í.

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

Susan Mojaverian: I have often worked with critically ill patients and dealt with death and dying. I view death as a joyous reunion because of my understanding of the Bahá’í scripture. It is hard to express happy feelings when everyone around you feels negatively about the death experience. It has been a bounty to share reassuring words with dying people.

Vera Walline: I would say my main challenge is the lack of idealism among my co-workers. Too many are perpetually angling for their own status or are pushing for the financial success of our institution, as opposed to fixing on real needs and resources to be developed. These attitudes get in the way in every project and consultation. It also makes it very hard for others to maintain a faithful and selfless attitude. So many times I catch myself wanting to open a meeting with a prayer.

Oscar Arrambide: Seeing the spiritual illness and then seeing how the Writings can best fit the needs of the client. A human being is both spiritual and material, and there needs to be an integration of both.

Nancy Coker: Close scrutiny. Some competition from teachers due to their

“I am as bold as I can be in an extremely fundamental white Christian area. ... I put quotes on education in my newsletters to parents, with credit to Bahá’u’lláh, Buddha, Krishna, etc.” —Nancy Coker, Chino Valley, Arizona [Page 30][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

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

Mary K. Radpour: Actually, there are unrealistically grandiose expectations of psychotherapists in our society. We have become the unofficially sanctioned “priests” of the day. The problem with this is that it leads those without a spiritual perspective to actually believe that they themselves possess the power to heal instead of the spirit, which is a dangerous thought. On the other hand, people do seem to recognize the relationship between life’s struggles and the necessity of wringing meaning from it. So it provides many opportunities to speak with authority on this territory of the heart.

Ronald A. Berry: The nursing profession recognizes the intrinsic worth of each person. Nurses are the most numerous, and arguably the most important, health-care providers on the planet. Along with the assurance of adequate sustenance and shelter for all, the provision of basic health care to every person on earth is a goal which is achievable. Nurses can lead the health professions in this quest for universal basic health care.

Susan Mojaverian: I think that the nursing profession has unique opportunities for educating the public and in increasing the knowledge base of all people, thereby bridging the gap between the haves and the have-nots and improving the quality of life for everyone. This is definitely a unifying force.

Nancy Coker: I would think it is great! Teachers are preparing the history of the world. Individually, my administration knows my integrity, genuine concern and love for the kids and job. I insist on being professional with compassion. We have had many opportunities to put me to the test in just three months.

Vera Walline: Health educators are supposed to be more unifying than others in the hospital environment and in community outreach. That’s a break for me!

Nancy Scott Myers: I don’t see that it is, except in the emergency room or in critical care units, where comforting patients and/or their families can lead to unity.

“The similar professional goals and concerns of nurses ... around the planet provide a unifying focus which allows for an agenda compatible with the world view of the Bahá’í Faith.” —Ronald A. Berry, Lander, Wyoming

“Bahá’ís in these professions can undertake a more disciplined study of the teachings about the soul and the heart and the will ... [in order to] influence this profession to depart from its view of a human being as a sophisticated animal.” —Mary K. Radpour, Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee

What can Bahá’ís in the helping professions do individually or collectively to foster that catalytic role?

Mary K. Radpour: Bahá’ís in these professions can undertake a more disciplined study of the teachings about the soul and the heart and the will so as to offer a more valid understanding of what they see in their work. They will then be able to influence this profession to depart from its view of a human being as a sophisticated animal.

Ronald A. Berry: The professional nurses must realize the power which is inherent in their vast numbers around the planet. The similar professional goals and concerns of nurses for the prevention of disease and the promotion of health in every population around the planet provide a unifying focus which allows for an agenda compatible with the world view of the Bahá’í Faith and in concert with the evolution of the Lesser Peace.

Fran Mennick: One of the major challenges I see in working in health care in the U.S. at this time relates to how health care is financed. How you perceive it can vary tremendously depending on what perspective you are viewing it from. Millions of people in this country are unable to afford needed medical care. If we could create a forum in which these issues could be examined in the true spirit of consultation, I believe we would be providing a very unifying and valuable service.

Susan Mojaverian: I would like to see more entrepreneurship among nurses. We need to have more networking as to areas of need and potential solutions. We Bahá’ís are in a position to be leaders of helping institutions, and to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect among the staff that is often lacking in the current health-care facilities. So often, the helpers feel used and unappreciated so that people’s care-giving abilities become hampered.

Nancy Scott Myers: I’d like to see several e-mail lists such as Discuss take up that challenge. Young people just entering the professions would surely gain from participating in or observing the conversations of their elders.

Oscar Arrambide: The profession needs to have a vision. They need to see how they fit into the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’u’lláh says there is an essential harmony of science and religion. The profession needs to see past the nose on its face and see (imagine) how their knowledge and expertise can aid Local Spiritual Assemblies and communities to lift humanity out of its illness. ♦

The work of Bahá’ís in the helping professions in service to humanity—and often as a unifying force—is being recognized around the world. In this photo, Pakistani President Rafique Tarar (right) presents a Certificate of Merit for Social Work to a representative of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Rawalpindi (left). The presentation was made last summer on behalf of the national Red Crescent Society, the equivalent of the Red Cross. Photo from Bahá’í International News Service

CAREGIVERS, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

Fran Mennick: My beliefs help me in my work. The teachings of the Faith help me to stay focused and ethical in difficult situations.

Joanne Strano: No challenge. I work for a company which recognizes unity in diversity. Their mission could be written directly from the Writings.

Nancy Scott Myers: None yet, but I expect that some challenges will come from allopathic medicine as opposed to holistic medicine, which I wish to practice. I am all too aware of the answer to the question, “Whose body is it?” whereas I have observed some practitioners who are not and consider themselves much as little tin gods and goddesses.

Mary K. Radpour: The world is so irreligious that it takes a slow and careful education to help people see that their own hearts and spirits will provide answers if they were but to listen to them. I don’t think that this is exactly a challenge; in fact, it is a blessing to have the vantage point of the Faith to see it. But it is painful to see how unnecessary is the suffering caused by ignorance of our own true selves.

Ronald A. Berry: The past seven and a half years I have been a family nurse practitioner. The demands of this role are varied and difficult. My daily challenges are similar to any other nurse practitioner, but my Bahá’í perspective provides me with effective tools for coping with the interpersonal interactions in my professional life and with providing patient care. ♦ [Page 31]

CLASSIFIED

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

AT THE BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER

Administrative Assistant, Education and Schools Office. Responsible for administrative support of the ESO, Education and Schools coordinator, Education Task Force, permanent school/institute administrators and Institute for Bahá’í Studies. Processes all communications into and from the ESO; creates and maintains the Schools and Education Resource database; helps organize meetings and communications; collects and compiles statistical/financial information on permanent schools and institutes; supports curriculum development by researching Bahá’í writings and putting into presentation form. Must have strong organizational skills, ability to take initiative and make decisions; strong database management and desktop publishing skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills. Familiarity with professional education vocabulary/procedures and Bahá’í Sacred Writings on education preferred.

Assistant Coordinator for Southeast Asian Program, U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office. Assists the Refugee Coordinator in work relating to Southeast Asian teaching and consolidation activities. Prepares correspondence to refugees, Spiritual Assemblies, task forces/committees and volunteer “helpers” in various U.S. regions. Coordinates the annual Southeast Asian Bahá’í Conference. Gathers, organizes and supervises reproduction of related audiovisual and printed materials. Compiles, designs, and writes material for the quarterly Southeast Asian Helpers Bulletin; supplies articles for The American Bahá’í. Will work closely with the Assistant Coordinator for the Iranian Refugee Program. Two-year commitment is expected; some travel required.

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 in effective implementations of administrative needs. 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).

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 ________________). 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 Recruiting trip across U.S., Dec. 1-20 Joanne Morford, representing the Office of Personnel, will be traveling to a number of cities in the United States and Puerto Rico, offering a glimpse of the urgent need for skilled workers at the spiritual and administrative center of our Faith. The presentations on service, which will include recent slides of the Arc Projects, are scheduled for: Greenbelt, Maryland • Washington, D.C. • Virginia Beach, Virginia • Charlotte, North Carolina • Atlanta, Georgia • Gainesville, Florida • Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Houston, Texas • Dallas, Texas • Seattle, Washington • San Francisco, California • Los Angeles, California • San Juan, Puerto Rico The Local Spiritual Assemblies of these cities can be contacted for specific dates. Informative brochures and forms for offering service will be available at the meetings. To obtain a brochure and/or form in advance, or 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 ________________).

