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[Page 1]SEPTEMBER 27, 2000

MASHÍYYAT/WILL ‘ILM/KNOWLEDGE BAHÁ’Í ERA 157

VOLUME 31, NO. 7

The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting

Selection of Extracts and Prayers from the Bahá’í Writings

Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

“Our Supreme Institution has presented these newly authorized translations of extracts and prayers from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, “to further enhance the believers’ insight into the far-reaching significance of these two great laws [of obligatory prayer and fasting].”

Pages 3–6

Our ‘glorious’ mission

Historic meetings across U.S. call on Bahá’ís to unlock spiritual energies

As the “chief trustees” of the Master’s Divine Plan, the American Bahá’ís have an “unspeakably glorious” mission and an inescapable responsibility.

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly, serving as its representatives and speaking on its behalf, along with Counselors, members of the Auxiliary Board and members of the Regional Bahá’í Councils, will be addressing the friends in a series of historic meetings around the country, encouraging every adult, youth and child in America to unlock their individual spiritual capacity in order to arise and fulfill the goals of the Twelve Month Plan and to lay the groundwork for the Five Year Plan.

A special meeting on unlocking the capacity of youth will be held in conjunction with the general meetings.

Meeting dates and places:
Saturday, Oct. 21: Denver, CO; Washington, DC; Portland, OR; Louisville, KY; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Minneapolis, MN; Phoenix, AZ; Rochester, NY; Lincoln, NE
Sunday, Oct. 22: Orange County, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Seattle, WA; Nashville, TN; Jacksonville, FL; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Detroit, MI; Des Moines, IA
Saturday, Dec. 2: Indianapolis, IN; New York City, NY; Durham, NC; San Diego, CA; St. Louis, MO; Salt Lake City, UT; Baton Rouge, LA; Atlanta, GA; Burlingame, CA
Sunday, Dec. 3: Columbus, OH; Boston, MA; Dallas, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Wichita, KS; Las Vegas, NV; Houston, TX; Columbia, SC; Stockton, CA ♦

CONGRESS PASSES Resolution on Iran

We are very pleased to inform the American Bahá’í community that the eighth congressional resolution condemning the situation of the Iranian Bahá’ís passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 19, 2000. The concurrent resolution in the Senate passed in July.

Four statements were made from the floor, by Rep. Gilman of New York, Rep. Porter of Illinois, Rep. Hilliard of Alabama and Rep. Christensen of the Virgin Islands. Two more representatives may also make statements for the Congressional Record. The resolution and statements are available on the Internet (http://thomas.loc.gov). Type in “H.CON.RES. 257” where it asks: “By Bill Number.”

The leading House sponsors of this year’s resolution were Reps. John Porter, Tom Lantos, Chris Smith and Steny Hoyer. The National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of External Affairs has been working closely with the aides to Rep. Porter, the primary sponsor of the resolution, and Rep. Ben Gilman, chairman of the House International Relations Committee. The National Assembly will contact selected Local Spiritual Assemblies to request that they write their representatives thanking them for co-sponsoring the resolutions. ♦

• YOUTH • 8
• CLASSIFIED • 22–23
• IN MEMORIAM • 26
• SEEKING YOUR RESPONSE • 27
• PERSIAN PAGES • 28–30

A song of joy

Wesley Baker, a U.S. pioneer to Uganda who is traveling for a year to serve at the Houses of Worship around the world, sings during a recent Sunday program at the Temple in Wilmette. Summer brought Bahá’ís and visitors from all over the world to the Mother Temple of the West; see article, page 12. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

Making friends of ‘strangers’

Media campaign poses new challenge to U.S. communities

BY THE NATIONAL TEACHING OFFICE

The national media campaign is presenting many Bahá’í communities and institutions across America with a new challenge: teaching “strangers.”

The tried-and-true method commonly associated with enrollments has been through being befriended and nurtured into the Cause. It is a slow process but a process that cannot be denied as a methodology that results in stalwart, avowed adherents to the Cause.

Now, thousands upon thousands of searching souls are responding to national and local media efforts. Many call, but their calls are not all responded to in a timely fashion. Many call, and are simply put on a mailing list for the community newsletter.

However, many call and are greeted ‎are and‎ lovingly welcomed into the community, are nurtured, and become a quick asset to their community. It is this scenario that the National Spiritual Assembly is urging the American Bahá’í community to adopt as the response to these waiting souls.

SEE MEDIA, PAGE 25

BUILDING THE KINGDOM IT’S OUR TIME

The national media campaign is a component of the Kingdom Project, our National Spiritual Assembly’s comprehensive development plan. More on pages 16–17

THE NATIONAL FUND
Between May 1 and August 31, 2000
$9,000,000 Goal/all funds
$5,235,467 Received
Excluding Kingdom Project See page 7 for details

• E • X • C • E • R • P • T • S •

“All the Prophets of God ... soar in the same heaven, are seated upon the same throne, utter the same speech, and proclaim the same Faith.”

—Bahá’u’lláh [Page 2]

Anniversary of the Birth of the Báb

A Bahá’í Holy Day • Observed between sundown Oct. 19 and sundown Oct. 20 • Work is to be suspended

"The Báb, whose name was ‘Alí-Muhammad, was born in Shíráz [in Persia], on the first of Muharram, in the year 1235 A.H. [Oct. 20, 1819]. He was the descendant of a house renowned for its nobility, which traced its origin to Muhammad Himself." (The Dawn-Breakers, p. 14)

A beautiful Tablet revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in honor of the anniversary of the Báb’s birth can be found on page 234 of Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh.

Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

A Bahá’í Holy Day • Observed between sundown Nov. 11 and sundown Nov. 12 • Work is to be suspended

Mírzá Husayn-‘Ali, 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)

Some significant dates in Bahá’í history

October

Oct. 10-12, 1848: Mullá Husayn, journeying to the Mázindarán region of Persia on instructions from the Báb, arrived with more than 200 companions near the town of Bárfurúsh. There a band of townspeople, stirred up by a local cleric, attacked the Bábís. Though Mullá Husayn’s company was victorious, several were slain. Suffering snipings and an attempted surprise attack, they presented an able defense and took sanctuary in the shrine of Shaykh Tabarsí. Within weeks they were besieged and the shrine became a fort.

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.

October 1935: The Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, wrote to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada (then a single Assembly), affirming that the Bahá’í laws of fasting, obligatory prayers, consent of parents before marriage, monogamy and avoidance of alcoholic drinks were binding on the believers.

Oct. 7-15, 1953: The Asian Intercontinental Teaching Conference, one of several conferences held to energize the 1953-63 Ten Year Crusade, was held in New Delhi, India. It was the first international Bahá’í gathering in the East.

Oct. 12, 1977: The world's first Bahá’í cultural and education radio station, in Ecuador, made its first broadcast.

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.

Upcoming Holy Days

Day of the Covenant: Nov. 26 Anniversary of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Nov. 28

Facts in the "Some Significant Dates" section were compiled from A Basic Bahá’í Chronology.

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

ANDREW BRETON, a Bahá’í in Vienna, Virginia, was named a National Merit Scholar, a National Hispanic Scholar and an AP Scholar of Distinction for his achievements at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, where besides his academic distinction he was senior class president.

ARTHUR ELLIOTT, a Bahá’í in Victor, New York, has been designated a Melvin Jones Fellow—the highest honor given by the Lions Clubs International Foundation—in recognition of lifelong service, including his involvement in the Finger Lakes Regional Lions Hearing Foundation.

JASON MILLER, a Bahá’í in Port Richey, Florida, graduated as co-valedictorian of Ridgewood High School with a weighted grade-point average of 4.57.

LAYLI MILLER BASHIR, a Washington-area Bahá’í who spearheaded the Tahirih Justice Center, has been elected to term membership on the influential Council on Foreign Relations, which studies and develops ideas on U.S. foreign policy.

Council members include current and former senior government officials; experts in international relations; renowned scholars; and leaders of business, media, human rights, humanitarian and other groups. The Council publishes Foreign Affairs, the leading periodical on international relations.

Miller Bashir was nominated for membership by two former assistant secretaries of State, a former general counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency, the general counsel of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the director of the President's Council on Women's Initiatives and the dean of the School of International Relations in Denver.

ROSITA NAJMI, a Bahá’í from Knox County, Tennessee, collected a number of awards on the way to graduating second in her Karns High School class with a 4.17 grade-point average. Some of her honors: Inclusion in Who's Who Among American High School Students, Knoxville News Sentinel Student Citizen Award, Executive Women International award, Prudential Spirit of the Community award, and runner-up as "best attorney" in Tennessee high school mock trial competition. She also had earned media interviews for her role in producing America's Most Challenging Issue—Race Unity, a one-hour program made for public television.

CARMEN ORELLANA, a Bahá’í from Honduras where she was valedictorian of her high school class—is attending Idaho State University on a full scholarship for international students in engineering.

FARIBORZ OMID SARVIAN, a 13-year-old Bahá’í in Malibu, California, was his school's first-place winner in the National Geographic Bee contest.

ADRIAN TREVIÑO, a Bahá’í in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was recognized by the Institute for the History of Texas Music in San Marcos, Texas, for his extensive research and donation of recordings and other materials on the Spanish-language music of the U.S. Southwest.

One of the Council's youngest members, Miller Bashir came to prominence with her successful mid-1990s legal fight to gain refugee status for a young woman from Togo, who faced the prospect of forced marriage and female genital mutilation if compelled to return to her homeland.

From that effort was born the Tahirih Justice Center, which taps the services of numerous lawyers and others to uphold women's rights through the U.S. immigration system. It has worked on a high level with State Department and other government officials.

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

Editorial Office of The American Bahá’í Mail: 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Phone: 847-869-9039 Fax: 847-251-3652

Editor James Humphrey

Associate Editor Tom Mennillo

Facilities Manager, Bahá’í Media Services Artis Mebane

Contributors Erik Anderson, Kirk E. Felix, Eric Horton, Barbara McCord, Cynthia McKenzie, Judy Hannen Moe, Jennifer Muratore, Russell Norman, Marilyn Ray, Vladimir Shilov, Duane Troxel, Nancy Wong

PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 DAYS (plus one special issue) for a total of 10 issues per year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL. and additional mailing offices. ISSN Number: 1062-1113 Canada: Publications Agreement Number 1486683

ADDRESS CHANGES If you have an address change, or wish to stop or consolidate mailings, contact the Membership Office, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. There is no need to contact the Editors directly. A form is on the back page.

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

ARTICLES should be clear, concise and relevant to the goals of the worldwide and national teaching plans. We may edit stories 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. 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: December 12: Deadline October 26 Jan. 19, 2001: Deadline December 1

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

© 2000 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 3]

The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting

Selection of Extracts and Prayers from the Bahá’í Writings Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

The Universal House of Justice, in reviewing the further applicability of the laws of Bahá’u’lláh in the course of the past four years, determined that it is imperative for all Bahá’ís "to deepen their awareness of the blessings conferred by the laws which directly foster the devoized by the Blessed Beauty as "two wings to man's life."

This present selection of newly authorized translations has been drawn from the vast ocean of the original Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. It is intended to further enhance the believers' insight into the far-reaching significance of these two great laws.

From the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh

I. We, verily, have set forth all things in Our Book, as a token of grace unto those who have believed in God, the Almighty, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting. And We have ordained obligatory prayer and fasting so that all may by these means draw nigh unto God, the Most Powerful, the Well-Beloved. We have written down these two laws and expounded every irrevocable decree. We have forbidden men from following whatsoever might cause them to stray from the Truth, and have commanded them to observe that which will draw them nearer unto Him Who is the Almighty, the All-Loving. Say: Observe ye the commandments of God for love of His beauty, and be not of those who follow in the ways of the abject and foolish.

II. All praise be unto God, Who hath revealed the law of obligatory prayer as a reminder to His servants, and enjoined on them the Fast that those possessed of means may become apprised of the woes and sufferings of the destitute.

III. One who performeth neither good deeds nor acts of worship is like unto a tree which beareth no fruit, and an action which leaveth no trace. Whosoever experienceth the holy ecstasy of worship will refuse to barter such an act or any praise of God for all that existeth in the world. Fasting and obligatory prayer are as two wings to man's life. Blessed be the one who soareth with their aid in the heaven of the love of God, the Lord of all worlds.

IV. Cling firmly to obligatory prayer and fasting. Verily, the religion of God is like unto heaven; fasting is its sun, and obligatory prayer is its moon. In truth, they are the pillars of religion whereby the righteous are distinguished from those who transgress His commandments. We entreat God, exalted and glorified be He, that he may graciously enable all to observe that which He hath revealed in His Ancient Book.

V. Know thou that religion is as heaven; and fasting and obligatory prayer are its sun and its moon. We entreat God, exalted and glorified be He, to graciously aid everyone who acteth according to His will and good-pleasure.

VI. Be not neglectful of obligatory prayer and fasting. He who faileth to observe them hath not been nor will ever be acceptable in the sight of God. Follow ye wisdom under all conditions. He, verily, hath bidden all to observe that which hath been and will be of profit to them. He, in truth, is the All-Sufficing, the Most High.

VII. As for obligatory prayer, it hath been sent down by the Pen of the Most High in such wise that it setteth ablaze the hearts and captivateth the souls and minds of men.

VIII. Concerning obligatory prayer, it hath been revealed in such wise that whosoever reciteth it, even one time, with a detached heart, will find himself wholly severed from the world.

1. A tradition attributed to the Imam ‘Alí

IX. O My brother! How great, how very great, can the law of obligatory prayer be, when, through His mercy and loving kindness, one is enabled to observe it. When a man commenceth the recitation of the Obligatory Prayer, he should see himself severed from all created things and regard himself as utter nothingness before the will and purpose of God, in such wise that he seeth naught but Him in the world of being. This is the station of God's well-favored ones and those who are wholly devoted to Him. Should one perform the Obligatory Prayer in this manner, he will be accounted by God and the Concourse on high among those who have truly offered the prayer.

X. One of the deeds in obedience to the law is obligatory prayer. He Who is the Bearer of divine mysteries hath called it the ladder of ascent. He saith: "Obligatory prayer is a ladder of ascent for the believer." Within it are hidden and concealed a myriad effects and benefits. Indeed, they are beyond computation. How great would be a man's indolence and his injustice to himself if he were to abandon this ladder of ascent and attach himself to earthly treasures. It is our hope that we may be assisted to perform pure and acceptable deeds. We beseech God, exalted and glorified be He, to confirm us in that which He desireth and pleaseth and in that which will draw us nigh unto Him. Verily, He is the Almighty, the All-Powerful, He Who is wont to answer the prayers of all men.

XI. Of the new Obligatory Prayers that were later revealed, the long Obligatory Prayer should be said at those times when one feeleth himself in a prayerful mood. In truth, it hath been revealed in such wise that if it be recited to a rock, that rock would stir and speak forth; and if it be recited to a mountain, that mountain would move and flow. Well is it with the one who reciteth it and fulfilleth God's precepts. Whichever prayer is read will suffice.

XII. We beseech God to assist His people that they may observe the most great and exalted Fast, which is to protect one's eye from beholding whatever is forbidden and to withhold one's self from food, drink and whatever is not of Him. We pray God to confirm His loved ones that they may succeed in accomplishing that which they have been commanded in this Day.

XIII. Praise be unto Him Who hath revealed laws in accordance with His good-pleasure. Verily, He is sovereign over whatsoever He wisheth. O My friends! Act ye in accordance with what ye have been commanded in the Book. Fasting hath been decreed for you in the month of ‘Alá. Fast ye for the sake of your Lord, the Mighty, the Most High. Restrain yourselves from sunrise to sunset. Thus doth the Beloved of mankind instruct you as bidden by God, the All-Powerful, the Unconstrained. It is not for anyone to exceed the limits laid down by God and His law, nor should anyone follow his own idle imaginings. Well is it with the one who fulfilleth My decrees for the love of My Beauty, and woe to the one who neglecteth the Dayspring of Command in the days of his Lord, the Almighty, the Omnipotent.

