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House of Justice tells of Fund needs

Dear Friends,

In May of this year the Universal House of Justice wrote to selected National Spiritual Assemblies and to all National Spiritual Assemblies concerning the pressing needs of the Bahá’í International Fund.

Our National Assembly requested permission to publish the letters and sought clarification regarding the statement in the letter to selected National Assemblies about the purchase of centers.

The Supreme Institution responded:

"The Universal House of Justice has considered your email of 30 June 1999 and responding to its two letters of 25 May about the pressing needs of the Bahá’í International Fund. We have been asked to express its heartfelt gratitude for your prompt response and willing generosity. It noted with particular appreciation that you had earlier decided to increase your contribution to that Fund.

"You may, as requested, publish these letters for the benefit of your national community.

"Regarding the statement in the letter to Selected National Spiritual Assemblies urging good judgment in not according unduly high priority to local and national needs, your understanding is correct. While it was not intended to prevent the purchase of centers where there is a clearly established need for them, the House of Justice wished to caution against unnecessary and exorbitant expenditures."

We are pleased to share the referenced letters with you.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, —National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Airwave Alert!

National broadcast schedule at year's end is busiest ever

National Bahá’í cable broadcasts are reaching their highest volume yet, with half-hour programs and short commercials scheduled to air 279 times nationwide in the last three months of 1999, according to a schedule released by the National Teaching Committee and the 800UNITE office.

This means the friends across the country should expect an increasing number of seekers referred to their local communities through the 1-800-22-UNITE phone system and the national public Web site (www.us.bahai.org).

Since the national media initiative began early last year, tens of thousands of people have inquired about the Bahá’í Faith. The 1-800-22-UNITE system alone has received 23,000 calls, with the highest-ever monthly response—3,800 calls—in August.

In turn, more Bahá’í communities are sponsoring local broadcasts and building better ways of welcoming new seekers. They are organizing fireside teaching, devotional meetings and other programs.

A letter from the National Spiritual Assembly to the friends at Unit Conventions stated in part: "The [Universal] House of Justice has explained that the spiritual conquest of the planet 'is directly related to the effort of the Bahá’í community in promoting the pivotal principles of their Faith.' Moreover, they noted, that our hopes of progress be realized by concentrating on 'the major aim of the Divine Plan at its current stage,' advancing the process of entry by troops."

A statement for unity in DC

A flag ceremony caps a Unity in Diversity Day event near the Capitol building in Washington, DC, on Aug. 8, the day a planned neo-Nazi march fizzled. The Bahá’í community had high-profile participation, staffing a booth and presenting performances that were replayed on TV news. Photo by Derrick Stone

Project 99 lifts youth in California

BY TOM MENNILLO

When 12 Southeast Asian youths declared themselves Bahá’ís in June during the Southeast Asian Community Builders Roundtable Conference, it came not from the emotions of a moment but from their long study of the Faith and service to people as participants in Project 99.

Jennifer Muratore of Modesto, California, calls Project 99 "a consolidation and teaching plan focused on Southeast Asian people, especially youth. It is Bahá’í social and economic development: applying our spiritual principles to everyday life."

The project is named after a state highway that links inland Central California cities: Sacramento, Modesto, Merced and Fresno.

Bahá’ís have been lending a hand to thousands of Southeast Asians in those cities and others ever since the Universal House of Justice asked our National Spiritual Assembly to help resettle 50 families from troubled Southeast Asia in 1983, said Puran Stevens, director of the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office (USBRO).

THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1 and September 30, 1999

$11,250,000 Goal/All Funds

$6,956,236 Received/All Funds

EXCERPTS

"Today no power can conserve the oneness of the Bahá’í world save the Covenant of God." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá [Page 2]

ALMANAC

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

Bahá’í National Center 847.869.9039

Office of The American Bahá’í 1233 Central St. • Evanston, IL 60201 Tel/ 847.853.2352 • Fax/ 847.256.1372 E-mail/ tab@usbnc.org

Managing Editor / Editorial Content James Humphrey

Managing Editor / Art Director Amethel Parel-Sewell

Associate Editor Tom Mennillo

Associate Editor Ramzia Duszynski

Print Production Specialist Aaron Kreader

Facilities Manager Artis Mebane

Contributors Wes Baker, Jim Cheek, Rich Beauchesne, Randolph Dobbs, Patricia Haynie, Ivan Lloyd, Kevin Morrison, Phyllis Ring, Cornelia Rutledge, Derrick Stone, Dennis Howard Taylor, Ruhi Vargha, Martha Wolverton

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.

ISSN Number: 1062-1113 Canada: Publications Agreement # 1486683

ADDRESS CHANGES If you have an address change, or want to discontinue or consolidate mailings, please contact the Membership Office, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (847.869.9039). There is no need to contact the Managing Editors directly. A form is available on the back page of this paper.

SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í welcomes news, letters or other items of interest from individuals and the institutions of the Bahá’í Faith. • ARTICLES should be clear, concise and relevant to the goals of the Four Year Plan and the National Teaching Plan. Stories may be edited for length. We cannot print advance articles to publicize locally sponsored events, but may be able to list them in the Calendar. • 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 (you do not need to supply postage). • DEADLINES for upcoming issues: Nov. 18 for the issue dated Dec. 31 Dec. 30 for the issue dated Feb. 7, 2000 PLEASE ADDRESS ALL ITEMS for possible publication to Managing Editors, The American Bahá’í, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail tab@usbnc.org).

©1999 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

A Bahá’í Holy Day

• Observed between sundown Nov. 11 and sundown Nov. 12
• Work should be suspended

Mírzá Husayn-‘Alí, Bahá’u’lláh, was born in Tehran, Persia, on Nov. 12, 1817. His birth signaled the dawning of the Day of God on earth and the appearance of the Greatest Name of God.

“We should feel deeply gratified and thankful to God that at a time when all humanity seems to be struggling in despair we can come together and, with great assurance, feast and be merry over the dawn of a new day; that in the darkness which envelops the world we see the approach of a new light and the breaking of a new era.” (Shoghi Effendi, Light of Divine Guidance Vol.1, p. 45)

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.” (H.M. Balyuzi, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 523)

Anniversary of Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

A Bahá’í Holy Day

• Observed Nov. 28 at 1:00 a.m.
• Work is not suspended

“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. ... No more does the ardent nightingale carol its joyous songs, and the sweet and holy melodies of the immortal dove are hushed.” (Shoghi Effendi, Bahíyyih Khánum, pp. 148-149)

Some significant dates in Bahá’í history

Late October and November

October 1852: While imprisoned in the Síyáh-Chál (Black Pit) in Tehran, Iran, Bahá’u’lláh had a vision of a Maiden that told Him of His station as the Manifestation of God for this age.

Oct. 26–Nov. 13, 1928: In the first in a series of appeals to the League of Nations (a forerunner to the United Nations), the claim of the Bahá’ís to the house of Bahá’u’lláh in Baghdad was upheld. However, the government of Iraq consistently refused to transfer the property to the Bahá’ís.

November 1944: God Passes By was published. Chronicling the first century of the Bábí and Bahá’í Faiths, it is the only full-size book by Shoghi Effendi.

Nov. 4, 1957: Shoghi Effendi died while in London, after nearly 35 years as Guardian. His funeral was Nov. 9 in London. The Hands of the Cause of God, after thoroughly inspecting the contents of his safe and desk on Nov. 19, declared that he had left no will naming any successor as Guardian. These events began the ministry of the Hands of the Cause as chief custodians of the Bahá’í Faith.

Oct. 20, 1983: The Universal House of Justice issued a letter to the Bahá’í world outlining the principles of the Faith concerning social and economic development. ♦

Facts in the “Some significant dates” section compiled from A Basic Bahá’í Chronology

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

SERENA FULLER, a 17-year-old Bahá’í of Glenview, Illinois, was awarded two major scholarships to attend Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, on graduation from Glenbrook South High School with a perfect grade point average. ♦

TASHINA GRAVES, a Bahá’í seventh-grader in East Meadow, New York, was one of 13 Young Naturalist Award winners for 1999. The American Museum of Natural History chose the winners from 43 states in grades 7–12. Tashina’s contest project, “My Fish-shaped Home: A History of Changes,” was about the geology of Long Island, New York. ♦

CAROLYN L. MAZLOOMI, a Bahá’í in West Chester, Ohio, was selected as a Career Woman of Achievement by the Cincinnati YWCA. Mazloomi’s latest book, Spirits of the Cloth, won the 1999 American Library Association Literary Award for Best Nonfiction Book. ♦

TOUFAN RAHIMPOUR, a high-school junior from Colorado Springs, Colorado, was one of 45 students nationwide selected to begin their college studies early this fall through the Resident Honors Program at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He will begin his major studies in Aerospace Engineering in the School of Engineering. At William J. Palmer High School, Toufan was the captain of the Science Olympiad, Science Bowl and Mock Trial teams and won a competition for the Colorado Medical Physics Award. ♦

TALA REZAI, a 17-year-old Bahá’í from Oak Park, California, was selected to attend school in Germany next year as a Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange student. This highly selective high school exchange program is designed to strengthen ties between the next generations of both countries. ♦

TAISS NOWROUZI of El Cerrito, California, was chosen for the annual Kiwanis Club scholarship award from among 337 students in her high school graduating class. In addition to academic excellence, she was recognized for service activities including a summer spent helping a rural health care team and involvement in the Berkeley Youth Alternative in Community Gardening. ♦

HASAN SCHWANDES, an 18-year-old Bahá’í from Gainesville, Florida, received a full two-year tuition-and-books scholarship from Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville. He maintained a perfect grade point average for the last two years of high school, part of that time also taking classes from the college. ♦ [Page 3]

Filling a gap to ease hunger

Tucson Bahá’í food project helps neighbors in ways other agencies often can’t

BY MARTHA WOLVERTON, TUCSON, AZ

Two or three days a week, the back yard of the Tucson, Arizona, Bahá’í Center is musical with the sound of spoken Spanish, bustling with women picking up food and used clothing, and lively with children playing.

For five years, the Bahá’í Food Distribution Program has helped needy families and the elderly in the neighborhood by collecting outdated food from grocery stores and giving it away.

Without having to qualify for state or federal aid, people can get fresh vegetables, bread and sometimes dairy products—items not generally available from the community food bank.

One young woman arrived at the Bahá’í Center in desperate straits. She had no job and no money for food or clothing. Reba Faulkner, director of the program, told her to take whatever she needed from the baskets of fresh food and the racks of used clothing.

Two weeks later, with a job and a paycheck on the way, the grateful woman wrote the local daily newspaper about the program. Within days, the Arizona Daily Star visited and produced a beautiful article with full-color photos on the front page of one section of the paper.

Titled “Bahá’í benevolence,” the article displayed Bahá’u’lláh’s quotation “Charity is pleasing and praiseworthy in the sight of God and is regarded as a prince among goodly deeds,” and featured a box containing facts about the Faith.

This free publicity informed more needy people of the program and attracted inquiries about the Faith. Radio station KXCI has invited a Bahá’í to appear on its weekly show “Talking Tucson.”

Under Faulkner’s faithful direction, volunteers drawn from the participants themselves pick up the food, sort it and arrange it on large tables under the back porch of the Bahá’í Center. Carol Gomez, Faulkner’s “right hand,” spends many hours coordinating efforts with food stores and getting additional food from the Tucson Community Food Bank.

The Bahá’í program is connected with social service agencies that supply high-quality used clothing for distribution to their clients under a voucher program. The clothing is also sold at a nominal price, which helps make the program self-sufficient.

Participants are asked to give a 75-cent donation, and if they can’t pay it they are asked to help in the program for an hour. But no one is turned away.

Many participants ask questions about the Faith, and several have become Bahá’ís. Best of all, the program has brought the neighborhood into the Bahá’í Center, which was previously distrusted as the home of a strange, unknown religion. ◆

People from the neighborhood of the Bahá’í Center in Tucson, Arizona, gather in the shade of a ramada-style porch during a food distribution. Photo by Ivan Lloyd, Tucson, AZ

Youths in Northeast take race unity to community

BY PHYLLIS RING

If they had just talked among themselves, nobody else might have known.

But youths at a Green Acre Bahá’í School session in July took their ideas on race unity straight to the public, local newspapers took notice, and suddenly it’s a community happening every month.

About 20 youths—Bahá’ís at the Green Acre course joined by others from the area—took part in “The Changing Face of America: A Youth Dialogue on Race” at a bookstore in nearby Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The young people discussed the roots of racial prejudice and shared their experiences, questions and feelings on how it affects them.

Jennifer Pomeroy, 15, of Morristown, New Jersey, and a friend of an attending Bahá’í, said racism is often reinforced by the environment where children grow up. “Everybody is born like a blank piece of paper. I think what’s put on that paper is what that person becomes,” she said.

Melinda Salazar, an educator, diversity trainer and instructor of women’s studies at the University of New Hampshire, arranged the dialogue as part of a class, “Toward Oneness,” that she was leading at the Green Acre youth session.

Salazar arranged the dialogue so the Bahá’ís could share ideas they had been exploring in class along with other local youths. Its success inspired her to schedule more Youth Dialogues on Race at least monthly at the bookstore.

Two daily newspapers covered the dialogue, one of them reporting it on the front page with a photo. ◆

Maeghan Naimie (center), 13, of Cape Neddick, Maine, listens as her brother Charles, 11, shares views at a public youth dialogue on race facilitated by Melinda Salazar (left) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Photo by Rich Beauchesne, courtesy of Seacoast Newspapers

Enrollments

Enrollments
September 1999	135
Since May 1, 1999	574

THE FUND

May 1–Sept. 30, 1999 Contributions received by National Treasurer

Received since May 1, 1999:	$6,956,236
Goal for entire year:	$27,000,000

• 26% of year’s goal has been met
• 42% of fiscal year has passed
• April 30, 2000

Other Funds

Allocations to Other Funds

Arc Projects Fund	$915,972
International Bahá’í Fund	$622,641
Continental Bahá’í Fund	$112,976
Other contributions:	$306,716

Total cash-basis revenues and expenditures

for Bahá’í National Fund May 1–August 31, 1999 (latest available)

$7,118,704	Revenues (contributions, book sales, school fees etc.)
$8,502,353	Expenditures (operations, capital and debt payments etc.)

Critical projects that could no longer be deferred have forced our Bahá’í national operations into a cash deficit.

Mail contributions to: National Bahá’í Fund 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800 Please write Bahá’í ID # on check [Page 4]Message dated April 7, 1999, to all National Spiritual Assemblies. The booklet Issues Related to the Study of the Bahá’í Faith, referred to in this letter of the Universal House of Justice, is available in the U.S. from the Bahá’í Distribution Service. Call 800-999-9019 for information.

ISSUES RELATED TO THE STUDY OF THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

I

In May of 1998, Bahá’í Canada reproduced a collection of letters which the Universal House of Justice had written to various individuals on the subject of the academic study of the Bahá’í Faith. Copies of this compilation were subsequently mailed by the Canadian National Spiritual Assembly to its sister Assemblies. The reprint has now been made generally available in booklet form by the United States Bahá’í Publishing Trust. The House of Justice has asked us to forward you a copy of the latter publication with the following comments.

As a number of the friends are aware, a campaign of internal opposition to the Teachings is currently being carried on through the use of the Internet, a communications system that now reaches virtually every part of the world. Differing from attacks familiar in the past, it seeks to recast the entire Faith into a socio-political ideology alien to Bahá’u’lláh’s intent. In the place of the institutional authority established by His Covenant, it promotes a kind of interpretive authority which those behind it attribute to the views of persons technically trained in Middle East studies.

Early in 1996, the deliberate nature of the plan was revealed in an accidental posting to an Internet list which Bahá’í subscribers had believed was dedicated to scholarly exploration of the Cause. Some of the people responsible resigned from the Faith when Counsellors pointed out to them the direction their activities were taking. A small number of others continue to promote the campaign within the Bahá’í community.

In the past, in situations of a somewhat similar nature, the patience and compassion shown by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian helped various believers who had been misled by ill-intentioned persons to eventually free themselves from such entanglements. In this same spirit of forbearance the Universal House of Justice has intervened in the current situation only to the extent that has been unavoidable, trusting to the good sense and the goodwill of the believers involved to awaken to the spiritual dangers to which they are exposing themselves. Nevertheless, certain Counsellors and National Spiritual Assemblies are monitoring the problem closely, and the friends can be confident that whatever further steps are needed to protect the integrity of the Cause will be taken.

As passages in the enclosed reprint make clear, this campaign of internal opposition—while purporting to accept the legitimacy of the Guardianship and the Universal House of Justice as twin successors of Bahá’u’lláh and the Centre of His Covenant—attempts to cast doubt on the nature and scope of the authority conferred on them in the Writings. When other Bahá’ís have pointed out that such arguments contradict explicit statements of the Master, persons behind the scheme have responded by calling into question the soundness of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s own judgement and perspective. Gradually, these arguments have exposed the view of those involved that Bahá’u’lláh Himself was not the voice of God to our age but merely a particularly enlightened moral philosopher, one whose primary concern was to reform existing society.

By itself, such opposition would likely stand little chance of influencing reasonably informed Bahá’ís. As one of the letters in the enclosed reprint (20 July 1997) points out, the scheme relies for effect, therefore, on exploiting the confusion created in modern thought by the reigning doctrines of materialism. Although the reality of God’s continuous relationship with His creation and His intervention in human life and history are the very essence of the teachings of the Founders of the revealed religions, dogmatic materialism today insists that even the nature of religion itself can be adequately understood only through the use of an academic methodology designed to ignore the truths that make religion what it is.

In general, the strategy being pursued has been to avoid direct attacks on the Faith’s Central Figures. The effort, rather, has been to sow the seeds of doubt among believers about the Faith’s teachings and institutions by appealing to unexamined prejudices that Bahá’ís may have unconsciously absorbed from non-Bahá’í society. In defiance of the clear interpretation of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Guardian, for example, Bahá’u’lláh’s limiting of membership on the Universal House of Justice to men is misrepresented as merely a “temporary measure” subject to eventual revision if sufficient pressure is brought to bear. Similarly, Shoghi Effendi’s explanation of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of the future Bahá’í World Commonwealth that will unite spiritual and civil authority is dismissed in favour of the assertion that the modern political concept of “separation of church and state” is somehow one that Bahá’u’lláh intended as a basic principle of the World Order He has founded. Particularly subtle is an attempt to suggest that the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár should evolve into a seat of quasi-doctrinal authority, parallel to and essentially independent of the Local House of Justice, which would permit various interests to insinuate themselves into the direction of the life processes of the Cause.

Typically, when misrepresentations of the kind described are challenged, the reaction of those behind the campaign has been to claim that their civil rights are being threatened, an assertion that is of course meaningless in the light of the purely voluntary nature of Bahá’í membership. Much emphasis is placed by them also on academic freedom, their view of which proves, on examination, to be merely freedom on their part to pervert scholarly discourse to the promotion of their own ideological agenda, while seeking to exclude from discussion features of the Bahá’í Faith that are central to the Writings of its Founders.

The effect of continued exposure to such insincerity about matters vital to humanity’s well-being is spiritually corrosive. When we encounter minds that are closed and hearts that are darkened by evident malice, Bahá’u’lláh urges that we leave such persons to God and turn our attention to the opportunities which multiply daily for the promotion of the truths which He teaches. In words written at the direction of the Guardian, regarding a situation similar to, though much less serious than, the present one, “... the friends should be advised to just leave these people alone, for their influence can be nothing but negative and destructive....”.

The enclosed material is being sent to your Assembly less out of concern over the immediate situation, which is being systematically addressed, than because of longer-term considerations to which it lends perspective. What we are currently seeing, in a relatively primitive form, is the emergence of a new kind of internal opposition to Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission. While it will no doubt assume other features as time passes, it is a kind of opposition that takes aim directly at Bahá’u’lláh’s assertion of the spiritual nature of reality and of humanity’s dependence on the interventions of Divine Revelation.

Developments of the kind described will come as no surprise to friends who are familiar with the Guardian’s description of the successive waves of “crisis” and “victory” that have marked the history of the Faith ever since its inception. It is precisely this cyclical process, Shoghi Effendi says, that has propelled the steady unfoldment of Bahá’u’lláh’s intent, testing our commitment to His Teachings, purifying His community, and releasing a greater measure of the capacities latent in His Revelation. That resistance to Bahá’u’lláh should now be emerging in yet a new guise is itself a tribute to the gathering strength of the Cause, offering the friends everywhere new opportunities for the deepening of their faith and the energizing of their work.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat [Page 5]

Message dated May 25, 1999, to selected National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Te enclose a copy of a letter now being sent on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, advising them of the needs of the Bahá’í International Fund. It is the confident expectation of the House of Justice that the friends in all parts of the world will respond positively, and that the progress towards the goal of universal participation in contributing to the Funds of the Faith will continue.

The House of Justice has asked us to inform you that it regards your Bahá’í communities as having a special role beyond that of a widespread involvement by the rank and file of the believers in the support of the Fund.

An appreciable proportion of the members of the Faith in your area have resources far beyond those of the dear friends in other parts of the world who labour under conditions of economic deprivation. Without being subjected to pressure or solicitation, they should be assisted to realize the degree of their responsibility to contribute substantially to meeting the international needs of the Faith.

At this time when the calls on the Bahá’í Fund at all levels of its activity far exceed the amount available, good judgement is specially required in the disposition of the financial resources of the Faith. Two extremes are to be avoided: one, where attention is focused entirely on meeting international needs, and the development of the homefront is hamstrung; and at the other extreme, where the local and national needs are accorded unduly high priority, including the acquisition of expensive Bahá’í Centres, and international responsibilities are neglected. Through your wise guidance to the Bahá’í community, and through the continuing development of a world-minded consciousness in the believers, the right balance can be found and maintained.

It is surely evident to any observer of world events that human affairs are now volatile and subject to sudden and unforeseen changes. The friends have an opportunity to ensure that their resources are used for the enduring benefit of the Cause through their sacrificial and generous efforts to support its global activities, at this time when their financial circumstances are so favourable.

The supplications of the House of Justice will be offered at the Sacred Threshold on their behalf.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat

Message dated May 25, 1999, to all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

ith the Four Year Plan proceeding rapidly toward its conclusion, the Universal House of Justice has decided that it is necessary to provide you with information about the international funds of the Faith. We have been asked to convey the following.

As a result of the sacrificial contributions from believers everywhere for over a decade, the vast construction project on Mount Carmel is moving toward conclusion with unprecedented speed. The House of Justice is confident that Bahá’ís throughout the world will continue to meet the need expressed in its 20 June 1995 letter to you for the contribution of ten million dollars each year until the end of the century.