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 administrative 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

Relocating to Fulton County, Georgia, in December 1998

Warehouse Supervisor: Will schedule, hire and train warehouse staff, oversee order fulfillment activity, accurately maintain inventory, oversee inventory receipts and returns, maintain warehouse service level, prepare reports. Should have warehouse experience, knowledge of shipping and packing operations, supervisory experience, and computer experience, especially with word processing and spreadsheets.

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 ________________).

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 ________________).

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. Starting with this issue, 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.

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. [Page 32]

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 additional information, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, Wilmette IL 60091 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail pioneering@usbnc.org).

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT

West Palm Beach, Florida, lost its Assembly this last Ridván. Are you in a position to help rebuild it? A core family to host Feasts, firesides and deepen with the friends would be a real blessing. West Palm is an ethnically diverse semi-tropical city of 80,000. Ability to speak Spanish and/or Haitian Creole would be a plus. A Bahá’í center in North Palm Beach, only a 15-minute drive away, is used by five active communities and a host of isolated believers from throughout Palm Beach County. Contact the Bahá’ís of West Palm Beach (phone 561-585-2958 or e-mail lsa-wpb@juno.com).

Wanted: Bahá’ís to help re-establish the Local Spiritual Assembly in Clarkdale, Arizona. In the beautiful Verde Valley of Central Arizona, Clarkdale has hot dry summers and warm dry winters. The community is a rapidly growing retirement area for people wanting to escape the cold. For more information please contact Jim Harris, P.O. Box 111, Clarkdale, AZ 86324 or (phone 520-634-5685).

Consolidation help needed! The Local Spiritual Assembly in Amarillo, Texas, is looking especially for young couples seeking opportunities for spreading the Faith and professional employment. Amarillo is a growing city with a large medical complex, the future site for Bell Helicopters to build the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, a diverse economic base and significant Hispanic, African-American and Asian populations. West Texas A&M University, with an enrollment of over 6,000, is just 15 miles away in Canyon. For detailed information on jobs, housing and teaching opportunities, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Amarillo, P.O. Box 9103, Amarillo, TX 79105 (phone 806-372-8803; e-mail amarillo-lsa@juno.com).

The Bahá’ís of Sedona, Arizona, need homefront pioneers to help them keep their Local Spiritual Assembly. Several members of the community have moved and need to be replaced in order to elect the assembly next Ridván. Sedona is located in the beautiful red rock country of Northern Arizona, where many Western movies have been filmed. This tourist mecca draws more visitors a year than the Grand Canyon. Sedona has warm dry summers and mild winters. Please contact Douglas Jernberg, P.O. Box 10741, Sedona, AZ 86339 (phone 520-282-5885).

YOUTH

A Bahá’í Youth Service Corps volunteer is needed for the Bahá’í Center secretariat in New York City. Will work closely with staff of secretary’s office, do clerical work and assist with visitors and various projects. The community is large, very diverse, lively and active. Many opportunities to assist with growth of the Faith and innovative community development work. There will be a small stipend and possible assistance with living arrangements. The center is in the heart of Greenwich Village and New York University; it is a vibrant, interesting area with many young people. All applicants should contact Hillary Chapman at the secretary’s office (phone 212-674-8998, e-mail hchapman@teleport.net).

WANTED

Health for Humanity is looking for a variety of scientific information that confirms the oneness of the human race, as part of a new project. In the statement known as The Promise of World Peace, the Universal House of Justice says: “Anthropology, physiology, psychology, recognize only one human species, albeit infinitely varied in the secondary aspects of life.” We would prefer statements of no more than one paragraph, with citations of the source (title of book or publication, author, publisher, copyright or publication date, etc.). Or let us know about books/publications that contain this type of data. Please contact: Health for Humanity, 467 Jackson Ave., Glencoe, IL 60022 (phone 847-835-5088, fax 847-835-7088, e-mail hfh@usbnc.org).

ARCHIVES

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following: Nils Chrisander, Florence B. Christensen, Anna Clark, Bertha Rohr Clark, Betty Clark, Chesley D. Clark, Frank Durban Clark and Fred W. Clark. 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).

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking copies of the following issues of the Bahá’í International News Service bulletin in good or excellent condition: February, April 1983; January, September, October, December 1984; March, April 1985; October 31, 1993; August 15, 1994; July 31, 1996. Anyone with copies they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201–1611.

World Order

Your window to teaching, deepening, and external affairs

Summer 1998 issue: The equality of women and men—another must-have issue!

• Dr. Rhea Harmsen’s “Science in the Hands of Women: Present Barriers, Future Promise.”
• World Order’s fifth anthology of poetry—this time containing only poems by women.

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 5

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TAB 11/23/98

[Page 33]

Peggy True served since ‘53 in Canary Islands

Knight of Bahá’u’lláh Mrs. Marguerite (Peggy) True ascended to the Abhá Kingdom May 27, 1998, at age 85.

This dynamic handmaiden described the time prior to pioneering thus: “For almost a year before 1953, I kept praying to be allowed to serve, serve, serve and serve more. It was almost an obsession ... In spite of all the activities going on at that time, and keeping me busy in the moments I wasn’t attending to the family, it still didn’t seem enough. ... So I wrote to the Guardian to offer whatever services he might feel worthy. The answer came, not to worry, that shortly there would be work for everyone, and more!”

Following the call for pioneers for the Ten Year Crusade, George and Peggy True with their son Barry left the United States in fall 1953 to serve in Nigeria, with a stop in the Canary Islands. They learned in London that the goals for Nigeria had been met and sought visas instead for the Ashanti Territory, now part of Ghana. Their destiny, though, was to remain in the Canary Islands.

They found from the beginning that people of all classes were attracted to them in spite of the formidable religious and political restrictions imposed by the authorities. These restrictions continued for many years; it was 13 years before they obtained residence permits and lived without fear they would have to leave at the whim of the authorities.

There were complaints that the Bahá’ís were spies, “Orientals” taking people from other religions, corrupting the youth, etc., and that all these foreigners should be expelled. There was a policy that any local believer should be sent to the penal colony in Spanish Guinea.

Six months after their arrival, Peggy could state that there were “several hundred people ... who know something about us ...” No doubt their faith gained reinforcement from a quotation contained in a 1954 letter to the Hand of the Cause of God Horace Holley: “God has placed us in this land and then forgotten us, but from the East a light shall come which shall awaken us.”

Always seeking to reach interested souls and frustrated with the limitations imposed on them, Peggy recalled hearing about messages sent in bottles. She collected bottles, wrote short notes telling that Bahá’u’lláh had come and asking the recipient to please respond telling where and when she or he found it. The bottles usually took a year to arrive; one, in the Bahamas, was received after three years. She received responses from people in Cuba, Mexico, Antigua, Grand Turk Island, Saba, Barbados and Venezuela.

One bottle arrived in Nicaragua in 1975 while Edith McLaren and another pioneer were assisting Local Assemblies to prepare for their elections. Edith wrote, “In one town where there are at 40 registered Bahá’ís ... a native woman brought us your note which she found on the shore in a bottle near her home. This area was opened to the Faith by Hooper Dunbar in the early years of the 10 Year Crusade. The friends there and in other towns we visited were very excited about this and it helped them really to ‎fell feel‎ the oneness of the Bahá’ís in all the world. They were even more excited to know that I knew you and to think it arrived on the only full day I had spent in their town!”

In 1984, George passed away from cancer. Peggy continued on at their post until her own death.

The following words from the e-mail advising of her passing sums up the fulfillment of her heart’s desire: “She was a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh and with her husband, George R. True, pioneered to the Canary Islands. They remained at their posts and the Canary Islands now has its National Spiritual Assembly!” ♦

Peggy True (left) and her family are pictured in this photo taken by the Detroit Times in 1953, which profiled them in an extensive article as they were about to leave the United States for a pioneering post.

Johnny Marino remembered for humor, tireless work for Cause

On July 9, 1980, Johnny Marino arrived at his pioneer post in Costa Rica, followed a few months later by his wife, Barbara. These dear friends served there tirelessly until their return to the States in 1996.