XIV. This is one of the nights of the Fast, and during it the Tongue of Grandeur and Glory proclaimed: There is no God beside Me, the Omnipotent Protector, the Self-Subsisting. We, verily, have commanded all to observe the Fast in these days as a bounty on Our part, but the people remain unaware, except for those who have attained unto the purpose of God as revealed in His laws and have comprehended His wisdom that pervadeth all things visible and invisible. Say: By God! His Law is a fortress unto you, could ye but understand. Verily, He hath no purpose therein save to benefit the souls of His servants, but, alas, the generality of mankind remain heedless thereof. Cling ye to the cord of God's laws, and follow not those who have turned away from the Book, for verily they have opposed God, the Mighty, the Beloved.

XV. These are the days of the Fast. Blessed is the one who through the heat generated by the Fast increaseth his love, and who, with joy and radiance, ariseth to perform worthy deeds. Verily, He guideth whomsoever He willeth to the straight path.

XVI. Even though outwardly the Fast is difficult and toilsome, yet inwardly it is bounty and tranquillity. Purification and training are conditioned and dependent only on such rigorous exercises as are in accord with the Book of God and sanctioned by Divine law, not those which the deluded have inflicted upon the people. Whatsoever God hath revealed is beloved of the soul. We beseech Him that He may graciously assist us to do that which is pleasing and acceptable unto Him.

XVII. Verily, I say, fasting is the supreme remedy and the most great healing for the disease of self and passion.

XVIII. All praise be to the one true God Who hath assisted His loved ones to observe the Fast and hath aided them to fulfill that which hath been decreed in the Book. In truth, ceaseless praise and gratitude are due unto Him for having graciously confirmed His loved ones to perform that which is the cause of the exaltation of His Word. If a man possessed ten thousand lives and offered them all to establish the truth of God's laws and commandments, he would still be beholden unto Him, since whatsoever proceedeth from His irresistible decree serveth solely to benefit His friends and loved ones.

XIX. There are various stages and stations for the Fast and innumerable effects and benefits are concealed therein. Well is it with those who have attained unto them.

XX. In clear cases of weakness, illness, or injury the law of the Fast is not binding. This injunction is in conformity with the precepts of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future. Well is it with them who act accordingly.

XXI. The law of the Fast is ordained for those who are sound and healthy; as to those who are ill or debilitated, this law hath never been nor is now applicable. [Page 4]

2. From the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

I. Obligatory prayer and fasting are among the most great ordinances of this holy Dispensation.

II. In the realm of worship, fasting and obligatory prayer constitute the two mightiest pillars of God's holy Law. Neglecting them is in no wise permitted, and falling short in their performance is of a certainty not accept- able. In the Tablet of Visitation He saith: "I beseech God, by Thee and by them whose faces have been illumined with the splendors of the light of Thy countenance, and who, for love of Thee, have observed all whereunto they were bidden." He declareth that observance of the commands of God deriveth from love for the beauty of the Best-Beloved. The seeker, when immersed in the ocean of the love of God, will be moved by intense long- ing and will arise to carry out the laws of God. Thus, it is impossible that a heart which containeth the fragrance of God's love should yet fail to worship Him, except under conditions when such an action would agitate the enemies and stir up dissension and mischief. Otherwise, a lover of the Abhá Beauty will assuredly and continual- ly demonstrate perseverance in the worship of the Lord.

III. The laws of God regarding fasting and obligatory prayer are absolutely incumbent upon His servants. Therefore, they must turn their faces to the Point of Adoration of the celestial Concourse, hold fast to the most sublime Station, and pray and supplicate that they may be freed from the doubts of misinterpretation. This is the way of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. This is the religion of ‘Abdu’l- Bahá. This is the path of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Whoever cher- isheth the love of Bahá’, let him choose this straight path. Whoever abandoneth this path, verily, he is of them who are shut out as by a veil from Him. Shouldst thou observe any soul who is in doubt about this commandment or who misinterpreteth it, but hath no secret motive or defi- ance in what he doeth, be friendly towards him, and with the utmost cordiality and through kind speech, endeavor to turn him from the path of such interpretation towards the plain meaning of the verses of God.

IV. The laws of God, such as fasting, obligatory prayer and the like, as well as His counsels regarding virtues, good deeds and proper conduct, must be carried out everywhere to the extent possible, unless some insur- mountable obstacle or some great danger presents itself or it runneth counter to the dictates of wisdom. For indolence and laxity hinder the outpourings of love from the clouds of divine mercy, and people will thus remain deprived.

V. O ye loved ones of God! Out of gratitude for firm- ness in the eternal Covenant arise to serve the threshold of the omnipotent Lord, observe obligatory prayer and fasting, and spend your time in diffusing the sweet savors of God and in spreading the Divine verses. Tear asunder the veils, remove the obstacles, proffer the life-giving waters, and point out the path of salvation. This is what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá admonisheth you every morn and eve.

VI. O thou daughter of the Kingdom! The Obligatory Prayers are binding inasmuch as they are conducive to humility and submissiveness, to setting one's face towards God and expressing devotion to Him. Through such prayer man holdeth communion with God, seeketh to draw near unto Him, converseth with the true Beloved of his heart, and attaineth spiritual stations.

2. "I beseech God... were bidden," translated by Shoghi Effendi; see Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh, CLXXX 3. Ibid.

VII. O thou spiritual friend! Thou hast asked about the wisdom of obligatory prayer. Know thou that such prayer is mandatory and binding. Man under no pretext what- soever is excused from observing the prayer unless he is incapable of performing it or some great obstacle interveneth. The wisdom of obligatory prayer is this: That it causeth a connection between the servant and the True One, because at that time man with all his heart and soul turneth his face towards the Almighty, seeking His association and desiring His love and companionship. For a lover, there is no greater pleasure than to converse with his beloved, and for a seeker, there is no greater bounty than intimacy with the object of his desire. It is the greatest longing of every soul who is attracted to the Kingdom of God to find time to turn with entire devotion to his Beloved, so as to seek His bounty and blessing and immerse himself in the ocean of commun- ion, entreaty and supplication. Moreover, obligatory prayer and fasting produce awareness and awakening in man, and are conducive to his protection and preserva- tion from tests.

VIII. Strengthen thou the foundation of the Faith of God, and worship the Almighty. Be constant in offering obligatory prayer, and be mindful of fasting. Day and night devote thyself to prayer, supplication and entreaty, especially at the prescribed times.

IX. The Obligatory Prayers have been set down by the Pen of the Most High and have been mentioned in the Persian "Questions and Answers", which supplementeth the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. They are clearly binding, and without a doubt everyone must perform one of these three prayers....

Through worship man becometh spiritual, his heart is attracted, and his soul and inner being attain such ten- derness and exhilaration that the Obligatory Prayer instilleth new life in him. This is why in the Tablet of Vis- itation it hath been revealed: "I beseech God, by Thee and by them whose faces have been illumined with the splendors of the light of Thy countenance, and who, for love of Thee, have observed all whereunto they were bid- den." It is clear then that love of the beauty of the All- Merciful impelleth one to the worship of Almighty God.

X. O thou servant of God! Each morn God's infinite grace confirmeth the ardent and tearful invocations of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Accordingly, let every awakened soul obtain, to the extent of its capacity, a portion of this spir- itual grace. This can be achieved by fervently offering unto God prayers and supplications at every dawn and observing the law of obligatory prayer. Thus may his nos- trils delight in the sweet savors wafting from the garden of the bounty of God, his soul attain new life, and his reality mirror forth the effulgences of the All-Merciful.

XI. Obligatory prayer causeth the heart to become attentive to the Divine kingdom. One is alone with God, converseth with Him, and acquireth bounties. Likewise, if one performeth the Obligatory Prayer with his heart in a state of utmost purity, he will obtain the confirma- tions of the Holy Spirit, and this will entirely obliterate love of self. I hope that thou wilt persevere in the recita- tion of the Obligatory Prayer, and thus will come to wit- ness the power of entreaty and supplication.

XII. Thou hast written concerning obligatory prayer. Such prayer is binding and mandatory for everyone. Most certainly guide all to its observance, because it is like unto a ladder for the souls, a lamp unto the hearts of the right- eous, and the water of life from the garden of paradise. It is a clear duty prescribed by the All-Merciful, in the observance of which it is in no wise permissible to be dilatory or neglectful.

XIII. Obligatory prayer and supplication cause man to reach the kingdom of mystery, and the worship of the Supreme One. They bestow nearness unto His threshold. There is a pleasure in offering prayers that transcendeth all other pleasures, and there is a sweetness in chanting and singing the verses of God which is the greatest desire of all the believers, men and women alike. While reciting the Obligatory Prayer, one converseth intimately and shareth secrets with the true Beloved. No pleasure is greater than this, if one proceedeth with a detached soul, with tears overflowing, with a trusting heart and an eager spirit. Every joy is earthly save this one, the sweetness of which is divine.

XIV. Obligatory prayer is the very foundation of the Cause of God. Through it joy and vitality infuse the heart. Even if every grief should surround Me, as soon as I engage in conversing with God in obligatory prayer, all My sorrows disappear and I attain joy and gladness. A condition descendeth upon Me which I am unable to describe or express. Whenever, with full awareness and humility, we undertake to perform the Obligatory Prayer before God, and recite it with heartfelt tenderness, we shall taste such sweetness as to endow all existence with eternal life.

XV. Observe the Obligatory Prayer which is available to thee so that the gate of bounty may be opened and utmost spirituality attained; great signs will be witnessed and the spiritual ascent will be realized.

XVI. Persevere in the use of the Obligatory Prayer and early morning supplications, so that day by day thine awareness may increase, and, through the power of the knowledge of God, thou mayest rend asunder the veil of error of the people of doubt and lead them to His unfail- ing guidance. In every assembly, like unto a candle, thou shouldst give forth the light of Divine knowledge.

XVII. Recite the Obligatory Prayer and supplications as much as thou art able, so that day by day thou mayest attain to increased firmness and steadfastness and find greater joy and gladness. Thus the circle of divine knowl- edge will grow wider, and the fire of the love of God will burn brighter within thee.

XVIII. Obligatory prayers and supplications are the very water of life. They are the cause of existence, of the refine- ment of souls, and of their attainment to the utmost joy. Exercise the greatest care in this regard, and encourage others to recite the Obligatory Prayers and supplications.

XIX. O thou servant of the True Lord! Obligatory prayer and other supplications are essential to servitude unto Him Who is the All-Sufficing....When the Obligatory Prayers and other prayers are joined together and follow each other, worship attaineth its perfection. It can be seen that these two are spiritual companions and are like one soul in two bodies. May God assist you all to thrive in love and fellowship.

XX. When saying the Obligatory Prayer, one must turn towards the Holy Reality of Bahá’u’lláh, that Reality which encompasseth all things.

XXI. As to the Obligatory Prayer, it hath a Qiblih that is fixed, specified, holy and blessed. I ask God that He may open the gate of the knowledge of this station to thine heart so that thou mayest apprehend whatever is necessary and proper, garner spiritual bounties from the heaven of the All-Merciful, obtain the effulgences of knowledge from the Sun of Reality, and become a man- ifestation of inspiration from the Unseen and a source of glad-tidings from the All-Merciful. [Page 5]

The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting: Extracts and Prayers

XXII. With regard to the Obligatory Prayer, this should be said individually, but it is not dependent on a private spot.

XXIII. O servant of the holy threshold! Thou hast asked about those prayers that are beyond what is prescribed, those that are recommended, invocations, and devotions honored by tradition. In this Dispensation that which hath been expressly prescribed is obligatory. But individual worship, invocations, supererogatory prayers, and specially recommended prayers are not binding.

Nonetheless, the saying of any prayer individually after the Obligatory Prayers is well-pleasing and acceptable, but no particular ones have been singled out.

XXIV. Ordinances which are obligatory and decrees that are binding are those that have issued forth from the Supreme Pen or are issued by a decision of the Universal House of Justice. For we are the commanded, not the commander. We are the ones upon whom duties are imposed, not the ones who impose duties. This is the reality of the law of God and the foundation of the religion of God. As for devotions and invocations, whoever wisheth may, after the Obligatory Prayers, recite other supplications of the Blessed Perfection.

XXV. Thou hast written about the Fast. This is a most weighty matter and thou shouldst exert thine utmost in its observance. It is a fundamental of the Divine law, and one of the pillars of the religion of God.

XXVI. Well is it with you, as you have followed the Law of God and arisen to observe the Fast during these blessed days, for this physical fast is a symbol of the spiritual fast. This Fast leadeth to the cleansing of the soul from all selfish desires, the acquisition of spiritual attributes, attraction to the breezes of the All-Merciful, and enkindlement with the fire of divine love...

XXVII. Fasting is the cause of the elevation of one's spiritual station.

Prayers revealed by Bahá’u’lláh for the Fast

I. This is, O my God, the first of the days on which Thou hast bidden Thy loved ones to observe the Fast. I ask of Thee by Thy Self and by him who hath fasted out of love for Thee and for Thy good-pleasure and not out of self and desire, nor out of fear of Thy wrath and by Thy most excellent names and august attributes, to purify Thy servants from the love of aught except Thee and to draw them nigh unto the Dawning-Place of the lights of Thy countenance and the Seat of the throne of Thy oneness. Illumine their hearts, O my God, with the light of Thy knowledge and brighten their faces with the rays of the Daystar that shineth from the horizon of Thy Will. Potent art Thou to do what pleaseth Thee. No God is there but Thee, the All-Glorious, Whose help is implored by all men.

Assist them, O my God, to render Thee victorious and to exalt Thy Word. Suffer them, then, to become as hands of Thy Cause amongst Thy servants, and make them to be revealers of Thy religion and Thy signs amongst mankind, in such wise that the whole world may be filled with Thy remembrance and praise and with Thy proofs and evidences. Thou art, verily, the All-Bounteous, the Most Exalted, the Powerful, the Mighty, and the Merciful.

4. "Observe, for My Beauty's sake'... souls unto Thee," translated by Shoghi Effendi; see Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, CLX

II. In the Name of Him Who hath been promised in the Books of God, the All-Knowing, the All-Informed! The days of fasting have arrived wherein those servants who circle round Thy throne and have attained Thy presence have fasted. Say: O God of names and creator of heaven and earth! I beg of Thee by Thy Name, the All-Glorious, to accept the fast of those who have fasted for love of Thee and for the sake of Thy good-pleasure and have carried out what Thou hast bidden them in Thy Books and Tablets. I beseech Thee by them to assist me in the promotion of Thy Cause and to make me steadfast in Thy love, that my footsteps may not slip on account of the clamor of Thy creatures. Verily, Thou art powerful over whatsoever Thou willest. No God is there but Thee, the Quickener, the All-Powerful, the Most Bountiful, the Ancient of Days.

III. Praise be unto Thee, O Lord my God! We have observed the Fast in conformity with Thy bidding and break it now through Thy love and Thy good-pleasure. Deign to accept, O my God, the deeds that we have performed in Thy path wholly for the sake of Thy beauty with our faces set towards Thy Cause, free from aught else but Thee. Bestow, then, Thy forgiveness upon us, upon our forefathers, and upon all such as have believed in Thee and in Thy mighty signs in this most great, this most glorious Revelation. Potent art Thou to do what Thou choosest. Thou art, verily, the Most Exalted, the Almighty, the Unconstrained.