A new challenge has emerged as a result of the progress of the Faith both at the World Centre and throughout the planet. It is becoming evident that the level of expenditure required from the Bahá’í International Fund is rising sharply, due to a combination of the following factors.

The Edifices and Terraces on Mount Carmel must be maintained at a standard appropriate to their character and the dignity of the Faith; measures must also be instituted to handle, in an appropriate manner, the greatly increased number of people expected to visit the Terraces and to provide protection from damage. The emergence of the World Administrative Centre on the Mountain of God in all its splendour is attracting increased attention to the Faith, and thus creating new opportunities for extension of the influence of the Cause. The achievements of the energetic and dedicated prosecutors of the Four Year Plan in all parts of the planet, establishing new institutions of the Faith and increasing its human resources, have raised the tempo of the administrative activity at the World Centre, and call for the assignment of more resources to ensure that its work is carried out efficiently and with dispatch. The need for property acquisition in both Haifa and Akká areas to safeguard the serenity of the environs of the Holy Places, to which reference has been made in an earlier letter, remains pressing as the process of urban development in this area accelerates.

The House of Justice draws your attention to the necessity for increased support of the Bahá’í Fund at an international level with full confidence that the impressive record of sacrificial endeavour by the believers will be sustained in their response to the situation described here. The formulation of budgets at a national and local level should be carried out in the light of these conditions. Above all there should be no interruption to your sustained effort to assist the friends in your area to acquire a deeper understanding of the spiritual obligation binding upon all, irrespective of their circumstances, to contribute to the Funds of the Faith. In particular, those believers who have been blessed with material resources beyond those necessary for their essential needs should ponder deeply the responsibilities resting upon them at this time when the requirements of the Cause are so pressing.

The prayers of the Universal House of Justice will be offered at the Holy Shrines for the confirmation of their endeavours to assist in the advancement of the Faith.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat [Page 6]

Selected Assemblies bring ‘Two Wings’ to governors

A message from the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men

Tith joyous hearts, the National Women and Men expresses its appreciation to all the communities who have presented the statement Two Wings of a Bird: The Equality of Women and Men to the mayors and city councils of their localities. We thank you for continuing to send in your reports to ncewm@usbnc.org.

Are you wondering what's next? The Local Spiritual Assembly of the capital city of every state has been asked by NCEWM, working in conjunction with the Office of External Affairs, to present the statement to their governors during September. It was suggested that the presentation be made by a delegation representing a cross-section of Bahá’ís from the state.

From preliminary reports we understand that plans got under way in numerous states to make the presentations as soon as possible. Please keep us posted on your progress.

What if you don't live in a capital city? There are many ways to keep involved with this campaign. Your community may want to consult on ideas for local activities that promote the understanding and implementation of the spiritual principle stated so clearly by Bahá’u’lláh that "women and men have been, and will always be, equal in the sight of God." You might organize events or presentations with local schools, libraries and/or like-minded organizations. In addition, you might pray for the success of the state presentations.

We look forward to hearing more about your ideas and initiatives and we send our loving thanks to all of you who are working so tirelessly in this Cause. ♦

Race unity conference in DC: reconciliation, loving honesty

BY CORNELIA RUTLEDGE, WASHINGTON, DC

About 200 Bahá’ís focused on the path to unity in the South at the first sub-regional conference conducted by the Southern Race Unity Committee.

Families from across Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and the District of Columbia arrived at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, on July 25 eager to share their expectations and concerns about the most challenging issue facing America.

At the end, reluctant to leave, Bahá’ís of all ethnicity were seen hugging one another, some in tears, as they set out to face the new challenges of breaking down the barriers that prevent us from acknowledging our oneness while celebrating our glorious distinctions.

Over the weekend, they had listened to poetry, watched films on systematic racism, and struggled with the goal of identifying and eradicating barriers to unity within the Bahá’í family. Content was centered on the Sacred Writings.

Youths were well-represented at the conference, which was co-sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Fairfax County Northwest and the DC Metro Coordinating Team. Youths conducted children's classes, led everyone in song, and participated wholeheartedly in the dialogue.

In fact, a youth paved the way for one of the most moving sessions in the program, by humbly standing to address the audience in a true spirit of reconciliation and loving honesty.

His example inspired other friends to express painful yet vital concerns: the SEE CONFERENCE, PAGE 12

No work stoppage here

When teachers went on strike, several Bahá’í youths in Snohomish, Washington, decided to help out instead of taking the day off: They made and served a dinner for a homeless shelter in nearby Everett. Some of the same youths are mainstays of the community's regular highway cleanup. Pictured from left are Kalee Goltscher, Pablo Tyler, Mahsa Darab, Patrick Javid and Paul Javid.

ENCOURAGING YOUNG RACE UNITY WORKERS

BY THE EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS OFFICE

How can children, youths and parents work within schools and neighborhoods to promote racial unity, the "most vital and challenging issue" facing this nation?

We would like to offer a few suggestions in hopes that Bahá’ís will share steps they have taken to focus on racial prejudice, "the corrosion of which has bitten into the fiber and attacked the whole social structure of American society." -Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 28

While discussions about race and race prejudice are never easy or comfortable, it is critical to begin the dialogue. We encourage you to find the boldness to act.

As a first step, present the National Spiritual Assembly's statement The Vision of Race Unity or the booklet The Light of Unity: Healing Racism to your child's teacher or school principal.

Perhaps the local Bahá’í school can try one or more of the following activities. Then branch out to academic schools: Find out whether a teacher, a principal or superintendent would support one of these efforts as a classroom or even whole-school project.

• Look at the quote above from Shoghi Effendi and explore with children the concept of corrosion. Collect items that have corroded with rust and discuss the possible spiritual metaphors.
• Discuss the meanings of "vital" and "challenging" and brainstorm on various ways of using those words. Then discuss how these words relate to racial prejudice in this country.
• Have children research stories from around the country (perhaps through Bahá’í Newsreels or The American Bahá’í) in which individuals or communities have overcome *racial prejudice. Have children develop dramatic vignettes or comic strips based on these stories.
• Study and discuss the spiritual qualities demonstrated in the accomplishments of the Bahá’í community regarding racial unity, such as the life of the Hand of the Cause Louis Gregory, race unity conferences, youth workshop activities or Calling All Colors conferences.
• Invite representatives of groups promoting racial unity to give presentations to children, so they can become aware of a variety of efforts, especially involving children.
• Have children write letters to the leaders of cities visited by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá while He was in the United States and share what they learned about His talks and the example He set. Include beautifully written and illuminated extracts from His talks on race unity and the abolition of racial prejudice.
• Have children consult in groups on steps that can be taken in their classrooms and neighborhoods to eliminate racial prejudice. Brainstorm on possible effects of such efforts.
• Have children keep journals of their own challenges and feelings as they experience specific incidents in their own life and witness incidents in their community and nation.

Tell us about your successes involving children and youth in similar activities. Contact the Education and Schools Office at the Bahá’í National Center (phone 847-733-3492, e-mail

Many of the ideas expressed here come from the Core Curriculum Race Unity program. For more information on this comprehensive training, please contact the National Teacher Training Center at Loubelen Bahá’í School (phone 810-653-5033, e-mail [Page 7]

The Bahá’í World 1997-98

HC $25.95 (BW98H), SC $13.95 (BW98S)

The sixth installment of the annual series, this edition contains:

• an article titled "Knowledge and Civilization: Implications for the Community and Individuals"
• a report on the World Faiths and Development Dialogue
• selected statements made by the Bahá’í International Community, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South Africa
• an article on models of Bahá’í community life
• regular features including a selection of Bahá’í sacred writings, the "Year in Review," update on the situation of the Bahá’ís in Iran, progress report on the Mount Carmel Projects and more.

6" x 9", 312 pp.

Bahá’í Datebook

CA $2.95 (BDB)

A convenient scheduler with a monthly format. Ample room in each day for making notes. Highlights Bahá’í Holy Days, Feasts and other dates/events of note. The perfect pocket-size scheduler for planning activities. Good January 2000 through March 2001.

BAHÁ’Í Datebook 157 B.E.

To Serve Humanity: Teaching Our Faith

Nathan Rutstein SC $15.95 (TSH)

TO SERVE HUMANITY Teaching Our Faith

Nathan Rutstein's second book on teaching the Faith offers insights and observations gained from personal experience. Purposely avoiding discussion of teaching methods, he focuses instead on identifying and over-coming personal barriers to teaching and on develop-ing oneself spiritually so the desire to teach will spring from within. With humility and candor, Rutstein uses solutions drawn from the Bahá’í sacred writings as well as his own successes and mistakes in the teaching field and helps identi-fy ways to become more effective, enthusiastic teachers.

6" x 9", 189 pp.

Coming of Age at the Millennium: Embracing the Oneness of Humankind

Nathan Rutstein SC $16.95 (CAM)

Moving into the 21st century, humanity is in a far dif-ferent condition than at the last turn of the century. We stand at the threshold of a reality that has always existed but which has never before been recognized by the masses: the oneness of humankind. Aware of the formidable obstacles barring universal acceptance of this principle, Rutstein offers powerful evidence that they will be overcome. Based on his clear understanding of man's social evolution, Rutstein asserts persuasively that the next logical step in human progress is the international-ization of our planet. The end result, he suggests, will be global acceptance of the essential oneness of all people, regardless of skin color, ethnicity, gen-der or culture, and the realization of universal peace.

6" x 9", 211 pp.

Sexual Ethics in the Bahá’í Faith

10/pk Sexual Ethics PA (SE) Gary Matthews

1-9 packs of 10 $3.50 ea. 10-99 packs of 10 $2.50 ea. 100+ packs of 10 $1.80 ea.

Sexual behavior may well be the most intensely discussed subject of our time. This fascination reflects a widespread yearning for clear moral standards and for a community which, by precept and example, supports us in living up to those standards.

Communion With God: Bahá’í Prayers

BKT (CG) 1-9 copies $1.25 10-99 copies $1.00 each 100+ copies $.75 each

A sampling of Bahá’í prayers suitable for giving to friends and acquaintances. This revised edi-tion has an elegant, blind-embossed cover. Specifically suited to complement The Power of Prayer program in the media initiative.

2 3/4" x 4 1/2", 28 pp.

Bahá’í Wall Calendar

CA $2.95 (BWC)

The standard one-page calendar for Bahá’ís. Gives you Holy Days, Feasts and other dates of note at a glance for the entire year. Good January 2000 through March 2001.

Multifaith Calendar 2000

CA $10.95 (MFC2000)

MULTIFAITH CALENDAR 2000 spiritual paths

This year's calendar features "spiritual paths" and as usual is an excellent tool for increasing our awareness and appreciation of the special religious events of others. Excellent for teach-ers, children and co-workers. Includes major holidays and events for Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, the Bahá’í Faith, Judaism, Shinto, Sikhism, Aboriginal and other miscellaneous festivals and events. Full-color, twelve months, includes cal-endar descriptions of the religions featured.

Life Eternal and the Bahá’í Faith

10/pk Gary Matthews PA (LEBF)

1-9 packs of 10 $3.50 ea. 10-99 packs of 10 $2.50 ea. 100+ packs of 10 $1.80 ea.

Only by consciously living in the light of eternity can we be truly happy in the here and now. One of the greatest joys, therefore, which the Bahá’í Faith brings its followers is new perspective on the age-old mystery of life after death.

Every Eye Shall See: Bible Evidence for the Return of Christ

Gary Matthews BKT (EESS)

1-9 copies 3.95 each 10-24 copies 3.00 each 25+ copies 2.60 each

Every Eye Shall See is a digest version of Matthews' pop-ular He Cometh with Clouds. Detailing the biblical evi-dence for the Second Coming of Christ, the abridged version is suitable for distribution in mass or individual teaching.

6" x 9", 80 pp. [Page 8]

Who Is Writing the Future?

Reflections on the Twentieth Century Bahá’í International Community

SC (WWF)

1 copy	$2.00
2-9 copies	1.75 each
10-24 copies	1.50 each
25-99 copies	1.25 each
100 and up	1.00 each

This statement authored by the Bahá’í International Community presents a view of recent history, not as an exercise in materialism, but as a spiritual process. It is because of this process that we are on the brink of the unification of the peoples of the earth. In straightforward style this statement walks the reader through a century that has seen glimpses of the best humanity has to offer as well as the worst. The conclusion refocuses our thoughts on the true goal of humanity, the realignment of our purpose with God’s. 6" x 8 1/2", 24 pp.

The Bahá’í World

Volume XX, 1986–1992 HC $55.00 (BWV20)

The last volume in the series initiated by Shoghi Effendi covers the years of the Six Year Plan, the opening of the Fourth Epoch of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Faith. This chronicle presents the collective efforts of the worldwide Bahá’í community for the years covered and includes key documents, bibliographies, essays, music, poetry and biographical sketches of a number of Bahá’ís who have served in exceptional ways. Special features in this volume include full-color reproductions of the Scroll of Honor initiated by Shoghi Effendi in the Ten Year World Crusade to register the settlement by the Knights of Bahá’u’lláh in the remaining virgin territories of the Master’s Divine Plan, as well as the Guardian’s global map showing where all the Knights settled. 6 1/2" x 9 1/2", 1211 pp.

The Creator

Roberta Hafenstein • illustrated by Sergey Valdivieso-Sinyakov SC $6.95 (CREATOR)

The Creator is a collection of three stories for young children about knowing and loving God. The Creator reminds us that we can learn something about God by looking at what He created. The Shining Stars is a whimsical introduction to the concept of God, the Creator. Knowing God helps us through the puzzle of knowing and loving even when we can’t understand. 4 3/4" x 6 1/2", 48 pp.

Firesides

Catherine Samimi SC $12.95 (FIRE)

Shoghi Effendi called firesides “the most effective method” of teaching. But what exactly is a fireside? And how can we make our firesides the channels through which people come to know and love Bahá’u’lláh and become members of His Faith? Here is some practical, down-to-earth and often humorous advice from one who’s been there—both before and after becoming a Bahá’í. This book helps organize our firesides and our homes, find people to attend, answer frequently asked and challenging questions, and improve our presentation skills. 5 1/2" x 7", 230 pp.

My African Heart

Bonnie Fitzpatrick-Moore SC $12.95 (MYAH)

This is the heartwarming story of one maidservant who returned to the land of her ancestors in the 1970s and settled in South Africa. My African Heart describes with joy and laughter why a black American family would come to the land of apartheid and stay until the present day. It offers wonderful insights into the role that Africa is destined to play in the development of the world civilization and casts light on the special role black Americans can play in this process. 5" x 7 1/4", 188 pp.

The Phenomenon of Religion

A Thematic Approach by Moojan Momen SC $29.95 (PRS)

An innovative, thematic presentation of the role of religion in human society, from traditional cultures to the modern world. Arranged into three main fields of inquiry—religious experience and its expression, conceptual aspects of religion and religion in society—this study draws not only from all the major religious traditions of the world, but also from disciplines such as psychology, philosophy and sociology. 6" x 9", 626 pp.

The Bahá’í Proofs

by Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl SC $14.95 (PROOF)

A classic in Bahá’í literature, this book is a prime example of the superb scholarship of Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl. Using characteristically notable wit and knowledge, the author discusses such weighty subjects as the Manifestations of God, the unity of the world’s religions, the ages of humanity and the consequences for nations that fail to recognize the advent of a Manifestation of God. 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 305 pp.

Assisting the Traumatized Soul

Healing the Wounded Talisman by Phyllis K. Peterson SC $16.95 (ATS)

With open honesty about her painful experiences as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Phyllis Peterson shares how she learned to overcome her own trauma by delving into the healing words of the Bahá’í writings. This important, ground-breaking work reaches out to both the survivors of trauma and to those who wish to assist them. 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 222 pp.

One Life, One Memory

Rúbá Asdaq SC $8.50 (OLOM)

This vivid account of a young girl’s pilgrimage to Haifa in 1914 includes delightful pen-portraits of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Greatest Holy Leaf. Many will be charmed by this vignette, not only for its lively evocation of the rigors of travel earlier this century, but also for the freshness and spiritual eagerness of youth that permeate its pages. 6" x 8 1/4", 64 pp.

Paradise and Paradigm

Key Symbols in Persian Christianity and the Bahá’í Faith by Christopher Buck SC $27.95 (PARA)

Using a novel approach, the author compares the imagery and symbolism in two Persian religions, Bahá’í and Syriac Christianity, to demonstrate that formal similarities between any two religions are best understood in terms of paradigmatic differences. Through historic and symbolic profiles of each religion, Buck presents a masterful analysis of how paradigm changes are effected through symbolic transformation. 6" x 9", 402 pp.

Shoghi Effendi in Oxford and Earlier

Riaz Khadem SC $15.95 (SEO)

Shoghi Effendi’s educational career from his early youth through his time at Oxford. Drawing on the letters of Shoghi Effendi and Bahá’ís of the time and on the memoirs of Shoghi Effendi’s fellow students at Balliol, the author provides a fascinating glimpse into this little-known aspect of the life of Shoghi Effendi. 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 173 pp. [Page 9]

Sholeh: The Flame

William Sears and Robert Quigley SC $10.00 (PFLAME)

The Persian translation of the story of Lua Getsinger, who, at the age of 22, became enamoured of the great universal truths enshrined in the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and became one of the "Heralds of the Covenant" proclaimed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

5" x 8", 150 pp.

Watercolor Greeting Cards

8/pk. CA $10.00 (WGC)

At the Sun of Hality show as the with Thy

These all-occasion cards are created from original watercolor paintings by Barbara Curry with either a Bahá’í prayer or quote on the inside cover, making them appropriate for sympathy, thank-you, hospitality, get-well, new baby, birthday, thinking-of-you and holiday. Eight assorted cards with envelopes per boxed set.

Interwoven Tapestry

CD $16.00 (ICD)

Perhaps you've heard Tapestry at National Convention or Bosch Bahá’í School! With their new CD this Pacific Northwest group weaves together a richly diverse musical tapestry of selections from their most popular offerings. Styles include vocal jazz, pop, ethnic, storytelling and sacred choral music based on the writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

An Evening with Suheil Bushrui

Recitations & commentary on notable prayers by Bahá’u’lláh CD $15.00 (ESBCD), CS $10.00 (ESBCS)

In this recording of a talk at the Tennessee Bahá’í Institute, Professor Bushrui recites in both Arabic and English several of the more significant prayers of Bahá’u’lláh: the Tablet of Ahmad, the Tablet of Visitation and the Fire Tablet. Dr. Bushrui, who has published extensively on a variety of subjects in both Arabic and English and who spent his formative years in the Holy Land, also provides commentary and insight to these special verses.

Con Alma: A Tribute to Dizzy Gillespie

Judy Rafat CD $16.00 (CACD) 72 minutes

This CD is something very special because it is a tribute full of admiration and love to a man and his music, not only from a great singer but from all the fantastic musicians playing on it who really know the music of Dizzy Gillespie. Innovative arrangements, precise vocals and an obvious love for the music make this a wonderful homage to a great musician as well as a great work in its own right.

Persian for Beginners

Dr. Mehdi Khorrami with M.R. Ghanoonparvar CD-ROM $39.00 (PBCDR)

Persian for Beginners is the first computer-assisted Persian language program developed by university professors. Takes a beginner through the alphabet, pronunciation and basic grammar. Sound files for hundreds of words and phrases help with pronunciation.

system requirements 486/33 MHz, 8 MB RAM, 75 MB free disk space, MS Windows 3.1 or higher, graphic card for 256 colors at 600x800 pixel resolution, sound card

SHIP TO DAYTIME TELEPHONE # ( )

BILL TO CREDIT CARD # EXP. DATE SIGNATURE NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CREDIT CARD

CODE TITLE QUANTITY COST EACH TOTAL

SUBTOTAL UNITED STATES: ADD 10% (MIN. $2.00, MAX. $10.00) CANADA: ADD 15% (MIN. $3.00) SHIPPING INTERNATIONAL: ADD 40% (MIN. $5.00, VIA AIR MAIL ONLY) SALES TAX: SHIPMENTS TO GEORGIA ADDRESSES APPLY APPROPRIATE SALES TAX TOTAL

Bahá’í Distribution Service 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30336 [Page 10]

YOUTH

Setting the Central States afire!

Project Wildfire, a performing arts group that traveled around the Central States over the past year, reached thousands of people with the message of Bahá’u’lláh through performances in schools, community centers, festivals, and other venues, including television appearances.

Team Bahá’í, a recently formed workshop based in the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is dedicated to hard work, harmony, and service. With several young Bahá’ís ages 8 to 13, the workshop has performed several times since forming last November.

Back to Balkans: One World dancers work to ignite hearts

BY RANDOLPH DOBBS, LOS ANGELES, CA

"66ive, six, seven, eight,... 'airplane,' 'I don't know.'"

Rouha Taslimi calmly prompted dancers with code words. In response, the youths extended their arms, then bent them at the elbow.

Twenty young Bahá’í members of the Bulgarian traveling teaching team and their adult advisers would be leaving for the Balkan Peninsula in a few days and everyone would have to know all the dance routines by heart.

"We have to get ready," Rouha said, "and we have a long way to go."

Known as the One World Dance Company, the talented traveling teachers perform an innovative set of modern, hip-hop and African-style dance integrated into a 90-minute anti-drug and alcohol program that promotes the elimination of prejudice a virtue of particular significance in the Balkans.

The six-week tour, under the sponsorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Los Angeles, took the traveling teachers to Sofia, Varna and Ruse, three of the largest cities in Bulgaria. It was the second such trip to Bulgaria in as many years.

The 20 dancers and support workers came from all four regions of the United States plus Canada.

Jenny Husseni, 22, of Vancouver, British Columbia, said she was especially eager to check in on the Bulgarian Bahá’í friends she helped train last summer, when she volunteered with the Diversity Dance Theater organized by the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany.

"The Bulgarian youth we worked with in Sofia were in a workshop called Edinstvo, which means 'unity' in Bulgarian. And I really want to connect with them," she said, "because although we helped them with the structure of a dance workshop, we didn't actually get to teach with them, and that makes all the difference."

For about half the participants this was a return.

Mona Mossayeb, 24 of Temple City, California, one of four coordinators and a veteran of last year's program, said that "this year is different because we're going for six weeks and not four and we're also using twice the number of people since we're integrating Bulgarian Bahá’ís into the dance company. Of course, our budget is twice as much, too."