A friend in Costa Rica wrote:

“Our dear friend Johnny Marino passed away last evening (July 11, 1998) in California. Barbara called this morning to tell us that Johnny had had a wonderful evening at a friend’s fireside, but had trouble breathing and was rushed to the hospital. He had been quite ill for some time, but was in good spirits as always. We will miss him sorely ... I wonder who he’s making jokes with now!”

With a renowned sense of humor, this beloved pioneer captured the hearts and brightened the souls of all he came to know. ♦

Curtis Dean Lovell, a member of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Woodland, California, passed away Sept. 7, 1998, from brain cancer. He was a computer programmer at the University of Davis.

IN MEMORIAM

Violette Ames Carpinteria, CA August 27, 1998	Tahereh Eghrari Diamond Bar, CA August 27, 1998	Elaine Huff Meridian, ID May 31, 1998	Clifford G. Neale Plattsburgh, NY July 16, 1998	Beatrice Vega Chicago, IL June 5, 1998
Mary Elizabeth Anderson Dexter, OR August 12, 1998	Abdul Husayn Bashir Elahi Campbell, CA September 25, 1998	Dan Lewis Panorama City, CA March 11, 1998	Paul K. Newcomer Bremerton, WA September 27, 1998	Robert Wendel Walker Decatur, GA September 4, 1998
Navid Anvar Dallas, TX October 1, 1998	Peggy J. Feightner Ligonier, IN September 2, 1998	Curtis Dean Lovell Woodland, CA September 7, 1998	Catherine Parr Reno, NV August 30, 1998	O.Z. Whitehead Dublin, Ireland July 29, 1998
James Howard Brewster Carson City, NV July 31, 1998	William L. Fountaine Willoughby, OH August 24, 1998	Jaxine Tunnell Marshall Yuba City, CA September 1, 1998	John D. Sargent Jr. Zimbabwe August 1998	Kathleen V. Wicker Sarasota, FL September 17, 1998
Ralph W. Campbell Jackson, MS April 14, 1998	Patricia Joanne Fuller Bradenton, FL September 23, 1998	Betty J. Meller Medford, OR August 30, 1998	Leghayeh Sedaghat Fort Washington, MD July 7, 1998	Edna B. Wilson Cedar Rapids, IA September 25, 1998
	Harry Joseph Hoey Hattiesburg, MS July 17, 1998	Yamina Modabber La Jolla, CA October 3, 1998	Kathryn S. Tomes Sumter, SC September 12, 1998

Clifford Neale aided in Plattsburgh Assembly’s founding

Clifford Neale was a homefront pioneer to Plattsburgh, New York, in 1978 and stayed with the community as it grew into a registered group and later founded its first Local Spiritual Assembly.

Mr. Neale passed away July 16, 1998, in Plattsburgh. He is survived by his wife, Lynn; a son, Tom; a daughter, Alice; and a granddaughter. ♦ [Page 34]

1998 CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AMERICAS

Dec. 17-20, 1998 Clarion Plaza Hotel Orlando, Florida

THEME: SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IS EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS

Representatives and program participants invited from 200 Bahá’í projects, Institutions/agencies and Bahá’í-inspired organizations from 27 countries.

"Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on exigencies and requirements." Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 213.

Featured Guest Pierre J. Beemans, Vice President, Corporate Services for the International Development Research Centre, Canada

Featured Speakers and Presenters David Ruhe (US), Jack McCants (US), Jaime Duhart (Chile), Arini Beaumaris (Canada), William Davis (US), Eloy Anello (Bolivia), Bradley Porkorny (US), Dwight Allen (US), Jacqueline Left Hand Bull (US), Hassan Abdel Fattah Sabri (UK), Michael Horton (Bahamas), Kenneth Bowers (US) and many more.

Music and Drama programs coordinated by Jack Lenz featuring Red Grammer, the Van Gilmer Family, Sandy Webster, Roya Bauman Parade of Nations.

Peter Beaumaris - Master of Ceremonies Maxwell Baha'i Youth Workshop

The conference is designed to fit the needs of practitioners of social and economic development as well as novices, and to help participants offer their ideas in a dialogue-evoking atmosphere and learning environment with a minimum of lectures. To quote from the Bahá’í World Center Office of Social and Economic Development in its letter to the Rabbani Trust dated March 23, 1997:

"... gather together to share information and experiences-both challenges and successes."

"... analyze the shared experience in light of the teachings of the Faith and current thought in development-related fields...."

"... contact with individuals who can potentially be of assistance...."

learn about principles and practice of Bahá’í social and economic development...."

Program tracks include Advanced Concepts in Development, Advancement of Women, Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Development, Business, Education, Health, Indigenous Peoples, Law, Justice and Human Rights, Peoples of African Descent and Race Unity

REGISTRATION & FEES

For general information call 407-740-5415

Adults: $109 Youth 15-20 years: $69 Children & Junior Youth 3-14 years: $49 Please add $19, if possible, to assist with scholarships.

Add $20 if you register after Nov. 20 No refunds for "no-shows" All cancellations subject to a $20 cancellation fee

Mail check (in U.S. dollars) to: RABBANI CHARITABLE TRUST 2693 W. FAIRBANKS AVENUE, SUITE A WINTER PARK, FLORIDA 32789

HOTEL/AIRLINE GROUP RATE INFORMATION

Hotel rooms at the Clarion Plaza Hotel in Orlando $47 per night (up to 4 persons). Limited availability; call promptly: 800-627-8258 or 407-354-1703

Airfare Discounts from American Travel Consultants Call 800-393-5050 (outside North America 407-354-1703) File 115179A

Use the form below to respond by mail.

Special information: CHILE Names and ages of all attending, including children Your total conference fees Any special needs

INFORMATION ON YOUR INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP

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

Just contact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3511, fax 847-733- 3509, e-mail).

Use the form below to respond by mail.

Special information: Names and ID numbers of all Bahá’ís on each trip. Names of each country visited, plus the one or two main localities, and date(s) of visit(s). Main purpose of your travel. Did you arise to meet the call of the Universal House of Justice for: Native Americans to teach in the circumpolar areas? Hispanic believers to teach in Latin America? African-Americans to teach in Africa? Use a separate sheet as needed.

WILMETTE INSTITUTE STUDIES IN THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH

Correspondence Courses in Support of the Four Year Plan

• Designed to deepen adult Bahá’ís systematically to strengthen the human resources of the Bahá’í community and further the process of entry by troops Home study via mail, e-mail, and telephone (no residential session required)

World Religions: An Integrated Approach Dialogue and Deepening Series: Hinduism Jan.-Feb. 1999, $100 Judaism March-April 1999, $100 Buddhism May-June 1999, $100 Christianity Sept.-Oct. 1999, $100 Chinese Religions Nov.-Dec. 1999, $100 Zoroastrianism Jan.-Feb. 2000, $100 Islam March-May 2000, $150

The Bahá’í Faith: A Systematic Introduction June-Aug. 1999, $150 June-Aug. 2000, $150

•The courses introduce the origin, founder, teachings, practices, and followers of each of the various world religions. •The faiths are studied as integral parts of the ever-developing religion of God. The courses foster dialogue (interacting with people of other religions and explaining the Faith to them) and deepening (understanding the basics of the religion being studied and, by comparison, the Bahá’í Faith). •The courses help you teach the Faith to people of various religious backgrounds. All courses offer a variety of projects adaptable to many learning styles. College credit may be possible.

Exploring Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh series: 1853-63 Jan.-June 1999, $225 1863-68 July-Dec. 1999, $225 1868-73 Jan.-June 2000, $225 1874-92 July-Dec. 2000, $225

The Kitáb-i-Íqán and Related Texts April-Sept. 1999, $225 The Kitáb-i-Aqdas and Related Texts Nov. 1999-April 2000, $225

•The series covers about 125 works by Bahá’u’lláh in two years. • Tablets are studied in context and in chronological order. •Extensive background information on each Tablet is provided.

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to enroll in a course, contact the Wilmette Institute, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, IL 60091 (you may use the form at right) or: Phone 847-733-3415 24-hour automated information line 847-733-3595 Fax 847-733-3563 E-mail Web site www.usbnc.org/wilmette

"YOUNG AT HEART CAMPAIGN"

Association of American Bahá’ís 50 years and older Organized by a task force under the auspices of the National Teaching Committee

OUR MISSION: To facilitate seasoned Bahá’ís to utilize their life and professional experiences, talents and resources, knowledge and skills in continued service to Bahá’u’lláh.