IV. O my God and my Master! Thou seest me among Thy creatures who have rebelled and transgressed against Thee. Every time I invite them unto the ocean of Thy knowledge, their repudiation of Thy Cause increaseth and their rejection of the Dawning-Place of Thy Will waxeth greater. I beg of Thee, O my God, by those who have fasted for love of Thee and have quaffed the living waters of submission from the hands of Thy bounty, to ordain for Thy loved ones, who under the blaze of the orb of Thy trials have clung to the cord of patience, all the good Thou hast reckoned in Thy Books and Thy Tablets. Write down, then, for such as have been afflicted with adversities for Thy sake, the reward of those who have suffered martyrdom in the path of Thy good-pleasure. Send down, moreover, upon them, O Lord, that which will rejoice their hearts, solace their eyes, and exhilarate their souls. Thou art, verily, the Most Powerful, the Most Exalted, the Help in Peril, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

V. Praised be Thou, O God, my God! These are the days whereon Thou take hast enjoined Thy chosen ones, Thy loved ones and Thy servants to observe the Fast, which Thou hast made a light unto the people of Thy kingdom, even as Thou didst make obligatory prayer a ladder of ascent unto those who acknowledge Thy unity. I beg of Thee, O my God, by these two mighty pillars, which Thou hast ordained as a glory and honor for all mankind, to keep Thy religion safe from the mischief of the ungodly and the plotting of every wicked doer. O Lord, conceal not the light which Thou hast revealed through Thy strength and Thine omnipotence. Assist, then, those who truly believe in Thee with the hosts of the seen and the unseen by Thy command and Thy sovereignty. No God is there but Thee, the Almighty, the Most Powerful.

VI. Exalted art Thou, O Lord my God! I beseech Thee by those whom Thou hast bidden to observe the Fast for the sake of Thy love and good-pleasure, who have demonstrated their allegiance to Thy law and followed Thy verses and precepts, and who have broken their fast while enjoying near access to Thee and beholding Thy countenance. By Thy glory! Since they are turning to the court of Thy good-pleasure, all their days are days of fasting. Were the mouth of Thy will to address them saying: "Observe, for My beauty's sake, the fast, O people, and set no limit to its duration," I swear by the majesty of Thy glory, that every one of them will faithfully observe it, will abstain from whatsoever will violate Thy law, and will continue to do so until they yield up their souls unto Thee, for they have tasted the sweetness of Thy call, and become inebriated with Thy remembrance and praise and with the words proceeding from the lips of Thy command.

I beseech Thee, O Lord, by Thyself, the Exalted, the Most High, and by Thy Latter Manifestation through Whom the kingdom of names and the dominion of attributes have been convulsed, and the inhabitants of earth and heaven became intoxicated, and all who dwell in the realms of Revelation and creation trembled except such as have fasted from all that is repugnant to Thy good-pleasure and refrained themselves from turning toward aught besides Thee, to include us among them and to write down our names on the Tablet whereon Thou hast inscribed their names. O God, through the wonders of Thy might and the tokens of Thy sovereignty and grandeur, Thou didst send forth their names from out of the sea of Thy names, and didst create their inner essences out of the substance of Thy love, and their inmost beings from the spirit of Thy Cause. Theirs is a reunion not succeeded by separation, a nearness that knoweth no remoteness, and a perpetuity that hath no end. Verily, these are servants who ever recount Thee, who eternally circle round Thee, and who circumambulate the sanctuary of Thy presence and the Kaaba of reunion with Thee. Thou hast ordained, O my God, no distinction between them and Thee, except that when they beheld the lights of Thy countenance, they set their faces towards Thee, and prostrated themselves before Thy beauty, submissive to Tily greatness and severed from all things besides Thee.

We have fasted this day, O my Lord, by Thy command and Thy bidding in accordance with what Thou hast revealed in Thy perspicuous Book. We have withheld our souls from passion and from whatsoever Thou abhorest until the day drew to an end and the time arrived to break the Fast. Wherefore, I implore Thee, O Desire of the hearts of ardent lovers and Beloved of the souls of them who are endued with understanding, O Rapture of the breasts of them that yearn after Thee and Object of the desire of them that seek Thee, to cause us to soar in the atmosphere of Thy nearness and the heaven of Thy presence, and to accept from us what we have performed in the pathway of Thy love and good-pleasure. Write down our names, then, among those who have acknowledged Thy oneness and confessed to Thy singleness and who have humbled themselves before the evidences of Thy majesty and the tokens of Thy grandeur, those who have taken refuge in Thy nearness and sought shelter in Thee, who have expended their lives in their eagerness to meet Thee and attain the court of Thy presence, and who have cast the world behind their backs for love of Thee and severed every tie with aught save Thee in their eagerness to draw nigh unto Thee. These are servants. whose hearts melt in ardent desire for Thy beauty at the mention of Thy Name, and whose eyes overflow with tears in their longing to find Thee and enter the precincts of Thy court.

This is, O my Lord, my tongue which testifieth to Thy unity and peerlessness, mine eye which beholdeth the seat of Thy generosity and manifold bounties, and mine ear which is ready to hearken unto Thy summons and Thine utterance, for I am assured, O my God, that Thou hast decreed the words proceeding out of the mouth of Thy will to be inexhaustible, and unto them the ears which Thou hast sanctified to hear Thy words and verses are at all times hearkening. And these are my hands, O my Lord, uplifted toward the heaven of Thy favor and [Page 6]

The Importance of Obligatory Prayer and Fasting: Extracts and Prayers

tender mercy. Wilt Thou, then, turn away this poor one who hath taken to himself no beloved except Thee, no bestower beside Thee, nor king other than Thee, no shelter save beneath the shadow of Thy mercy, and no refuge but before Thy gate, which Thou hast opened unto all who dwell in Thy heaven and on Thine earth? Nay, by Thy glory! I am he whose confidence in Thy loving kindness will remain undaunted even though Thou wert to afflict me with torments for the duration of Thy dominion; and should anyone ask me about Thee, every limb of my body would proclaim: "He is beloved in His acts and obeyed in His decree, merciful in His nature and compassionate to His creatures!"

Thy might beareth me witness, O Well-Beloved of the hearts of them that yearn after Thee, wert Thou to turn me away from Thy door and abandon me to the swords of the tyrants amongst Thy servants and to the rods of the ungodly amongst Thy creatures, and should someone ask me about Thee, every hair of my body would still declare: "He is, in truth, the Best Beloved of the worlds; He is the Most Bountiful; He is the Ever-Abiding! He draweth me nigh whilst distancing me from Himself. He granteth me His sanctuary whilst debarring me from His presence. None found I more merciful than He, by Whom I have become independent of all else but Him and have been raised up above aught besides Himself."

Well is it with the one, O my God, who hath been so enriched by Thee as to be made independent of the kingdoms of earth and heaven. Rich is the one who hath held fast to the cord of Thy wealth, is submissive before Thy face, and for whom Thou art sufficient above all things. Poor is the one who hath dispensed with Thee. waxed proud before Thee, turned away from Thy presence, and disbelieved in Thy signs. Suffer me, then, O my God and my Beloved, to be numbered with those whom the breezes of Thy will move as they list, not with those whom the wind of self and passion stirreth and directeth as it pleaseth. No God is there but Thee, the Almighty, the Exalted, the Most Bountiful.

All glory be to Thee, O my God, for Thou hast graciously enabled me to fast during this month which Thou hast related to Thy Name, the Most Exalted, and called ‘Alá (Loftiness). Thou hast commanded that Thy servants and Thy people should fast therein and seek thereby to draw nearer unto Thee. The days and months of the year have culminated with the Fast, even as the first month began with Thy Name, Bahá, that all might testify that Thou art the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden, and be well assured that the glory of all names is conferred only through the glory of Thy Cause and the word expounded by Thy will and revealed through Thy purpose. Thou hast ordained that this month be a remembrance and honor from Thee, and a sign of Thy presence amongst them, that they may not forget Thy grandeur and Thy majesty, Thy sovereignty and Thy glory, and may be well assured that from time immemorial Thou hast ever been and wilt ever be Ruler over the entire creation. Nothing created in the heavens or on the earth can hinder Thee in Thy governance, nor can anyone in the realms of Revelation and creation prevent Thee from fulfilling Thy purpose.

I implore Thee, O my God, by Thy name whereby all the kindreds of the earth have wailed, except such as Thou hast safeguarded with Thine unerring protection and sheltered beneath the shadow of Thy transcendent mercy, to make us so firm in Thy Cause and steadfast in Thy love that were Thy servants to rise up against Thee and Thy people turn away from Thee, and no one would remain on earth to invoke Thy name or set his face toward the sanctuary of communion with Thee and the Kaaba of Thy sanctity, I would still arise singly and alone to render Thy Cause victorious, to exalt Thy word, to proclaim Thy sovereignty, and to celebrate the praise of Thine august Self. And this, O Lord, even though each time I venture to extol Thee by any name, I am filled with perplexity, for I am fully aware that all of Thine exalted attributes and all of the most excellent names which I associate with Thee and by which in Thy holy presence I supplicate Thee, reflect naught but the measure of mine own understanding, inasmuch as whenever I have regarded a name to be laudable, I have associated it with Thyself.

Immeasurably exalted is Thy true state above the description or knowledge of anyone besides Thee, and sanctified art Thou from the glorification of Thy creatures and the praise of Thy servants in their attempts to ascend unto Thee. Whatsoever appeareth from Thy servants is limited by the limitations of their own selves and is created by their own idle fancies and imaginings.

Alas, alas, O my Beloved, for mine inability to befittingly praise Thee and for my shortcomings during Thy days! If I acclaim Thee, O my God, as Him Who knoweth all things, I readily perceive that shouldst Thou point to a mute rock with a single finger of Thy will, Thou wouldst enable it to unfold the knowledge of all past and future ages; and if I extol Thee as the All-Powerful, I find that one word issuing from the mouth of Thy purpose is sufficient to convulse the heavens and the earth.

Thy glory beareth me witness, O Beloved of all that recognize Thee, should any learned one fail to confess his ignorance before the revelations of Thy knowledge, he would be accounted the most ignorant of Thy people; and should any mighty one refuse to admit his weakness before the evidences of Thy power, he would be considered the weakest and the most heedless of Thy creatures. Given my knowledge and certainty that this is so, how can I extol Thee or describe and praise Thee? Wherefore, knowing my weakness, I have hastened toward the shelter of Thy strength; and realizing my poverty, I have sought refuge under the shadow of Thy wealth; and recognizing my powerlessness. I have arisen to stand before the tabernacle of Thy power and might. Wilt thou cast away this poor one after he hath taken no one but Thee as his succorer, or turn away this stranger after he hath found no one but Thee to be his true beloved?

Thou knowest all that is in me, O Lord, but I know not what is in Thee. Have mercy then upon me through Thy loving providence and inspire me with that which shall give peace to my heart during Thy days and tranquillity to my soul through the revelations of Thy sacred presence. All created things have been illumined with the splendors of the lights of Thy countenance, O Lord, and the dwellers of earth and heaven are shining resplendently on account of the manifestations of Thine incomparable majesty, in such wise that I behold nothing without first beholding within it the revelation of Thelf, a revelation which is hidden from the sight of those among Thy servants who lie fast asleep.

Deprive me not, O my Lord, of Thy grace which hath encompassed all the realms of existence, whether visible or invisible. Wilt Thou stay far removed. O my God, after Thou hast invited all mankind to return and draw nigh unto Thee, and urged them to hold fast to Thy cord? Wilt Thou cast me out, O my Beloved, even when Thou hast promised in Thine incorruptible Book and in Thy wondrous verses to gather all those who yearn after Thee within the pavilion of Thy gracious providence, and those who desire Thee under the shadow of Thy bountiful favor, and those who search for Thee under the canopy of Thy mercy and loving-kindness?

I swear by Thy might, O my God, that my lamentations have halted my heart within me, and its groans have seized the reins from my hands! At whatever time I reassure myself and gladden my soul with the wonders of Thy mercy, the tokens of Thy gracious providence, and the evidences of Thy generosity, I tremble before the manifestations of Thy justice and the signs of Thy wrath. I recognize that Thou art known by these two names and described by these two attributes, yet Thou carest not whether Thou art invoked by Thy name the Ever-Forgiving, or Thy name the Wrathful. By Thy glory, were it not for my knowledge that Thy mercy surpasseth all things, the limbs of my body would have ceased to exist, my reality been extinguished and my inner being reduced to utter nothingness. But when I behold that Thy grace encompasseth all things and Thy mercy embraceth the entire creation, my soul and my inmost being become well assured.

Alas, alas, O my God, for the things that have escaped me during Thy days, and again alas, alas, O Desire of my heart, for what I have left undone in service and obedience to Thee during these days the likes of which the eyes of Thy chosen ones and trusted ones have never witnessed! I entreat Thee, O my Lord, by Thy Self and by the Manifestation of Thy Cause Who is seated upon the throne of Thy mercy, to confirm me in Thy service and good-pleasure. Guard me, then, from those who have turned away from Thee and disbelieved in Thy verses, who have denied Thy truth, resisted Thine evidences, and violated Thy Covenant and testament.

All praise, O Lord my God, be unto Him Who is the Manifestation of Thine Essence, the Dayspring of Thy oneness, the Mine of Thy knowledge, the Source of Thy Revelation, the Repository of Thine inspiration, the Seat of Thy sovereignty, and the Dawning-Place of Thy Divinity He Who is the Primal Point, the Most Exalted Countenance, the Ancient Root, and the Quickener of nations; and glory be upon him who was the first to believe in Him and in His verses, whom Thou didst make a throne for the ascendancy of Thy most sublime Word, a focal-point for the manifestation of Thy most excellent names, a dayspring of the radiance of the Sun of Thy providence, a dawning-place for the appearance of Thy names and attributes, and a treasury of the pearls of Thy wisdom and Thy commandments.

And all honor be upon him who was the last to come unto Him, whose arrival was like His arrival, and Thy manifestation in him like Thy manifestation in Him", except that he was illumined with the lights of His face and prostrated himself before Him and testified to his servitude unto Him; and glory be upon those who were martyred in His path and who offered up their lives for love of His beauty.

We testify, O my God, that these are servants who have believed in Thee and in Thy signs, who have sought the sanctuary of Thy presence and turned toward Thy countenance, who have directed their faces toward the court of Thy nearness and walked in the path of Thy good-pleasure, who have worshipped Thee according to Thy desire and detached themselves from all but Thee. O Lord, confer upon their spirits and their bodies at all times a share of the wonders of Thine all-encompassing mercy. Thou art, verily, powerful to do as Thou pleaseth. No God is there save Thee, the Almighty, the All-Glorious, Whose help is implored by all men.

I beseech Thee, O Lord, by Him and by them, and by Him Whom Thou hast established on the throne of Thy Faith and caused to overshadow all the dwellers of earth and heaven, to purify us from our transgressions, to ordain for us a seat of truth in Thy presence and to cause us to associate with those whom the adversities of the world and its misfortunes have not hindered from turning toward Thee. Thou art, verily, the All-Powerful, the Most Exalted, the Protector, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

5. Mulla Husayn 6. Quddús 7. Idem 8. The Báb [Page 7]

Spirit Run reaches the Atlantic

The lasting effect? It's up to all of us.

The Spirit Run is finished. The message of God's new Day has been carried on foot from Pacific to Atlantic. The proclamation "Bahá’u’lláh has drawn the circle of unity" has been sounded in cities, towns and Indian reservations across the northern United States and in Ontario, Canada.

Nine core runners and nearly a score of support staffers can look back at 2½ months of pouring rain and pounding sun, blistered feet and shin splints, intense unity-building with companions of many cultures, and a commitment to stay with the run whatever it took.

They also have memories of the loving hospitality of Indian nations and Bahá’í communities across the country, people eager to hear and to tell stories of their lives, connections with the hearts of elders, parents, youth and children.

Only time will tell the full effect of the Spirit Run on the runners themselves, on the staff and supporters, on the people who greeted them along their trail from Seattle to Long Island—and on the many of us who traced its progress and heard the wondrous stories from those it touched.

How did it transform lives? How will that spirit and the newly made human connections be built upon in the months and years ahead? Some of us may only pray and speculate; some may be able to see Spirit Run, Page 24.