But another thing made this year's trip different from the one last year: the recent war in Kosovo. Yugoslavia borders Bulgaria, and when NATO warplanes targeted Serbian encampments in neighboring areas some of the bombs landed in Bulgaria. Naturally some parents of group members were concerned about sending their children into danger. "What would the attitude be towards Americans?" they wondered. "What if the Bahá’í youth weren't welcome?"

Sina Mossayeb, 23, another co-coordinator, wrote to the Universal Houseof Justice and the International Teaching Center seeking guidance. After all, he reasoned, maybe teaching efforts would be better spent somewhere else.

TRUE WEALTH

"Contributing to the Fund is a service that every believer can render, be he poor or wealthy; for this is a spiritual responsibility in which the amount given is not important. It is the degree of the sacrifice of the giver, the love with which he makes his gift, and the unity of all the friends in this service which bring spiritual confirmations." —Universal House of Justice, Wellspring of Guidance, p. 19

Part of the response he received from the House of Justice states: "With respect to the question of the Bulgarian attitude towards Americans and the impact which this may have on your teaching efforts, this will in large measure depend upon the way in which your group is presented. If you are introduced as Bahá’ís and world citizens, following the teachings of a Faith which transcends national borders, your unified and loving efforts to promote the principles of unity in diversity, in close collaboration with the local Bahá’ís, will present a healing message to a dispirited populace."

The International Teaching Center, for its part, encouraged the group to return to Bulgaria, saying, "There is no doubt that the spirit and organization that characterizes the work of the One World Dance Company can again ignite the hearts of many Bulgarians."

With such encouraging guidance, the way was clear for the youths to vigorously proceed.

Once more from the top: "Five, six, seven, eight, 'airplane,' 'I don't know.'"

(left to right) Hoda and Halleh Bakhtian of Santa Monica, California, practice dance routines.

COLLEGE STUDENTSTION

DON'T LET YOUR CAMPUS ASSOCIATION GO WITHOUT IT!

A newly revised, much-expanded edition of the Bahá’í Campus Association handbook has been prepared by the National Youth Committee. Get your copy now by registering your Campus Association (or yourself) through the national Web site (www.usbnc.org) or by mail (address at right).

National Youth Committee Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 phone 847-733-3499 e-mail [Page 11]

Brilliant Star Kid’s Corner!

I'm Liang!

My name is Virtuewoman. Join us in our adventures and learn about virtues!

Hi, Kids! I'm Masha. Visit us in the next Brilliant Star.

Liang has learned that there are as many different kinds of money as there are countries. Money comes in the form of bank notes (paper money) and coins. When you travel to another country, you have to change your money to the other country's money so you can pay for things. Below is a list of the names of the different kinds of money. Can you guess which country they come from?

Match the money with its country!

Liang has hints to help you out. Using a world atlas or a globe may be handy for this puzzle.

Bank note & Coin Dollar & Cent (has 50 States) Naira & Kobo (in West Africa) Kyat & Pyas (next to China) New Sol & Centavo (in South America) Króna & Aurar (sounds a bit chilly!) Kina & Tooa (name has 3 parts) Pound & Pence (surrounded by cold water) Peso & Centavo (an island near Florida) Rupee & Paise (Bahá’í House of Worship) New Shekel & Agorot (World Center) Rand & Cent (furthest south part of Africa) Rial & Dinar (where Bahá’u’lláh was born) Yuan & Fen (Chinese is the language) Birr & Cent (next to Kenya and Sudan)

Country Burma China Cuba Ethiopia Iceland India Iran Israel Nigeria Papua New Guinea Peru South Africa United Kingdom United States of America

Activity by the Office of the Treasurer

w to ш pe o a шорошу рациǝnod wing sedу a man ended ⚫eooд eury as a Ɑ SEARC

SHARE with BRILLIANT STAR

Do you have something to SHARE with BRILLIANT STAR, like PHOTOgraphs, stories, poems, or DRAWings? Tell us what you are DOING lately in your Bahá’í COMMUNITY!

We invite kids, youth, artists, photographers, writers, and teachers to send submissions for our upcoming issues. Our general themes are:

Unity in Diversity The Harmony of Science and Religion The Time Capsule Making the World a Better Place The Arc Projects

Please include your name, age, and contact information with submissions.

Send mail to: Brilliant Star Submissions Bahá’í Media Services 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201

Contact us at telephone: 847.853.2354 fax: 847.256.1372

For subscriptions to BRILLIANT STAR, call Bahá’í Distribution Service at 800-999-9019 or see page 23 to subscribe. [Page 12]

91st Bahá’í National Convention

April 27-30, 2000

The 91st Bahá’í National Convention will be held April 27-30, 2000, at the Arlington Park Hilton in Arlington Heights, Illinois, the Conventions Office of the National Spiritual Assembly has announced. Any Bahá’í in the United States in good standing may attend the convention. Further details will be published in future issues of The American Bahá’í and on the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org).

News

perception that the ideas of minority members of our community are repeatedly ignored, the glossing over of the tough diversity issues by some of the friends in the name of being blind to color, and language barriers in communities where the majority are Persian- or English-speakers.

Saturday morning, attendees were treated to moving and educational multimedia presentations by Chuck Egerton, Hoda Hosseini and LeNise Jackson-Gaertner.

Jackson-Gaertner educated the friends on the history of racial divides around the globe and familiarized them further with the Writings on how to treat each other so that they can welcome the masses of every heritage into the community of the Greatest Name.

Workshops challenged the friends to visualize new ways to implement the spirit and essence of the Faith systematically in everyday community life: understanding other cultures, working closely with like-minded organizations and race unity coalitions, and educating Bahá’í children on the lives of race unity heroes.

Jack Guillebeaux, a members of the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Southern States, issued a call for attendees to recommit themselves to a "nurturing an environment that is loving and accepting and embraces diversity of all kinds" (from The Vision of the Regional Council of the Southern States).

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:

• Amin Banani, Santa Monica, CA 90402 (phone 310-394-5449, fax 310-394-6167, e-mail)
• Stephen Birkland, Arden Hills, MN 55112 (phone 651-484-9518, fax 651-415-1766, e-mail)
• Sally Foo, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 (phone 609-671-9125, fax 609-671-0740, e-mail)
• Daryush Haghighi, Rocky River, OH 44116 (phone 440-333-1506, fax 440-333-6938, e-mail)
• Elizabeth Martin, P.O. Box 178, Winnsboro, SC 29180 (phone 803-635-9602, e-mail)

Planned Giving Extends Our Options

"The resources at the disposal of the community must, as a result of its expansion, be continually augmented and carefully extended." --Shoghi Effendi

Many of us can make substantial gifts to the Funds of the Faith beyond our regular cash contributions—and sometimes benefit ourselves through tax savings or increased available cash.

• Bequests through wills
• Gifts of stock or securities
• Gift annuities

The National Spiritual Assembly has announced a Planned Giving Program that allows believers to make these or other financial arrangements.

For a packet of information on how you might be able to plan a gift, please complete the form at right or contact the Office of the Treasurer (phone 847-733-3476, e-mail).

CLIP OR COPY THIS FORM

I/we would like more information about planned giving. I am particularly interested in:

• Providing for the Bahá’í Faith in my will
• Making a gift of securities
• Making a gift of real estate
• Making a gift through life insurance
• Receiving income from my gift:
• Charitable Gift Annuities
• Charitable Remainder Trusts

Name Spouse's Name (if Bahá’í) Address City State Zip Telephone E-mail

I prefer that someone contact me by telephone.

Return form to: Development Department, Office of the Treasurer, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201

Local Treasurer’s Corner

The Local 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).

Treasurer’s Office Q&A from National Convention

This month’s column completes the questions and answers that were shared with the delegates at the National Convention last spring:

What services does the Office of the Treasurer offer the community?

• Stewardship and Development Seminars and materials.
• The Weekend Visit Program at the National Center, a chance to talk with National Spiritual Assembly members and staff, and to pray in the Mother Temple.
• Youth development and Fund education: deepenings, materials, workshops and articles in The American Bahá’í and other publications.
• Special letters several times a year to all Spiritual Assembly and group treasurers.
• Planned giving education and practical approaches.

How does the new planned giving program fit into the picture? Planned giving methods represent new ways to support the Faith financially. Many of these vehicles are especially useful, in terms of the tax savings they offer, to "baby boomers"—a large percentage of today’s Bahá’í community.

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas instructs every Bahá’í to have a will. Planned giving can help many people help the work of the Cause and still provide for retirement and for the needs of children and loved ones. For more information please contact the Office of the Treasurer.

What’s the progress on the Spiritual Assembly Honor Roll, goals and audits? Progress has been dramatic over five years, thanks to the care of the friends. In 151 B.E. (1994-95), 772 Local Assemblies were on the Honor Roll. Four submitted audits, 356 had set goals and just two Assemblies had both a goal and an audit. But in 155 B.E. (1998-99), 829 Local Assemblies (72% of all in U.S. Assemblies) were on the Honor Roll; 826 informed the National Assembly of their contribution goals to the senior Funds; 599 audits were submitted; and 508 Assemblies had both a goal and a completed audit! The National Assembly commends these steadfast institutions for their accomplishments.

What’s the status on local center acquisitions? Many communities are working to acquire local Bahá’í centers. The National Spiritual Assembly appreciates the need for centers in many localities and has been working with volunteers to devise a way to help local efforts. At the same time, the Assembly is concerned that some communities are putting themselves at risk, financially and in terms of the unity of the friends. Important guidance is available to communities pursuing acquisition of a center. For these reasons, consultation with the Office of the Treasurer can be an important first step in getting that first local center.

New children’s program: Project Unity!

Project Unity! is a new program sponsored by the Office of the Treasurer to encourage Bahá’í children and junior youths to support the National Fund in a spirit of unity. Since the Feast of Asmá’, responses from young friends and local communities have been enthusiastic. One community in Georgia plans to have a Youth Treasurer to assist with Project Unity! and plans to have a "Project Unity! chart" with a drawing of Liang the Lion to help youngsters keep track of their giving. Project Unity! will run until Ridván 2000. For more information, contact Nancy Wong (phone 847-733-3424, e-mail). [Page 13]

INFORMATION FROM NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE OFFICE

New York City Bahá’ís have rediscovered an old truth as their systematic teaching plan has gained momentum: For the system to work, it must give seekers a chance to interact with real people quickly.

Drawn to investigate the Faith through local broadcasts and public showings of The Power of Race Unity, as well as by personal contact, about 50 seekers are attending regular firesides and that rate is growing. The 1-800-22-UNITE voice mail system alone received more than 20 contacts per month over the summer.

Over the past year about 150 inquirers have been added to New York City's list of seekers through 1-800-22-UNITE. Core groups strengthen the response in all five of the city's boroughs, emphasizing unified effort, quick contact and personal interaction.

"Our Bahá’í community is learning valuable lessons, assessing our needs and efforts to date, and building capacity to participate successfully in the national media initiative," said Nancy Moore, Spiritual Assembly secretary. "We look forward to a year of trying to make the most of our opportunities to proclaim Bahá’u’lláh's revelation and to contact, lovingly teach and confirm those who request more information."

How they get the word out

In addition to the national broadcasts, New York City Bahá’ís have arranged local broadcasts, especially on cable community access stations in all boroughs. The Power of Race Unity and the Spiritual Revolution series (with the 1-800-22-UNITE contact number added) have been the mainstays of either occasional or weekly air dates, depending on what can be arranged on each cable system.

The Power of Race Unity also attracts seekers through use at firesides or teaching events in homes, at the Bahá’í Center or in parks, as well as by college clubs.

A local information/events telephone line (212-330-9309) and Web site (www.Bahainyc.org) are updated monthly. The Web site gets about 300 hits each month, although many are Bahá’ís. The site has a virtual study center for self-directed teaching and deepening.

How they follow up

Area Bahá’ís are actively working to improve their seeker follow-up.

Once voice-mail information from 1-800-22-UNITE is retrieved, it is entered into a seeker database.

Each seeker receives a brochure and calendar of activities with a warm letter of appreciation from the Local Spiritual Assembly, plus the name and phone number of a Bahá’í in the same borough as the inquirer. The local Web address and information line are also provided.

The seeker is invited to attend weekly public meetings and devotional gatherings at the Bahá’í Center as well as informal firesides held in the boroughs.

A copy of the letter to the seeker is sent to a Bahá’í contact person in each borough so the seeker may be invited to the nearest fireside.

Each month the seeker mailing list is used to send a calendar of events and fliers for special programs.

Late 1999 TV broadcasts

Here is a synopsis of broadcasts planned through December. PLEASE NOTE:

• Local cable companies sometimes decide not to pick up these airings. If the videos or commercials are not showing as scheduled in your area, contact your cable company and request that they be aired.
• All times listed are Eastern Time; please adjust to your time zone.

30-minute programs

Court TV 9:30 a.m. ET selected Sundays The Power of Prayer: Oct. 10, Nov. 7. Dec. 5 The Power of Race Unity: Oct 24, Nov. 21, Dec. 19

Bravo 8:30 a.m. ET, every Friday up to Dec. 24 The Power of Race Unity

Odyssey Network 5:30 a.m. ET, every day up to Dec. 26 The Power of Prayer: Oct. 18-24, Nov. 8-14, Nov. 29 Dec. 5, Dec. 20-26 The Power of Race Unity: Oct. 25-31, Nov. 15-21, Dec. 6-12 Family: Seeds of World Peace: Nov. 1-7. Nov. 22-28, Dec. 13-19

30- and 60-second spots

Themes: Children Without Prejudice, Golden Rule, One Race

WGN (Superstation) One airing every Sunday through Dec. 26 between 9 and 10:30 a.m. ET

BET 10 airings at any time Oct. 4-17 between 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. ET

TV Guide Channel 140 total airings in October and November (between 6 and 11 p.m.) and December (between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.)

Help on the Web for your systematic plan

www.usbnc.org (you will need your Bahá’í ID number to log into this site)

Click on the 1-800-22-UNITE icon on the left to find:

• (New) A form permission letter you can use for arranging local broadcasts
• Guidelines for setting up and using 1-800-22-UNITE locally
• A form for applying to use 1-800-22-UNITE locally
• A sample letter for inviting phone and Web inquirers to local activities
• Tips on arranging local broadcasts or events using Bahá’í videos
• Frequently Asked Questions: an extensive list of questions that seekers often ask, with suggested answers

Coordination in the South

The walls were festooned with notes from strategic planning as two members of the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Southern States consulted with members of the Triangle Coordinating Team about plans to proclaim the Bahá’í Faith through broadcasts and newspapers in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina.

Video comes with courses on use

When you order the video The Power of Race Unity, the package will include a set of five workshops that complement the video.

These workshops, previously mailed to each Local Spiritual Assembly, help communities make the greatest use of the video by providing relevant quotations from the Sacred Texts, a history of the Bahá’í community's work in promoting race unity, and suggestions for how to invite friends of the Faith to a discussion of the "most vital and challenging issue."

Similar workshops to complement The Power of Prayer will be available soon.

USING 1-800-22-UNITE

HOW DOES IT WORK?

When a seeker calls the 1-800-22-UNITE number, the call is forwarded to the Bahá’í National Center's 800UNITE Office where messages are retrieved daily. As these calls are retrieved, the caller's information is entered into a database, the caller's ZIP code is matched with the voice-mail box number of the closest participating community, and the call is then forwarded to that community. Requests for literature are filled and will be received by mail within one week. The community should follow up call-back requests within 48 hours of the seeker's call.

USEFUL HINTS:

• Please make sure your community retrieves its voice-mail messages at least once a week, regardless of the number of calls you've received so far.
• Develop a systematic method to keep track of who has and has not been contacted.
• Establish events with seekers and new believers in mind; create a comfortable atmosphere for learning and teaching.
• Donate Bahá’í books to your local public library and invite seekers and new believers to independently investigate the Faith.

For more information contact the 800UNITE office at the Bahá’í National Center (phone 847-733-3497, e-mail ). [Page 14]

SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

A look at two efforts to stoke the teaching fires

From the grass roots of the Bahá’í community come initiatives that at times catch fire and affect the lives of many Bahá’ís. Here are two approaches to sparking the momentum of teaching within our own hearts that recently have drawn significant praise.

Bible as a teaching tool

BY DENNIS HOWARD TAYLOR

n enthusiastic gathering of approximately 70 Bahá’ís was on hand at the Helen S. Goodall Summer School in Red Bluff, California, over the Fourth of July weekend to learn a new way to teach Christians about the Bahá’í Faith using the Bible as a primary teaching tool.

The new method, developed by David Young of Grants Pass, Oregon, takes the Bible and uses key passages to confirm to Christians who Bahá’u’lláh is and then proves it in a convincing and easy-to-understand way. The key is emphasizing spiritual rather than literal interpretations of Bible scriptures.

People taking the class find there are about 30 main questions Christians have, and the answers are learnable with some practice. But when a difficult question comes up the teacher is free to look things up in the Bible. In fact, a catch-phrase of the class is "Well, my fellow believers in Christ, let us see what the Bible says."

David Young brings home a point about teaching the Faith to Christians effectively, at the Helen S. Goodall Summer School in July. Photo by Dennis Howard Taylor

A few typical questions that are covered in detail are:

• I'm worried Bahá’u’lláh is a false prophet. A workbook that comes with the course lists seven criteria for recognizing false prophets complete with book, chapter and verse.

• Why should I believe in Bahá’u’lláh when Christ said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"? Page 46 of the workbook gives five answers to this important question.

Students are also given ways to spiritually prepare to teach. Approaches to social, economic, environmental and political issues are also covered, as well as ways to avoid arguments and to establish points of agreement.

Most people in the class find that many common barriers to teaching the Faith can easily be overcome. One example is that we Bahá’ís begin thinking in terms that the Faith is a fulfillment of Christianity—not an alternate religion. When teaching it also helps to reassure the Christian that we believe in the Bible also. Not challenging the authority of the Bible goes a long way toward setting a comfort zone for a Christian.

There is a practical side to this innovative teaching method since nearly 90 percent of Americans consider themselves connected to Christianity. "The eye-opener was the realization that we Bahá’ís have focused our attention on those people that have rejected Christianity, and that's a small minority of Americans. Our teaching horizon is now much larger," said Karen Parrish, a Bahá’í from San Luis Obispo County, California.

The course "Teaching Christians More Effeectively" is available from the Spokane Bahá’í Library, 1111 W. Cleveland Ave., Spokane, WA 99205. Costs: $63 plus shipping for 9.5 hours of video, $10 for a course materials, and $5-$10 for the companion teaching manual. For more information, e-mail

ARISING TO TRAVEL FOR THE FAITH

The decentralization process means a new view of coordinating the work of those who wish to pioneer or travel to teach the Faith—at home or abroad. Here is a list of people you should contact ahead of time.

Diana Kaufman (phone 908-709-1228, e-mail

INTERNATIONAL PIONEERING AND TRAVELING TEACHING

IF YOU LIVE IN:

Northeastern or Central States: Alex Blakeson (phone 847-733-3511, e-mail

HOMEFRONT PIONEERING TEACHING WITHIN THE U.S.

Central States: Central States: Lynn Wieties (phone 573-364-9618, e-mail ) Marilyn Ray (phone 785-628-1919, e-mail )

Northeastern States: Northeastern States: Joel Nizin (phone 201-652-6385, e-mail

Southern States: Anne Jalali (phone 912-825-3542,

Western States: Flor Toloui (phone 925-672-6686, e-mail )

Western States: spalatWestern States: Cathy Yavrom (phone 209-234-2231, e-mail )

e-mail

Southern States: Anne Jalali (phone 912-825-3542, e-mail

Southern States: Sherdeana Jordan (phone 847-733- 3507, e-mail Aurore Ragston (phone 847-733- 3512, e-mail

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE/EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES-See page 31. • TO REPORT AN INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP YOU'VE ALREADY TAKEN-See form on page 27.

Focus on love of God

"O Friends! You must all be so ablaze in this day with the fire of the love of God that the peoples of the world may be ignited by this heat and turn to the horizon of the Beloved." —Bahá’u’lláh, from The Individual and Teaching

It's emphasized in numerous places in the Writings: Teaching the Faith is intimately connected with our love for God. Different teaching methods can apply to different circumstances, but the love of God is essential.

One course that has been conducted across the U.S. and in several other countries, "Consecration, Love of God and Teaching," has helped hundreds of people explore that basic impulse that motivates us to share the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

Developed by Mehrdad Fazli, an engineering instructor from College Station, Texas, the one-day course delves into Sacred Writings dealing with the love of God, briefly studies the lives of devoted early heroes of the Faith including Thomas Breakwell and Lua Getsinger, and points students toward understanding how to feed the flame of love within themselves.

From the beginning of the Four Year Plan through early September, Fazli said he had presented the course 102 times in the United States, Canada, England, Turkey, Australia and New Zealand. Nearly nine-tenths of those presentations have been in English, with the rest conducted in Persian with Bahá’í writings in the original languages.

He added that he hopes to increase the number of presentations to 150 by the end of the Four Year Plan in April 2000.

Many participants and observers have praise for the program. Fazli has received letters of commendation from the International Teaching Center and members of the Universal House of Justice.

Dozens of Bahá’ís participate in a July session of the "Consecration, Love of God and Teaching" workshop in Portland, Oregon.

The National Spiritual Assembly of Australia sent comments praising the organization, love and sense of humor expressed in the presentation, while the Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand in March said it believed the attendance there was "the highest numbers shown by any recent deepening presentations in New Zealand."

A letter from the Spiritual Assembly of Birmingham, Alabama, called the course a "powerful presentation of the Word of God" and asserted that "this community was spiritually invigorated." A member of the Great Plains School Committee in Nebraska said many participants felt "the institute had awakened them once again to the true purpose of their lives as Bahá’ís."

For information about the institute, Bahá’í institutions, schools and training institutes are welcomed to contact Mehrdad Fazli, College Station, TX 77845 (phone 409-690-6001).

Workshop inspires young man to give up gang colors

A young man watching the Spirit of Unity Bahá’í Youth Workshop at the Multicultural Festival on June 20 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, was so moved that took off his gang colors and threw them in the dirt—even though that was something he'd promised never to do.

A workshop member gave him a T-shirt to replace the gang colors. The young man said he felt he'd found a family, after talking with workshop members for longer than half an hour after the performance, relating a number of painful things in his life.

An added twist: The workshop had not even planned to do that Sunday performance, but scheduling problems at the festival led them to postpone a performance scheduled for June 19.

The workshop has performed and provided volunteer help at the open-air festival every year since 1995. [Page 15]

SPREADING THE TEACHINGS

An appeal to African-Americans

This essay is edited from a letter by Wes Baker, a pioneer to Uganda. For information on pioneering, call the Office of Pioneering at 847-733-3508.