Please return form to: Deanna McCollum Houston, TX 77006 (phone 713-527-9124)

Use the form below to respond by mail.

Special information: Indicate your area(s) of strength or experience: teaching, pioneering, administrative service, race unity, social/economical projects, escorted traveling teaching, advancement of women, youth tutoring, public speaking or other.

CLIP OR COPY THIS FORM AS NEEDED

For what agency or event are you using this form?

Name Address City Phone Special information: State, ZIP E-mail [Page 35]تلفن هتل: ۱ (۸۰۰) ۴۶۵-۴۳۲۹ و یا (۸۴۷) ۶۷۱-۶۳۵۰

موضوع کنفرانس خانه و خانواده در فرهنگ ایران است. کنفرانس بنا به روش گذشته متشکل از بخش‌های گوناگون مانند سخنرانی، جلسات میزگرد، جلسات گفت و شنود، جلسات به زبان انگلیسی، کلاس‌های کودکان و بخش‌های هنری شامل موسیقی و نمایش و رقص و غیره خواهد بود. در شماره‌های بعدی نرخ نام‌نویسی برای این کنفرانس همراه با اطلاعات بیشتر به آگاهی دوستان خواهد رسید. علاقه مندان به ارائه مقاله و هنرمندان برای اجرای برنامه هرچه زودتر با فرستادن نوار سخنرانی و یا ویدئوی برنامه هنری خود آمادگی خود را برای همکاری در این کنفرانس اعلام نمایند. هیئت مدیره انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی و سوکمیسیون هنری بعد از مطالعه و بررسی دقیق برنامه‌هائی که قبل از اول ماه مارچ ۱۹۹۹ به دفتر امور احبای ایرانی رسیده باشد نظر نهائی را در باره مطالب انتخاب شده اعلام خواهند نمود. شماره تلفن دفتر امور احبای ایرانی- آمریکائی (۸۴۷) ۷۳۳-۳۵۲۸

نشانی از این قرار است:

Persian-American Affairs Office Baha’i National Center 1233 Central Street Evanston, IL 60201 E-mail

ملاحظاتی درباره کنفرانس‌های سالانه انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

SOME CONSIDERATION ABOUT THE FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE CONFERENCES

در طی هشت کنفرانسی که تا کنون تشکیل شده است، بسیاری از شرکت کنندگان با اظهار عقیده درباره آن‌ها و دادن پیشنهادهای گوناگون بر انجمن منت نهاده و اعضایش را مدیون راهنمائی‌ها و دلگرمی‌های خود ساخته‌اند. بی‌تردید بیشتر پیشنهادهای شرکت کنندگان سودمند بوده و به کار بردن آن‌ها کنفرانس‌ها را از این پیش پربار ساخته است و از این پس نیز پربارتر خواهد ساخت. اما گاهی سوء تفاهم‌هائی نیز پیش آمده که ممکن است ناشی از ناآگاهی دوستان از اهداف انجمن یا کوتاهی دست اندرکاران در تشریح آن اهداف بوده باشد. بنابراین انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی صلاح را در آن دانست که در صفحات فارسی این نشریه درباره کنفرانس‌های سالانه خود توضیحی بدهد و هدف‌های انجمن را روشن سازد و بدین ترتیب سوء تفاهم‌هائی را که یحتمل ایجاد شده است برطرف کند.

به عنوان مقدمه باید یادآوری کرد که دفتر امور احبای ایرانی- آمریکائی در سال ۱۹۹۱ با کسب اجازه از محفل مقدس روحانی ایالات متحده "انجمن ادب و فرهنگ ایرانی" را تأسیس نمود. نام انجمن بعدها به "انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی" تبدیل شد.

انگیزه تشکیل این انجمن رسیدن به چند هدف اصلی به قرار زیر بود:

• کمک به بهائیان ایرانی مقیم آمریکای شمالی برای حفظ ارتباط خود با میراث فرهنگی و ادب و هنر ایران
• تشویق جوانان و نوجوانان بهائی ایرانی‌تبار به آموختن و علاقه مند شدن به زبان فارسی
• آشنا ساختن اعضاء جوامع بهائی با فرهنگ ایران به منظور استفاده بیشتر آنان از مطالعه نصوص و نوشته‌ها و تاریخ امر بهائی

برای رسیدن به اهداف مذکور هر سال کنفرانسی در شیکاگو یا حومه آن تشکیل می‌شود و در آن جنبه‌های گوناگون فرهنگ و هنر ایران به صورت سخنرانی و جلسات میزگرد و غیره مطرح می‌گردد. همچنین تعدادی برنامه هنری از هر گونه که باشد، به اجرا در می‌آید و نیز نمایشگاهی از آثار هنرمندان ترتیب داده می‌شود. به علاوه، برنامه‌هائی به زبان انگلیسی برای کسانی که فارسی نمی‌دانند اجرا می‌شود و برای آشنا ساختن کودکان ۳ تا ۱۲ ساله با زبان و فرهنگ ایران کلاس‌هائی دائر می‌گردد.

اما هدف نهائی این بوده است که فعالیت‌هائی که بدان اشاره شد در نقاط گوناگون ایالات متحده به نحوی مستمر دنبال شود، زیرا بدون کوشش احباء در دیگر نقاط این کشور و تنها با تشکیل کنفرانس‌های سالانه در شیکاگو نمی‌توان هدف‌های انجمن را تحقق بخشید.

برخی از یاران ‎دائرة دایره‎ اهداف انجمن را بسی گسترده‌تر از آنچه ذکر شد می‌پندارند، و بدین ترتیب، پیشنهادهایی ارائه می‌فرمایند یا پرسش‌هائی مطرح می‌نمایند که در عین متانت ارتباطی با اهداف کنفرانس‌های انجمن ندارد. به عنوان مثال برخی پیشنهاد می‌کنند که درباره اهمیت تبلیغ امر مبارک یا حقوق‌الله یا بزرگداشت شهیدان امر یا تزیید معلومات امری و غیره برنامه‌هائی اجرا شود. بعضی نیز پرسش‌هائی به این صورت طرح می‌کنند که مثلاً "چه اشکالی دارد که به جای فلان برنامه هنری، درباره احکام کتاب اقدس یا کتاب ایقان هم سخنرانی شود؟ آیا اهمیت آثار مبارکه کمتر از برنامه نمایش یا موسیقی یا شعر است؟"

در پاسخ به پیشنهادها و پرسش‌هائی از آنگونه که در بالا مطرح شده است باید گفت که البته بسیار شایسته است که درباره اهمیت تبلیغ امر مبارک و حقوق‌الله و بزرگداشت شهیدان عزیز امر مبارک و ده‌ها موضوع مهم دیگر جلسات و حتی کلاس‌هائی دائر شود. به راستی کدام بهائی است که بتواند در اهمیت مطالعه کتاب مستطاب اقدس یا دیگر آثار مبارکه تردید روا دارد؟ منتهی باید دید که آیا کنفرانسی با عنوان "فرهنگ ایرانی" جای مناسبی برای ارائه موضوع‌های پیشنهادی هست؟ آیا اگر کنفرانسی برای گوشزد کردن اهمیت ‎ایادی ادای‎ حقوق‌الله تشکیل شد، مناسبتی دارد که مثلاً درباره "مقام زن در دیانت بهائی" هم در آن نطقی ایراد شود؟ یا در یک کنفرانس راجع به "تعلیم و تربیت کودکان" لازم یا معقول است درباره ساختمان‌های قوس در کوه کرمل، در عین اهمیتی که دارد، سخنرانی شود؟

چنانکه دوستان توجه می‌فرمایند سخن بر سر اهمیت موضوعی در مقایسه با موضوع‌های دیگر نیست، بلکه مسأله مناسبت و ارتباط برنامه‌های کنفرانس با موضوع و هدف از تشکیل آن است. به فرموده حضرت عبدالبهاء، نماز و روزه، و به دنبال آن، ادای حقوق‌الله بزرگ‌ترین فریضه هر یک از اهل بهاست، با این حال، اهمیت ویژه این واجبات نباید سبب شود که در هر کنفرانس بهائی حتماً نطق‌هائی درباره آنها ایراد گردد. بنابراین دوستان عزیزی که شرکت در کنفرانس‌های سالانه انجمن بر دائرکنندگان آن منت می‌نهند و آنان را سپاسگزار و مدیون خود می‌سازند، باید لطف فرمایند و هدف از تشکیل آن را به خاطر بسپارند. (دنباله در شماره آینده)

نشریات

PUBLICATIONS

دوستان عزیز می‌توانند نشریاتی را که در زیر درج می‌شود تلفنی از طریق مؤسسه Images International سفارش دهند. شماره تلفن: (۸۰۰) ۴۷۰-۴۵۲۵

ملکوت وجود

این رساله در شرح لوح حضرت عبدالبهاء خطاب به دکتر فورل تهیه گردیده و در واقع تقریرات دکتر علی‌مراد داودی است که به همت دکتر وحید رأفتی و مؤسسه عصر جدید در آلمان به چاپ رسیده است. مجموعه مذکور شامل مقدمه و لوح مبارک و سپس تقریرات دکتر داودی است؛ تحلیل کلی مطالب لوح دکتر فورل؛ عقل و مناسبت آن با روح؛ درباره دلائل اثبات خدا؛ حکمای وسیع النظر.