Approximate route of Spirit Run with some stops mid-July through mid-August: Ontario, Syracuse, Brantford, Niagara, N.Y., Wyandotte, Pennsylvania, Angola, Ohio, Indiana, Shinnecock Reserve, New York.

THE US NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY Administrative Web Site

Important material on the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org):

• MESSAGES from the Universal House of Justice about the Bahá’í Administrative Order, sent to all National Spiritual Assemblies Aug. 13, 2000. Any Bahá’í without access to the Internet may contact the nearest Local Spiritual Assembly for a copy of these messages.
• UPDATES on the locations of several upcoming Unit Conventions.
• The latest issue of Bahá’í Update, a quarterly digest report from the National Spiritual Assembly.

The march of decentralization: Committee tasks move to regions

In order to move vital consultation on teaching and development closer to the grass roots, the National Spiritual Assembly is going forward with its decision to discontinue several of its committees and task forces and assign aspects of their work to national offices and regional committees.

Already established are the offices of Women's Affairs and Youth Affairs. They are functioning as centers of research and expert advice for the National Assembly, and information resources for Bahá’ís across the country.

Much of the consultation and organizational work of the former National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men and National Youth Committee has been moved to the regional level. Three of the four Regional Bahá’í Councils already have designated regional committees for the equality of women and men, while each region has a youth network facilitated by an arm of the respective Regional Council.

Subcommittees of the National Teaching Committee that have been devolved to the Regional Bahá’í Councils include:

• African American Teaching Committee.
• Chinese Teaching Task Force.
• Latin American Teaching Task Force.
• American Indian Teaching Committee.

All the Councils have organized at least some committees, task forces or desks to stimulate teaching among particular ethnic groups and to work with local Bahá’í communities. Further developments will be announced in future.

The National Teaching Committee itself is to remain a foremost advisory body to the National Spiritual Assembly.

Enrollments

August 2000: 138 Since May 1, 2000: 532

THE FUND

May 1–August 31, 2000 Contributions received by National Treasurer (excluding Kingdom Project)

Goal for entire year: $27,000,000 Received since May 1, 2000: $5,235,467

19% of year's goal was met 33% of fiscal year has passed April 30, 2001

Total cash-basis revenues and expenditures for Bahá’í National Fund May 1–June 30, 2000 (latest available)

Revenues: $3,287,855 (contributions, book sales, school fees etc.) Expenditures: $4,059,961 (operations, capital and debt payments etc.)

While these figures reflect the seasonally low level of contributions, at many locations essential maintenance must be performed during summer.

Mail contributions to: National Bahá’í Fund 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800 Please write Bahá’í ID # on check

Friends reminded of our national policy on contact with officials

The National Spiritual Assembly wishes to remind the friends of its long-standing policy, stated in section 12.5 of the Local Spiritual Assembly reference manual Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities, that "Bahá’í individuals and institutions must first obtain permission of the National Spiritual Assembly before contacting federal or state government officials" on matters directly pertaining to the Bahá’í Faith.

Examples of official contact on behalf of the Bahá’í Faith include invitations to Bahá’í community events, presentations of Bahá’í statements and expressions of Bahá’í support for particular policies or issues.

Confusion and duplication of such contacts have caused embarrassment to the Bahá’í community in the past, and the policy of checking with the National Assembly is meant to ensure that its external affairs efforts are unified and coordinated. The National Assembly's policy on contact with government officials is designed to safeguard the unity and integrity of Bahá’í efforts in external affairs at the local and national level.

While Local Spiritual Assemblies have the authority to contact local government officials and elected representatives from their districts to their state legislature, contact with federal or state officials and agencies is under the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly. These include all agencies and officials of the federal government, state governors and state legislatures.

Individual Bahá’ís are free to appeal to and communicate with their elected representatives and other government officials on any matter that does not refer to the Bahá’í Faith.

The policy on government contact does not apply in cases of informal contact with friends or family members who happen to hold public office. The National Assembly would appreciate being informed if a Bahá’í has a personal relationship with a prominent person or government official, however, because such relations may facilitate official contact should such contact be required.

In like manner, Bahá’ís may inform the relevant Local Assembly if they have personal relations with a mayor, city council member, county commissioner, or other local official.

The Local Spiritual Assembly reference manual Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities in particular Chapter 12, "External Affairs" contains further guidance and quotes from the Writings on government relations.

Any additional questions may be addressed to the National Spiritual Assembly through its Office of External Affairs, 1320 19th St. N.E., Suite 701, Washington, DC (phone 202-833-8990, fax 202-833-8988). [Page 8]

One HOT summer: Young Bahá’ís energize across U.S.

Bahá’í youth arose to new heights this summer by participating in dozens of regional and local teaching projects, as well as various activities abroad. Though too numerous to mention all of them, here are a few highlights:

Northeastern States. Youth participated in an intensive study of The Dawn-Breakers at Green Acre Bahá’í School. They later traveled to various locations to participate in local teaching initiatives.

Southern States. Ninety young Bahá’ís attended a six-day training conference in Florida before dispersing to cities throughout the South, where they joined local youths for several weeks of teaching and service activities organized by local Spiritual Assemblies.

Western States. More than 100 youths converged in Tucson, Arizona, for 14 days of intensive teaching. Several Bahá’í youth workshops, along with many other young people, joined forces to bring the message of Bahá’u’lláh to the city. Efforts focused on South Tucson, and the project culminated in a large performing arts show drawing about 1,100 people.

Central States. This region was blessed in several ways. The Spirit Run, which had begun in Seattle, passed through in mid-July on its way to New York. Many local Bahá’ís joined the runners as they approached the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. Drumming and chanting added to the spiritual intensity of the experience.

And so forth. Nearly 100 youths from the U.S. arose in various international endeavors, including several large contingents to Russia, Bulgaria and Canada. Furthermore, hundreds from the United States attended the International Bahá’í Youth Congress in Canada, while many more attended the International Youth Congresses in Ecuador, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic.

A dedicated group of youth also traveled through the Central and Southern States as part of the “Dawning of a New Light” project.

The challenge now is to continue the momentum gained over the summer, and to intensify our individual and collective efforts as we enter another academic year, which presents us with countless opportunities to serve our beloved Faith. ♦

the Youth Page

Encouragement to Bahá’í youth from the Universal House of Justice (from July 20, 2000, letter to the Friends gathered at the youth conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, July 2–24)

“Be not dismayed if your endeavors are dismissed as utopian by the voices that would oppose any suggestion of fundamental change. Trust in the capacity of this generation to disentangle itself from the embroilments of a divided world. To discharge your responsibilities, you will have to show forth courage, the courage of those who cling to standards of rectitude, who champion the cause of justice, whose lives are characterized by purity of thought and action, and whose purpose is directed by love and indomitable faith.”

TRUE WEALTH

“O YE RICH ONES ON EARTH! The poor in your midst are My trust; guard ye My trust, and be not intent only on your own ease.” —Bahá’u’lláh, Hidden Word #54 from the Persian

‘Guide ... lead ... free ... awaken’

BY ERIC HORTON, OFFICE OF YOUTH AFFAIRS

Office of Youth Affairs

To better meet the needs of a constantly evolving Bahá’í community, the National Spiritual Assembly has created an Office of Youth Affairs at the National Center. This office builds on the foundation laid by the former National Youth Committee, whose work has been decentralized to the regional level through the creation of a variety of regional youth committees and desks.

Eric Horton, age 25, staffs the Office of Youth Affairs. Horton brings to the office two years of service on the National Youth Committee, on whose behalf he has served at the Bahá’í National Center since May 1999.

The Office of Youth Affairs will work closely with the National Teaching Committee to conduct expert study and provide strategic advice to the National Spiritual Assembly and Regional Bahá’í Councils on youth issues. It also will coordinate certain national programs, working closely with the regional youth entities to ensure unity of thought and action in all youth activities throughout the country. Other responsibilities include administering the domestic Bahá’í Youth Service Corps program and Bahá’í campus associations.

The Bahá’í writings indicate that it is the role of youth to “guide the wayward, lead the hapless, free the captives and awaken the heedless” (quoted from a prayer by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá). It is on their shoulders that the Master has laid the principal responsibility of teaching. In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi we find that “the Bahá’í youth constitute the main active element in the Cause.” This concept is stressed again and again in messages from the Universal House of Justice.

With a bold vision for the redemption of the entire planet, Bahá’í youth participate in a wide variety of activities, including conferences, workshops, teaching and service projects, and systematic programs for the study of the Faith. These are important and essential components for the mobilization of youth. The momentum of these activities has steadily increased in recent years, with an especially strong surge during summer 2000.

This process-oriented development of youth activities is often referred to as a “youth movement.” A movement is more than a specific event or project, or even a long-term plan of action, and is made up of many individuals and groups. It is constantly evolving, building on the efforts of all who have gone before, and paving the way for future developments. It includes all the activities of Bahá’í youth, and is happening throughout the planet, as youth everywhere work to bring an entire generation one step closer to Bahá’u’lláh. ♦

Bridging generations

For the second year, the youth of Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, organized an out-of-the-ordinary celebration of the 12th Day of Ridván: a trip to a botanical garden with the community’s elder Bahá’ís as honored guests. In addition to regular efforts to build bridges between Bahá’ís of all generations, the Radnor youth gather monthly for dinner and fellowship.

Youth Committees in every U.S. region

Central States Regional Youth Committee of the Central States serving: Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri: e-mail Illinois and Indiana: e-mail Michigan and Ohio: e-mail North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Upper Peninsula of Michigan: e-mail Northeastern States Northeast Regional Bahá’í Youth Committee: e-mail

Southern States Southern Regional Youth Coordinating Team: e-mail Western States Youth Office for the Western States: e-mail Youth & Children’s Desks: Children: e-mail College Clubs: e-mail Junior & Senior High School: e-mail Youth Traveling Teaching, Homefront Pioneering and Year of Service: e-mail Youth Workshop: e-mail

ATTENTION COLLEGE STUDENTS

Stand up and be counted!

One Bahá’í representative from each university and college in the United States is requested to register with the Office of Youth Affairs. You can find out more on the U.S. Bahá’í Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org), or by contacting us:

Office of Youth Affairs Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 phone 847-733-3499 e-mail [Page 9]

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

call us • 800-999-9019 • toll free

First Time Ever Available to the World...

Writings and Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá a compilation $39.95 HC (WUABH)

Writings and Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is a compilation, in a single volume, of almost all the writings and talks of our beloved Master available in English. The book consists of two sections to allow for division between writings and talks. This anthology of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s writings in English is most gratefully welcomed as we strive to emulate His life through the study and application of His Writings that are “boundless in wisdom, consummate in form, generous and loving in spirit, and rich in significance.”

6¼" x 9¼", 1,368 pp.

FOR CHILDREN

Bahá’í Education for Children Books 1, 2 & 3 ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan $4.50 SC

Book 1:	Ages 5–6	(BEC1) 58 pp.
Book 2:	Age 7	(BEC2) 64 pp.
Book 3:	Age 8	(BEC3) 70 pp.

In light of the special focus given to us in the Riḍván 2000 message, this series of books provides yet another welcomed tool for educating children of various ages. Created years ago by the Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan, and later translated and revised with his permission, these lessons include Bahá’í quotes regarding the education of children, lesson plans and lesson reviews.

5½" x 8½"

Sally’s Coat written & illustrated by Gillian Nix $6.95 SC (SACO)

One day Sally is invited to play with her friends. Her mother encourages her to have fun but to be careful with her new coat. Yet, during a game of tag, her coat is accidentally torn. In order to avoid her mother’s anger, she and her friends imaginatively create potential stories. After fabricating a great number of incredible scenarios, Sally must decide what to tell her mother. The story concludes with quotes from various sacred scriptures regarding truthfulness.

8¼" x 5¼", 40 pp.

Readings To Grow By from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh illustrated by Anja Shanmugampillai $10.95 HC (RWBGBH) $6.95 SC (RWBGBS)

38 beautiful gems from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh are combined with wonderful illustrations depicting a child, seated and reading the writings, against a variety of settings that span the globe. These selected writings, covering a wide range of subjects, are of ideal length for memorization.

4¼" x 6½", 48 pp. [Page 10]

Supporting Our National Media Initiative

The most recent videos that have been broadcast as a part of the national media initiative are now available for individual and bulk sales. Whether used for local community support of the media aspect of the National Teaching Plan or for individual firesides, they represent a wonderful advancement in constructing a message ever-more “suited to the capacity of those who hear it.”

Bulk pricing as follows:

1 ................... $19.95	2–4 ................. $15.00 ea.
5–9 ................. $10.00 ea.	10+ ................. $7.50 ea.

We Are One (EWAON) This video explores the effect of Bahá’u’lláh’s extraordinary teachings of oneness on ordinary rural people. It opens with Dan Seals and his son Jesse using the guitar as an analogy to introduce principles of unity in diversity gently. Jesus the Christ is mentioned a number of times with great reverence. Throughout his series of poignant interviews with Bahá’í friends, Dan combines a spiritual compassion with his music and insightful lyrics. 28 minutes 30 seconds

I Am a Bahá’í (EIABN) A diverse range of everyday people describe, in their own words, their spiritual fulfillment as members of the Bahá’í Faith as well as the impact their religion has had on their lives. The Bahá’ís interviewed include single mothers, mid-level career women and men, young and old families. They discuss such issues as parenting, professional aspirations, interracial understanding, service to others and the power of the independent investigation of truth as elements of faith. 28 minutes

The Power of Prayer (EPOPN) A series of personal and highly accessible profiles introduces the viewer to Bahá’ís from diverse backgrounds and regions of the country and explores how they use prayer in their lives to meet challenges and create unity. Intermixed with basic Bahá’í principles and statistics, The Power of Prayer is a great introduction to basic concepts of the Bahá’í Faith. 28 minutes 30 seconds

La Fe Bahá’í—Latinos in the Bahá’í Faith (ELBFN) This introductory video, filmed in English, is the first to focus on Bahá’ís of Hispanic descent. The friends share their thoughts and impressions of being a Bahá’í from a Hispanic perspective. This inspiring and heartfelt video is suitable for seekers of any nationality. 28 minutes 30 seconds (in English)

The Bahá’ís, CD-ROM New Bulk Pack of 25 (BCDR/25)

Bulk pricing:

25 ........................ $7.00 each = $175

50 ........................ $6.00 each = $300

75 ........................ $5.00 each = $375

100 ...................... $4.00 each = $400

For individuals and communities engaged in the media initiative or interacting with seekers who wish to have computer access to this greatly successful Bahá’í introduction tool. The Bahá’ís CD-ROM includes: 2 hours of professionally narrated audio, 25 minutes of video, photos of the Arc Projects, text from the Central Figures, including excerpts from the Kitáb-i-Aqdas and Some Answered Questions as well as messages of the Universal House of Justice including The Promise of World Peace. Ideal for presentations to newspapers, TV stations, religious leaders or university and local libraries. Provides a dignified and informative gift for friends and relatives, for computer firesides and for presentation at teaching kiosks. (Note: bulk CDs do not include jewel case as with single units.)

The Olive Trees of Bahjí photographed by Darius Himes 10 blank note cards $15.00 (OTBNC) These stunning black-and-white photographs capture the age and majesty of the exquisite olive trees that contribute, so memorably, to the grandeur of the formal gardens that surround the Qiblih of the Bahá’í world. These blank note cards are appropriate for all occasions and are suitable for sending to any friend. 7" x 5"

Táhirih A Poetic Vision written & illustrated by Ivan Lloyd with Persian calligraphy by Saie Monjazeb $15.95 SC (TAH) Mr. Lloyd has captured the beauty and heroism of Táhirih by creating a multifaceted work that incorporates a brief and highly readable historical account of her life, with a selection of her poems represented in Persian and in English. To this he has added nine breathtaking full-color illustrations, reproduced from his original oil paintings, that depict the significant events surrounding the life and martyrdom of the most renowned heroine of the Bahá’í Faith. 7" x 8½", 67 pp.