My experiences of the past 1 1/2 years compel me to try to amplify the Universal House of Justice's call that we help spread the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh in the great continent of Africa.

I'd like to share a few of those experiences in the hope you might be inclined to take that giant leap into a life so full of incredible blessings that you'll wonder why you waited so long.

Swift action, swift assistance

You probably remember the Bahá’í writings tell us that if we make a small effort for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, God will reward us abundantly, instantly, mysteriously. I have wholeheartedly come to believe that is true.

In summer 1997 at a Council Fire on the Makah Reservation in Neah Bay, Washington, National Spiritual Assembly member Jack McCants spoke of the Universal House of Justice's call for American Indians and African-Americans to pioneer to the circumpolar regions and to Africa, respectively. I (among nearly 50 others) made that decision.

Just days thereafter it became possible for me to travel to Bosch Bahá’í School for an absolutely wonderful Pioneering Institute. Shortly after that, my Local Spiritual Assembly accepted our National Spiritual Assembly's invitation to visit Wilmette. God works fast!

Before my head had a chance to stop spinning, the beautiful Bahá’ís around the Seattle area, especially within my community, King County Northeast, were helping me to get what I needed—and to get rid of what I needed to get rid of. Packing for the move to Africa was an exercise in detachment.

In the precincts of the Temple

After landing in Uganda I was picked up at the airport and transported the 40 miles to Kampala. What a delight to get that first glimpse of the Mother Temple of Africa. The bounties continued as I was housed for a few months in the guest room at the National Center, just about 100 yards from the House of Worship.

Almost immediately I found myself helping out the secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Uganda, George Olinga, who had undergone an eye operation. For the next few months I got to help with National Spiritual Assembly correspondence to the World Center, some Counselors, many National Spiritual Assemblies and other institutions worldwide. My efforts included drafting a letter welcoming President and Mrs. Clinton when they visited Kampala in March 1998.

A highlight was when 20 black American Bahá’ís led by National Spiritual Assembly member William Roberts came to Kampala on a three-week teaching trip. Most of the fellows brought with them the fire of the spirit that seems to permeate the Bahá’í Black Men's Gathering in the United States. As a direct result of their brief visit there were some 80 enrollments that we know of.

Another great blessing here has been that, entrusted with a key to the House of Worship, I have the inexpressible pleasure three times a week of walking up to the Temple in the predawn darkness to enjoy an hour or so of solitary devotions intoning the verses of God. Then I circumambulate the Temple reciting or chanting prayers and Writings I've committed to memory. When it becomes light enough, I sit and read passages from books. What a way to start a day! I fantasize about spending a year at the site of each of the other Mother Temples and doing the same thing.

Blessings overshadow sacrifice

Mind you, there is nothing outstanding about me (except, perhaps, my midsection), so please don't think mine is an isolated case. You can talk to or read about Bahá’í pioneers anywhere and they'll testify the challenges of pioneering are totally eclipsed by the blessings.

For example, when you go teaching in remote villages in Africa you're amazed at how clean you can get with just a small basin of water and a piece of soap. You're amazed at how long you can make a single liter of drinking water last.

My perception is that the heart and soul of the African people is like a mine where innumerable gems of inestimable value are undiscovered. My experience here has not only made me proud to be a black human being, it has put my humanity into a perspective that gives me a more solid appreciation for the chance circumstance of my existence at this time.

I was on a teaching trip in Rukunjiri, a small village in far western Uganda, and a fellow Bahá’í took me to meet his parents. As we entered the compound where they lived I got the feeling that I was welcome but that I was the first "musungu" most of the 10 or 12 people present had ever met. "Musungu" means white person; in the land of very black people even if you're chocolate brown you're considered white.

My friend translated as I greeted everyone. I told them how proud I was to be on the continent of my ancestors. I told them (as many scientists believe) black people like us were the forebears of all the peoples on earth. Judging from the expressions on each face, these were unheard-of ideas. They were all ears and I hadn't even gotten to the spiritual Bahá’í stuff.

A new history lesson

For these folks, much as for our black brothers and sisters in the early United States, the harsh and erroneous lessons of history had taught them to be anything but proud of their race. I felt like a professor sharing information that class members had wondered about for years.

We had a wonderful discussion on the oneness of the human family. It is abundantly clear to me that the world's people of color are in crying need of updated information regarding the concept of oneness and how to manifest that concept in our behavior.

Of the many African-American Bahá’ís who come here to teach, some will return to the States (if only for a while). I believe their African experience will greatly enhance their effectiveness in teaching their fellow Americans, black and white alike.

'Get crackin' and get packin'

Now I must admit that my situation when I decided to pioneer was such that the element of sacrifice was probably minimal compared to most folks. I was retired on a pension and Social Security. I am single. Of my three children, the youngest is nearly 40 years old and married. I had no house to get rid of. And I was (and still am at 71) in reasonably good health. It almost frightens me to ponder how much greater my blessings would be if I had had to sacrifice a lot.

Oh well, regardless of the degree of our sacrifice, you may be assured that He will bless you if you do His will. I'll testify to that. So get crackin' and get packin'.

Happy teaching!

Love, Wes

"I appeal particularly to its dearly beloved members belonging to the Negro race to participate in the contemplated project marking a significant milestone in the world-unfoldment of the Faith, supplementing the work initiated fifty years ago on the North American continent, forging fresh links binding the American, British and Egyptian Communities and providing the prelude to the full-scale operations destined to be launched at a later period of the unfoldment of the Divine Plan aiming at the conversion of the backward, oppressed masses of the swiftly awakening continent.

"Though such participation is outside the scope of the Second Seven Year Plan, I feel strongly that the assumption of this added responsibility for this distant vital field at this crucial challenging hour, when world events are moving steadily towards a climax and the Centenary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh's Mission is fast approaching, will further ennoble the record of the world-embracing tasks valiantly undertaken by the American Bahá’í Community and constitute a worthy response to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's insistent call raised on behalf of the race He repeatedly blessed and loved so dearly and for whose illumination He ardently prayed and for whose future He cherished the brightest hopes."

—Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, pp. 87-88

"We direct the attention of the believers of African descent, so beloved by the Master, to the pressing need for pioneers, who will contribute to the further development of the Cause in distant areas, including the continent of Africa for which they were assigned a special responsibility by the Guardian when the first systematic campaign was launched for its spiritual illumination."

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

First to arise: Ethel Stephens

From time to time the Office of Pioneering will share stories of African-Americans who answered the call of the Guardian to pioneer to Africa in the 1950s.

Ethel Stephens passed on to the Abhá Kingdom in May 1996 at age 93. The story of this handmaiden of Bahá’u’lláh who heeded the call nearly 50 years ago is an inspiration for those arising now in response to the Message of Ridván 153 from the Universal House of Justice and the fulfillment of the vision of the African Counselors of a steady stream of African-American believers coming to the "Continent of Light."

Stephens set sail for the Gold Coast (now Ghana) on Oct. 13, 1951, the first U.S. pioneer to arise in response to the call issued to the American Bahá’í community in 1950 to "lend valued assistance meritorious enterprise... carry torch Faith territories Dark Continent ... particularly ... its dearly beloved members belonging Negro race participate contemplated project. ..."

In her first correspondence to the Africa Teaching Committee from Kumasi, Gold Coast, Dec. 13, 1951, Stephens observed, "I have come into a new consciousness of my relationship to Shoghi Effendi and to the degree to which I draw on this infinite resource my personal and spiritual problems are being resolved to a working and satisfactory basis."

She suffered a bout of malaria, lost her trunks and faced restrictions on teaching the Cause. But Stephens created a reservoir of good will for the Faith. Her demonstration of high Bahá’í standards and noble attitudes brought sincere respect and admiration from people at all levels of society.

She had to return to the States in July 1952. However, she continued her devoted services on the Africa Teaching Committee, helping to send others in her place. [Page 16]

MUSIC AND TEACHING FLOAT ALONG THE ‘RIVER OF LIFE’

Story and photos by Tom Mennillo

The River of Life teaching tour ended Aug. 8 in New Orleans, Louisiana, but the energy it released could flow forever from towns along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

Bahá’í performers and crew welcomed enthusiastic crowds totaling more than 2,500 aboard the River Explorer for 12 concerts in 15 days as the floating hotel docked at cities large and small.

Twin purposes guided the endeavor: Teach the Faith and energize Bahá’í communities. To maximize the impact, months of intercommunity planning was facilitated by the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Southern States. The blueprint included an extensive advance publicity campaign and systematic follow-up on interest generated.

Challenge and opportunity

River of Life was the brainchild of Voices of Bahá’í conductor Tom Price. In recent years he had taken the choir all over the United States and the world via airplane and bus. But each time the logistics were daunting: endless travel, often-challenging living conditions, and the need for host communities to rent expensive concert halls.

The 700-foot barge River Explorer was free of those impediments. Well-appointed rooms could house singers and crew in comfort, and the boat’s air-conditioned 185-seat Sprague Theatre provided a wonderful setting.

Soon about 50 performers and support people from the U.S., Canada and Alaska had signed up to spend one or both weeks aboard. Among them were children’s entertainer Red Grammer, singer-musician Paul Seaforth, the gospel-singing Gilmers (Van, Cookie, and Sean) and Adrienne Ewing-Roush, Canadian composer Lucie Dubé and actor-singer Chris Hampton.

The course of the rivers governed the choice of cities to visit. Therein lay the tour’s principal challenge and opportunity.

Some large Bahá’í communities are situated along the route. So are places where few or no Bahá’ís reside, such as Greenville and Natchez, Mississippi. Then there are the in-betweens, typified by Paducah, Kentucky.

Price consulted with the Regional Council, which gave its blessing and a commitment to help. Communities were contacted and an e-mail network established.

Marcia Day, the intrepid one-time manager of Seals and Crofts, hit the road by bus at the Council’s request to help each city formulate a publicity strategy. Karen Pritchard of the Regional Council coordinated efforts from the regional teaching office.

Once the tour began, Covey Cantville, another Regional Council member, was aboard for a week helping out along with his wife, Suzanne. He was in daily contact with Pritchard, often with advice for communities downriver.

The result was a systematic outpouring of Bahá’í effort to touch as many residents as possible with the message of Bahá’u’lláh.

“Many of these communities get so few services, as they are off the beaten path—easily overlooked compared to Atlanta, DC, Nashville, Dallas,” Pritchard said. “So the spirit they gave to the tour and received in return was pretty exceptional stuff.”

Getting the word out

Paducah, Kentucky, area (reaching into Illinois and Indiana): The community arranged both paid and free publicity on television (both broadcast and cable stations), newspapers and radio, said Abdi Yazdani. “In addition, a couple thousand beautifully designed fliers and complimentary tickets were distributed and mailed to the friends of the Bahá’ís and organizations,” Yazdani said.

On the day of the event, local Bahá’ís presented live music at a gazebo on the town square, a block from where the boat had docked.

“The 12-member Dawnbreakers Bahá’í Youth Workshop from Indianapolis performed several beautiful sets in the 103-degree temperature in the afternoon,” Yazdani said.

All that work and more paid off when more than 300 people visited the River Explorer at some point during the day and evening.

“One woman said she didn’t come for the concert. She wanted to know what this Bahá’í Faith was about,” Cantville said.

Louisville, Kentucky, area: The choir crossed paths with the Peace Bell on its tour upward toward a permanent home in Newport, Kentucky. The world’s largest swinging bell at 66,000 pounds, the bell was created for a Dec. 31, 1999, celebration of a renewed commitment to peace among all nations.

A huge crowd was gathered on the dock where the Peace Bell’s barge was docked, according to Pam Brode, a Voices of Bahá’í member from Durham, North Carolina.

“Before we began singing, Tom Price looked at the choir and said, ‘OK, let’s bless this bell.’ We sang, and the resonance of our singing under the bell was really quite exquisite—it sounded as if angels were singing from heaven!” That night, she said, “hordes of people packed the theater to hear our concert on the barge.”

At least 700 people made up that horde in Louisville. They came aboard in waves after queuing up under the broiling sun. Bahá’ís in the crowd were asked to give way to non-Bahá’ís to reduce the crush.

Small towns heat up

Vicksburg, Mississippi: “We could see how hard the friends had worked in preparation for the tour,” said Lynette Frieden, a Bahá’í from Monroe, Louisiana, who spent a week on board greeting visitors and staffing the literature table. Three Bahá’ís from the LaPlace community accompanied her, and others from Louisiana flocked to the Vicksburg concert.

“It was evident that the Vicksburg Bahá’ís have developed excellent relations with the mayor, Robert Walker,” Frieden said. “He came on the boat and made a proclamation of unity and peace through the arts to the Bahá’ís.

The crowd in Vicksburg totaled about 95, including 50 non-Bahá’ís. The next day the Vicksburg Post carried a photograph of Red Grammer singing as he waded through a multi-hued audience of youngsters, according to John W. Smith, Spiritual Assembly secretary.

Greenville, Mississippi: In towns with little or no Bahá’í presence, Marcia Day’s advance drumbeat and the concert-day efforts of tour participants were critical.

“On the front row before the evening performance began sat three African-American adults with one child,” said Cordelia Norder, a tour helper from Staunton, Virginia. It turned out two of them had spent two days transporting Marcia Day on her publicity errands.

“This couple ... had met her on the bus and they say that Marcia not only engaged them to take her around, but had fully introduced them to the message of Bahá’u’lláh. It was apparent that they already considered themselves one of us—and actually predict that they and their friend ... will be the first Bahá’ís in Greenville.”

Natchez, Mississippi: Red Grammer was running late back to the barge from a trip into town, but still took time to talk with an older woman who was selling pralines at the bus stop near the dock, Norder said.

“To the happy surprise of Red Grammer and others, in time for the performance this elderly lady, Sophronia Dyson, appeared in the boat’s theater on the front row with her two grandsons! Red called her homemade candy to the attention of the audience. Sending a friend to his room to fetch his earlier purchase, the candy was passed around and shared!”

Up next: Momentum and follow-up

“All the communities are saying that next year if we do it again we’ll draw 10,000 people,” Tom Price said.

Covey Cantville of the Regional Council put it another way: “How else could Paducah get 300 to a Bahá’í event?”

Karen Pritchard, Council secretary, added that the Council’s newly established regional teaching office is handling a number of follow-up teaching and support chores.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Names from a guest book provided at the entrance (an idea passed along from an earlier tour stop) will be added to the local database of seekers, which was begun as a result of the 1-800-22-UNITE effort. They were to receive a listing of upcoming weekly events.

“We also had a follow-up event the next evening at the local Bahá’í Center which was composed of a potluck and a viewing of The Power of Race Unity video,” said Laurie Gaspard, Assembly secretary. “We had about four seekers attend this event, and one of our newest seekers has declared since the events occurred.”

Louisville, Kentucky: Follow-up events included a fireside and open house, a musical fireside, a unity feast and other firesides at homes and at the Bahá’í Center.

Vicksburg: The concert reinforced advance newspaper publicity for a public meeting at the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation.

As for tour participants, “It was the most spiritually moving experience of my life,” said Nina Bailey of Arvada, Colorado, a member of the Voices of Bahá’í. “The melody of everyone’s beautiful voices and unifying love created a heavenly experience. I shall remember the feeling for eternity!” ◆

One day on the River Explorer

Preparation

• 7 a.m.: Dawn prayers, breakfast, more prayers and announcements at 10 a.m.
• 11 a.m. Deepening. “The first week, Jena Khodadad presented early Bábí history,” related Donna Evertz, a tour participant from Deerfield Beach, Florida. “The second week, Dorothy Gilstrap personalized Dorothy Baker, Dr. Muhájir and Mullá Husayn.”
• Lunch, then free time.

The shows themselves

• Guests were greeted and had a chance to peruse Bahá’í literature, then were invited down a flight of steps to the Sprague Theatre.
• 3 p.m.: Red Grammer, in an interactive songfest, wandered through the crowd wearing a headset microphone and strumming a guitar. Children and adults alike sang out the lyrics and acted out the hand motions to “One Family” and other favorite tunes.
• 4 p.m.: a lighthearted variety hour featuring the Price sisters, ages 14–18, singing Andrews Sisters-style tight harmonies; the Barbershop Boys; and Paul Seaforth with soaring trumpet and sweet saxophone solos and reverent tenor renditions of “Benediction” and “Look At Me, Follow Me.”
• 5 p.m.: Bahá’í Gospel Singers featuring the three Gilmers and Adrienne Ewing-Roush, serving up such songs of praise as “I’m So Glad” and “O Thou Compassionate Lord.”
• Chris Hampton then took the stage to tell and sing about his one-man musical play, The Noble Thief, a tale of redemption.
• Dinner came next.
• Then the Voices of Bahá’í—resplendent in black with pastel choir shawls—trooped in to the African beat of “Siyahamba.” ‎Guitars Gilmers‎ (in English) and Lucie Dubé (in French) shared “Thou Art My Stronghold,” which they composed at a recent Bahá’í songwriters’ retreat in California. Van Gilmer sang “Amazing Grace.” Several pieces that debuted at the second Bahá’í World Congress took everyone back to the City of the Covenant.
• Midway through the set an intermission gave the Bahá’ís a chance to mingle further with their guests.
• 10:30 p.m.: Wrap-up, with still more clusters of people often earnestly exploring the Faith. ◆

Captions

Above: Young audience members add enthusiasm to a Memphis, Tennessee, performance.

Right: (From left) Melita Elmore, Donna Evertz, Leona Jackson and Lucie Dubé help the soprano section of the Voices of Bahá’í pass along the energy.

Above: The “Barbershop Boys”: (from left) Tom Price, Paul Seaforth, Red Grammer and Gleo Huyck.

Left: The barge that carried the Voices of Bahá’í downriver.

Van Gilmer (left) is transfixed in singing “Amazing Grace” during the choir’s evening performance.

The route: Cincinnati to New Orleans. (Illustration by C. Aaron Kreader) [Page 17]

Wilmette Institute Update

"The Kitáb-i-Aqdas and Related Texts," Nov. 1, 1999-April 30, 2000. This course is perfect for anyone wishing to study in depth the Most Holy Book and works explaining it, such as Questions and Answers and various tablets published in Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. The six-month schedule gives ample time to study these writings thoroughly and topically, and to discuss any questions.

Cost: $225 ($180 if you are registering as a member of a local study group of three or more).

"Chinese Religions and Philosophy for Deepening and Dialogue," Dec. 1, 1999-Jan. 31, 2000. Faculty includes Phyllis G. L. Chew, author of The Chinese Religion and the Bahá’í Faith, and Dann May, instructor in Chinese religion and philosophy at Oklahoma City University. It can help Bahá’ís understand Confucianism, Taoism, and their relationship to modern China.

Cost: $100 ($80 if you are registering as a member of a local study group of three or more).

The next course in this series on world religions will examine Zoroastrianism, the ancestral religion of Iran, March 1-April 30, 2000.

All distance-learning courses include e-mail or phone conference opportunities. All are available at introductory or intermediate levels, depending on whether you want to take a college-level course. If you want to take a course at an advanced (graduate) level, or to seek college credit, contact the Institute.

New Web site

The Wilmette Institute now has a new e-mail address and a Web site. By moving to its own Internet domain, the Wilmette Institute is indexed far more extensively by search engines, with the result that it is receiving far more hits per day. The new site also provides more resources for e-mail and list-servers.

REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION

24-hour info line 847-733-3595 Registrar 847-733-3415 ⚫ E-mail • Information on the Internet www.wilmetteinstitute.org

Four-year 'Spiritual Foundations' program boasts its first graduating class

INFORMATION FROM PATRICIA HAYNIE, JUPITER, FL

Five Bahá’ís from across the United States made history by completing all of the Wilmette Institute's first four annual "Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization" summer sessions—in effect, becoming the first graduating class.

Alice Ferro of Oklahoma, Shar Gardella of Connecticut, Sandra Miles of North Carolina, Perla Talebi of Arkansas and Nancy Turner of California were the first students to complete all four residential sessions. Their accomplishments, and those of their fellow students, were honored during an Aug. 6 ceremony. David Ruhe, retired member of the Universal House of Justice, was keynote speaker.

Also in attendance were Hushmand Fatheazam, a member of the Universal House of Justice, and his wife, Shafiqih. Juana Conrad and William Roberts, members of the National Spiritual Assembly, gave congratulatory remarks.

Twenty students from the United States and Canada participated in the 1999 summer session at Kendall College in Evanston, Illinois, studying such subjects as economics, agriculture, the environment and world affairs in the light of Bahá’í teachings, plus a workshop on conflict resolution and a series of seminars on teaching the Faith.

"Best-kept secret"

The small class size led one student to call the Institute "the best-kept secret in the Bahá’í community" and "a rare opportunity to see the big picture."

Faculty included David and Margaret Ruhe; members of the National Spiritual Assembly, Regional Councils and Auxiliary Boards; and distinguished university educators.

Six who attended at least part of all Wilmette Institute summer sessions (front row: Nancy Turner, Alice Ferro, Sandra Miles, Carol Bardin, Perla Talebi, Shar Gardella) pose with Rob Stockman (back, left), administrator, and Dann May, summer coordinator.

Stories abounded on how the Wilmette Institute's training, with its emphasis on service and teaching skills, helped students serve the Cause in their own communities. In one case, three members of the class of 1999 persevered in a teaching project in Oklahoma even though their racial mix—white, Asian and African-American—drew the unfriendly attention of local white supremacists.

To help the program welcome more students, the Institute is reducing the residential session to two weeks beginning next year, when it restarts the four-year cycle with a year's study of Bahá’í history and scripture and comparative religion. The program will continue to include 10 months' home study starting in April.

Staying in a Kendall College dormitory within walking distance of the Holiest House of Worship, the 1999 students and instructors (in some cases with sons and daughters) made up a Bahá’í community of their own. Morning prayers at the Temple set the atmosphere for each day's study.

Service added to study

While mornings were devoted to class sessions, during the afternoons the students took time to guide visitors at the House of Worship or volunteer at Bahá’í National Center offices.

One weekend the class visited a Zoroastrian Fire Temple in the Chicago area, in the Institute's effort to introduce the students to a variety of religious traditions.

Spirituality conference focuses on social change

INFORMATION FROM KEVIN MORRISON

Spirituality is not just a private matter—it's the world's only true prospect for positive social change. That was a central theme of "Revealing the Splendors of His Light: Exploring Spirituality in Bahá’í Life," a conference Aug. 7-8 co-sponsored by the Institute for Bahá’í Studies and World Order magazine.

The program at Kendall College in Evanston, Illinois, immediately followed the three-week residential session of the Wilmette Institute's "Spiritual Foundations" program.