خوشه‌هائی از خرمن ادب و هنر (۹)

این مجموعه نهمین مجلد خوشه‌هائی از خرمن ادب و هنر است که به خاندان سمندر و نبیلی اختصاص یافته و شامل الواح نازله خطاب به خاندان سمندر و نبیلی و مقالاتی درباره آنان است. همچنین مقالاتی درباره "سبک سخن فارسی حضرت شوقی افندی" و "نگاهی به چهار وادی" و "احوال و آثار ذکائی بیضائی" و "آرایش کتاب" و غیره است.

دیانت بهائی و نهاد خانواده

این رساله به قلم دکتر نادر سعیدی نگارش یافته و شامل مباحثی بدین شرح است: خانواده در اندیشه بهائی؛ نگاهی کوتاه به روند خانواده در چند دهه اخیر؛ حملات گوناگون علیه خانواده؛ افلاطون و نفی خانواده؛ آزادگرائی جنسی و حمله علیه خانواده؛ فمینیسم افراطی و هجوم بر خانواده؛ عمل کرد و نقش تحول خانواده؛ خانواده شالوده تمدن و فرهنگ؛ نقش خانواده در اندیشه بهائی.

خاطرات حبیب

جلد اول این کتاب که بقلم جناب حبیب مؤید نگاشته شده بوسیله لجنة ملی نشر آثار امری در آلمان منتشر شده است، و مشتمل بر خاطرات نویسنده از دوران حضرت عبدالبهاء است که در طی ۴۰۰ صفحه ارائه گردیده است. کتاب شامل بیش از ۵۰ عنوان و چند مقاله دیگر از نویسنده و ۶۰ صفحه فهرست مشروح اعلام می‌باشد. [Page 36]...در آن را امضاء کنند. هیچ‌یک از دستگیرشدگان آن را امضاء نکرد.

● نام دستگیرشدگان به ترتیب زیر است:

اعضای هیئت مدیره

- دکتر نعیم خاضعی، مهندس سهیل گلکار، مهندس رضوان اشرف، مهندس غلام‌حسین امینی، مهندس ریاض ایقانیان، دکتر عنایت‌الله مظلوم.

دیگر اعضای مؤسسه

- مهندس کامران مرتضائی، مهندس فؤاد سنانی، جناب ذبیح فخرطوسی، جناب حسین فنائیان، خانم فرانک ایقانی، مهندس فیض‌الله روشن، مهندس داریوش فائز، جناب میثاق لقائی، جناب ناصر منصور، جناب رضوان توکلی، جناب پیمان قیامی، جناب نعمت‌الله شادابی، دکتر عباس کهیر، جناب کامبیز مرادی‌پور، جناب آرش خسروی، جناب رفیعی، جناب وحید حقیقی، جناب شهاب ترابی، جناب سهراب روشن، جناب هوتن کثیری، جناب فریدون خداداده، جناب خیرالله بخشی، جناب عارف قدسی، خانم التفات میثاقی، جناب نیر ایقانی.

اطلاعاتی درباره «دانشگاه آزاد»

دفتر امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده مطالبی درباره "دانشگاه آزاد" در دسترس همگان قرار داده است که خلاصه آن در زیر درج می‌گردد.

دولت ایران از سال ۱۹۸۰ از ورود بهائیان به دانشگاه جلوگیری کرده است. استادان و معلمان و کارکنانی هم که پیش از انقلاب در استخدام دانشگاه‌های کشور بودند، از کار اخراج شدند.

دانشگاه آزاد بهائی در سال ۱۹۸۷ برای رفع نیازهای تحصیلاتی جوانان محروم بهائی به وجود آمد. از آنجا که تشکیلات اداری و روحانی بهائیان ایران غیرقانونی قلمداد شده است، دانشگاه آزاد بدون مرکزیت خاصی و با مراعات حزم و حکمت اداره می‌شد. به عنوان مثال، آزمایشگاه‌های آن در نهایت احتیاط و کم‌صدائی اداره می‌شد و به دانشجویان تذکر داده بودند که در گروه‌های بزرگ آمد و شد نداشته باشند تا بهانه‌ای به دست مخالفان ناده باشند.

هنگامی که استادان این مؤسسه بازداشت شدند، بیش از ۹۰۰ نفر دانشجو در آن به تحصیل مشغول و ۱۵۰ نفر مسؤول تدریس آنان بودند. کلاس‌ها و کتابخانه‌ها و آزمایشگاه‌های آن در خانه‌ها و ساختمان‌های گوناگونی در سراسر نقاط ایران پراکنده بود.

دانشجویان این مؤسسه می‌توانستند در ۱۰ رشته به اخذ لیسانس نائل شوند. این رشته‌ها عبارت بود از: شیمی، زیست‌شناسی، دندان‌پزشکی، داروسازی، مهندسی راه و ساختمان، علوم کامپیوتری، روان‌شناسی، حقوق، ادبیات، حسابداری. این رشته‌ها از طریق ۵ گروه اداره می‌شد و دانشگاه مذکور در فعال‌ترین دوره‌های خود در هر نیمسالی بیش از ۲۰۰ کلاس داشت.

اعتبار علمی این دانشگاه از امتحان ورودی گرفته تا فارغ‌التحصیل شدن دانشجویان در سطحی بالا حفظ می‌شد. با اینکه دولت ایران مؤسسه مذکور را به رسمیت نمی‌شناسد و این خود کسب اعتبار را در خارج از کشور دشوار ساخته است، بعضی از فارغ‌التحصیلان توانسته‌اند تحصیلات خود را برای اخذ فوق‌لیسانس و غیر آن در دانشگاه‌های آمریکا دنبال کنند.

نخست کلاس‌ها بر مبنای دروس مکاتبه‌ای که در دانشگاه ایندیانا تهیه شده بود اداره می‌شد و سپس مواد درسی را دست‌اندرکاران در داخل ایران تهیه می‌کردند. لازم به یادآوری است که دانشگاه ایندیانا از جمله اولین مؤسسه‌های غربی بود که "دانشگاه آزاد" بهائی را به رسمیت شناخت.

استادان و اهل فنی که در "دانشگاه آزاد" تدریس می‌کنند معمولاً مجانی به این خدمت می‌پردازند. چند تن از استادان بهائی ساکن آمریکای شمالی و اروپا و استرالیا نیز با ارسال مرتب کتب و مواد درسی و مقالات پژوهشی و نیز گهگاه با سفر به ایران به مدت کوتاه و تدریس در آن مؤسسه به حمایت از آن برخاسته بودند.

با این که مؤسسه مذکور با احتیاط و دور از نظر عام عمل می‌کرد، هرگز دانشگاهی "زیرزمینی" و "مخفی" نبود. اولیای امور در ایران از وجود "دانشگاه آزاد" از بدو پیدایش آن آگاه بودند و اجازه داده بودند که با مراعات حکمت و احتیاط به کار خود بپردازد.

نمایندگان دولت در سال ۱۹۹۶ به موقوفات آن مؤسسه هجوم آوردند و مدارک و وسائلی را مصادره کردند ولی دستور تعطیل آن را ندادند.