Without Syllable or Sound The World’s Sacred Scriptures in the Bahá’í Faith Michael Sours $17.95 SC (WSS) “Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.” —Bahá’u’lláh

Michael Sours examines Bahá’í teachings concerning the sacred books and scriptures of five world faiths—Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. In it he states that the ultimate purpose of the book is “to help Bahá’ís gain an understanding about other scriptures that will facilitate more harmonious interfaith relations.” Suitable for Bahá’ís and well-read seekers, the book assumes some prior knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith. 5½" x 8½", 208 pp.

Book of Prayer A Treasury of Prayers from Around the World compiled by Juliet Mabey $15.95 HC (BOP) From the well-loved classics of the world faiths to the wise words of indigenous traditions, this is a unique treasury of prayers to enrich the soul. Featuring prayers both ancient and modern and including 25 prayers from the Bahá’í sacred writings, this is a rich and thoughtful collection to keep or to share as a loving reminder of the common human experience from which diverse forms of prayer arise. 6" x 6", 208 pp.

Core Curriculum Learning Activities

Central Figures Strands

The following curricula are taken from Core Curriculum, a project of the National Bahá’í Education Task Force. In light of the recent focus on children, we are pleased to announce that these successful learning activities have been released for general distribution through BDS. The flow of activities within each series is designed to help children meet “knowledge,” “wisdom,” “spiritual perception” and “eloquent speech” objectives. Each series of activities may be carried out over the span of several hours, or over several class periods. We are confident these will make a most valuable addition to your formal and informal children’s classes.

The Báb	Bahá’u’lláh
$12.00 SC (CCLABAB)	$13.00 SC (CCLAB)
8½" x 11", 112 pp.	8½" x 11", 140 pp.

[Page 11]The Singapore Council of Women and the Women’s Movement an account of Shirin Fozdar and the Women’s Movement in Singapore Dr. Phyllis Ghim Lian Chew $5.00 SC (SCWWM)

Dr. Chew’s work documents in ‎scrupulous scrupulously‎ researched detail a now half-forgotten and underappreciated movement in Singapore, which struggled for women’s betterment throughout the 1950s. Based on interviews, personal letters and records from the Singapore Council of Women, this account documents the history of the women’s movement in Singapore, in which Shirin Fozdar, a Bahá’í, played a significant role.

7" x 9¼", 38 pp.

The Glorious Journey to God Selections From Sacred Scriptures on the Afterlife Compiled by Hushidar Motlagh, Ed.D. $15.00 SC (GJG)

This 258-page compilation begins with an introduction to the Bahá’í Faith and proceeds with a useful table of contents detailing the 300+ items related to life, death and afterlife as taken from the Bahá’í sacred writings, the Qur’án and the Old and New Testaments. The Glorious Journey to God is an inspiring read for one seeking individual enlightenment on the topic and is a most useful reference for one searching for the right words to console a grieving friend of any religion.

5½" x 8½", 258 pp.

MUSIC

A Woman and Her Words Based on the true story of a 19th-Century Legend starring Tadia music by Ellis Hall $16.99 CD (WHWCD)

Many audiences have had the bounty of experiencing this remarkable theatrical music drama based upon the story of Táhirih. From the show’s breathtaking opening to the dramatic and triumphant conclusion, this production is exceptional for its clarity and its presence. The lush music soundtrack and songs are adapted from Táhirih’s poems from over 150 years ago.

Sacred Verses Grant Hindin Miller $16.95 CD (SVCD)

This collection of familiar prayers and writings—including “Whither Can a Lover Go,” the Tablet of Ahmad and “Blessed is the Spot”—is recited and sung by Mr. Miller as well as other adults and children. Sacred Verses is a most reverent and diverse musical selection that will provide new melodies for Feasts and devotionals.

In Quest of the Beloved The Seven Valleys and other selections from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh recited by Lisa Janti music by Bob Alcivar $15.00 CD (QBCD)

These selections from the writings of Bahá’u’lláh represent some of the most inspirational and mystical verses from His vast Revelation. The meditations have been taken from The Seven Valleys, The Four Valleys, Gleanings and the Hidden Words. Lisa Janti is the executive producer of U.P. Inc., an arts and education organization for youth. Bob Alcivar is a Grammy- and Golden Globe-nominated producer and arranger. Together they have created a wonderful mix in which the spoken word and original music interact in a uniquely beautiful and dynamic way.

Solace of the Eyes Songs of Táhirih Tadia music composed by M. S. Rice & Ellis Hall $14.99 CD (SOECD)

This enchanting and compelling production features songs from the musical drama A Woman and Her Words (also reviewed in this issue) that features the inspired voice of Tadia. With haunting power and intellectual mystery, she brings to life the poetry of Táhirih. Continuum Magazine called Solace of the Eyes “entrancing, commanding, extraordinary, passionate. ... Powerful poetry sung beautifully.”

Beyond This World Mansoor Sobhani $15.00 CD (BTWCD)

Whether chanting a prayer by Bahá’u’lláh or singing a heartfelt rendition of “Dastam Begir ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” Mr. Sobhani empowers each familiar piece with his radiant spirit. Many selections are accompanied by santour. Prayers also include “The Healing Prayer” and “Is There Any Remover of Difficulties.”

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Bahá’í Distribution Service • 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd. • Atlanta, GA 30336 call us • 800-999-9019 • toll free [Page 12]One Year Plan 2000

GOAL: CARRY OUT THE NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

• Involve individuals, communities and institutions
• Encourage leadership and initiative among youth
• Make training institutes fully operational

The disappearance of distances

Commentary: Contacts at Temple provide perspective on sacrifice

BY CYNTHIA MCKENZIE, HIGHLAND PARK, IL

As I hung my volunteer guide’s badge around my neck and started my Sunday afternoon shift at the Bahá’í House of Worship Visitors’ Center in Wilmette, I felt the world shrink around me.

Although I live only 15 miles from the Temple, I get there to volunteer much less often than I should. That 15 miles can feel like the distance to the nearest solar system because of my home responsibilities, and as far as the closest galaxy when deeply involved with Bahá’í community duties. But the real truth is—living so close, I take the House of Worship for granted.

Two fellow guides quickly opened my eyes to how far my 15 miles away shouldn’t be.

Tania Steele and her friend Elba Daniels drove all the way from their homes in Brooklyn, New York, to volunteer a week of service. They even brought their children, who quietly played in the background all afternoon. Tania told me that before she got to Wilmette, she felt unworthy to volunteer and would willingly have swept floors or washed walls—whatever was needed. She was thrilled when she was asked to greet visitors and share the Faith.

Prayers and tears

Her crowning moment was reading prayers upstairs during devotions. Standing alone at the dais with reverent tears clouding her eyes, she barely saw the words on the page. She told me that, at that moment, she felt like a queen with the angels in heaven watching. Tania wished all her loved ones in New York could see her.

Tania and Elba stayed at a hotel 45 minutes’ drive from the House of Worship. Elba found herself completely rededicated to service and teaching in Brooklyn after her uplifting experience that week.

Here were two faithful, dedicated volunteers who drove 1,000 miles to serve the Faith. Was I ever ashamed of my reluctance to take that 15-mile trek!

Tania Steele (from left), Wesley Baker, Jane Goldstone, Arisa Goldstone and Elba Daniels pose at the Bahá’í House of Worship Visitors’ Center. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

But moments later relative distances shrunk even more drastically when a charming lady from Japan approached us with her teen-age daughter. She had a question about a computer printout from the Internet which she used to plan her visit to the House of Worship. She pointed out a scheduled 2 p.m. event. “Where is it being held?” The miles between Tokyo and Wilmette were reduced to a keystroke and a millisecond. Jane Hiroko Nishi Goldstone and her lovely daughter Arisa Goldstone were directed to the Sunday Fellowship meeting led by Wesley Baker in the Viewing Room.

Wesley, formerly of Seattle, Washington, and Alton, Illinois, is no stranger to long distances. He was serving at our House of Worship as part of a 12-month trip taking him to all the Bahá’í Houses of Worship around the world. He plans to volunteer at each blessed spot for two months before returning to his adopted home of Uganda. His singing and speaking that afternoon were inspirational.

Just as he finished, a busload of distinguished-looking Asian men entered the Visitors’ Center with an energetic tour leader speaking Chinese to them. They caught Jane Goldstone’s eye and she was transformed from visitor to Temple volunteer in that flash. She is a translator, fluent in Japanese and English, and has knowledge of Chinese. So she grabbed free Chinese-language Bahá’í brochures from the wall display and fell in quietly behind the tour. She didn’t need to say a word to them because the group’s tour leader was doing an excellent job explaining the Bahá’í Faith to these touring medical doctors—and the visitors had found the brochures themselves.

One doctor told Jane and me that this was the first time their tour included our place of worship. We were so pleased to know that these important men will take back to China an accurate impression of the House of Worship and our Faith.

A shrinking world

How small was the world that day? My friend Vladimir Shilov—a fairly recent immigrant from Russia and frequent photographer at the House of Worship—took a picture of our group: Tania and Elba from New York, Jane and Arisa from Japan, Wesley from Africa and me from just 15 miles away!

Einstein discovered time is relative, but I discovered distance is too.

Sometimes the world is just a willing heart and a short drive away. ♦

If you are planning a trip to the Chicago area and would like to volunteer at the House of Worship, contact the Activities Office (phone 847-853-2300, e-mail ).

Southern States Council plans region-wide conference

The Regional Bahá’í Council of the Southern States has organized its first-ever region-wide conference for Bahá’ís and their guests, “A Celebration of the South,” Nov. 23–26 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

With the theme “Linking Our Hearts to Bahá’u’lláh,” the conference is intended to strengthen the believers’ bonds of love and obedience to the Blessed Beauty, and to reinforce their consecration to service to His Cause in preparation for the Five Year Plan and the new century.

It will focus on the primary themes of the One Year Plan, as called for by the Universal House of Justice:

• Systematizing teaching efforts.
• Fully developing the network of training institutes.
• Addressing the needs of junior youth and children.

Hotel rooms are available at a discounted rate: $70 per night plus tax for a room that will accommodate up to four. To reserve a room, contact the Renaissance Nashville Hotel (phone 800-327-6618 or 615-255-8400) by Nov. 2 and ask for the Bahá’í Conference rate. Rooms may ‎reserved be reserved‎ with a credit or debit card.

For details and updates, check the Regional Councils section of the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org). ♦

On the next Bahá’í Newsreel

Watch it at your local Feast of ‘Ilm, Oct. 15–16

• Watch as the Bahá’ís of College Station, Texas, rally around their local teaching plan to advance the process of entry by troops. (A video view of the front page story from The American Bahá’í, July 13, 2000.)

Photo by Duane Troxel

• See the mobilization of the youth of the South, as they participate in a region-wide summer teaching initiative that brought in more than 60 new believers. (Even more details will appear in the Nov. 4, 2000, issue of The American Bahá’í, along with a report on an amazing youth teaching project in the West.)

• Experience the momentum of the Spirit Run, fueled by the dream of one Bahá’í and the collaboration of local, regional and national institutions. (See also the story on page 7, this issue.)

• Witness the power of individual initiative, as illustrated by the Day of Honor Campaign and the Children’s Theater Company.

• Finally, see how every man, woman and child can contribute his or her share to build the Kingdom of God on Earth.

[Page 13]

New confidence in teaching

‘Christians’ course earns ‘A’ in its test run

BY BARBARA McCORD, EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS OFFICE

Seven young Southern Californians became the first contingent of trainees in the new course Teaching Christians Through the Use of the Holy Books, during a recent five-day “test run” of the course.

This course is now available for all Bahá’ís interested in becoming more effective teachers of the Bahá’í Faith to our Christian friends.

The session with youths age 14–20 at Nine Oaks Bahá’í Institute in Arroyo Grande, California, was “phenomenal,” said instructor Karen Olin Parrish, who had helped the National Education and Schools Office adapt the course to be part of the national curriculum Fundamental Verities Series.

“These youth/pre-youth were so on fire, were so focused on tackling the material—taking notes, looking up every reference in their Bibles, loving the art projects and the many teaching role-playing activities, etc.,” she said.

Among the trainees’ comments:

• “This is so important, so urgent!”
• “This class is so well-organized.”
• “I always avoided Christians before because I didn’t know what to say. Now I feel I can talk with them.”
• “My God! I know things that almost no one else knows!” said a 14-year-old who has been investigating the Faith for a few months, as the magnitude of the Revelation was striking her. She later asked, “Do the adults who take this class get to do all these activities we’re doing?”

Origin of the course

The course was adapted from materials originally developed and presented in the Northwest by David Young.

“The National Spiritual Assembly recognized the success of Dr. Young’s Writings-based approach to the Bible and asked the National Bahá’í Education Task Force to translate it into a participative, skill-based format that can be readily used all over the country,” said Joannie Yuille, a member of the Education Task Force.

Young, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, said, “Since 87 per cent of the population out there is Christian-oriented or of Christian background, it’s vitally important that most Bahá’ís, virtually all Bahá’ís, need to be able to handle the most common questions that Christians are going to ask us.”

Those common questions, he said, are heard from Christians of every background. And they can be answered effectively from our Writings, if we keep in mind that we are fellow believers in Christ and in the Bible.

Left to right: Conference coordinator Karen Olin Parrish, Melanie King, Victoria Sannella, Sophia McDonald, Anne Zinke, Josh Johnston and Jenara Nerenberg discuss an aspect of the new course material on how to share the Faith with Christians.

Fundamental Verities Part IV: Teaching Christians Through the Use of the Holy Books, a course developed by the National Spiritual Assembly, is available for $8 through the Bahá’í Distribution Service (phone 800-999-9019). Materials include looseleaf-style pages that can be copied as workbooks and handouts for participants.

The course is based on Teaching Christians More Effectively, the vibrant workshops designed by David Young, National Spiritual Assembly member. It is designed for ease of implementation and especially for use by regional training institutes. It evokes the spirit of the Faith while giving Bahá’ís—pre-youth through adults—basic knowledge of its principles.

Based on the Sacred Writings, the course utilizes a learning model built to develop a person’s knowledge, wisdom, spiritual perception and eloquent speech through in-depth exposure to the Writings.

The same reasons that lead people to accept Christ, the Bible and Christianity will also lead them to accept Bahá’u’lláh and the Bahá’í Revelation, he added.

“This is exactly the line Bahá’u’lláh takes in using the models and principles He does in the Kitáb-i-Íqán to prove to a true seeker that in fact the Bahá’í Faith is the same religion. Bahá’u’lláh says, ‘This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future.’”

He added, in the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “For the foundations of Christianity and the religion of Bahá’u’lláh are one. The foundations of all the divine Prophets and Holy Books are one.”

“Since 87 percent of the population out there is Christian-oriented or of Christian background ... virtually all Bahá’ís need to be able to handle the most common questions that Christians are going to ask us.” —David Young

Classes, then action

In the five-day test run, Parrish adapted the course materials to a daily schedule of two classes, two hours each.

The group immediately put their training into practice each day with teaching activities. “We were out in public, wearing Bahá’í T-shirts and radiating love and unity on four occasions,” Parrish said. “Two of those times were purely for fun, and two involved teaching the Faith directly.”

The group staffed an information booth at a local beach one afternoon, then staffed another at a popular weekly farmer’s market in a college town.

Parrish said the young teachers felt very empowered to speak to people—including a Mormon, some atheists and a born-again Christian, among others. “The youth became very excited when they were asked the exact same questions they had just covered in class!” she said.

Feeding the success of this conference was the strong support offered by many nearby Bahá’í communities.

Funds donated by local communities reduced the youth attendance fees by half. In addition, adults from many localities contributed time and effort: preparing meals, organizing a beach cookout, providing materials for teaching events, doing laundry, buying groceries and doing other support tasks.

One extremely hot afternoon some adults offered to take the students to a beach. “But the youth declined and wanted to keep working!” Parrish enthused.