Topics included the relationship of spirituality to psychology, poetry, philosophy, Bahá’í history, theology, painting, service and social change, organizational development, and sharing the Bahá’í Faith with others in these fleeting final days of the Four Year Plan.

In opening the conference Juana Conrad, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, pointed out that spirituality is often conceived as a private matter between an individual and one's Creator.

The Bahá’í Faith, however, expands this definition by emphasizing the dynamic relationship of individual transformation to collective, social change, she said.

The conference program deliberately balanced familiar Bahá’í presenters and emerging scholars, and theoretical and experiential presentations.

Robert Stockman, welcoming participants on behalf of the conference organizers, noted that the term "scholars" is defined in the Bahá’í Faith as "people who not only are devoted to [the Bahá’í Faith] and believe in it and are anxious to tell others about it, but also who have a deep grasp of the teachings and their significance, and who can correlate its beliefs with the current thoughts and problems of the people of the world."

Thus, everyone in attendance at the conference was a scholar in his or her own right and no one is excluded from the process of developing Bahá’í scholarship, Stockman said.

Conference attendance was limited to 60 to ensure lively discussion between presenters and participants outside of sessions.

A selection of the papers delivered at the Aug. 7-8 conference will be published in future issues of World Order magazine. To subscribe to World Order, see the form on page 23.

For more information on programs of the Institute for Bahá’í Studies, contact Robert Stockman (phone 847-733-3425, e-mail [Page 18]

Dedication of bench in Minneapolis commemorates ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit

The Bahá’ís of Minneapolis, Minnesota, commemorated ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s 1912 visit to the area by sponsoring placement of a special bench in Loring Park bearing the inscription “ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1912—Blessed is the Spot.”

The bench dedication was the focus of a public program in the park on July 24 that drew about 150 people.

The program included talks by representatives of the Minneapolis and St. Paul Spiritual Assemblies and the Auxiliary Board; the reading of a letter from the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Central States prepared specially for the ceremony; a dramatic vignette depicting two people discussing, in 1912, the significance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit; musical presentation of Hidden Words by the Remembrance Ensemble; and the final public performance by Project Wildfire, a youth workshop that had been teaching the Faith in the Central States for the past year.

The bench is part of a major renovation designed to return the park to its 1910 character and condition. The Bahá’ís worked with the Friends of Loring to acquire and place the bench.

Future plans include creation of a garden and placement of a commemorative plaque describing the significance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His visit to Minneapolis/St. Paul. ◆

Louhelen Bahá’í School

3208 S. State Road • Davison, MI 48423

810 653-5033

www.louhelen.org

Transforming culture

Cultural change moves at a crawl if the existing culture determines everything about what we do, what we think and how we feel about others.

Embedded deeply in our society, the spiritual diseases of materialism, racism, sexism, violence, corruption and so forth often seem to determine or influence much about the society around us.

To weaken these entrenched patterns of negative living, we must strive to build some dramatically different patterns of life, thought and behavior. To transform an old culture, you have to actively work at building a new one.

This is a main purpose of youth training programs at Louhelen Bahá’í School.

Louhelen’s programs also provide a rare opportunity to bring youth into a dramatically different pattern of community life, devotion, service, recreation, fun and fellowship.

The following fall programs are available for youth and junior youth. Additional details are available from Louhelen.

Oct. 29–31: Spiritual Empowerment Institute for Junior Youth, ages 12–15 with Ruhiyyih Yuille and Russell Ballew.

The “Principles of Psychological and Spiritual Development” session in June brought a Landegg Academy course to Louhelen. Photo by Jim Cheek

How can youth release the power to bring the healing message of Bahá’u’lláh to their peers? How can youth support each other through prayer, study, consultation, recreation, fellowship and fun? Through fast-paced interactive workshops, this institute for Bahá’ís and their friends stimulates self-confidence, reliance on God, profound love for humanity, eagerness to teach and serve humanity, and abundant joy.

Nov. 5-7: Youth Eagle Institute, ages 15 and up with Nasif Habeeb-ullah, Anita Jefferson and Ted Jefferson. How can Bahá’u’lláh’s laws generate spirituality, transform human interactions and create justice in the world? How can fellowship, fun, serious study, consultation, mutual support and artistic expression build the lasting friendships to win victories in the double crusade of self transformation and world reorganization? Eagle Institute offers opportunities to experience a taste of Bahá’u’lláh’s World Order among peers and like-minded seekers. ◆

Bosch Bahá’í School

500 Comstock Lane • Santa Cruz, CA 95060

831 423-3387

www.bosch.org

Bosch turns 25!

Beautiful weather, outstanding food and music, and a “full house” combined to provide a great Bosch “welcome home” Aug. 21–26 to former administrators of Bosch Bahá’í School who guided its development over the past 25 years.

Newly appointed Bosch administrators Elvia and Robert Ramirez warmly welcomed these “veterans.”

Jim Kelly and his wife, Tommie, served at Bosch for 16 years and told wonderful stories of the “early days.”

Marsha Gilpatrick recalled the few special years she and her husband, Ron, despite his illness, spent developing new programs, improving community relations, and moving the school forward.

Mark and Linda Bedford became co-administrators after Ron’s passing. Under their loving direction, the Children’s Academy and uplifting music programs for children and adults were added to the curriculum, an expanded outside rental program increased revenue and introduced people to the Faith, and the organic garden was planted.

Also recognized for her vast service to the school was the indomitable Molly King, program director for 18 years.

Classes for the week were equally outstanding. James and Dorothy Nelson facilitated “Consultation: The Key to Building Community,” Marsha Gilpatrick presented “Citizenship in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh,” and Red Grammer and the Gilmer family (Van, Cookie, Kim and Sean) not only provided outstanding music for devotions and entertainment but facilitated classes on “Bahá’í Acceptance of the Arts as a Vehicle to Promote the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.”

Dec. 26–30: Winter School. This session features two main programs:

“Choosing the Future at the End of the Millennium.” Anthropologist Joseph Sheppherd draws on experiences in Africa, Asia and South America to explore cultural differences and look at ourselves as “spiritual beings in a physical state.”

“Preparing the Hearts for Entry by Troops.” Talibah Sun-Boothe facilitates this program on helping our communities increase in acceptance and tolerance, becoming powerful magnets to attract hearts to Bahá’u’lláh’s love.

Chris Hampton, producer of the powerful Bahá’í musical The Noble Thief, rounds out the Winter School faculty. ◆

Green Acre Bahá’í School

188 Main Street • Eliot, ME 03903

207 439-7200

www.greenacre.org

‘For the Love of God’

Fall programs at Green Acre Bahá’í School:

Nov. 5–7: “For the Love of God” with Peter Terry. What will better unite people of all faiths than the love of God? This gathering is designed for those of all faiths to investigate the love of God in prayer, meditation, goodly deeds, sacrifice, reasoning, consultation, reading, listening and, most of all, humility. With a special Saturday evening Interfaith Convocation. Session includes classes for ages 3–14.

Nov. 5–7: Conference on Substance-Abuse Prevention with Counselor A. M. Ghadirian, Dr. Beth Bowen and other members of the National Task Force on Substance-Abuse Prevention. What do Bahá’í writings reveal about substance abuse, and how can Bahá’í teachings transform the field of abuse prevention? How do these issues relate to the process of entry by troops and quality of life?

Nov. 19–21: “Kitáb-i-Aqdas” with Habib Riazati (who assisted in the official translation of this holy text). Bahá’u’lláh’s Most Holy Book affirms the eternal truths of the world’s great religions and addresses the needs of the entire human family in this age. Session includes classes for ages 3–14.

Nov. 26–28: “The Basic Building Block of Society” with Charlene and Michael Winger-Bearskin. Why is the fireside, with its power to build strong personal relationships, such an effective tool for the transformation of society? Experiential sessions demonstrate the fireside’s role in building skills of friendship and loving service. Session includes classes for ages 3–14.

Future sessions include:

Dec. 10–12: “Bahá’í-Centered Management: Principles and Practice.” One in an ongoing series of courses.

Dec. 10–12: “Spirituality and Ethics in Medicine” with Dr. David Ruhe and Dr. Beth Bowen; sponsored by Health for Humanity.

Dec. 26–31: “Make Your Mark”: Green Acre’s annual Winter School for all ages. Invited: John Woodall, Joycelyn Jolly, Clyde Herring and Carmine Consalvo. ◆ [Page 19]

CONSOLIDATING THE VICTORIES

"[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

FAITH'S PERSPECTIVE ON SERVICE HELPS BAHÁ’Í CIVIL SERVANTS COUNTER AMERICAN DISTRUST OF AUTHORITY

COMPILED BY TOM MENNILLO

ahá’ís who are or were govern- employees say their est challenge lies in countering Americans' distrust of authority. Believers responding to an e-mail survey described how corrosive the effects of this attitude are to those who labor for agencies at the local, state and national levels.

But they noted that the Faith's perspective on their service and on the role of government helps them provide fellow workers and the public alike with a better way.

On this page is a selection of their responses, edited for length.

ABOUT THE RESPONDENTS

Steve Dighton was employed in the Orange County, California, jail as an orderly or a registered nurse for more than 20 years.

• Ruth Tobey Hampson created the office of City Clerk in Canon City, Colorado, and held that position for 11 years.

⚫ Lenore Lawrence of Pacific, Washington, is a program manager for Washington State Medicaid.

Roger W. Nesbit of Portland, Oregon, is the senior attorney advising the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in Oregon.

Leslie L. Randall of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, is an epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control.

Sue Schaut of Bothell, Washing- ton, is retired from the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing.

Jaine Toth of Carpinteria, California, was an investigative assistant for eight years in the U.S. Secret Service.

• Greg Woods of Sunrise, Florida, is an air traffic supervisor at the Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control Center in Miami.

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

Leslie Randall

Leslie L. Randall: I became a Bahá’í when I was 15.

My decision to become a civil servant came from wanting to work with my own (American Indian) people. I got my master's in public health, spe- cializing in maternal child health, because I was seeing so many of our babies dying from so many different caus- es, causes that babies of other races weren't dying from in this country.

Sue Schaut: I was a Bahá’í when I applied for a state position that included covering the inner city of Milwaukee. Activities I participated in as a Bahá’í made me the only candidate who was very comfort- able with multiracial groups. After I was hired, being aware of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on the oneness of mankind—and my obligation to treat everyone with dignity and respect— made many potentially difficult contacts very non-con- frontational. People sense when you view them as a God-created being rather than one of the "bad ones," and they are much more open and willing to talk to you.

Roger Nesbit: In my first year of law school, I began questioning whether this was a profession that "began in words and ended in words," but before dropping out I decided to consult with my Local Spiritual Assembly. The Assembly provided a fresh perspective on the potential benefits a Bahá’í could bring to a profession whose goal should be justice. I went back to law school, keeping Bahá’u’lláh’s words "The best beloved of all things in My sight is justice" set before me. That was over 25 years ago, and to this day I have that Hidden Word quoted in a plaque on my office wall.

I have worked for the federal government for nearly 25 years, and except for the relatively rare occasion when a case has political overtones I have been left free by my superiors to pursue what in my judgment is the just result.

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

Roger Nesbit: Our government is based on mistrust of the sovereign. Our forefathers rebelled against their king and set up a government designed on the basic premise that the sovereign needed to be "checked and balanced" from having too much power. This basic mistrust and suspicion of the gov- ernment permeates the general attitude of the public toward their government to this day. But the vast majority of the civil servants with whom I work are dedicated workers, who have a high level of altruism and a desire to promote the general welfare.

Every day, I have to put on my spiritual shield so that I do not take personally the vicious things that are said about my client (the government) and, sometimes, its attorneys as well.

Roger Nesbit

Greg Woods: Many of the people who work in the air traf- fic control business are tough-talking, competitive, hard-liv- ing "type A" personalities. A Bahá’í stands out as being different from most of the people in the profession.

Ruth Tobey Hampson: I was watched very closely contin- ually. Because I loved my work and respected the townspeo- ple I served, I became well-known. There were challenges by co-workers: at one time charges against me (i.e. teaching the Faith at work, using city time for Bahá’í work, etc.) that were completely refuted. During that time, I received enormous support from my City Council because they trusted me.

Steve Dighton: The greatest frus- tration was finding an acceptable and effective way to express a Bahá’í atti- tude in daily interactions with my patients. They were like children who had learned little self-control. Most attempts at kindness were quickly turned into means of manipulation, either against me or against a co-work- er. The discovery early in my career of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s statement and example of not allowing a person knowingly to deceive one became my standard of behavior. It made it possible to deal with the inmates honestly and justly, something they rarely experienced, which eventually resulted in my gaining a certain respect.

Steve Dighton

In my relationships with supervisors, I adopted an attitude of complete obedience. When I disagreed, however, I took one further step: I wrote carefully reasoned memos that explained, in non-threatening language, my objections and concerns. And I offered alternatives.

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

Lenore Lawrence: Religion is, of course, a touchy subject! In the realm of the government, it is pretty danged taboo. In my particular arena, the spiritual lives of people are considered as important as the physical, and I have many opportunities to mention the Faith.

Sue Schaut: I felt I walked a fine line when doing undercover activities. I often had to pretend to be someone else, and would weigh this with the virtue of honesty. Many cases I investigated involved the illicit or inappropriate use of drugs and medications. During consultation on the subject, a representative of one of the Bahá’í institutions shared the following helpful passage with me:

"It is, however, mandatory that the use of opium be pre- vented by any means whatsoever, that perchance the human race may be delivered from this most powerful of plagues. And otherwise, woe and misery to whoso falleth short of his duty to bis Lord." (Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, page 239) [Page 20]sponsored the June conference at Bosch Bahá’í School. The friends have "established bonds of love, friendship and respect with these people," Stevens said. As a result, hundreds of immigrants and their offspring—both Asian- and American-born—have entered the Faith.

But many more could be welcomed into the Bahá’í family, she said. "The American friends say they can bring in thousands, but hesitate because consolidation is difficult without help."

Consolidation is central to Project 99, an initiative conceived and conducted by individuals under spon- sorship of the Modesto Spiritual Assembly.

The project’s roots go back three years. Liana Fields was managing an apartment complex in Fresno when her boss, a Christian, asked her to devise a program of community-building.

His vision was that teaching literacy and virtues to immigrants would foster respect for property, each other, and other faiths—in short, make the neighbor- hood safer and improve everyone's quality of life.

Fields took on the assignment, then extended it to a complex the landlord owned in Modesto. To head the Modesto program, Fields brought in Muratore.

New phase starts in 1997

The two women had met at the 1997 Southeast Asian conference at Bosch. At that conference they shared the eye-opening experience of seeing the fruit of a decade of Bahá’í work with Asian youth.

"When you see these youth, you see the vitality and future of the Bahá’í Faith," said Fields.

Before long, Fields and Muratore were drawing up a teaching and consolidation project focused on children and youth, those bilingual sons and daughters of immigrants.

"We knew it must go beyond proclamation," Fields said. To establish relationships that would gain the trust of entire families, "we’d have to be right there with people, visiting their homes."

Fields, a Hawaiian-born Polynesian dancer, also saw a responsibility to help people preserve their heritage. So from the start, the project has focused on artistic development as well as deepening.

Every Wednesday night, 20 to 30 youths and chil- dren study the Writings using the system of Ruhi study circles. Most are Hmong, but more and more Vietnamese, Cambodian, Thai, African-American and Hispanic teens are joining in.

They learn about Bahá’í laws and role models, Muratore said. Strong emphasis is placed on Shoghi Effendi's three prerequisites to teaching: rectitude of conduct, chastity and elimination of prejudice.

One weekend a month, Fields and her husband, Bud, drive several hours from their new residence near San Diego to lead the youngsters in artistic pursuits.

Some of the dozens of young people participating in Project 99 gather recently with Counselor Wilma Ellis and some of the project volunteers.

An expression in performance

Out of this has come Pa ’Ndau, a story of flight to freedom in song, dance and multimedia. The play, written by Fields, has been performed many times.

Pa ’Ndau uses the imagery of the story cloth onto which Hmong women stitch stories. A child fleeing the Mekong Valley is given a story cloth by her dying mother. Years later, unwrapping the cloth helps the girl realize the emptiness of a life of materialism and to discover that society’s answers lie in its people. Now she and other youth can rewrite their destiny and cre- ate a new world.

"Each time Pa ’Ndau is performed, 25 to 50 percent of the kids are doing the play for the first time. Yet it is so reverent, so moving," said Hank Mudge, another Project 99 volunteer. "I never leave with a dry eye."

Principles of Faith in action

Mudge also noted that nearly half the project’s youth are not enrolled as Bahá’ís, yet are exhibiting Bahá’í principles in action for those around them.

Fields said the first enrollments through their work with Asian youth came in 1997, when four enrolled in Fresno and three in Modesto. The rest have continued to proclaim the Faith through the art; for two years.

This year, 29 children and youths have become Bahá’ís through the project, including those who stepped forward this year at the Southeast Asian con- ference, Muratore said. They see in the Bahá’í Faith "a wonderful opportunity to improve their lives."

One of those youths is Nhia Moua, 17, from Modesto. She dances the role of the mother in Pa ’Ndau.

"The Bahá’í Faith has changed my life a lot. When we went to Bosch and I met so many nice Bahá’ís who were willing to help me, well, that did it for me. I feel love from the Bahá’ís."

Teng Yang echoes that sentiment. The 16-year-old from Modesto dances in Pa ’Ndau and has brought many youths including Moua—to Project 99’s youth class.

"We learn the virtues and things that will make me successful in life," he said. "Also, we have fun.... What we learn will provide opportunities for the future."

Van Dang Yang, also 16 and from Modesto, is inves- tigating the Faith. He sees it as "a place to go to have fun and to learn. We learn to be kind. We use the Faith to help us in our own life as well as how to help others."

Letting the youths lead

To sustain Project 99, organizers are striving to step aside as much as possible and let the youths lead.

"The project is the kids, not us," Mudge said.

That point was driven home recently by Counselor Wilma Ellis, who visited Modesto in August and watched a special performance of "Pa ’Ndau."

After talking with the youths, the counselor gave project volunteers an opportunity to lay their burdens on her.

"She helped us realize that the resources must come from within," Muratore said, "like the way a flower opens up."

To Muratore, the advice "felt like salve on the wounds" of a small and increasingly weary band of volunteers.

Next: a campus association

Thus, a top priority right now will be to establish a Bahá’í association at Modesto Junior College. With that will come meeting facilities and, more important, a spirit of mentoring.

Encouragement for Project 99 also has come straight from the Universal House of Justice. In a letter addressed to those who had participated in the con- ference at Bosch, the Supreme Body lauded the way the arts and workshops were used to confirm the youths.

"We are so privileged to be here," Fields said. "This is a unique time."

Profession

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

Leslie L. Randall: My research is primarily with Indians: public health and infant mortality. People see our work as beneficial to the community. Public health affects all people regardless of race or color.

Jaine Toth: I did note that my [Secret Service] agents would try to help out people who’d made a mis- take and they believed wouldn’t do it again—they were basically good people. The agents pleaded for lenien- cy or probation, and even helped keep some from being deported. It was at such variance with the pub- lic image of law enforcement personnel.

What can Bahá’í civil servants do individually or collectively to foster that cat- alytic role—to assist the exploration of these issues, influence the profession's evolution, encourage young people to enter the field?

Lenore Lawrence: I’d like very much to see an organiza- tion of Bahá’ís who know about program planning and develop- ment. I’d also suggest that deepened Local Spiritual Assemblies in larger communi- ties and Auxiliary Board mem- bers and their assistants begin to tap the resources of these people that could be used as we build our Bahá’í infrastructure. I’m willing to share!

Ruth Tobey Hampson: They can bring the Bahá’í perspective to work with them, live by it and defend justice in every instance, being careful to not verbalize themselves as Bahá’í. They should align themselves closely with professional organizations. They can speak at high schools, encouraging young people.

Jaine Toth: There could possibly be a Bahá’í employees group, and open it to others who are like- minded. They could try to educate each other and their own agencies as well as discuss problems/issues encountered on the job. ✦ [Page 21]lassified 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 EVANSTON, ILLINOIS

Media Coordinator, National Teaching Office. Helps Bahá’ís understand the national media initiative through The American Bahá’í, the Internet, Bahá’í Newsreel, regional training programs etc.; advises/assists local and regional media efforts; monitors national 1-800 telephone system for seekers; sets up research and testing. Needs professional background in media, education and/or public relations; extensive project management experience; knowledge of Bahá’í writings and administration.

Research Coordinator, National Teaching Office. Gathers, analyzes information on issues affecting growth and development of the Faith; communicates analysis and recommendations to National Spiritual Assembly and National Teaching Committee; conveys information to Regional Bahá’í Councils and to the believers in general. Needs advanced degree in research-oriented field such as social sciences or marketing; high organizational, analytical, interpersonal skills; extensive knowledge of Bahá’í writings and administration.

Conservation Coordinator, Conservation. Does inspection, recordkeeping, testing and research for Conservation Program at Bahá’í House of Worship; maintains Conservation Team information systems; manages some projects; must work at heights. Needs three years' experience in engineering technology and/or conservation/preservation work; degree in engineering technology, museum science or related field; skill in sketching, word processing.

Bahá’í Properties Office, Wilmette: Maintenance Technician. Responsible for preventive maintenance, inspection and repairs. Needs high aptitude for electrical and mechanical systems. Additional training will be provided.

Persian/American Affairs Office, Evanston: Program Assistant. Helps follow up on programs and projects; performs records management and other office functions; handles correspondence in Persian and English; translates documents and letters. Must be skilled writing and speaking Persian and English; familiar with Bahá’í administrative practices and with Iranian culture. Must type 30 wpm in English and Persian, and be capable of detailed work with frequent interruptions.

Administrative assistant (part-time), U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office. Prepares correspondence to refugees and to Bahá’í, government and other agencies involved in refugee resettlement. Develops reports, maintains records, helps process Southeast Asian Bahá’í refugees. Helps compile and write the Southeast Asian Helpers Bulletin, articles for The American Bahá’í and other publications. Needs proven ability to work with confidential information, strong skills writing and speaking English.

IMMEDIATE NEEDS

Office of the Treasurer, Evanston: Assistant Controller. Responsible for National Spiritual Assembly financial operations: budget and cash management, reporting and control. Maintains relationships with department heads. Needs high degree of honesty and integrity; five years' experience as controller of mid-sized corporation or not-for-profit entity; bachelor's degree in accounting (CPA preferred); experience in creating and managing budgets, working knowledge of cash management, accounting and control systems. Must be organized, have good communication and people skills, and be able to function in fast-moving, consultative environment.