اقدامات اخیر دولت برای سرکوبی جامعهٔ بهائی صورت گرفته و با خط مشی شورای عالی انقلاب که در مدرکی مورخ سال ۱۹۹۱ به امضای آیت‌الله علی خامنه‌ای دربارهٔ "مسألهٔ بهائیان" افشاء شده است سازگاری تام دارد. در مدرک مذکور آمده است که:

• از پیشرفت جامعهٔ بهائی جلوگیری شود
• بهائیان باید در صورت شناخته شدن از دانشگاه‌ها اخراج شوند
• باید برای از میان بردن ریشه‌های فرهنگی آنان در خارج نقشه‌ای طرح نمود
• از استخدام بهائیان در صورتی که به عنوان بهائی شناخته شوند جلوگیری شود
• از داشتن مقام‌های حائز نفوذ محروم باشند.

دولت ایران با حمله به "دانشگاه آزاد" از پیمان‌های بین‌المللی که خود بدان پیوسته، تخلف ورزیده است. دولت ایران یکی از امضاءکنندگان منشور بین‌المللی حقوق اقتصادی و اجتماعی و فرهنگی است که در ۱۶ دسامبر سال ۱۹۶۶ به تصویب مجمع عمومی سازمان ملل متحد رسید. در این پیمان آمده است که امضاءکنندگان آن "حق تحصیل را برای همگان محترم می‌شمارند" و مهم‌تر از آن این که "تحصیلات عالی به تساوی و بر مبنای ظرفیت به هر وسیلهٔ ممکن در دسترس همگان قرار خواهد گرفت."

مجمع عرفان

IRFAN COLLOQUIUM

در سال جاری برای نخستین بار مجامع عرفان فارسی و انگلیسی همزمان از ۹ تا ۱۲ اکتبر در مدرسه بهائی لوهلن تشکیل شد.

مجامع عرفان از سال ۱۹۹۳ با کمک صندوق یادبود حاج مهدی ارجمند در آمریکای شمالی و اروپا تشکیل می‌گردد.

در بخش فارسی مجمع عرفان حدود ۱۲۰ نفر شرکت کردند. موضوع مباحث بر محور آثار حضرت بهاءالله در اسلامبول و ادرنه بود و استادان و متخصصان ۱۷ سخنرانی ایراد کردند.

جلسات فارسی با اشاره مجملی به سال‌های ۱۸۶۳-۱۸۶۸ آغاز شد و سپس الواح گوناگونی مورد پژوهش قرار گرفت. این الواح عبارت بود از: لوح غصن، کتاب بدیع، مثنوی مبارک، لوح سلطان، لوح احمد فارسی و عربی، لوح بلبل‌الفراق، لوح رئیس، لوح سراج، لوح رضوان‌الاقرار، لوح اشرف، سورهٔ دم، سورهٔ وِداد، سورهٔ ذبیح، لوح بلبل معنوی.

سخنرانان عبارت بودند از: دکتر محمد افنان، جناب معین افنانی، دکتر ایرج ایمن، دکتر طلعت بصاری، دکتر منوچهر درخشانی، جناب موژن خادم، جناب احسان خوشبین، دکتر سهراب کوروش، دکتر آذر موفق، خانم الهام رستگار کوروش، حبیب ریاضی، دکتر نادر سعیدی، خانم پریوش سمندری خوشبین.

هر شب جلسات مذاکره با سخنرانان جلسات روز برقرار بود و به پرسش و پاسخ می‌گذشت و خانم شکوه ‎رضانی رضائی‎ و جناب مهندس منوچهر وهمن با اجرای برنامه‌های موسیقی بر رونق جمع می‌افزودند.

در جلسات انگلیسی زبان ۲۵ نفر شرکت کرده بودند. سه نطق در باره مسیحیت از نظرگاه بهائی ایراد شد و ۱۲ نطق دیگر همه درباره آثار حضرت بهاءالله در دورهٔ اسلامبول و ادرنه بود.

کسانی که مایل به دریافت خلاصهٔ مطالب مجمع عرفان یا اطلاعاتی دربارهٔ مجمع عرفان باشند می‌توانند با شماره زیر تماس بگیرند: (۸۴۷) ۷۳۳-۳۵۰۱

انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE ASSOCIATION

نهمین کنفرانس سالانه انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی در Holiday Inn O'Hare در شهر روزمانت در حومهٔ شیکاگو، از ساعت ۷ عصر پنجشنبه ۲۶ ماه می تا ۱۲ ظهر دوشنبه ۳۱ ماه می ۱۹۹۹ تشکیل خواهد شد. لطفاً برای رزرو اتاق با نرخ مخصوص کنفرانس مستقیماً با هتل مذکور تماس بگیرید و بگوئید برای شرکت در Bahá’í Arts Conference اتاق لازم دارید. نرخ مخصوص برای شرکت در این کنفرانس اتاقی ۸۱ دلار برای هر شب است و در هر اتاق از یک تا چهار نفر می‌توانند بخوابند. این نرخ تنها تا تاریخ می ۱۹۹۹ تضمین شده است. رفت و آمد از فرودگاه O'Hare به هتل مجانی است. شماره [Page 37]

تضییقات احبای ایران

IRAN SITUATION

همان‌گونه که در شماره پیشین این نشریه به آگاهی خوانندگان عزیز رسید، ۳۲ نفر از استادان "دانشگاه آزاد" بهائی در ایران دستگیر شده‌اند.

محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده در پاسخ به تضییقات اخیر در پی آن است که بر طبق نقشه ویژه‌ای، آگاهی افراد تحصیل‌کرده و دانشگاهی را نسبت به وضع احبای ایران در رابطه با تعطیل دانشگاه مذکور و محروم کردن جوانان بهائی از تحصیلات عالی افزایش دهد.

از اوائل ماه اکتبر محفل روحانی ملی از طریق شوراهای منطقه‌ای و محافل روحانی محلی و کلوپ‌های دانشگاهی دست اندر کار بوده است که آراء عمومی و حمایت افراد تحصیل‌کرده را به تضییقات اخیر جلب نماید.

در نامه محفل روحانی ملی مورخ ۲۹ اکتبر سال جاری خطاب به محافل محلی آمده است که امید است که سازمان‌ها و افراد برجسته این بخش از جامعه از جمله دانشگاه‌ها و گروه‌های علمی و مدیران و کارکنان آن‌ها و دانشجویان و اهل حرفه‌های گوناگون به مؤثرترین وجه ممکن انزجار خود را نسبت به اعمال دولت ایران مبنی بر محروم ساختن دانشجویان بهائی از تحصیلات عالی و در نتیجه محروم ساختن آنان از انتخاب حرفه و فن اظهار دارند.

نقشه محفل روحانی ملی حدود یک ماه پس از دستگیری ۳۲ تن از اعضای "دانشگاه آزاد" و هجوم مأموران دولت ایران به بیش از ۵۰۰ خانه متعلق به احباء و غارت مایملک دانشگاه مذکور به اجراء در آمد.

به‌رغم دادخواهی تشکیلات بهائی از بخش علمی و دانشگاهی و دیگر مراجعی چون رسانه‌های خبری، دفتر امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی خاطرنشان ساخته است که به علت حساس بودن اوضاع فعلاً صلاح نیست که افراد احباء شخصاً درباره گرفتاری‌های اخیر اقداماتی صورت دهند.

در عین حال محفل روحانی ملی در مرقومه مورخ ۱۵ اکتبر سال جاری از احبای آمریکا درخواست کرده است که دعا و مناجات کنند و بر شدت کوشش‌های خود برای اعلان عمومی امر مبارک بیفزایند.

چنان‌که در شماره پیش به آگاهی خوانندگان عزیز رسید، دو تن از احبای ایران، جناب سیروس ذبیحی مقدم و جناب هدایت کاشفی نجف‌آبادی در سال ۱۹۹۷ به جرم تصدی کلاس‌های "حیات عائله" دستگیر شدند و سپس حکم اعدامشان نخست صادر و پس از استیناف تأیید گردیده است. در اوضاع این دو عزیز ستمدیده تغییری حاصل نیامده است.

در ماه جولای سال جاری بار دیگر موضوع تضییقات و آزار احبای ایران با به دار آویختن و شهادت جناب روح‌الله روحانی به اتهام تبلیغ یک زن مسلمان مورد توجه قرار گرفت.

از ۳۶ نفری که از ۱۹ سپتامبر تا ۳ اکتبر سال جاری دستگیر شدند ۴ نفر هنوز در زندان به سر می‌برند. بازداشت‌ها در ۱۵ شهر مختلف صورت گرفت.