Wilmette Institute

EST. 1995

Distance Learning Courses: Bahá’í Theology; The Qur’án

Bahá’í Theology, Nov. 1, 2000–Jan. 31, 2001

This course will explore the Bahá’í concepts of God, the Manifestation of God, divine revelation, the nature of human beings, and the nature and purpose of physical creation. From these flow two related ideas: the Bahá’í concepts of the nature and purpose of the afterlife (which relates closely to the nature and purpose of life) and of the Covenant (which relates to the idea of progressive revelation).

All these fascinating and profound subjects will be explored through readings, e-mail discussion and conference calls. They will provide a Bahá’í with an understanding of some of the Faith’s most important and basic, but less understood, teachings. Designed for most adult Bahá’ís. Tuition: $150*

The Qur’án, Dec. 1, 2000–Feb. 28, 2001

This course will provide Bahá’ís with an ideal opportunity to familiarize themselves with the holy book of Islam, described by the Guardian as the only “absolutely authenticated Repository of the Word of God” before the writings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. Details will be available in future issues of The American Bahá’í.

The Kitáb-i-Íqán, Sept. 1–Nov. 30

Registration for this course will be open through the end of September as long as space is available. The course will not be offered again until 2002. Tuition: $150* * 20% discounts apply to local study groups of three or more

All courses include e-mail listservers for students and faculty, regular conference calls, systematic lesson plans and a wide variety of learning projects to apply in your local community. All courses are available at an introductory, intermediate (college-level) or advanced (graduate) level. Financial aid is available for students unable to pay full tuition.

THE WILMETTE INSTITUTE 536 Sheridan Road Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone/fax: 877-WILMETTE (toll-free) E-mail:

Web site: www.wilmetteinstitute.org The Web site is secure for accepting credit card payment of tuition. [Page 14]

Regions build teaching networks

BY MARILYN RAY, CENTRAL STATES TRAVELING TEACHING COORDINATOR

Would you like to have a visitor? Do you need some Bahá’í love and contact? Give your traveling teaching coordinator a call!

Does your community have an upcoming service project, proclamation event or teaching effort that could use some extra manpower? Give your traveling teaching coordinator a call!

Would you like to be part of a network of Bahá’ís who will offer hospitality to Bahá’í traveling teachers? Give your traveling teaching coordinator a call!

Do you need forms to volunteer for traveling teaching, or to ask for travelers to come to your community? Look on the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org) if you plan to travel in the Western or Central States, or ... give your traveling teaching coordinator a call!

Traveling teaching coordinators across the country have helped hundreds of Bahá’ís travel through every region. The work they facilitate ranges from simple visits without formal programs to very complex media events.

The results?

• Invigoration of communities.
• Individuals arising to new levels of activity.
• Greater cohesion within communities.
• Help with bigger projects from all over a state.

One small community in Kansas was raised to Assembly status, due largely to the effect of several traveling teachers passing through the town. People in another state were seen at Unit Convention for the first time, after a family of traveling teachers touched their hearts. In St. Louis, Missouri, a Bahá’í choir has been invited repeatedly to perform at churches. There have even been reunions of hosts of certain traveling teachers, to reminisce about how wonderful it was to have them!

The Bahá’í dance troupe Espiritu de Esperanza from Vermont performs recently in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. The Northeastern States, for more than a year, have had an organized, active network of traveling teachers. Photo by Kirk E. Felix

In the Central States: State traveling teaching coordinators (TTCs) are forming networks of friends willing to host traveling teachers—for something as simple as a cup of coffee or housing a teacher for a night, or more complex tasks such as organizing a dinner or arranging publicity. The Regional Bahá’í Council has asked each Assembly and group to appoint a TTC contact person to assist planning for traveling teaching and local events.

In the Western States: Whether you are an artist, orator, poet or musician, the West needs your love of Bahá’u’lláh to infuse the “breath of life” into the waiting souls within our region! State traveling teaching coordinators look forward to hearing of:

• Your traveling teaching plans at any stage, even if you have already carried them out.
• Your community’s future teaching activities (and people to contact locally about them).

In the Southern States: The Southern Regional Traveling Teaching Team has formed a network of state and metro area traveling teaching coordinators throughout the South. Names of the coordinators are available from the Regional Team and eventually will be distributed to Assemblies and registered groups.

Remember the countless exhortations of the Master, including: “Teachers must continually travel to all parts of the continent, nay, rather, to all parts of the world, but they must travel like ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who journeyed throughout the cities of America. He was sanctified and free from every attachment and in the utmost severance. Just as His Holiness Christ says: Shake off the very dust from your feet.” —From a Tablet of the Divine Plan to the United States and Canada

Would you like to bring joy to the heart of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and facilitate traveling teaching? Give your traveling teaching coordinator a call! ♦

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

The Office of Pioneering is eager to assist the friends preparing for international service. For information regarding jobs and study abroad, or international traveling teaching opportunities and other events, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail ).

Answers to frequent questions about serving internationally are posted on the Web (www.usbnc.org, NSA Departments). See page 27 to report an international trip.

HOMEFRONT SERVICE

Detailed information to help those who wish to travel and teach or pioneer within the 48 contiguous states is available on the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org), in the Regional Bahá’í Councils section.

Northeastern States

To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer, contact the Northeast Regional Bahá’í Council secretary, Joel Nizin (phone , e-mail ).

To inquire about traveling teaching, contact the traveling teaching coordinator, Diana Rouse Kaufman (phone , e-mail ).

Central States

To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer, contact the Central Regional Bahá’í Council secretary, Lynn Wieties (phone , e-mail ).

To inquire about traveling teaching, contact the appropriate state traveling teaching coordinator (list is available on www.usbnc.org in the Regional Councils section) or contact Marilyn Ray (phone , e-mail ).

Western States

To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer or about traveling teaching, contact the appropriate traveling teaching-homefront pioneering coordinator for each state (list available on www.usbnc.org in the Regional Councils section), or one of the regional coordinators: Traveling teaching: Jan Saced, (phone , e-mail ).

Homefront pioneering: Flor Toloui, (phone , e-mail ).

For information on American Indian reservations, contact the American Indian regional traveling teaching-homefront pioneering coordinator, Helen Kiely, (phone , e-mail ).

Southern States

To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer or about traveling teaching, please contact the Southern Regional Traveling Teaching and Homefront Pioneering Coordination Team c/o Anne Jalali, secretary (phone , e-mail ) or Connie Donley, (phone , e-mail ).

The below goals and opportunities have been designated or reviewed by agencies of the Regional Bahá’í Councils.

Northeastern States

S.O.S ... Save our Smithtown, New York, Assembly of 22 years. Our community has eight active members. On the North Shore of Long Island, Smithtown offers excellent schools and a nearby state university and community college; 1½-hour commute to New York City. Our industrial park offers employment opportunities in various fields. We have beaches, boating and fishing. Contact Mildred Moore, (phone ) or (phone ).

Urgently needed: Spanish speaking traveling teacher for New Cassel (Long Island, New York). Please contact the community (phone 516-747-5853).

Southern States

The Regional Council has placed top priority for homefront pioneering on cities with populations of 50,000 or more and no Local Spiritual Assembly in March 2000.

• Arkansas: Fort Smith, Pine Bluff
• Florida: Daytona Beach, Hialeah, Melbourne, Miami, Pensacola, Sarasota, West Palm Beach
• Georgia: Albany
• Kentucky: Owensboro
• Louisiana: Bossier City, Kenner, Lake Charles, Monroe
• North Carolina: Gastonia
• Oklahoma: Broken Arrow
• South Carolina: North Charleston
• Tennessee: Jackson
• Texas: Baytown, Beaumont, Galveston, Killeen, Laredo, Longview, Mesquite, Odessa, San Angelo
• Virginia: Danville, Lynchburg, Portsmouth, Suffolk
• West Virginia: Huntington

Miami, Florida, with a highly developed tourist industry, has three universities, an excellent transportation system with countywide bus service and rail rapid transit. Despite a population of 480,000, there is no Local Spiritual Assembly. An ideal pioneer would be fluent in English and Spanish, because the city is 60% Hispanic. Please contact the Southern Regional Traveling Teaching and Homefront Pioneering Coordination Team listed at right.

Western States

The Regional Bahá’í Council has put emphasis on Assembly goals in the seven “breath of life” states designated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan: Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Goal localities include the following (complete list on www.usbnc.org). For communities on Indian reservations (marked with *), contact the American Indian regional traveling teaching-homefront pioneering coordinator listed at right.

• Arizona: Apache Junction, Bapchule District*, Buckeye, Chino Valley, Goodyear, Kingman, Houck Chapter*, Surprise, Tolleson
• Idaho: Ada Co., Fort Hall Indian Reservation*, Kootenai Co., Meridian
• Montana: Blackfeet Indian Reservation*, Crow Agency*, Flathead County, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Lewis and Clark Co., Northern Cheyenne Reservation*, St. Ignatius, Yellowstone County; Assembly communities seeking support: Billings, Bozeman, Butte-Silver Bow, Missoula County, Ravalli County
• Nevada: Boulder City, Churchill Co., Lyon Co., Pahrump, Winchester
• New Mexico: Artesia, Deming, Grants, Jicarilla Apache Reservation*, Los Lunas, Lovington, Luna Co., Mountainair, Rio Arriba Co., Shiprock Chapter*, Socorro
• Utah: Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, La Verkin, Layton, Midvale, Ogden, Roy, Uintah-Ouray*; Assembly community seeking support: West Valley City
• Wyoming: Casper, Cody, Gillette, Laramie County, Newcastle, Rawlins, Rock Springs, Weston County, Wind River Reservation*; Assembly communities seeking support: Cheyenne, Laramie
• Colorado: 11 goal communities, including jeopardized Assemblies in Lafayette, Manitou Springs
• California: 42 goal communities, including jeopardized Assembly in Sierra Madre
• Oregon: 19 goal communities
• Washington: 40 goal communities; jeopardized Assembly in Washougal ♦

[Page 15]One YEAR PLAN 2000 GOAL: STRENGTHEN AND FOSTER MATURITY OF THE BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY

• Reinforce external affairs activities
• Encourage success of the Kingdom Project
• Strengthen social and economic development

New director for Office of Women’s Affairs

Sasha Williams of Lansing, Michigan, has been named director of the National Spiritual Assembly’s Office of Women’s Affairs.

Established in 1998, the Office of Women’s Affairs will continue to serve as a center of research and expert advice on gender equality and trends affecting women, for the National Spiritual Assembly as well for regional and local Bahá’í efforts.

To the Office of Women’s Affairs, Williams brings a passion for social justice. In the past, this passion has been expressed through the study of race relations, gender equality, and the environment, work with youth, exploration of the arts, and engagement in local community development. Academically, Williams has pursued this interest with degrees in music and intercultural studies, with particular focus on ethnomusicology and how the social constructions of race and gender intersect.

Williams was a dialogue facilitator with the Multi-Racial Unity Living Experience at Michigan State University, and before joining the Office of Women’s Affairs she served as assistant to the National Committee for the Equality of Women and Men.

The Office of Women’s Affairs was inaugurated with Juana Conrad, assistant secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, as director. The office has helped facilitate a number of equality activities, and produced the essay collection Common Journeys: Bahá’í Women on Gender Equality as a result of a seminar on equality from the perspectives of women of various cultures.

The Office of Women’s Affairs may be contacted at 416 S. Butler Blvd., Lansing, MI (phone 517-484-8371, e-mail ).

‘One Human Family’ shines through tests

BY TOM MENNILLO

There’s no denying that the theft of $30,000 in equipment was a blow to the One Human Family Workshops.

It came at a time the fledgling Bahá’í-inspired social and economic development project is struggling to establish a solid financial foundation.

But, said spokesperson Katharine Day, a Bahá’í in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, OHF hasn’t faltered in its work of creating “pockets of peace” communities can carry forward:

• Its choral tour hardly skipped a beat after the July 26 theft outside a Philadelphia motel.
• Corporate and organizational seminars aimed at combating racism continue. These examine such topics as the abolitionist movement, black theology, self-expression and music as ministry.
• Affiliated choirs have formed in six urban areas: Boston, Massachusetts; Columbus, Ohio; Conway/Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Durham, North Carolina; Madison/Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Chicago, Illinois.
• Plans are being made for performances this fall in Belgium and the recording of a CD for mass distribution.
• A workshop on “Uniting the World One Heart at a Time” will be conducted at the development seminar preceding this December’s Bahá’í Conference on Social and Economic Development for the Americas in Orlando, Florida, and performances will be given during the conference.

The nonprofit OHF was created three years ago under the direction of gospel singer/musician Eric Dozier, a Bahá’í in Durham, North Carolina, along with friends Dilsey Davis of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Cara Williams of Columbus, Ohio.

Its aim, as stated on its Web site (www.onehumanfamily.org), is to foster “the eradication of racism, the uplifting of the African-American community, and the creation of a multi-faith, multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-generational community.”

One Human Family Workshop Choir performances are envisioned as “a feast for the eyes as well as the ear, rendering blessings for the soul.” Photo courtesy of Cara Williams

Diversity on tour

The “multi” nature of OHF’s work was quite evident on the recent tour, its third.

Venues included churches, synagogues and major performance halls in northern Virginia, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. A triumphant final performance was given at Green Acre Bahá’í School in Eliot, Maine.

Day said the participation of many recognized Christian gospel singers—some of them featured soloists—wonderfully helps make performances more acceptable to people who might otherwise claim OHF doesn’t sing authentic gospel.

It also illustrates a potential for unity in diversity that cannot be expressed in words alone.

One attendee in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, wrote that the concert “presented the most vivid real-life image of the one human family that I have ever witnessed. ... What a great gift to give to this city! Thank you OHF and may God continue to guide and bless you on this most inspired effort!”

At each stop, the choir presented a spirit-filled concert “showcasing the linkage of African to African-American music ranging from the rhythms of African drums, to spirituals, to contemporary gospel, to a new form which fuses gospel with sounds originating from our neighbors of the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East,” as the Web site puts it.

Many art forms

Performances included not just music, but also dance, interpretive text and projected images, making them “a feast for the eyes as well as ... the ear and rendering lessons and blessings for the soul.”

In addition, the touring choir conducted several gospel music workshops, affording audiences an opportunity to “sing praises together and learn more about the historical significance of the spirituals and gospel music.”

Each workshop culminated in everyone taking to the stage to sing during that night’s concert.

“Some of the people there were experienced gospel singers, some were singing gospel for the first time, and some just had a general desire and passion to promote the oneness of humanity,” Dozier said. “The goal is really unity, and music is a means to attain it.”

And the results are consistently promising, with regard to the music as well as the underlying goal of unity.

“We bring people together to show them what they can create in a short time with that goal in mind—to promote peace on the planet,” Dozier said.

Also performing and conducting workshops during the tour was a youth group presenting a “unifying and encouraging message to their peers through song, dance, rap, poetry, and speech.”

The 93-person OHF entourage had many challenges during the tour, including a youth’s bout with food poisoning and the news that one of Dozier’s close relatives had passed away.

Crisis and victory

But it was in Philadelphia that the 93-person entourage was most severely tested.

The morning after performing at Congregation Rodeph Shalom synagogue, tour members awoke at their motel to discover that their rented truck had been broken into, a large number of musical instruments and sound equipment stolen, and the vehicle rendered inoperable.

Thanks to Philadelphia’s police commissioner, who had enthusiastically attended the synagogue performance, multiple units soon were on the scene gathering evidence.

The tour went on.

A Bahá’í’s generous contribution allowed equipment to be rented for the choir’s appearance in a large Boston hall.

Other venues had sound equipment available in-house or were small enough for the choir to go without amplification.

Financial repercussions remain, however.

OHF charges tour members only about $300 each to help cover expenses. And contributions from event sponsors and free-will offerings have not made up the remainder of the tour’s $50,000 cost.