Executive Assistant, National Teaching Office. Helps National Teaching Committee secretary: Coordinates projects related to National Teaching Plan; helps develop reports; communicates with other agencies; prepares articles for The American Bahá’í. Needs bachelor's degree; knowledge of Bahá’í writings/administration; project management experience; superior writing, speaking, analytical skills; word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, Internet skills. Some travel required.

Office of Pioneering, Evanston: International Consultant (2 positions). Recruits, counsels, trains and dispatches international pioneers, youth volunteers and traveling teachers; assists current volunteers and those returning to the States. Needs excellent communication and organizational skills and computer/word processing skills; office experience preferable. Should understand cross-cultural interactions, international affairs etc.

U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, Evanston: Assistant Coordinator, Southeast Asian Program. Helps support teaching and consolidation activities: prepares correspondence; monitors/reports on programs throughout the country; coordinates annual Southeast Asian Bahá’í Conference; prepares printed and audiovisual materials for the Southeast Asian Bahá’ís; writes, compiles, lays out Southeast Asian Helpers Bulletin. Two-year commitment expected; some travel may be required.

Information Services, Evanston: Webmaster. Proficient in Internet HTML; at least 2 years' experience; applications/development experience is a plus.

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

OFFICE OF INFORMATION SERVICES

Applications developer. Provides high-level analysis, design and implementation of information systems. Familiar with a variety of technologies including Visual tools, database tools and Web tools.

Network Administrator/Engineer. Responsible for configuration, maintenance and security of all computer networking infrastructure (LAN and WAN) including serviers, cabling, routers, switches and NICs. Maintains documentation of network and servers setup and structure.

LSAI Support. Coordinates support activities for LSAI project. Provides training and support for LSAI. Handles initial requests for support, escalates support issues to support team when necessary (LSAI help desk). Develops training-related communications materials, assists promotion and education.

Database administrator. Coordinates all database development. Responsible for Enterprise SQL server including security rights, table design, normalization. Responsible for design and implementation of user and departmental applications as front ends to SQL using MS Access, VB or other tools as determined.

Data entry clerk, Membership Office. Will transcribe contact information from the 800-22-UNITE voice-mail system. Needs transcription experience; will cooperate with the National Teaching Committee office.

If interested in any Bahá’í National Center position, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

AT BOSCH BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA

Program Director: Plans, organizes and implements programs sponsored by Bosch or other Bahá’í agencies; supervises an assistant and recruits course facilitators; supervises children's programming and curriculum. Needs experience in curriculum planning/instruction and supervision at an academic institution; knowledge of Core Curriculum and Ruhi methodology; basic computer knowledge including word processing. Required: master's in education, or bachelor's plus five years' supervisory experience.

If interested, contact the Administrators, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (phone 831-423-3387, fax 831-423-7564).

AT GREEN ACRE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL ELIOT, MAINE

Assistant Facilities Coordinator. Helps with inspections, preventive and routine maintenance, exterior and interior repairs. Must have proven skills in housekeeping and maintenace of buildings, equipment, vehicles and grounds.

Receptionist/Office Assistant. Receives phone, e-mail and fax communications and greets all visitors to the office in a courteous, efficient manner. Provides administrative support to the co-administrators, registrar and program coordinator. Helps bookstore manager with sales and inventory.

If interested in either position, please contact Jim Sacco, co-administrator, Green Acre Bahá’í School, 188 Main St., Eliot, ME 03903 (phone 207-439-7200, e-mail ).

AT BAHÁ’Í TRADE PUBLISHING

Publisher. General manager and chief operating officer; public and legal spokesperson. Responsible for the product quality and financial results. Oversees general business, policies and interdepartmental collaboration. toward developing a presence for Bahá’í literature in retail bookstores and libraries. Needs excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation, negotiation and problem-solving; expertise in publishing (including distribution) and business management; extensive knowledge of literature and Bahá’í principles; bachelor's degree; record of service on Bahá’í administrative institutions.

Office Manager. Supervises operations of Bahá’í Trade Publishing with focus on acquisitions, editorial and administrative functions. Helps publisher develop and manage this new enterprise. Develops and maintains office management systems for smooth administration. Needs excellent written and oral communication skills; expertise in publishing (including distribution) and business management; high level of organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines; at least bachelor's degree with related work experience; expertise with spreadsheets, word processing, database management and other business software; knowledge of literature and Bahá’í principles.

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

HPAT BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE FULTON COUNTY, GEORGIA

Assistant Manager. Supervises operations of BDS, particularly marketing and customer service; maintains dignified manner in all communications. Needs varied communication expertise: business reporting, correspondence, negotiating, consultation, facilitation; bachelor's degree; familiarity with Bahá’í literature; high computer literacy with special focus on developing Web sites; financial and business. management experience; retail sales/marketing experience in a similar industry. If interested, 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).

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

The Office of Pioneering is eager to assist the friends preparing for international service. To that end, the Office will post service opportunities related to the needs of other national Bahá’í institutions. For international job and study opportunities, we will provide Web sites, e-mail addresses and other resources to benefit your search.

For more information regarding jobs and study abroad, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail 1. [Page 22]

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:

• Gardeners/horticulturists. Needed at all levels of practical knowledge, from basic maintenance skills to advanced professional experience including graduates in horticulture or associated disciplines.
• Industrial/commercial plumber. Needs experience in all aspects of the trade, including drainage, fittings etc.

To apply, please mail or fax résumé to Mount Carmel Bahá’í 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 [redacted]).

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

• Computer system professionals with skills in Microsoft (minimum 2 years’ hands-on experience with latest Visual Basic, COM ActiveX, OLE, and ODBC; also with Visual Inter Developer 6, NT 4, IIS 4 and SQL server administration; strong experience in a client server environment as an architect is desirable) or Oracle (Development Tools/Developer 2000, Oracle 7 or 8 Database Administration (UNIX), SQL, PRO*C, ‎PL/SQ PL/SQL‎).

Horticulturists • Archivists • Lawyers • Executive officers Senior-level managers • Painters • Plumbers • Electricians Book conservators • Accountants • Finance professionals Translators • Librarians • Secretaries • Telecommunications engineers

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 [redacted])

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT

Johnson County, Texas (largest town: Cleburne) is just south of Dallas/Fort Worth, where the unemployment rate is the lowest in the nation. This area needs teaching, and it’s hard for one lonely Bahá’í teacher to be heard. Let me kid you not, if you are unprepared to face difficulties for Bahá’u’lláh’s sake, this is not the place for you. But if you’re looking to do some real pioneering, this is the place. Contact Allen W. Harris (phone 817-790-5166, e-mail [redacted]).

WANTED

The Bahá’ís of Los Alamos, New Mexico, are inviting women artists to celebrate National Women’s History Month by displaying works of arts, crafts and textiles in all media. The art will be displayed through May 2000 at a public library. Exhibits will be juried by local artists. For application and more information, contact the Spiritual Assembly of Los Alamos County, P.O. Box 699, Los Alamos, NM 87544.

The Spiritual Assembly of Inglewood, California, is compiling an archive list of all Bahá’ís buried in Inglewood Park Cemetery (the resting place of Thornton Chase, first American to enroll in the Bahá’í Faith). Please help us by sending us names of family and friends that you know are buried there, date interred, and anything else pertinent. For additional information please contact the Assembly (phone 310-519-1811 or 310-677-2898).

Seeking an artist who sent unsigned drawings for a children’s course on the lives of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh to Mignon Witzel, in Venezuela from 1967–1976. She would like to contact the artist for permission to use the drawings in a book. Please contact Mignon Witzel, [redacted] Venezuela (e-mail [redacted]).

ARCHIVES

The Bahá’í World Center library needs to bind five sets of World Order magazines for different departmental libraries at the World Center. Unfortunately it hasn’t been able to acquire these issues:

• Vol. 25, no. 1: Fall 1993
• Vol. 25, no. 2: Winter 1993/1994
• Vol. 25, no. 3: Spring 1994

Please don’t send any magazines until we have responded to you accepting your offer. We only need four copies of each, and would not like to deprive anybody of their issues unnecessarily. But if you are willing to part with a copy of any of those issues, please contact the Bahá’í World Center Library, Periodicals Acquisitions, P.O. Box 155, Haifa 31001 Israel (phone 972-4-8358570, fax 972-4-8358280, e-mail [redacted], Web http://library.bahai.org).

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following: Edith M. Danielsen, Kofi O. Darko, Corinne Darmour, Elizabeth Darreff, Carolyn Dary, Priscilla Daubenkropf, Mark and Orpha Daugherty, Martha Davenport and Mabelle L. Davis. 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 photographs of American Indian Bahá’ís, Bahá’í communities on Indian reservations and American Indian teaching activities and gatherings. Please identify the photographs if possible with name of individuals, locality and date. Anyone with photographs they could donate is asked to send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

BAHÁ’Í SUBSCRIBER SERVICE 800-999-9019

World Order

Your window to teaching, deepening, and external affairs

Now available: Spring 1999 issue

Defining Moments

• “Who Is Writing the Future? Reflections on the Twentieth Century”
• Ahang Rabbani’s “The Conversion of the Great Uncle of the Báb”
• Aden Lauchner’s “Albert Killius: Photographer of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá”

Coming: Summer 1999—Special Issue on Religious Freedom World Order surveys global response to the attempt to ‎close of closure of‎ the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education in Iran, and larger issues about religious freedom in a world community.

• Robert H. Stockman: “The Attack on the Bahá’í Institute for Higher Education in Iran”
• Ghangiz Geula, Marianne Geula and John Woodall: “Health Care in a Persecuted Community: The Case of the Bahá’ís in Iran”
• Wilma Ellis: “Religious Freedom Abroad”
• Robert Hariman: “Radical Sociality and Christian Detachment in Erasmus’ Praise of Folly”
• Amin Banani reviews Juan Cole’s Modernity and the Millennium

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Brilliant Star

Bimonthly children’s magazine by the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly Subscription type/fee: U.S. ($18 / 1 year, $32 / 2 years) Outside U.S. surface mail ($18 / 1 year, $32 / 2 years) Outside U.S. air mail ($28 / 1 year, $52 / 2 years) See page 11 for Kid’s Corner

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[Page 23]

VINEYARD of the LORD

The building projects at the Bahá’í World Center on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, are less than two years from their planned completion. Undertaken in 1990, thanks to the generous contributions of Bahá’ís worldwide the projects aim to complete by the turn of the century 19 monumental terraces from the crest to the foot of the mountain, embracing the Shrine of the Báb, plus several new administrative buildings along the Arc near the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

These projects follow a plan outlined by the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, who said their development "will synchronize with ... the establishment of the Lesser Peace and the evolution of Bahá’í national and local institutions- the one outside and the other within the Bahá’í world."

This report is part of a series that has followed the projects' progress since 1994.

Above: Gardens take shape along the Arc path toward the Archives building.

Right: Landscaping work draws toward completion on the terraces above the Shrine of the Báb.

PROGRESS ON INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTER

reen ceramic tiles, made in California, are being installed on the roof of the International Teaching Center building in an intricate process. The concrete roof is first waterproofed, then wooden battens are anchored to it. Tiles are then nailed to the battens in overlapping layers.

One of the two tower cranes at the building site has been dismantled, opening space to finish garden landscaping between the Teaching Center and the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. The first fragrant frangipani tree was planted there soon after new topsoil was spread.

An underground service corridor is being developed alongside the Common Area beneath the Teaching Center. Drainage pipes, electrical cables and mechanical services have been installed there to connect the Common Area to the Plant room of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.

TERRACES OF THE SHRINE OF THE BÁB ARE BEING RESTORED TO HARMONY WITH THE SURROUNDING MOUNTAINSIDE

When the Mount Carmel Projects began in May 1990, many a heart must have skipped a beat to see the Terrace excavations scarring the land around the beautiful Shrine of the Báb, and the apparent disturbance of Mount Carmel's ecosystem.

Over the years, as the tapestry of terraced gardens has spread over the mountainside, it has gladdened many hearts and solaced many eyes. Though still incomplete, these gardens are attracting world attention and becoming a horticultural delight.

Ecosystem recovery: A new phase of landscaping on the Terraces is intended to create wildlife corridors that provide a sustainable environment for beneficial birds, insects and other wildlife to act as natural deterrent to pests. That way the use of chemical pesticides can be eliminated gradually.

Such chemical-free maintenance had been envisioned in the overall design from the start. The axis of the Terraces, centered on the Kings' Pathway, has a formal layout with lawns, annual flowerbeds, boxlike santolina hedges, bushes and trees pruned geometrically, and other ornamental details. The formal path is bordered with slopes planted mainly with flowering trees, olive and oak trees, and perennial bushes characteristic of the Middle East. With the completion of those two zones, the areas beyond are left free to develop into natural forest to serve as wildlife corridors.

Several small birds indigenous to the mountain have been seen returning to nest-quails, brilliant blue kingfishers, sun-birds with their iridescent plumage and finches that feed on thistles. Also returning are a host of beneficial insects like the ladybird beetle and praying mantis, and animals like the mongoose, hedgehog and land tortoise.

Last landscaping: On the Terraces above the Shrine of the Báb landscaping work is proceeding rapidly. The entire outer area on the west side of Terraces 15, 14 and 13 has been covered with topsoil; rockeries and olive trees are in place, and preparations are under way to plant smaller trees, shrubs and ground covers. This will bring the green line of the landscaped terraces to within a few feet of Hatzionut Avenue. [Page 24]

MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS

PHOTOS BY RUHI VARGHA

Left: A refurbished garden behind the Shrine of the Báb points the eye toward the upper terraces.

A TIME TO CELEBRATE: HANDING OVER THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF THE TEXTS

Tore than 150 key participants gathered July 4 as the Mount Carmel Projects office ceremonially handed over the complet-ed Center for the Study of the Texts and the Archives Extension to the permanent building management.

Fariburz Sahba, project manager, gave a wel-coming speech praising the spirit of coopera-tion and teamwork that characterized the work. The doors of consultation were open at all times, both on the part of the project manage-ment team as well as the contractors, he said.

The managing director of Perez G.G. Engineers said his firm and its associates would treasure the privilege of working on these projects throughout their professional lives. One of the firm's engineers explained that the buildings posed many challenges as they were not only complicated structures, but the Bahá’ís also demanded quality of a kind not expected in Israel. As another contractor put it: "It was very difficult work, but it was an honor to be a part of it."

Several offices scheduled their move into the Center for the Study of the Texts and Archives Extension from early August onward.

Above: Work on the Entrance Plaza begins at the foot of the terraces.

Left: The International Teaching Center building awaits interior and gardening work.

A FLURRY OF ACTIVITY AT ENTRANCE PLAZA SITE

xcavation of about 36,000 cubic feet of Earth has made way for construction of the Entrance Plaza of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb, at the foot of Mount Carmel-the final project associated with the Terraces.

Foundations are to be laid for a mechanical room to support elaborate fountains and ponds, while the construction of geometric curves and gutters has already begun. Bids have been invited for stone for the central fountain. Drilling of a tube well was also recently undertaken at this site to supplement water resources for the terraced gardens.

PROJECT MANAGER INVITED TO BEIJING TO MAKE PRESENTATIONS ON MOUNT CARMEL PROJECTS AND INDIA HOUSE OF WORSHIP

he 20th Congress of the International Union of with the participation of more than 8,000 architects from all over the world and China.

The organizing Scientific Committee invited Fariburz Sahba, Mount Carmel Projects manager, to make an overall presentation on "Architecture and Culture," reviewing the design and construction of the Bahá’í House of Worship in India.

Within the framework of this Congress, Mr. Sahba also lectured on the subject of Architecture and Environment in several architectural institutions of Beijing: the Institute of Architecture at the Qinghua University, Jian Gong Architectural College, Beijing Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering, and Beijing Institute of Architectural Design and Research. Originally scheduled for an hour, the presentations ran into more than two hours everywhere because of the overwhelming interest shown by architects, students and faculty members about the projects. Several newspapers interviewed Sahba and overall response was tremendous.

The Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb were seen as a wonderful correlation between architecture and the envi-ronment. The Beijing Youth Daily, a widely circulated national newspaper in Chinese, in its issue dated June 23, 1999, described Sahba's work as creating a "miracle of spirit and dream." It referred to the Bahá’í House of Worship in India as the Taj Mahal of the 20th century.

Referring to the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb, the article said: "The terrace design on Mount Carmel cre-ates the most suitable outer environment for the Shrine of the Báb which is one of the holy places of the Bahá’ís, and a place of pilgrimage. The terraces surround the Shrine like a golden ring around a shining diamond. The whole function of the ring is to complement, uplift, emphasize and enhance the beauty of the Shrine. When the Bahá’í pilgrims walk along the terraces towards the Shrine, the terraces prepare them for the spiritual expe-rience ahead of them. Because of this, the terraces are not only decorative, beautiful gardens and elegant view, but also an instrument to create an environment of serenity, peace and meditation."

ENCOURAGING WORDS FROM BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY IN CANADA

The Office of the Project Manager recent-ly received a beautiful album, expressing the loving appreciation of friends from Canada for the Mount Carmel Projects team.

"The Bahá’í Community of Ottawa would like to express its thanks to all the people who are working so diligently and well on the Arc Project on Mount Carmel. We are thrilled at the excellence of the workmanship, and by the creation of such uplifting beauty-so much so that we feel we must let you know how sin-cerely grateful we are. What a wonderful gift to the world!" These encouraging words, accompanying a photograph of the entire community and individually signed by the friends, were encased in an album with covers calligraphed artistically. ♦ [Page 25]

Bernice Schreiber opened California county to Faith

Bernice Schreiber passed away April 7, 1999, at her home in Nevada City, California, at age tions of Bahá’ís, including two Knights of Bahá’u’lláh.

Born Aug. 22, 1902, in Springfield, Illinois, she grew up in Urbana. There she embraced the Bahá’í Faith at age 11, at a time when only a handful of Bahá’ís lived in the Western world.

As a young girl, Bernice had said, she had a vision in which the room filled with light and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá told her, "Teach, teach, teach."

Later, a group of pilgrims returning from the Holy Land gave her a ruby Bahá’í ringstone that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had blessed. She wore it all her life.

The Faith became the force that animated her life. Bernice had the privilege of meeting prominent early Bahá’ís including Martha Root and Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl. She enjoyed helping raise funds toward construction of the House of Worship in Wilmette.

While studying at the University of Illinois, she met and married Nat Schreiber, an instructor of languages, who also became a Bahá’í. Together they moved to Laramie, Wyoming, where he became a professor at the University of Wyoming.

Several years later they moved to the Chicago area where Bernice taught at Avery Coonley, a school for the gifted in Downers Grove, Illinois. Nat taught languages in Chicago-area colleges while they reared their three children.

Due to ill health, Nat retired early, which freed them to go pioneering. They spent several years in Mexico and Costa Rica.

Then, in Isle of Pines, Cuba, they built their own home, intending to spend the rest of their lives there teaching the Faith. However, the political scene changed, and the home they had built was seized and used as a barracks for soldiers. They had to flee from Cuba, losing their home, all their Bahá’í materials and other belongings.

They came to Nevada City in the 1950s. Nat passed away there in 1962.

Bernice and Nat Schreiber were the first to bring the Bahá’í Faith to Nevada County, California. As a result of their diligent early efforts, this area has three Local Spiritual Assemblies and a registered group. Bernice wrote many long articles about the Faith which were published in the local paper, The Union, in the 1950s, '60s and '70s.

She is survived by a daughter, two sons, five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, all Bahá’ís.

Shaffiq Ahmed distinguished nationally in metals research

Shaffiq Ahmed had a long, distinguished career as a metallurgy researcher and professor, retiring in 1996 from Youngstown State University in Ohio after earning two patents and publishing many research studies.

Ahmed passed away May 21, 1999, in Madison, Alabama. He was 65. He embraced the Bahá’í Faith in 1992, as did his wife, Ursula.

Born in Calcutta, India, Shaffiq Ahmed came to the United States in 1955.

He joined Youngstown State in 1960 as a professor of metallurgical engineering and materials science, serving as department chairman from 1968-72.

He was active in alloy research and some of his studies benefited the U.S. space program.

Louise Love was stalwart in Middle Tennessee

One of Middle Tennessee's most devoted servants, Louise Love, passed away Aug. 19, 1999.

Love had suffered for some time with lung cancer and a heart condition. She died peacefully in her home surrounded by family.

Born in 1922 and raised in eastern Virginia, Love graduated from Virginia Union University. In 1944 she married William Love in Tuskegee, Alabama, and the couple later settled in Niles Township, Michigan. William Love's parents, who had become Bahá’ís, introduced the Faith to their son and daughter-in-law. Both embraced the Faith and had served tirelessly ever since.

Over the years the Loves and their three children lived in Windsor, Ontario; Rockville, Maryland; and Nashville, Tennessee, on several occasions.

They returned to Middle Tennessee for good in 1979 to help form the first Spiritual Assembly of Wilson County. Louise Love served continuously on that Assembly until her passing.

In addition to serving her local Bahá’í communities, she served in Maryland and Tennessee as an assistant to McClellan, Mary K. Radpour and Jahangir Cyrus.

Love's crowning service was as a member of the first Southern Regional Traveling Teaching and Homefront Pioneering Coordination Team.

In addition to her Bahá’í service, Love was a teacher and PTA member, then an active volunteer. In Michigan she served as a Red Cross first aid instructor, and in Tennessee she volunteered as an adult literacy instructor. Recently she was coordinator for the Wilson County Retired Senior Volunteer Program and a past board member of the Mount Juliet Senior Citizens Center.

Love opened her heart and home in every community in which she lived and was known to many as "Mama Love."

She is survived by her husband and their three children: Gloria Holmes of East Lansing, Michigan; Daniel Love and Laura Ware, both of Nashville, Tennessee.