از تمامی افراد دستگیر شده شامل استادان و اعضای هیئت مدیره و کارکنان به زور خواسته شد که ورقه‌ای مبنی بر الغای دانشگاه مذکور امضاء نمایند و تعهد کنند که در آن مؤسسه به تدریس نخواهند پرداخت. البته هیچ‌یک از آنان ورقه مذکور را امضاء نکرده است.

در بیانیه مطبوعاتی وزارت امور خارجه ایالات متحده مورخ ۲۹ اکتبر سال جاری، سخنگوی وزارت مذکور بار دیگر تأکید کرد که دولت ایالات متحده حکم اعدام دو تن بهائی مذکور و حمله به "دانشگاه آزاد" را محکوم می‌نماید.

سخنگوی مذکور اظهار داشت که دولت آمریکا همچنان به دولت ایران گوشزد می‌کند که محدودیت‌های موجود بر شعائر دینی را از میان بردارد و حقوق اساسی مردم را در مورد آزادی عقیده محترم شمارد. وی همچنین گفت که ایالات متحده حکم اعدام جناب سیروس ذبیحی مقدم و جناب هدایت کاشفی نجف‌آبادی و هجوم به "دانشگاه آزاد" را محکوم می‌کند و از دولت ایران می‌خواهد که از اجرای حکم اعدام دو بهائی مذکور منصرف شود.

مقاله روزنامه واشنگتن پست

روزنامه معتبر واشنگتن پست The Washington Post (مورخ ۲۵ اکتبر ۱۹۹۸) بخش اصلی سرمقاله خود را به "تضییقات بی‌رحمانه و رو در فزون" بهائیان ایران اختصاص داد.

در مقاله مذکور آمده است که از زمان انتخاب آقای خاتمی در بیش از یک سال پیش، ناظران اوضاع ایران امیدوار بودند که دولت ایران سیاستی اعتدالی بر اساس مدارا با همگان برگزیند. اما اگر رفتار آن دولت با اعضای جامعه بهائی ملاک سیاست اعتدالی آن باشد، دلیلی برای امیدواری باقی نمی‌ماند. بهائیان ایران که جمعیتشان بیش از ۳۰۰ هزار نفر است، با تضییقات تازه‌ای روبرو شده‌اند.

در ادامه این مطالب آمده است که از آغاز انقلاب اسلامی کسانی که شیعه نباشند در وضع دشواری قرار گرفته‌اند. کلیمیان و مسیحیان و زردشتیان ایران دست‌کم رسمیت دارند و از حمایت‌های قانونی برخوردارند، اما بهائیان که پیروان آئینی هستند که در اواسط قرن نوزدهم در ایران ظهور کرده، اعضای فرقه‌ای مضر و گمراه تلقی می‌شوند. یکی از نمایندگان سازمان ملل متحد در سال ۱۹۹۳ مدرکی از دولت ایران ارائه داد که در آن سیاست دولت مبنی بر ریشه‌کن کردن جامعه بهائی ذکر شده بود. دولت ایران مدرک مذکور را جعلی قلمداد کرد اما وزارت امور خارجه ایالات متحده در گزارش سالانه خود درباره حقوق بشر نوشت که به نظر می‌رسد مفاد آن مدرک با رفتار فعلی دولت ایران مطابقت داشته باشد.

در مقاله مذکور سپس به نقل از نامه‌ای از کاخ سفید آمده است که اعدام مردم برای اجرای مقتضیات دین و ایمانشان مخالف همه اصول حقوق بشر است. این مطلب چنان بدیهی است که واقعاً نیازی به تأکید و تکرار ندارد.

مقاله روزنامه نیویورک تایمز

همچنین در نیویورک تایمز The New York Times معتبرترین روزنامه آمریکا (مورخ ۲۹ اکتبر ۱۹۹۸) مقاله مفصلی تحت عنوان "ایران با تهاجم و بازداشت از نو آماده سرکوبی بهائیان است" درج کرد. این مقاله حاوی نقل قول استادان و دانشجویان "دانشگاه آزاد" و نیز مطالبی بود که ایران‌شناسان درباره ایران اظهار داشته بودند.

در مقاله روزنامه نیویورک تایمز راجع به مصادره مایملک دانشگاه مذکور گزارش شده است که آثاری که مصادره شده نه سیاسی است نه دینی و دستگیرشدگان نیز نه از جنگجویانند و نه از سازمان‌دهندگان. آنچه به تصاحب آمده مشتی مقاله و جزوه‌ها و کتاب‌های درسی درباره موادی چون حسابداری و دندان‌پزشکی و مقداری وسائل آزمایشگاهی بوده است.

همچنین در مقاله مذکور به نقل از یکی از استادان که برای حفظ جان خود و بستگانش درخواست کرده که نامش ذکر نشود آمده است: "همه کارها را با دست خالی خودمان انجام می‌دادیم. اصلاً مثل معجزه‌ای بود که به جوانان بهائی امید می‌داد."

محفل روحانی ملی برنامه خود را برای کسب حمایت بخش دانشگاهی با مرقومه مورخ ۲۹ اکتبر سال جاری خطاب به محافل روحانی محلی آغاز کرد که حاوی سوابق و اطلاعات لازم و نسخه‌ای از مقاله روزنامه واشنگتن پست بود.

در آن نامه ذکر شده است که از دوستان درخواست می‌شود که حمایت صاحبان تحصیلات عالی و دانشگاهیان را جلب کنند و آنان را از وضع دشوار و ستم‌های رفته بر احبای ایران آگاه سازند اما خود احباء باید از اقدامات شخصی خودداری کنند.

جزئیاتی درباره بازداشت احباء

• بهائیانی که از ۱۹ سپتامبر تا ۳ اکتبر بازداشت شدند از شهرهای زیر بوده‌اند:

طهران و رشت و بروجرد و بابل و سنندج و بابلسر و خرم‌آباد و همدان و تنکابن و اراک و بیرجند و چالوس و تبریز و قائم‌شهر و زنجان.

• عاملان عبارت بودند از نمایندگان دولت تحت اشراف وزارت اطلاعات که یکی از سازمان‌های ضداطلاعاتی دولت ایران است.
• ۵۳۲ محل مسکونی بهائی مورد هجوم قرار گرفت و اشیاء و مواد زیر مصادره شد:
  • میز و صندلی کلاس‌ها
  • کتب درسی
  • مقالات و مدارک علمی
  • حدود ۷۰ کامپیوتر
  • مقداری اشیاء شخصی متعلق به صاحبان خانه‌ها
• از بازداشت‌شدگان خواسته شده بود ورقه‌ای مبنی بر الغای دانشگاه مذکور و خودداری از تدریس

[Page 38]

TEACHING

• Mozambique: Ten new localities were opened to the Bahá’í Faith during the Paymani Green Light teaching project, which saw the enrollment of 612 souls into the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in ‎Sophala Sofala‎ province through August. New children’s classes have seen their total enrollment grow to 70 in areas with Local Spiritual Assemblies.
• Mongolia: A five-region teaching project using the arts extensively has led to the deepening of 95 teachers in this fledgling national Bahá’í community, and they in turn helped 189 people find the light of Bahá’u’lláh by the finish of six summer schools held as the culmination of the project.
• United Kingdom: The experiences of the author of Olya’s Story among imprisoned Bahá’í women in Iran were the center of a BBC-TV feature broadcast four times across Great Britain last summer. The 25-minute interview with Olya Roohizadegan included mention of the execution of Mr. Ruhollah Rowhani in July.

EDUCATION

• Tanzania: The government approved a family life education project initiated by the National Spiritual Assembly. The Ministry of Education authorized the Bahá’ís to approach local school officials with the curriculum on the reality of man and God’s purpose, human virtues, and the spiritual importance of education.
• Brazil: The principles in the Bahá’í writings gained footholds in the educational life of two states. In Amazonas, a new religious education curriculum partly prepared by Bahá’ís refers to the mystical and social sides of religion, and includes a Bahá’í bibliography. In Bahia, quotes from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá were included in a new training manual for all the state’s school boards.
• New Zealand: The Associations for Bahá’í Studies of Australia and New Zealand held their first joint conference in July at the University of Auckland, with the theme of moral development.
• Czech Republic: The first Czech summer Bahá’í school drew 83 attendees and centered on the theme “Some Answered Questions.” All but two of the lectures were given by Czech Bahá’ís, and one of the 14 non-Bahá’ís declared his belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

• Austria: The national Bahá’í community was officially registered with the government in July as a religious community with the status of a legal entity. This registration had been delayed for 15 years, because authorities were anticipating a new law that was finally put into effect in January.