On top of that, insurance did not cover the loss of equipment because the vehicle itself was not stolen.

The Regional Bahá’í Councils of the Northeastern States and the Southern States have encouraged support for OHF. For more information contact the Spiritual Assembly of Durham, P.O. Box 51116, Durham, NC 27717.

In the longer term, Day said, the OHF board is looking to make its finances more sturdy. The non-profit’s 501(c)3 status should be achieved soon, she said, opening the door to some promised grants.

So, don’t be surprised if the OHF caravan rolls into your town sometime next summer. Too many connections are being made within the one human family for this work to be abandoned. ♦ [Page 16]In 1916 and 1917, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sent us His Tablets of the Divine Plan, establishing the mission of the American Bahá’í community and directing our first steps in achieving that mission.

As "chief trustees" of this Divine Plan, we have inescapable obligations to our Supreme Body, to our sister national communities and to each other, all across this specially blessed land. Our effort to meet these goals will, in and of itself, hasten the advancement of the fortunes of our Faith.

Our capacity must expand to foster and accommodate dramatic growth, which is fast approaching. Therefore, with the blessing of the Universal House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States has designed a Comprehensive Development Plan to take the American Bahá’í community to our next level of advancement, maturation and service to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, building on the spiritual foundation laid by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

A financial commitment of $60 million over the next five years is required to achieve the initiatives listed below.

This development plan's goals represent investments in our future, and demand sacrifices above and beyond the regular contributions needed to carry on the annual operations of our national community and our ongoing commitments to the international Funds of the Faith.

COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN COMPONENTS

• Mashriqu’l-Adhkár
• The Mother Temple and Gardens
• Temple Visitor Center
• Bahá’í Home for the Aged
• National Hazíratu’l-Quds
• National Archives
• Advancing the Process of Entry by Troops
• Media Initiative
• Bahá’í Publishing
• Bahá’í-Owned Schools
• Providing for the Future
• Strategic Reserves
• Establishing an Endowment

PROGRESS REPORT AS OF MID-SEPTEMBER 2000

• More than 2,500 individuals have pledged or made cash contributions.
• Over $18 million in pledges or cash contributions has been committed to the Kingdom Project.

BUILDING THE KINGDOM: IT’S OUR TIME

"Your mission is unspeakably glorious. Should success crown your enterprise, America will assuredly evolve into a center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the Kingdom of God will, in the plenitude of its majesty and glory, be firmly established." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Building the Kingdom: It’s Our Time is a development plan of a type never before launched by our National Spiritual Assembly. Therefore, it is only natural that questions arise. Here are answers to some frequent questions:

What is a pledge?

A pledge is a voluntary commitment—a promise. Each person or institution prayerfully considers their own capacity in a spirit of sacrifice, then pledges the total amount that can be offered between now and Ridván 2005.

Is my pledge in addition to regular contributions?

Yes. The operational expenses of our Spiritual Assemblies, both national and local, continue and must be maintained.

Why are pledges being requested by Ridván 2002?

The National Spiritual Assembly must proceed with some components of the Comprehensive Development Plan immediately. While others will be undertaken later, planning for them relies on the knowledge that resources will be forthcoming from the friends as they unfold.

How do I make my pledge?

Once you have decided the total amount you can pledge to contribute during these five years, enter that amount on a pledge card (they have been mailed to Bahá’ís nationwide). If you wish to complete your pledge before Ridván 2005, write in that date. Indicate how you would like to fulfill your pledge: by check, credit card or automatic contribution. Fulfillment of the pledge should be made systematically, with portions paid either monthly, quarterly or yearly over the pledge period.

Where can I get a pledge card?

Contact the Kingdom Project (Office of the Treasurer, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091-2839; phone: 847-733-3521).

Can I make a contribution Immediately?

Yes. A check made out to "Kingdom Project" can be mailed to the Treasurer's Office using any Treasurer's envelope.

Is the Kingdom Project a separate fund?

No. The Kingdom Project is part of the National Bahá’í Fund.

THE KINGDOM PROJECT IN ACTION: LOUIS G. GREGORY BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTE

After being stripped virtually to its frame, a principal building at the Louis G. Gregory Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina, is being rebuilt, and already has been re-roofed.

The professionals examine our construction plan—material and spiritual

BY JAMES HUMPHREY

Building professionals can be a tough crowd to impress. But when Bahá’ís in the construction and design business visit the House of Worship in Wilmette, they’re almost certain to fall in love with the building all over again.

And it was more than the building that captivated an invited group of Bahá’í architects, engineers, contractors and others during an Aug. 12 program. It was the loving and practical process that is being crafted to ensure the building serves humanity for centuries to come.

"There’s a lot of spirituality in the whole process," said architect Massoud Mohadjeri of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His wife, Roya Tahiri Mohadjeri, also an architect, marveled at the vision, research, consultation and innovations that were evident from the day’s presentations: "I can see the foundations of a new civilization in this."

About 25 professionals from across the country traveled to the heartland to see, touch and hear about the elements of our National Spiritual Assembly’s efforts to conserve the Mother Temple of the West—a building born of spiritual vision but vulnerable to the same forces of nature that attack all works of concrete, steel and earth.

Many visitors had nearly two decades' perspective on the effort, having been part of a 1983 gathering of building professionals that helped shape the first stage of Temple restoration from the mid-1980s through the early 1990s. That multimillion-dollar campaign helped reverse the destruction from water seepage in many of the wall panels, and prevent it from happening in future. It also represented a vast leap in planning for long-term Temple upkeep.

"One delightful surprise was that the National Assembly has adopted a lot of the recommendations from 1983," said Teck Leng Chua, a Washington, DC-area concrete specialist. "It was particularly delightful to see the youth involved in the conservation of the Temple" during the summers, he said.

Tasks in the current phase of Temple conservation, as explained to the Aug. 12 gathering, include:

• Making sure all repair or replacement of the Temple’s white decorative concrete stays faithful to the designs of architect Louis Bourgeois from the 1920s, and to the visionary work of John Earley Studios, makers of the original concrete.
• Crushing quartz for the decorative concrete to the precise sizes of sand and gravel demanded for the purpose, now that an international search has found reliable sources of the required white quartz.
• Devising entirely new techniques for repairing the eroded "skin" of the structure, to avoid casting new panels where possible.
• Replacing the deteriorated monumental stairs, terraces and retaining walls circling the building, over the course of several years.
• Restoring the 1951 garden designs of Hilbert Dahl as approved by Shoghi Effendi, and renewing the fountains and irrigation lines in each garden at the same time.

Talks, tours and videos conducted by the Temple Conservation Team—both permanent staff and summer youth workers—energetically presented future plans and past work in all those areas.

"I’m impressed by the detail of the work that has been done," said Massoud Firouzi, a contractor and engineer from San Diego, California. For example, he said, "They’re so careful about using the right mixture of concrete to resemble the existing mix."

Other efforts funded by the Kingdom Project were explained to the group by Treasurer's Office employees: transformation of the National Hazíratu’l-Quds; plans to expand the Bahá’í Home for the Aged, the Temple Visitors’ Center and the National Bahá’í Archives; and renovations at the permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes.

But the Temple project itself clearly won the hearts of this group, which watched in fascination as quartz-based white concrete samples were mixed, molded and cosmetically prepared under a tent across the street from the House of Worship.

"When people visit and look at what we do here, they are really surprised at what’s involved in the concrete-making process," said Barbara Geiger, conservation coordinator. "Their reactions are, ‘Wow, so that’s where the money goes!’ They understand better all the steps we have to take, and they appreciate it more."

One structural engineer whose specialty is the study and prevention of corrosion in building materials, James Reinoehl of Columbus, Ohio, remarked that the Conservation Team has been "taking the right steps" in experimenting with minerals, mixing, casting and other preparation to make sure the repair work is worthy of a House of Worship that "is going to last a thousand years."

Noushin Ehsan, a licensed architect in New York City, praised the team for its "meticulous" research efforts, inspired by love for the building as a symbol of the Cause. "They’re really doing their homework from the bottom of their heart," she said.

She added that she was gratified that the Kingdom Project itself—much like the project to conserve the Temple—is so filled with "the spirit of service," keeping a broad vision of how the physical buildings serve humanity.

PROVIDING FOR THE FUTURE

‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave our community a unique, vital role to play in carrying out the Divine Plan. Shoghi Effendi specified, during the Ten Year Crusade (1953-1963), financial responsibilities inherent in our continuing mission:

"On the members of the American Bahá’í Community, the envied custodians of a Divine Plan, the principal builders and defenders of a mighty Order and the recognized champions of an unspeakably glorious and precious Faith, a peculiar and inescapable responsibility must necessarily rest. Through their courage, their self-abnegation, their fortitude and their perseverance ... through their generous and sustained response to the enormous and ever-increasing financial needs of a world-encompassing, decade-long and admittedly strenuous enterprise, they must, beyond the shadow of a doubt, vindicate their right to the leadership of this World Crusade."

CAPTURING OPPORTUNITIES: STRATEGIC RESERVES

Our National Spiritual Assembly has had the honor of supporting the work of the Universal House of Justice through support of specific projects in communities around the world. These are often unforeseen opportunities to foster significant growth in vital areas of development. It has become extremely clear that it is critical to have adequate resources available to arise to meet these needs and opportunities as they emerge both internationally and in our national community. During the current plan, our National Spiritual Assembly will create strategic reserves to ensure that we are able to respond quickly when the course of events creates such opportunities.

ESTABLISHING AN ENDOWMENT

The Universal House of Justice wrote in 1979 that "National Spiritual Assemblies should set aside sums annually in their budgets for the maintenance of national properties so that when a repair becomes necessary the funds will be available without creating a sudden crisis for the national fund.... Well maintained and regularly used properties will not only be a means of fostering Bahá’í community life, but will add to the prestige and dignity of the Faith in the eyes of the non-Bahá’í public."

Our National Spiritual Assembly holds in trust a property portfolio that includes dozens of different properties nationwide, which represent a sacred trust for future generations of Bahá’ís. These include such sites as the Wilhelm property in Teaneck, New Jersey, which was given to the Faith by the Hand of the Cause Roy Wilhelm. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed at this home and held a special gathering of the early believers during his visit to America, which is commemorated every year with the Souvenir Picnic. The Louis Gregory Institute in South Carolina also has a spiritual endowment, including gifts from Rúhíyyih Khánum: dust from the Shrine of the Báb and the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh and rose petals from the Shrines which are buried on the grounds. This special garden serves as a site for prayers and meditation.

It is our responsibility to ensure that these and other properties are cared for wisely and without interruption. The first step is to create an endowment. The concept is simple—an amount of money is set aside and invested in order to produce a steady flow of interest income; that income is used to pay current expenses, leaving the invested sum, or "corpus," of the endowment untouched. It will take years to build an endowment capable of fully supporting our annual property maintenance expenses. Therefore, we must begin the process of building a strong foundation for this endowment immediately.

THE KINGDOM PROJECT IN ACTION: THE BAHÁ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP

Stairsteps on the Temple's outer walkway are demolished in favor of a relatively level, wheelchair-accessible walkway.

A 10-foot-deep trench outside two-ninths of the circumference of the monumental stairs has been dug for staging of garden and terrace reconstruction on the north side.

A new concrete studio several miles north of the Temple stands ready for casting of new concrete panels, including replacement parts for the terraces and monumental stairs. [Page 17]

Blossoming through the arts

INFORMATION FROM JENNIFER MURATORE, MODESTO, CA

Divide about 200 young people into small groups, give them two hours to translate teachings of the Bahá’í Faith into artistic expression—and watch the astonishing transformation.

That’s what happened Aug. 13 in Merced, California, as 228 youths, children and adults gathered for a Bahá’í youth conference on the theme “Striving for Unity: Bahá’ís of the Future.”

The conference’s sponsor was Project 99, a Bahá’í social and economic development project mainly among Southeast Asians in California’s Central Valley. It was greatly assisted by a $1,000 grant from the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Western States.

The project committee and artists from all over California planned the Merced gathering, almost entirely via e-mail. Some of the planners did not meet until the day of the event.

A highlight was a keynote talk by Lao Chue Cha, a Hmong leader who has served on the National Spiritual Assembly of Laos.

Speaking in Hmong with an English translator, he told the young Bahá’ís to be conscious in choosing their friends in two ways—to associate with people who uphold the Bahá’í way of life, and to seek out friends from a variety of ethnic groups.

But at the heart of the conference were a variety of youth artistic workshops—choral, dance, drama, technology/media and graphic arts—and a Children’s Corner.

Children and youth had two hours to create something that would express spiritual principles through various art forms. The results were presented on stage that evening:

Drama workshop. Children and youth acted out The Giving Tree, a story by Shel Silverstein, as the story was read to the audience. The play showed how the tree served a boy as he grew—giving its fruit, providing its wood, and at the end serving as a comfortable seat even when it was reduced to a stump. The play reflected many Bahá’í themes, and drew laughs and smiles even from those who didn’t speak English, but understood the message.

Graphic arts workshop. This group produced a 10-by-10-foot painting from a sketch produced before the conference. It depicts a young Hmong man and woman in traditional clothing in front of an enormous picture of the earth, overarched by a banner with the conference theme. Other youths created smaller paintings, and took turns explaining the theme of each painting.

Technology/media workshop. This workshop had the enormous challenge of designing a computerized presentation on the Faith and a video presentation of the conference. This group circulated among the other workshops and interviewed participants.

Dance workshop. This group, ages 11 to 20, managed to learn the “abuse dance” in only two hours. The diversity of the group really hit attendees: Asian dancing together with black, white with Latino. Those who have worked with the Southeast Asians for a long time cried when they saw the Hmong youth included and actively participating with members of a youth workshop from Stockton.

Choral workshop. The grand finale performance felt to many like a beautiful, united worship service led by the youth. The workshop choir sang “We Are One” by Dan Seals. Then as they sang “God Above Me, God Behind Me, to My Left and to My Right,” the audience joined in the gestures that accompanied the song.

The arts were vital to the conference from the opening gathering led by emcee Marsha Gilpatrick, Auxiliary Board member for propagation. After an opening prayer, the audience was encouraged to sing Bahá’í prayers projected onto a screen on stage.

This reverent beginning moved to a lively singalong, as the audience marched in place to “I Got that Bahá’í Feeling Up in My Head, Down in My Toes, All Over Me.” ◆

Youths take PRIDE in Beijing activity

BY RUSSELL NORMAN, ESCONDIDO, CA

The students, directors and adult assistants for this summer’s PRIDE service trip to China pause for an airport photo just before departing in late June.

Nineteen Bahá’í youths from California, Arizona and Colorado spent seven weeks this summer teaching English in China as part of the Youth Delegation Cultural Exchange 2000 organized by the Pacific Rim Institute for Development and Education (PRIDE).

The youths, ages 15–22, began their trip June 27 with a four-day stay in Beijing, with visits to the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs and the Summer Palace, as well as giving presentations. The group then split up into three groups to serve in the cities of Yueyang, Changsha and Nantong.

In addition to teaching English to Chinese students in grades kindergarten through 12, they learned the Chinese language, tai chi, kung fu, and basics of Chinese cooking. The youths formed strong friendships with the people at the schools where they taught, and many say they plan on returning next summer.

These are only a few of hundreds of impressions recorded by these wonderful youths and adult companions:

“It seems as though everyone in China knows who we are—we have even been on the cover of several newspapers in Beijing! Just walking down the street is an adventure. ... There are some amazing souls at this school! The children are all wonderful ... so bright and shining! They work so incredibly hard, and they’re sooo cute! Going down the hall is hysterical ... all of the kids gather around us and put little books and pens in our faces for our autographs... they treat us like celebrities.” —Aria Bruss-Sachs

“The generosity, love and respect the Bahá’ís and Chinese accorded each other, and the friendships they developed, are true testaments that we are one family and that we can share, appreciate and delight in our differences and truly love one another. It was a great bounty to be with them and live in the reality that we may all sit equally at the table of humanity with real love, acceptance, consideration and respect if we are willing to try.” —Melody Reed

Participants also praised the project as helping them develop skills in leadership and service as “peace ambassadors to the world.” It also helped train them to take part in future PRIDE and UNICEF activities.