IN MEMORIAM

M. Virginia Appel Mount Vernon, WA May 1, 1999

Marguerite Ashlock Cedar Rapids, IA September 2, 1999

David G. Barlow Montgomery, AL January 13, 1996

Shirley A. Brown Darlington, SC August 15, 1999

James D. Bruce Harvey, LA October 23, 1998

Linda Buchanan Woodward, PA July 29, 1999

Charles M. Buckley Slidell, LA August 13, 1999

Ann Cook Mentor, OH June 5, 1998

Jennifer B. Davenport Moses Lake, WA April 17, 1999

William Frey Berkeley, CA July 7, 1999

Virgil T. Ghant Everett, WA August 23, 1999

Ali Ghassemi Great Falls, VA September 21, 1999

Mary L. Gonzales Oceano, CA December 26, 1998

Ruth H. Goodman Grants Pass, OR May 21, 1999

Avvie Gordon Greensboro, NC July 17, 1999

Willie T. Gunn Montgomery, AL October 30, 1998

Grace I. Kough Waterloo, IA September 11, 1999

A. Louise Love Mount Juliet, TN August 19, 1999

Ruth G. Meredith Washington, DC August 11, 1999

Amina Michael-Smith Lancaster, PA July 27, 1999

Saul Miller Santa Cruz, CA August 7, 1999

Massihullah Nafehati Great Falls, VA August 16, 1999

Ron Night Shield St. Francis, SD August 22, 1999

Marilyn J. Pruner Albuquerque, NM April 1999

Reuben Running Horse Parmelee, SD June 3, 1999

Laura Schell Osseo, WI August 23, 1999.

James D. Scott Springville, AL September 3, 1999

William R. Short San Dimas, CA April 18, 1999

Wolf H. Stern Newport Beach, CA August 10, 1999

Anna Stevenson Berkeley, CA May 4, 1999

Phyllis M. Swinton Murfreesboro, TN July 13, 1999

Luther E. Taylor Decatur, IL August 25, 1999 [Page 26]

1999 BAHÁ’Í CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AMERICAS

December 16-19, 1999 Clarion Plaza Hotel Orlando, Florida

THEME: SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES - GUIDE TO WORLD TRANSFORMATION

TOPICS

•SED and the Four Year Plan Living a Holy Life and Serving Humanity Best Practices for Race Unity Training-How to Apply Bahá’í Principles Full Equality between Women and Men Community Building through SED: Grandmothers and Mothers Importance of Feedback and Encouragement Building Capacity for Transformative Action Reconceptualizing the System of Human Relationships Synergism through Top-Down and Bottom-Up

MUSIC AND DRAMA

Jack Lenz of Live Unity Productions will coordinate this year's music and drama. There will be quality and diversity of performances, from classical, gospel, Persian and other music to inspirational drama, to cause our spirits to soar. In addition, Leslie Asplund has assembled a group of performers who will provide inspirational learning through the performing arts at various Conference sessions.

REGISTER BY MAIL

This year's Conference is designed to meet the needs of the practitioner as well as those new to social and economic development (SED). The program is structured to favor consultation over presentations and enable everyone to derive maximum value from a dialogue-evoking environment in which everyone is a teacher and everyone is a learner. The Conference will provide abundant opportunities to share Bahá’í development information and experiences, analyze the shared experience in the light of the teachings of the Faith and current development thought, bring project representatives in contact with others who can be of assistance, and learn about principles and practices of Bahá’í SED. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from and with representatives of over 200 Bahá’í development projects, agencies and Bahá’í-inspired organizations from more than 20 countries who have been invited to participate.

Featured Speakers and Facilitators: Carole and Dwight Allen (U.S.), Eloy Anello (Bolivia), Crystal Baker Shoaie (Bolivia), Luis Henrique Beust (Brazil), Judie and Michael Bopp (Canada), Elizabeth Bowen (U.S.), Deana and Raymond Choczynski (U.S.), Linda Gershuny (Haiti), Patricia Locke (U.S.), Dorothy Marcic (U.S.), Louise Profeit-LeBlanc (Canada), Donald Rogers (Canada), June Manning Thomas (U.S.) and many more.

REGISTRATION & FEES

Use the multipurpose form on this page to register by mail. Include special information: Names and ages of all attending including children Your total conference fees Any special needs

For General Information Call 407.740.5415 Adults $120 Youth (15-20 years) - $80. Children & Junior Youth (3-14 years)-$60 Add $19 contribution, if possible, to assist with scholarships. Add $20 per person after November 20. No refunds for "no-shows. All cancellations are subject to a $20 cancellation fee. Mail in check (in US dollars) to RABBANI CHARITABLE TRUST 2693 W. FAIRBANKS AVENUE SUITE A WINTER PARK, FLORIDA 32789

‘IRFÁN COLLOQUIUM

English language session in the United States •The English-language session of the ‘Irfán Colloquium and Seminar at Bosch Bahá’í School will cover different aspects of the Bahá’í writings than covered in the Louhelen session in October. The session will be held at the same time as a Persian-language session. • Registration fee is $30 (fee includes compilation of abstracts). For registration and accommodations, contact Bosch.

26th Colloquium, Nov. 26-28 Bosch Bahá’í School Theme: Selected Tablets revealed during the Tehran-Baghdad period (1853-1863). Coordinator: Sheila Banani; Presenters: Muin Afnani, Ghasem Bayat, Habib Riazati, Derek Cockshut, Brent Poirier, Heshmat Shahriari, Ala Quds, Farhad Sabetan, Amin Banani, Nabil Fares, Sheila Banani, Brian Miller, Iraj Ayman.

HOTEL/AIRLINE INFORMATION

Hotel rooms at the Clarion Plaza Hotel-in Orlando $50 a night (up to 4 persons). Limited availability-call promptly: 800-627-8258 or 407-996-1703. Mention Bahá’í Families.

Delta Airlines discounts through American Travel Consultants: 800-393-5050 (outside North America 407-679-6655) File 130252A Avis Car Rental discounts, Call 800-331-1600-Avis Worldwide Discount Group #D131183

SEND YOUR VIEWS ON ENGLISH SESSIONS OF PERSIAN CONFERENCE

For several years, the Friends of Persian Culture Association has conducted its annual conferences in Persian and English at the same time. One reason for organizing the conferences is to familiarize the friends with the culture of the birthplace of our Faith, and with the language in which a large segment of Bahá’í writings were revealed.

However, the English sessions have not enjoyed the same level of participation as the Persian sessions. Therefore we would like to ask for your views on a few issues.

Please take a few minutes to send us your responses to the questions below, along with your comments, before the end of November.

Your answers will affect our plans for the 10th annual conference, set for Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2000, in Chicago.

1) Do you think it is important and useful to have parallel English-language sessions during the annual 4-day Annual Conferences of the Friends of Persian Culture Association? Why or why not?

2) If English-language parallel sessions are held, what subjects do you think should be covered or are important to discuss there?

3) Would you likely attend a conference about Persian culture: A. In English only? B. In Persian only? C. In both languages only?

Please send responses to: Persian-American Affairs Office Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201

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 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509)

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?

MULTIPURPOSE FORM

CLIP OR COPY AS NEEDED

For which event or activity? Name Address City State, ZIP Phone E-mail

Special information (use a separate sheet as needed): [Page 27]قرعه کشی نخواهند بود. برندگان در این قرعه کشی میتوانند اعضای خانواده بلافصل خود (فرزندان زیر ۲۱ سال و همسر) را همراه داشته باشند اما نمی توانند والدین یا برادران و خواهران خود را همراه بیاورند.

نحوه شرکت در قرعه کشی

شرکت در این قرعه کشی و تنظیم تقاضانامه برای آن دارای شرایط و مقررات خاصی است که عدم رعایت آن باعث ابطال تقاضانامه خواهد شد. مقررات مذکور به شرح زیر است:

. تقاضانامهها باید از ظهر دوشنبه ۴ اکتبر تا ظهر چهارشنبه ۳ نومبر به آدرس مخصوص که برای این کار اعلام شده است واصل شود.

. تقاضانامههای متولدین ایران باید به آدرس زیر پست شود. هر گونه اشتباه در این آدرس از جمله نوشتن پستی غلط باعث ابطال تقاضانامه می شود برای متولدین هر قاره کد پستی مشخصی تعیین شده است:

DV-2001 Program National Visa Center Portsmouth, NH 00210 USA

. تقاضانامه باید در پاکتهای استاندارد پست شود پاکت باید بین ۱۵ تا ۲۴ سانتیمتر طول و بین ۹ تا ۱۱ سانتیمتر عرض داشته باشد. پاکتهای کوچکتر یا بزرگتر در قرعه کشی شرکت داده نخواهد شد.

. تقاضانامه باید از طریق پست عادی زمینی یا هوائی ارسال شود به تقاضاهائی که با فکس یا روی کارت پستال یا از طریق پست فوری فرستاده شود ترتیب اثر داده نخواهد شد.

. برای شرکت در این قرعه کشی فرم خاص چاپ شده ای وجود ندارد تقاضانامه باید روی یک برگ کاغذ تنظیم شود و اطلاعات زیر باید روی کاغذ تایپ شده باشد یا به خط خوانا حروف لاتین نوشته شده باشد:

- اسم كامل نام خانوادگی اول نوشته می شود و زیر آن باید خط کشیده شده باشد نام کوچک بعد از نام خانوادگی می آید. - تاریخ تولد به شیوۀ اروپائی یعنی اول روز بعد ماه بعد سال. - محل تولد شامل شهر، استان و کشور. - نام محل و تاریخ تولد همسر و فرزندان ازدواج نکرده زیر ۲۱ سال. - آدرس پستی متقاضی و شماره تلفن در صورت امکان. - امضای متقاضی به زبان فارسی. - عکس پاسپورتی متقاضی به ابعاد (۳۷ میلیمتر در ۳۷ میلیمتر) که اسم متقاضی پشت عکس نوشته شده باشد عکس باید با استفاده از نوار چسب به تقاضانامه الصاق شده باشد استفاده از منگنه سنجاق یا گیره کاغذ که در دستگاه های اتوماتیک نامه ها گیر کنند باعث ابطال تقاضانامه خواهد شد. تنها عکس خود متقاضی در این مرحله مورد نیاز است و بنابراین از فرستادن عکس های همسر و فرزندان خودداری کنید.

پشت پاکت در بالا سمت چپ باید کشور محل تولد متقاضی اسم کامل وی و آدرس کامل وی قید شود. آدرسی که پشت پاکت قید میشود باید با آدرسی که در روی تقاضانامه قیده شده است تطبیق داشته باشد.

هر چند از هر متقاضی فقط یک تقاضانامه برای شرکت در این قرعه کشی پذیرفته می شود، زن و شوهر هر کدام میتوانند تقاضانامه های جداگانه ای تکمیل کنند و نام دیگری و فرزندان خود را در آن قید کنند و بدین ترتیب امکان برنده شدن خود را دو برابر کنند.

فرزندان یک خانواده نیز میتوانند مستقیماً در این قرعه کشی شرکت کنند، اما نمیتوانند خود را "متعهد" زندگی پدر و مادر خود قلمداد کنند. شرط دیگر شرکت فرزندان دارا بودن دیپلم دبیرستان است.

رياض اللغات

به تازگی جلد چهارم "رياض اللغات" تأليف دکتر ریاض قدیمی با خط تایپی و جلد عالی شامل لغات و اسمهائی که با حروف "د"، "ذ"، "ر"، "ز" آغاز می شود انتشار یافته است. دوستان میتوانند برای خریداری آن با آقای کامران نجاتی تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۲۵۷۳-۷۹۴ (۹۰۵)

نود و یکمین کانونشن ملی

CONVENTION REMINDER

دفتر برگزاری کانونشن اعلام کرد که نود و یکمین کانونشن ملی بهائی از ۲۷ تا ۳۰ اپریل سال ۲۰۰۰ در هتل هیلتون Arlington Park Hilton در آرلینگتن هایتس یکی از شهرکهای حومه شیکاگو در ایالت ایلینوی تشکیل خواهد شد.

شرکت در کانونشن سال ۲۰۰۰ برای همه بهائیان تسجیل شده که حقوق اداریشان محفوظ باشد آزاد است. جزئیات مربوط به کانونشن در شماره های بعدی نشریه امریکن بهائی درج خواهد شد.

انجمن ادب و هنر ایران

(شعبه انگلستان وابسته به انجمن ادب و هنر آکادمی لندگ، سوئیس) برگذار می کند:

دوره فاضل مازندرانی پنج شب و روز فراموش نشدنی مشتمل بر جلسات سخنرانی، شعر، موسیقی و دیگر برنامه های هنری.

سخنرانان: دکتر جلال اخباری، دکتر ایرج ایمن، دکتر فرهنگ جهانپور، مهندس بهروز جباری، دکتر شاپور راسخ، دکتر مهری راسخ، دکتر وحید رافتی، دکتر هوشنگ رافت، خانم پولین رافت، دکتر سیروس علائی، مهندس هوشنگ سیحون، دکتر نادر سعیدی، فرخ غفاری، دکتر نصرت الله محمد حسینی و...

و کلاس های آموزش خواندن و نوشتن فارسی به روش علمی آزمایش شده به مادران و پدران برای آموزش به کودکان زیر نظر خانم لیلی ایمن.

هنرمندان موسیقی با هنرمندی نرگس بدیع یزدی و دیگر هنرمندان.

زمان تعطیلات زمستانی ۲٦ تا ۳۰ دسامبر ۱۹۹۹: روز ۲۶ دسامبر از ساعت ۱۲ تا ۲۳ و دیگر روزها از ساعت ۹/۴۵ صبح تا ساعت ۲۳.

مکان: Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, London W5

هزینه ها نام نویسی و شرکت در جلسات سخنرانی و برنامه های هنری شب: ۳۰ پوند. وعده غذای ایرانی: ۵۵ پوند.

هتل ها (٤ ستاره با صبحانه): Holiday Inn اتاق یک تخته ۴۲ پوند، اتاق دو تخته ۵۲ پوند. Jarvis Int. اتاق یک تخته ۴۶ پوند، اتاق دو تخته ۵۲ پوند.

توضیح و توصیه: . به خاطر تقارن کنفرانس آتی با سال ۲۰۰۰ بلیط خود را هر چه زودتر تهیه فرمائید. . به علت محدودیت جا و پیش بینی اقبال بیشتر ياران نسبت به کنفرانس پیشین، هر چه زودتر جای خود را رزرو فرمائید. . استفاده از بخشی از برنامههای کنفرانس مشروط بر بودن جا، امکان پذیر خواهد بود، ولی از قبل رزرو نمی شود.

طرح تبلیغ بوسیله تلویزیون

800-22UNITE

چنان که از پیش به آگاهی یاران رسیده است متحریان حقیقت در ایالات متحده میتوانند با گرفتن شماره 800-22UNITE اطلاعاتی درباره امر مبارک دریافت دارند.

هنگامی که یک متحری حقیقت با شماره بالا تماس بگیرد، پیغام تلفنی او به دفتر ویژهای فرستاده و در آنجا ضبط می شود. اطلاعاتی که متحری در طی پیغام خود داده از طریق کد پستی او با نزدیک ترین جامعه امری به او مبادله می شود.

کسانی که درخواست کرده باشند که برایشان جزوات امری فرستاده شود تا حد اکثر یک هفته آنها را دریافت خواهند کرد. باید با کسانی که درخواست کرده باشند که با آنها تماس تلفنی گرفته شود تا ۴۸ ساعت بعد از درخواستشان تماس گرفت.

دوستانی که مایل به دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر باشند میتوانند با دفتر محفل ملی تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۳۴۲۹۷-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷) [Page 28]

ISSUES RELATED TO THE STUDY OF THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH

در ماه می سال ۱۹۹۸ مجموعه ای از دستخط های بیت العدل اعظم درباره مطالعات دانشگاهی academic درباره امر بهائی در نشریه بهائی کانادا منتشر شد و محفل روحانی ملی کانادا نسخه هائی از آن مجموعه را به چند محفل روحانی ملی از جمله ایالات متحده ارسال داشت. در رابطه با انتشار مجموعة مذکور مرقومهای از دارالانشاء بيت العدل اعظم الهی به تاریخ ۷ اپریل سال ۱۹۹۹ فرستاده شده است که نکات مهم آن در زیر درج می گردد:

در مقدمه ذکر شده است که همان گونه که عده ای از یاران الهی آگاهی دارند مخالفتی درونی و غیر مستقیم با تعالیم بهائی از طریق استفاده از اینترنت Internet در شرف وقوع است. این مخالفت با حملاتی که از این پیش صورت گرفته است تفاوت دارد و مراد از آن این است که امر مبارک را به صورت یک نظریه و مرام اقتصادی-سیاسی مورد بررسی قرار دهد و این خود با مراد حضرت بها الله بیگانه است.

در اوایل سال ۱۹۹۶ تحولاتی رخ نمود که منجر به حذف نام تنی چند از اعضاء جامعه به درخواست خودشان از دفتر سجلات امری شد. عده معدودی نیز با حفظ عضویت در جامعه بهائی به ادامه مخالفت خود از درون جامعه مشغولند. در حال حاضر آنچه به چشم می آید بروز مخالفتی درونی و به شکلی ابتدائی نسبت به مقصد و مراد حضرت بها الله است. این مخالفت که بی تردید با گذشت زمان شکلهای دیگری به خود خواهد گرفت مخالفت مستقیمی است با تاکیدات حضرت بها الله در مورد روحانی بودن حقیقت و احتیاج بشر به ادیان الهی.

مخالفت کنونی بدین صورت است که هوادارانش با اذعان به حقانیت ولایت امر و بیت العدل اعظم حدود اختیارات موهوب دو مؤسسه را به زیر سؤال می کشند و هنگامی که با نصوص صریح حضرت عبدالبهاء روبرو میشوند در صحت قضاوت آن تردید روا میدارند و حتی در برخی از نظرهای اخیر خود حضرت بها الله را نه مظهر الهی بلکه فیلسوفی اخلاقی و روشنفکری اصلاح طلب می دانند در این نوع تفکر جنبه روحانی دین که مشترک در میان همه ادیان است فراموش میشود و کوشش در این است که با بکار گرفتن نوعی ماتریالیسم جذمی چند و چون حقائق روحانی و حقیقت دین بوسیله روش علمی مورد مطالعه قرار گیرد.

به طور کلی روش مخالفت کنونی بدین ترتیب است که از حمله مستقیم علیه امر مبارک و طلعات قدسیه آن خودداری شود و در عوض، با استفاده از تأثیراتی که احباء ممکن است نا آگاه از جامعه خارج پذیرفته باشند حملاتی غیر مستقیم به صورت ایجاد شبهه در مورد تعالیم و تشکیلات بهانی وارد آید.

به عنوان مثال در قبال تبیین صریح حضرت عبدالبهاء در مورد عضویت زنان در بیت العدل اعظم اظهار میدارند که این عدم جواز امری موقتی است و در صورتی که فشار کافی وارد آید حکمش تغییر خواهد یافت.

همچنین در مورد بیان حضرت ولی امرالله مبنی بر این که در آینده نظم بدیع حضرت بهاء الله قوای روحانی و مدنی را وحدت خواهد بخشید به تبع از اندیشه های معاصر اظهار میدارند که نظم بدیع حضرت بها الله نیز مبنی بر جدائی حکومت از دیانت است.

هنگامی که تعبیرات غلط این افراد به زیر سؤال کشیده می شود اعتراض میکنند که به آزادی بیان و حقوق مدنی شان تجاوز شده است. این اعتراض کاملا بی معنی است زیرا عضویت در جامعه بهائی انتخابی ارادی و داوطلبانه است.

افراد مذکور هر چند بر آزادی خود در زمینه انتشار آثار دانشگاهیشان تأکید می ورزند، مانع از ورود در بحث درباره مسائل مهمی که در آثار طلعات قدسیه امر مبارک آمده است می شوند.

در نامه دارالانشاء آمده است که هنگامی که احباء به مدت طولانی در معرض این گونه افکار درباره مسائلی که برای نجات عالم بشری اهمیت حیاتی دارد قرار گیرند خواه ناخواه تأثیری منفی از آن می پذیرند پس بهتر آن که طرفداران این گونه افکار را به خدا بسپاریم و خود به فعالیت های مربوط به اشاعه حقائق امر مبارک روی آوریم.

رویدادهائی که بدان اشاره شد احبای الهی را به شگفتی نمی اندازد زیرا یاران با توصیفی که حضرت ولی امرالله در مورد تتابع بحرانات و انتصارات امر مبارک فرمودهاند آشنائی دارند. به فرموده حضرت ولی امر الله همین جریان ادواری بوده که سبب شده است مرام و مراد حضرت بها الله آشکار گردد و تمسک و ایمان احبا به تعالیم الهی به امتحان افتد و جامعه امری تزکیه شود. بروز مخالفت در جامه ای نو نشان دیگری از قوای روز افزون امر مبارک و بارآور فرصتهائی برای تحکیم مبانی ایمانی یاران است.

سپس در مرقومه مذکور خاطرنشان شده است که بیت العدل اعظم توجه یاران الهی را به ضرورت افزایش تقدیم تبرعات به صندوق امر برای مصارف بین المللی معطوف میدارند و اطمینان دارند که با توجه به سابقه درخشان مساعی فداکارانه یاران الهی در پاسخ به وضعی که شرح داده شد مساعی خالصانه خود را همچنان ادامه خواهند داد. در تنظیم بودجه های ملی و محلی باید شرایط و احوال مذکور در نظر گرفته شود اما مهمترین مطلب آن است که در مساعی پیگیری که برای مساعدت احبای الهی جهت درک بهتر و عمیقتر وظائف روحانیه آنان صورت میگیرد نباید وقفهای حاصل آید تا یاران الهی حضرت صرف نظر از وضعیتی که دارند و ظائفی را که در قبال تبرعات بر دوش همه ماست درست دریابند. مخصوصاً احبائی که به برکت الهی بنیه مالی و درآمدشان از احتیاجات ضروری زندگانی بیشتر است باید در این ایام که احتیاجات مالی امر چنین شدت یافته به مسؤولیتهانی که بر عهده دارند با تعمق بیشتری بیندیشند.

بیت العدل اعظم برای شمول تأییدات الهیه برای مساعی یاران الهی در کمک به پیشرفت امر در اعتاب مقدسه به تقدیم دعا می پردازند.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی دارالانشاء بيت العدل اعظم

سواد ایادی امر الله دار التبليغ بين المللي هیئتهای مشاورین افراد مشاورین

OBTAINING IMMIGRANT VISAS

خلاصه شده از نشریه ایران تایمز شماره ۱۴۵۲ جمعه ۱۹ شهریور (۱۳۷۸)

وزارت امور خارجه آمریکا موعد شرکت در قرعه کشی سالانه برای دریافت ویزای مهاجرت به امریکا گرین کارد و شرایط آن را اعلام کرد.

تقاضا برای شرکت در قرعه کشی سالانه ویزای مهاجرت به آمریکا فقط از تاریخ ظهر روز دوشنبه ۴ اکتبر تا ظهر روز چهارشنبه ۳ نومبر سال جاری پذیرفته می شود. به تقاضاهایی که قبل یا بعد از این تاریخ واصل شود، ترتیب اثر داده نخواهد شد.