DEVELOPMENT

• South Africa: The Bahá’í group of Stutterheim formed a Back to Agriculture Development Institute (BADI) to help serious farmers and gardeners at the village level develop the easiest, least expensive ways to improve their agriculture and livestock systems. BADI has taken the role of relaying research, knowledge and technology as well as organizing training and demonstration projects. ♦

National recognition for young Bahá’í

In Ecuador, President-elect Jamil Mahuad warmly greets Heranush Reyes, an 11-year-old Bahá’í, during a recent gathering in Quito organized by Children’s International Defense. The group selected Heranush to represent the nation’s children because of her public speaking ability.

Bahá’í International News Service

GREEN LAKE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

good dialogue about what they [youth] could do to promote the process of entry by troops. The Regional Council announced the appointment of four regional youth committees for the Central States, so the youth asked many questions about it,” Ellis said.

Dr. Khan, at his standing-room-only address Saturday evening, articulated the relevance of the Cause to the world and gave insights into how the Bahá’í institutions are developing—from the House of Justice to Local Spiritual Assemblies. He emphasized that we must mature quickly, take on greater responsibility, and engender the revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

Dr. Janet Khan brought considerable attention to the importance of women’s education in an eloquent address emphasizing the beloved Master’s teaching that “... they are partners and co-equals ...”

Dr. Robert Henderson moved the audience with an address on the significance of moral decay in our political institutions. The only real answer to the problems facing today’s world is the Bahá’í Faith, Dr. Henderson said, emphasizing that we have to act and be distinctive to make a difference.

Dr. William Hatcher’s presentation “Living in the Presence of Bahá’u’lláh” connected the friends directly to a vision of Bahá’u’lláh sitting on the blue bench in the Garden of Ridván.

Youth sessions have always been a vital part of this conference, and this year’s youth conference brought together about 100 youths with an impressive spirit.

Saturday night’s Youth Art Showcase was a beautiful bouquet of diverse talents from Bahá’u’lláh’s garden that included a presentation by concert pianist Mark Ochu and performances by more than 20 youths.

Children’s classes truly mirrored the advice of Dr. Peter Khan. In a spot interview he said, “It’s important that your children not feel neglected by their parents’ involvement in Bahá’í activities, but rather that children feel that they are part and parcel of the family’s activities in support of the Faith.”

He added that parents need to “facilitate the children’s discovery of the Bahá’í teachings and also cater to diversity of characteristics in the children, so the children will grow up as strong Bahá’ís. Not necessarily according to the model of their parents ... but finding their path to express the Teachings in their own lives.”

Many children have made lifelong friendships at the conference. “We love the Green Lake conference. We’ve been here for the past 15 years, and we only missed it once,” said Vida Chapman of Naperville, Illinois. “We love it, kids love it, we are happy to see our friends, we love the program, especially this year—we really enjoyed the program. The place is wonderful, the kids are having good classes.”

Many activities planned by Core Curriculum-trained teachers gave kids chances to participate actively. Young teens made it a special point of pride to serve as volunteer staff.

Seminars and workshops at the conference gave an opportunity to learn more about race and gender unity, the basics of training institutes, Local Assembly development and dealing with community unity.

The refreshing and revitalizing spirit of Green Lake united the hearts and souls of hundreds of people for those two days. We were in the midst of a Bahá’í community, a foretaste of the future of mankind.

Of course, over the rest of the year we’ll miss the giant trees, the rolling hills, the shining waters. But what we’ll miss most is the spirit of unity and fellowship. The mystique of the Green Lake Bahá’í Conference is nothing more or less than this. ♦

“I’ve been a Bahá’í for eight years and for all eight of those years I considered Green Lake to be my rejuvenation to go on with my work in the Faith and in my spiritual development for the next 365 days until I can come back again. The wonderful speakers ... they radiate that love with their intellect and they give me the information I need to go back and do what I have to do in my own community.”

—Jean Wright, St. Paul, Minnesota [Page 39]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Bahá’í National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. The numbers for the permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes are as follows: Bosch Bahá’í School, phone 408-423-3387; fax 408-423-7564; e-mail __________ Green Acre Bahá’í School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail __________ 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 __________ Native American Bahá’í Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail __________

NOVEMBER

26–29: Desert Rose Bahá’í School, Francisco Grande Hotel, Casa Grande, AZ. Starts with Thanksgiving dinner. Presenters include Fred and Julia Schechter, Dwight Allen, Derek Cockshut, Dan and Linda Kavelin Popov, Homayoun Mahmoudi, Susan Lewis Wright. For more information phone 520-466-7961 or 520-466-7767.

26–29: Menucha Bahá’í School, east of Portland, OR. Registrar/information c/o __________ Portland, OR 97213 (phone 503-282-0182, e-mail __________).

26–29: Florida Bahá’í School, Holiday Inn, Cocoa Beach, FL. Registrar/information: Denise Godsey, __________ Pompano Beach, FL (phone 954-942-1844, fax 954-946-9299, e-mail __________).

26–29: Washington, D.C. Thanksgiving Bahá’í Youth Conference, Fairview Marriott, Falls Church, VA. “Our Date with Destiny: What Role Will You Play?” Phone 703-218-5358, e-mail __________ or see the Web site (www.bahaiyouth.org).

27–29: Divine Art of Living conference in San Diego, CA. Sessions in English and Persian on eliminating racism and promoting racial unity. For details contact the Assembly of San Diego c/o 619-755-7623.

27–29: “The Most Vital and Challenging Issue: Meeting the Challenge With Honor” at Green Acre.

27–29: “Issues for Youth in Today’s World,” training conference for youth ages 15 and up at Bosch.

REGIONAL SCHOOLS

See page 12 for more details on regional Bahá’í school fall and winter sessions.

DECEMBER

1–20: Presentations on service at the Bahá’í World Center, in several cities across the United States and Puerto Rico. See page 32 for locations.

4–6: “Shoghi Effendi’s World Order of Bahá’u’lláh” at Louhelen.

11–13: “Apostles Training Academy”: Institute for high school youth (grades 10–12) at Green Acre. Enrollment limited.

18–20: Wilmette Institute course on Islam at Bosch.

24–27: Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference and Grand Canyon Youth Conference at Hyatt Regency Hotel, Phoenix, AZ. Theme: “Race Unity: Rising to the Spiritual Challenge.” Registrar/information: Spiritual Assembly of Phoenix, P.O. Box 9961, Phoenix, AZ 85068–9961 (phone 602-922-1919). Hotel reservations: 800-233-1234.

26–29: Montana Youth Rendezvous, Great Falls, MT. Register c/o __________ Helena, MT 59601 (phone 406-442-7526). More information: e-mail Kay Maloney (__________) or see the Web site (www.nvdi.com/mtbahai/mbs/).

26–31: Winter School general session at Green Acre: “The Role of Individuals and Families in Response to the Four Year Plan.”

27–Jan. 1: Winter School general session at Louhelen: Study of Four Year Plan and Ridván 155 message in light of principles explained in the Kitáb-i-Íqán.

27–Jan. 1: College Institute at Bosch.

27–Jan. 1: Grassroots Education Conference at Bosch.

30–Jan. 3: Winter School general session at Bosch: “Glimpses of the Guardian”; “The Most Vital and Challenging Issue in Today’s World”; presentation by San Francisco Bahá’í Youth Workshop.

JANUARY

1–3: Institute for Physicians-in-Training at Louhelen.

8–10: “Fundamental Verities of the Bahá’í Faith,” three-weekend training course at Bosch. Participants must be referred by Spiritual Assembly, Auxiliary Board member or regional training institute board; participants 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: Weekend retreat for seekers at Green Acre.

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

29–31: Iowa Bahá’í 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” Parent/Child Weekend at Green Acre.

5–7: Youth Workshop Coordinators’ Retreat at Bosch.

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).

A brilliant star

Shirin Precht, almost age 5, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, shows off her copy of Brilliant Star magazine’s special edition after each child received one at the Green Lake Bahá’í Conference, Sept. 18–20 in Green Lake, Wisconsin.

Photo by Ken Duszynski

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER

112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

NOVEMBER 23, 1998 QAWL/SPEECH • B.É. 155

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. [ ] 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.	[ ] 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.