مانند سالهای قبل، متولدین ایران نیز برای شرکت در این قرعه کشی واجد شرایط هستند. واقع متولدین تمام کشورهای جهان به جز ۱۵ کشور معین حق شرکت در این قرعه کشی سالانه و دریافت یک ویزا از ۵۰هزار ویزای مهاجرت به آمریکا را دارند به برندگان در این قرعه کشی و اعضای خانواده آنان بلافاصله کارت اقامت دائم (گرین کارد) داده می شود و آنها پس از ۵ سال برای دریافت تابعیت امریکا واجد شرایط لازم خواهند بود.

حائز شدن شرایط برای شرکت در این انتخابات به محل تولد اشخاص بستگی دارد نه تابعیت یا محل زندگی آنها به همین سبب به عنوان مثال ایرانیانی که تابعیت کانادا را پذیرفته باشند میتوانند در این قرعه کشی شرکت کنند ایرانیانی که به طور قانونی در آمریکا زندگی می کنند دارنده ویزاهای غیر مهاجرتی مانند توریستی دانشجوئی و کار و غیره نیز برای شرکت در این قرعه کشی حائز شرایط هستند. اما کسانی که به طور غیرقانونی در آمریکا ساکن هستند (نظیر کسانی که پس از انقضای مدت ویزای خود از این کشور خارج نشده اند قادر به شرکت در این [truncated] [Page 29]

متحد المالهای دارالانشاء بیت العدل اعظم مورخ ۲۵ می ۱۹۹۹ درباره تقویت صندوق بین المللی

Messages Dated May 25, 1999 about Bahá’í International Fund

دوستان عزیز

در ماه می سال جاری بیت العدل اعظم در نامه‌ای خطاب به تعداد منتخبی از محافل روحانی ملی و در نامه دیگری خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی احتیاج مبرم صندوق بین‌المللی بهائی را به افزایش تبرعات ابلاغ نمودند. این محفل از ساحت رفیع کسب اجازه کرد که نامه‌های مزبور را برای اطلاع یاران نشر دهد و در باره مطلبی که مربوط به خریداری حظیرة القدس‌های محلی در نامه خطاب به تعدادی از محافل روحانی ملی مرقوم شده است تقاضای توضیحاتی نمود. پاسخی که از مرکز جهانی بهائی دریافت شده است بقرار ذیل است.

"بیت العدل اعظم آنچه را که در سوم ماه جون ۱۹۹۹ در پاسخ نامه‌های مورخ ۲۵ می در باره نیازمندی مبرم صندوق بین المللی با پست الکترونیکی مخابره نموده بودید ملاحظه نمودند و مقرر فرمودند امتنان قلبی معهد اعلی را از وصول پاسخ سریع و سخاوتمندی داوطلبانه آن محفل باستحضارتان برسانیم و مخصوصاً با قدردانی خاص ملاحظه نموده اند که از قبل تصمیم گرفته بودید که تبرع به صندوق بین المللی را افزایش دهید.

مجاز هستید نامه‌های ۲۵ می را برای اطلاع احباء منتشر نمائید.

مقصود از آنچه در نامه خطاب به بعضی از محافل ملی در تأکید لزوم بکار بستن قضاوت صحیح در مقدم داشتن نیازمندیهای محلی و ملی ذکر شده بود را درست دریافته اید. منظور این نبود که در مواردی که صریحاً ضرورت ایجاب میکند از خرید حظائر قدس محلی جلوگیری شود، بلکه نظر معهد اعلی این بود که از صرف هزینه‌های سنگین و غیر ضروری خود داری شود."

اکنون خوشوقتیم که نامه‌های مورخ ۲۵ می را باطلاع احبای عزیز برسانیم.

با تحیات گرم بهائی محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده

پیام الکترونیکی خطاب به تعداد منتخبی از محافل روحانی ملی

یاران عزیز الهی

سواد نامه‌ای که اکنون از طرف بیت العدل اعظم برای عموم محافل روحانی ملی ارسال میگردد به ضمیمه فرستاده می‌شود. نامه ضمیمه احتیاجات صندوق بین المللی بهائی را به اطلاع محافل روحانی ملی میرساند. انتظار و اطمینان معهد اعلی آنست که از یاران الهی در جمیع نقاط جهان پاسخی مثبت واصل گردد و پیشرفت بسوی هدف مشارکت عمومی افراد احباء در تقدیم تبرعات به صندوقهای امری ادامه یابد.

بیت العدل اعظم مقرر فرموده اند به اطلاعتان برسانیم که جوامع بهائی تحت اشراف آن محفل از نظر تقویت صندوق بین المللی وظیفه و مسئولیتی بر عهده دارند که ما فوق میزان مشارکت عمومی احباء در تقدیم تبرعات به صندوق مزبور است. تعداد قابل ملاحظه‌ای از یاران الهی که در منطقه شما زندگی میکنند نسبت به احبای عزیز سایر مناطق عالم که از نظر مالی و اقتصادی در مضیقه اند از وسع و بنیه مالی بمراتب بهتری برخوردارند. بدون تحمیل فشار یا مطالبه از افراد، باید به یاران الهی مساعدت نمود تا بر میزان مسئولیت خود واقف گردند و تبرعات خود را بنحوی افزایش دهند که نیازمندیهای بین المللی امر تأمین گردد.

در حال حاضر که احتیاجات مالی در تمام سطوح فعالیتهای امری بسیار بیشتر از منابع مالی موجود در صندوقهای امری است، قضاوت صحیح در تخصیص منابع مالی برای مصارف امری ضرورت خاص دارد. از دو نوع افراط باید احتراز شود. یکی اینکه توجه یاران منحصراً معطوف به رفع احتیاجات بین المللی شود و در نتیجه پیشرفت اقدامات در جوامع محلی و ملی دچار اشکال گردد، و افراط دیگر در نقطه مقابل عبارت از آن است که برای احتیاجات محلی مثلاً خریداری حظیرة القدس‌های گران قیمت بیش از اندازه تقدم و ترجیح قائل شوند و در نتیجه مسئولیتهای بین المللی امر مورد غفلت قرار گیرد. با ارائه راهنمائیهای خردمندانه به جامعه و استمرار در آگاه ساختن یاران به جنبه‌ها و نیازمندیهای بین المللی امر میتوان تعادل مناسبی بین این دو بر قرار کرد و آنرا حفظ نمود.

مطمئناً بر هر ناظر رویدادهای جهانی آشکار است که اوضاع جامعه بشری پیوسته در تلاطم و دگرگونی بوده و دستخوش تغییرات ناگهانی و پیش‌بینی نشده است. یاران الهی این فرصت و موقعیت را دارند تا مطمئن باشند تبرعات آنان برای اقدامات و مشروعاتی به مصرف میرسد که مربوط به منافع دائمی امر مبارک است و در این موقع که از شرایط مالی مطلوب برخوردارند مساعی کریمانه و فداکارانه آنان برای تقویت اهداف و اقدامات جهانی امر اختصاص خواهد یافت.

معهد اعلی از قبل آن محفل مقدسه در آستان قدس الهی دعا و مناجات خواهند نمود.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی دارالانشاء بیت العدل اعظم

پیام الکترونیکی خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی

یاران عزیز روحانی

اکنون که نقشه چهارساله به سرعت رو به پایان میرود بیت العدل اعظم ضروری دانسته اند که یاران الهی را از وضع صندوق بین المللی امر مطلع سازند و لذا چنین مقرر فرموده اند که نکات ذیل را به استحضارتان برسانیم.

"در نتیجه تبرعات کریمانه احبای الهی در جمیع نقاط عالم در دهسال اخیر مشروعات وسیع ساختمانی کوه کرمل با سرعت بی‌سابقه ای رو به اتمام میرود. معهد اعلی اطمینان دارند که بهائیان سراسر جهان احتیاجات جاری را که بنا بر پیام ۲۰ جون ۱۹۹۵ تا آخر این قرن سالانه معادل ده میلیون دلار است تأمین خواهند نمود.

پیام الکترونیکی خطاب به عموم محافل روحانی ملی

یاران عزیز روحانی

اکنون که نقشه چهارساله به سرعت رو به پایان میرود بیت العدل اعظم ضروری دانسته اند که یاران الهی را از وضع صندوق بین المللی امر مطلع سازند و لذا چنین مقرر فرموده اند که نکات ذیل را به استحضارتان برسانیم.

"در نتیجه تبرعات کریمانه احبای الهی در جمیع نقاط عالم در دهسال اخیر مشروعات وسیع ساختمانی کوه کرمل با سرعت بی‌سابقه ای رو به اتمام میرود. معهد اعلی اطمینان دارند که بهائیان سراسر جهان احتیاجات جاری را که بنا بر پیام ۲۰ جون ۱۹۹۵ تا آخر این قرن سالانه معادل ده میلیون دلار است تأمین خواهند نمود.

"در اثر پیشرفت امر الهی در مرکز جهانی و نیز در سراسر عالم احتیاج شدید دیگری پیش آمده است و چنین معلوم شده است که میزان مصارف لازمه از صندوق بین المللی در اثر عواملی که ذیلاً ذکر خواهد شد به سرعت افزایش می‌یابد. ساختمانها و طبقات کوه کرمل باید بنحوی نگهداری شود که مناسب با خصوصیات و حیثیت امر باشد. تعداد بازدیدکنندگان از طبقات مقام اعلی افزایش بسیار یافته و بنا بر این اقداماتی باید معمول شود تا این بازدیدها بصورتی شایسته انجام پذیرد و طبقات مقام اعلی از صدمه و آسیب محفوظ ماند. ارتفاع مرکز جهانی اداری در جبل کرمل به طور روز افزون توجه مردم را به امر مبارک معطوف ساخته و فرصتهای جدیدی برای توسعه تأثیر و نفوذ امر الهی ایجاد کرده است. موفقیتهای مجریان فعال و جانفشان نقشه چهارساله در جمیع مناطق کره ارض در تأسیس مؤسسات جدید امری و ازدیاد منابع انسانی سبب افزایش اقدامات اداری در مرکز جهانی گردیده که نیازمند تخصیص منابع مالی بیشتری است تا امور با اتقان و سرعت انجام گیرد. حفظ آرامش و صفای محیط اطراف اماکن متبرکه خریداری املاکی را در حیف و عکا ایجاب مینماید زیرا همانطور که قبلاً هم ذکر شده بود به سبب شتاب روزافزون توسعه شهرسازی در این مناطق احتیاج به خریداری املاک مزبور شدت روز افزونی دارد. [Page 30]

U.S. youths proclaim to 10,000 in El Salvador

Youths from the United States proclaimed the Bahá’í Faith to 10,000 people during their first 19 dance performances in June and July as part of the Brillo del Espíritu teaching and consolidation project in El Salvador.

Organized in memory of the late Counselor Hidayatu’llah Ahmadiyyih and Louise Groger, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh who opened the Faith in Chiloé Island, Chile, the project continued well into the summer.

The project originated when a dance workshop and consolidation team, consisting of 17 youths from the United States, offered to work with the Salvadoran Bahá’í community for seven weeks. The National Spiritual Assembly and the National Teaching Committee developed a plan to take the group to 30 localities across the country. The goal was to spread the fragrance of the Faith of God through several regions and at the same time infuse greater love for the Cause of God into the hearts of the believers in these communities.

The American youths had five days of orientation, preparation and study. Then, during the next 12 days, they performed for about 10,000 people in San Salvador and five other cities. Presentations were made at a university, nine secondary schools, two commercial centers, two parks and other places.

A total of 50 people attended the firesides held each day, and five people from two communities embraced the Faith.

"The response from all schools has been positive, and several have asked for assistance in teaching moral values to students and in enhancing their schools’ existing dance workshops. Several thousand Bahá’í pamphlets and hundreds of copies of The Prosperity of Humankind were distributed," the National Spiritual Assembly reported.

Two members of the Brillo del Espíritu group were interviewed on radio, and the Bahá’ís performed on two television stations. "Two members of the studio’s production team were moved to tears by the dance on the topic of drugs," the report said.

The friends in Ontario, Canada, gather around the Bahá’í float that has been displayed in seven other communities this year. In British Columbia, the float took first prize in a parade in Pitt Meadow and second place in Port Coquitlam.

Traveling Teaching Projects

• Belize: Bahá’í Regional Institute for Training and Empowerment.
• Botswana: John Robarts Long-Term Teaching Project.
• Cameroon: Teaching projects, including one affiliated with a regional institute center for training new believers.
• Canada: Ongoing teaching projects.
• Democratic Republic of Congo: Nine zonal teaching projects.
• Ecuador: Project Badasht, an expansion and consolidation project.
• El Salvador: Deepening and social and economic development projects at the Badasht Institute, Jamáliyyíh Institute and New Garden Bahá’í Institute.
• French Guiana: "Sparks of Peace" Perles de la Caraibes Teaching Project; interested in French-speakers and/or those experienced with youth performance groups.
• Germany: Dr. Muhájir Project, long-term national teaching project.
• Guatemala: Teaching, consolidation, deepening, human resource development with Rúhíyyih Project, Chimaltenago Shíráz Project and National Network of Institutes.
• Hungary: Békéscaba Long-Term Teaching Project and a permanent consolidation program where the Roma friends reside.
• Ivory Coast: Various teaching projects.
• Jamaica: Teaching and consolidation efforts; youth projects.
• Liberia: Quddús Project.
• Madagascar: Roddy Lutchmaya Long-Term Teaching Project.
• Mexico: Furútan Project, teaching on college campuses, and exchange program with the Huasteca Potosina.
• Panama: Project Muhájir, focusing on proclamation and consolidation.
• Russia: Various teaching projects in many regions of Russia. Especially looking for help with youth workshops and children's classes.
• Solomon Islands: 1-3 months helping Bahá’í youth workshop, teaching, and developing youth activities in rural villages.
• Zambia: Various rural teaching projects.

Conferences, Schools and Events

• Kenya: International Youth Conference Dec. 23-27.
• Namibia: Bahá’í International Summer School Dec. 26-31.

For information: Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60202 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail)

ARTS

• South Africa: The words and life of Táhirih, most prominent heroine of the Bábí Faith, made an impression on hundreds in South Africa, as Muhtadia Rice of Los Angeles, California, gave her acclaimed presentation A Woman and Her Words for five nights in August at a theater in Grahamstown.

"This is a bold yet sensitive production tackling issues of self-discovery and the realization of one’s value as a human being. Muhtadia Rice, playwright/actress/singer, meanders with ease through different styles of singing, never once leaving the audience behind," wrote a reviewer in Cue News, a publication of Rhodes University.

Rice's connection with social development in South Africa was highlighted in the same paper. An interview article pointed out that Rice in the past "was personally appointed, by the now former President Nelson Mandela, to serve as the North American Representative for a community-driven economic development program located in KwaZulu-Natal [region]."

DEVELOPMENT

• United Kingdom: Sixteen members of the European Bahá’í Business Forum took the opportunity to share Bahá’í perspectives on business and economics to the 800 attendees at the Enterprise Summit in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Held May 4-9 in conjunction with the State of the World Forum, the summit dealt with the challenge of diversity in a "Global Age."

TEACHING

• Democratic Republic of Congo: An individual’s idea of renting an exhibition hall in Lubumbashi for several months resulted in the Bahá’í Faith being proclaimed to 2,250 visitors from March through June, with nine people enrolling. A series of exhibitions featured the showing of Bahá’í films, slides of the Mount Carmel Bahá’í Projects and other activities. Drawing more than 30 inquirers each were the celebration of the 12th Day of Ridván and an address by a non-Bahá’í author titled "What Religion for Africa?"

• Japan: Bahá’ís in Kumamoto, Kikuchi, Mifune and Nishihara have taken a social approach to befriending seekers, and it has paid off in at least five enrollments as of July. The new Bahá’ís, brought into the Faith through regular firesides and pancake socials, are invited immediately to training institutes. "It is really inspiring to see them so eager to study the true nature of the spirit," a report in Bahá’í News of Japan stated.

• Australia: Inspired by the book Advancement of Women: A Bahá’í Perspective by Janet and Peter Khan, women in Sydney launched the Munírih Khánum Teaching Project in five Pacific countries last spring. Soon it was "raining declarations," one report read. Within Australia alone a teaching team enrolled 28 new believers within two months, all within the Aboriginal population.

• Canada: A Persian conference at the Vancouver Bahá’í Center early in the year inspired pledges by more than 50 people to embark on teaching trips in any part of British Columbia. More than US$5,000 was raised for teaching and pioneering efforts. Regular and special contributions were also pledged until the end of the Four Year Plan.

EDUCATION

• Tonga: In only three years, the Ocean of Light School has grown from a gathering of nine students to "a joyful magnet for children of all races and religions," the Australian Bahá’í Bulletin reported. Enrollment is now 124 children, including three of the king’s grandchildren. The education center, created by local Bahá’ís and supported by the friends in Australia and New Zealand, already has primary school graduates ready to attend this year’s newly created high school sessions. Also new this year is a kindergarten built by a Local Assembly.

• Angola: Twenty-one friends participated in the country’s first Bahá’í deepening on the empowerment of women, May 3-6. The sessions were organized by Counselor Lally Warren in cooperation with the National Spiritual Assembly. One of the 11 non-Bahá’í attendees accepted the Faith, and others acknowledged that they had never had such a wonderful and direct experience with the Words of God.

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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. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes are: Bosch Bahá’í School, phone 831-423-3387; fax 831-423-7564; 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 843-558-5093; fax 843-558-9136; e-mail . Native American Bahá’í Institute (NABI), phone and fax 520-587-7599; e-mail |

OCTOBER

28-31: Ruhi Institute Facilitator Training (must have completed the "Reflections on the Life of the Spirit" session) at Green Acre.

28-31: Pioneering/BYSC/SITA Institute at Green Acre. Contact Office of Pioneering, 847-733-3508.

29-31: Two programs at Bosch: Social and Economic Development Facilitators Conference; "Don't Yell at Your Watchman."

29-31: Bahá’í Campus Association weekend at Bosch.

30-31: Work Weekend at NABI.

30-31: South Carolina Bahá’í Family Reunion, Orangeburg, SC. Contact: Annette Reynolds, Branchville, SC 29432 (phone 803-533-1289, fax 803-531-2769, e-mail).

PAID SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES AT BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL OFFICES

•Treasurer's Office • National Teaching Committee office •Office of Pioneering ⚫U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office

NOVEMBER

5-7: Two programs at Green Acre: "For the Love of God"; Conference on Substance-Abuse Prevention.

5-7: Two programs at Louhelen: Youth Institute; Assembly Development Forum.

5-7: "Fundamental Verities" (Part III) training institute at Bosch. For those who have completed Part II.

5-7: Royal Falcon Bahá’í School, "Relationships among the Institutions, Individuals and Community"; Pensacola Beach, FL. With Farah Rosenberg and Riaz Khadem. Lodging: 800-THE BEACH. Registrar: Carol Payne, P.O. Box 289, Skipperville, AL 36374 (phone 334-774-0020, e-mail Web http://bahai.home.mindspring.com).

12-14: Seekers Weekend at Bosch: "Befriend and Guide One Seeker to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh."

12-14: "The Ancient Beauty," weekend family session at Louhelen.

19-21: Bahá’í Mental Health Association meeting at Louhelen.

19-21: "Kitáb-i-Aqdas" at Green Acre.

19-21: Assembly Team Development Weekend at Bosch.

25-28: Desert Rose Bahá’í School, Casa Grande, AZ. With Counselor Wilma Ellis, Counselor Stephen Birkland, Derek Cockshut, Bill Barnes. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Pinal County (information phone 520-466-7961, Web www.mesabahai.org).

25-28: Florida Bahá’í Winter School, "A Future Beyond Any Earthly Reckoning"; Holiday Inn, Cocoa Beach, FL. With David and Margaret Ruhe, Karen Pritchard, Bob Harris, Duane Dumbleton. For lodging at the hotel call 800-206-2747. Registrar: Denise Godsey, Pompano Beach, FL 33060 (phone 954-942-1844, fax 954-946-9299, e-mail

26-28: 'Irfán Colloquium (both English and Persian) at Bosch.

26-28: Divine Art of Living Conference: "The Bahá’í Faith and the New Millennium," Hilton-Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA, sponsored by San Diego Assembly. Speakers include Jack McCants, Suheil Bushrui, Habib Riazati. Special sessions for youth. Contact Divine Art of Living, P.O. Box 710442, San Diego, CA 92111 (toll-free phone 877-992-2424).

26-28: "The Fireside: Basic Building Block of Society" at Green Acre.

Youngsters sing along with Red Grammer on the Memphis, Tennessee, stop in last summer's "River of Life" music and teaching tour. Photo by Tom Mennillo

DECEMBER

3-5: Local Spiritual Assembly development weekend at Bosch.

10-12: Two programs at Green Acre: "Bahá’í-Centered Management: Principles and Practice" and "Spirituality and Ethics in Medicine."

10-12: Two Programs at Bosch: Youth Deepening Weekend for ages 16-25; Ruhi courses on Book 1 or Book 2.

17-19: Ruhi courses at Bosch: Book 2 or tutor training for Book 1.

23-26: Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference and Youth Conference, Hyatt Regency, Phoenix AZ; theme: Equality of Women and Men. With Counselor David Smith, NCEWM, Rebequa Murphy, Kambiz Rafraf. For lodging at the hotel call 800-233-1234. For more information contact committee (phone 602-861-1609, e-mail ). Discount for registration before Dec. 1.

26-30: Two programs at Bosch: Winter School, "Choosing the Future at the End of the Millennium"/"Preparing the Hearts for Entry by Troops"; Grassroots Education Conference.

26-31: "Make Your Mark," annual Winter School at Green Acre.

27-Jan. 1, 2000: Winter School at Louhelen.

27-Jan. 1, 2000: "Make Your Mark Now," 9th Annual Midwinter Youth Conference, Cleveland, Ohio; ages 13 and up. Sponsor: Spiritual Assembly of Warrensville Heights. Registrar: Frank Jenkins, Warrensville Heights, OH 44122 (phone 216-283-8526, e-mail

31-Jan. 2: Winter Retreat at Bosch.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

To avoid unnecessary delays in receiving The American Bahá’í, send all family members' names, new address and mailing label to: Membership Office, 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 process- ing. (This also updates the National Center's database.)

BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

A. NAME(S) 1. ID# 2. ID# 3. ID# 4. ID#

B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS Street Address Apartment # (if applicable) City State Zip code

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS Street Address Apartment # (if applicable) City State Zip code

D. NEW COMMUNITY Name of new Bahá’í Community Moving Date

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER 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:

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.

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.

H. I WOULD LIKE A 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.