Based in Carlsbad, California, PRIDE is an international nongovernmental organization in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. ◆

Special chance to gain U.S. visa

The U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office wishes to notify the friends that the U.S. Government will open its “Diversity Visa 2002” lottery between noon Monday, Oct. 2, through noon Wednesday, Nov. 1. All applications received before or after these dates will be disqualified regardless of when they are postmarked.

Each year the U.S. Diversity Visa program makes up to 50,000 permanent residency visas available to people meeting the eligibility requirements, giving many non-U.S. citizens the chance to gain residential status with reduced waiting time. Visas are initially chosen through a random computer-generated lottery drawing.

Applicants must have either a high school education or its equivalent or two years’ work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring two years’ training or experience.

Eligibility is open to those born in any country except Canada, China (mainland-born and Macau), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam. People born in Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan or Northern Ireland are eligible.

Lottery “winners” will be notified between May and July 2001 and will be provided instructions at that time.

Application is free; there is no form. Only one entry may be submitted by each applicant; however, a husband and wife each may submit their own application and include spouse and eligible children. Information must be clearly written or typed on a blank sheet of paper, and must include:

• Full name of applicant (last, middle, first; last name underlined).
• Date and place of birth (city/town, district/county/province, nation).
• Name of spouse and children under 21 (if any), with birthdates/places.
• Full current mailing address.
• Photograph of the applicant (not a photocopy) measuring 1 1/2"x1 1/2" (3.7 cm), with the applicant’s name printed on the back. The photo must be attached to the application with clear tape—do NOT use staples or paper clips.
• Applicant’s signature.

Mail applications to: DV-2002 Program, Kentucky Consular Center, Lexington, KY (with ZIP code, see following), USA. The ZIP code will depend on where the applicant was born: Africa, 41901; Asia, 41902; Europe, 41903; South America/Central America/Caribbean, 41904; Oceania, 41905; North America, 41906.

Visit the State Department’s Web site (http://travel.state.gov/dv2002vb.html) or call the National Visa Center 24-hour hotline (900-884-8840; not a toll-free number) for more information. ◆ [Page 18]

Joy is integral in Huqúqu’lláh offering

This article is the second in a series containing excerpts from the Codification of the Law of Huqúqu’lláh, revised in 1999 at the request of the Universal House of Justice and presented to the delegates to the 91st Bahá’í National Convention in late April. It was prepared with reference to the compilation on Huqúqu’lláh, which is available from the Bahá’í Distribution Service.

“Observe My commandments, for the love of My beauty.” —Bahá’u’lláh

The following is a preliminary attempt at codifying the information in the Writings on the subject of Huqúqu’lláh. It should be emphasized, however, that the friends should not attempt to read into it an element of rigidity or total comprehensiveness.

(As mentioned in the previous issue of The American Bahá’í, the fundamentals of the law of Huqúqu’lláh are promulgated in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Further elaboration of its features are to be found in other writings of Bahá’u’lláh, in Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and in letters from Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice, mostly in response to questions raised by the friends. All these major references have been compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice and separately published.)

The questions put to Bahá’u’lláh, the Master and Shoghi Effendi were from friends residing in places and times with infinitely simpler economic systems and relationships than those which obtain today. What can be learned from them are clear guiding principles whose application to changing and more complex conditions must be considered. The subject will undoubtedly occupy the Universal House of Justice in evolving legislation, as necessary, for a long time to come.

A Bounty Granted by God

God, while being wholly independent of all created things, has in His bounty given us this law, for the progress and promotion of the Cause depend on material means. Obedience to this law enables the believer to be firm and steadfast in the Covenant, provides a reward in every world of the worlds of God, and is a unique test of true faith.

The Huqúqu’lláh is to be offered joyfully and without hesitation. When the Huqúqu’lláh is offered in this spirit it will impart prosperity and protection to the friends, purify their worldly possessions, and enable them and their offspring to benefit from the fruits of their endeavors. ◆

Next issue: Guidelines for computing one’s Huqúqu’lláh obligation.

Copies of the revised ‎Codificaton Codification‎ of the Law of Huqúqu’lláh, from which this article was excerpted, have been mailed to Bahá’í communities across the country. Spiritual Assemblies and groups may photocopy this four-page document for distribution among the friends and for local deepening sessions.

Video- and audio-tapes on Huqúqu’lláh in Persian and English are available from Badiyan Productions...

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
• Stephen Birkland
• Sally Foo
• Daryush Haghighi
• Elizabeth Martin

Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust

Gift, estate planning coordinator brings variety of expertise

Pamela Solon of Winnetka, Illinois, is now serving as gift and estate planning coordinator at the Bahá’í National Center.

Solon is an attorney who worked toward her law degree in the United States and in Israel. She is certified in international law, and holds master’s degrees in administration and linguistics.

She has raised a daughter, traveled internationally for the Bahá’í Faith, and served for several years as Women for International Peace and Arbitration’s representative to the United Nations.

Solon’s extensive volunteer work for charitable organizations such as Hadley School for the Blind, the Girl Scouts of America, the American Association of University Women and the Bahá’í Faith led her to an understanding and appreciation of the need for sustained, systematic charitable giving. Helping others in their passion for charitable giving presents an opportunity to serve humanity while utilizing her legal background.

If your community would like Pamela Solon to present a workshop on the writing of a will and testament, please contact her... ◆

Charitable Gift Annuities

now offered by our National Spiritual Assembly as a gift-planning option

A charitable gift annuity is a contract between you, as the donor, and our National Spiritual Assembly—providing advantages for both.

Under a charitable gift annuity:	Benefits:	Requirements:
A donor irrevocably transfers funds to our National Spiritual Assembly, which are invested with other annuity funds. Regular quarterly payments are made to you, the donor, for your lifetime. The remainder of the annuity fund is transferred to the Bahá’í Fund after your passing.	Guaranteed fixed payments for life, a portion of which are non-taxable. A charitable income tax deduction for a portion of the gift in the year in which the annuity is established. Reduced capital gains taxes if funded with an appreciated asset. Increased support of the Bahá’í Fund.	Must be at least 60 years of age to enter into an annuity agreement with our National Spiritual Assembly. Must establish the annuity with a minimum of $10,000. Must irrevocably transfer the funds. Will receive a lifetime annuity payment.

Examples (based on a $10,000 annuity):

• Age 60: Charitable deduction $3,782.30; annual lifetime annuity $660
• Age 70: Charitable deduction $4,261.20; annual lifetime annuity $750
• Age 80: Charitable deduction $4,907.40; annual lifetime annuity $920

Not yet licensed in Arkansas, California, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin

The Writing of a Will

This eight-page brochure from the Office of the Treasurer contains some Bahá’í teachings and practical advice on:

• Importance and advantages of a will
• Five steps to creating a successful will
• Checklist for preparing a will
• Burial instructions
• Bequests to the Bahá’í Faith

Individual copies may be requested free. There is a nominal charge for ordering brochures in quantity.

The National Spiritual Assembly’s Gift and Estate Planning Program

has been established to help believers make a variety of financial arrangements for themselves, their families and the Bahá’í Faith:

• Providing for the Bahá’í Faith in your will
• Making a gift of securities
• Making a gift of real estate
• Making a gift through life insurance

Receiving income from your gift:

• Charitable Gift Annuities
• Charitable Remainder Trusts

To order The Writing of a Will or to find out more about the gift and estate planning program:

• Phone 847-733-3466 / e-mail
• Or, fill out the form with the Bahá’í Funds envelope attached to this paper.

[Page 19]

One YEAR PLAN 2000

GOAL: INTENSIFY DEVELOPMENT OF SPIRITUALLY DISTINCTIVE FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES

• Foster love, happiness and spiritual devotion
• Insure children and junior youth acquire spiritual virtues and are free of prejudice
• Foster devotional life of individuals and community

Cultivating Distinction

A national program of focused study in 2000

The study material for July through December includes these six letters from the book The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh:

• The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh
• The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh: Further Considerations
• The Goal of a New World Order
• The Golden Age of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh
• America and the Most Great Peace
• The Unfoldment of World Civilization

Sparks of faith for junior youth

Development programs open a number of eyes across Western States

More than 100 young people gained a great boost in their personal relationships with Bahá’u’lláh, through junior youth development programs held in four Western states between June 23 and July 9.

Four youths were the main facilitators, traveling 3,000 miles to carry out the project, sponsored by the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Western States.

“It was so uplifting that it brought tears to my eyes,” junior youth Alexandria Thomas stated after participating in the program in Reno, Nevada. “I will devote my life to the Faith and try to study it as much as I can.”

Other locations for the program were Salt Lake City, Utah; Sacramento, California; and several communities in Oregon. The four youth facilitators were all from Los Angeles and Pasadena, California.

Junior youths are at an age when “their hearts and minds are very open,” noted Mona Kashani and Zack Heern, who initiated the project. “They can recognize the fierce problems existing in the world, yet still young enough to possess the purity that allows them to accept the principles of the Faith.”

Inspiration for the project came from a message within the Universal House of Justice’s Ridván 157 letter: “Creative attention must be devoted to involving them [junior youth] in programmes of activity that will engage their interests, mold their capacities for teaching and service, and involve them in social interaction with older youth.”

That directive spawned a goal: to help empower young people to live a life of distinction and to discover the light of Bahá’u’lláh in their own way.

With that in mind, Kashani and Heern devised a 40-page manual to help participants study the Sacred Text. Topics include the history of the Faith, teaching, service, the Administrative Order, the Covenant and chastity.

Workshops—including storytelling, art projects and role playing—gave participants a creative outlet for expression as they gained understanding and appreciation of the Faith.

In the resulting atmosphere, participants also felt comfortable discussing the issues and pressures that hinder young people from realizing their true destiny as spiritual descendants of the Dawn-Breakers.

Some junior youths said it was the first time they realized the importance of being a Bahá’í in this confusing age. Others built on their knowledge of the Faith and sparked a fire of personal connection to Bahá’u’lláh.

“I’d like to say that since this program my life is now dedicated to Bahá’u’lláh,” Anne Lachmar, a junior youth from Utah, wrote after going through the program.

Other participants expressed appreciation that the course was led by youths.

Youth Ladan Saeed, who served as a counselor in Salt Lake, recalled: “The same junior youth that had before kept me awake talking about Backstreet Boys or something like that now kept me up until 1 o’clock asking questions about The Dawn-Breakers and different Bahá’í women.”

“It was so uplifting that it brought tears to my eyes. ... I will devote my life to the Faith and try to study it as much as I can.” —Participant in Reno, Nevada

Remembrances renewed

Descendants of Knoblochs, Hannens gather for tribute

INFORMATION FROM JUDY HANNEN MOE, ROCKFORD, IL

Early in the 20th century, the Knobloch family of Washington, DC—mother Amalie, sisters Fanny and Alma Knobloch and Pauline Hannen with her husband, Joseph—were Bahá’í teachers of such distinction that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed numerous Tablets to them. He had encouraged the friends to read one of them at Amalie’s gravesite.

But over the years, the gravesites of the Knoblochs and Hannens at Prospect Hills Cemetery had lost all markings.

Some of their descendants banded together recently to set things right—and, in many cases, to get to know each other for the first time.

Eighteen of those descendants came together July 8 in Washington for a memorial service dedicating a new headstone listing nine members of the Hannen-Knobloch family buried at Prospect Hills Cemetery. Many Bahá’ís from Washington also attended, and Anita Chapman of the Local Spiritual Assembly gave a glowing tribute to the memory of these faithful servants.

Alma Knobloch pioneered to Germany at the Master’s request in 1907, and was one of the great early teachers and translators within that country’s Bahá’í community. Fanny Knobloch was the first traveling Bahá’í teacher and the first pioneer to South Africa; Pauline joined her on several early teaching trips. Joseph Hannen was designated a Disciple of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. He and his wife, Pauline—the first in the family to enroll in the Faith—were ground-breakers in the effort to include all races equally in the Bahá’í community. The couple taught the Faith to Louis Gregory, the first African-American Hand of the Cause of God.

Last year, Judy Hannen Moe, great-granddaughter of Joseph and Pauline Hannen, contacted all the descendants of the Knoblochs and Hannens about coming together for a ceremony to dedicate a new headstone. The Washington Spiritual Assembly offered help, and Jim and Nancy Hannen put together a wonderful program, which included 10 tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed for the Knoblochs and Hannens as well as short biographies.

The family has grown and developed separately in two different parts of the country, some as Bahá’ís, others as Christians. They all expressed great love and respect for their wonderful great-grandparents Joseph and Pauline, and attributed their respect for all races and people to the lessons passed down for generations from these saintly souls.

KNOBLOCH
1837 B. AMALIE 1908	1866 PAUL 1894
1859 FANNY 1949	1872 BRUNO 1872
1864 ALMA 1943	1861 IDA 1869

A variety of members of the families descended from sisters Pauline Hannen and Fanny Knobloch—outstanding teachers in the early history of the Bahá’í Faith in the West—gather at Prospect Hills Cemetery in Washington, DC, for a July 8 tribute ceremony at which a new marker (left) for several family gravesites was dedicated.

Photos courtesy of Judy Hannen Moe [Page 20]

Parents praise Bahá’í schools

BY BARBARA McCORD, EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS OFFICE

Parents know. They just know.

Bahá’í parents are instructed by Bahá’u’lláh to educate their children and to teach them the conduct required, the history and stories of the Faith and the priceless pearls of the Writings that help each young person become a Kingdom builder. Most parents comprehend the enormity of the task. And most appreciate receiving some help along the way.

Such is the case with the following three mothers who took advantage on behalf of their children of the wonderful opportunities provided at the permanent Bahá’í schools this summer—opportunities that continue throughout the year and are listed in the calendar on the back page of every copy of The American Bahá’í.

Here are selections from some of the lovely “thank you” notes that have been recently received by the schools from grateful mothers.

Can’t wait for next year

“Thank you, thank you, thank you—I remember reading somewhere that when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wanted you to get something he would say it three times,” said Beth Lois of Meridian (Boise area), Idaho, whose 14-year-old son Matthew attended the Junior Youth Institute at Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, CA.

“I am so grateful for the energy, time, and devotion that everyone put into the Junior Youth Institute,” she said.

“From the time we picked him up all the way down the hill as we headed toward the Bay Area he could not stop talking about his time at Bosch, and about how he can’t wait for next year’s session.

“I have never seen Matthew so ‘on fire’—the way the classes were taught, the rules, everything was wonderful. I want you all to know how appreciative we are. I have told Matthew he may attend this course every year. Please continue to offer these. Oh, and he also cannot stop talking about the cabin counselors,” she added.

“Depth of knowledge”

“It’s been almost a week since the Junior Youth session ended, and I wanted to acknowledge the transforming power this week had on my son and ‎another a child another child‎ in our community,” said Regina Blum of Vernon Hills (Chicago area), Illinois, and mother of two young boys who attended a session at Louhelen in Davison, Michigan.

“I want to thank the teachers, youth counselors, and administrators for an incredible session! It’s clear that the boys were affected and want very much to return next year. The depth of knowledge they both got from studying the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and Some Answered Questions in such a short period of time is phenomenal.

“It sounds as if the final evening program was very moving. In the words of my son, ‘It was very spiritual!’

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard him describe a Bahá’í event in those terms,” Blum said.

To illustrate the impact, she said that her son purchased a copy of Prayers and Meditations on his own and now insists on reading prayers from it instead of using a children’s prayer book or even a smaller adult prayer book.

“I’ve always suspected there’s something magical about Louhelen, and now I know it’s true,” she added.

“I know full well the time and energy that must have gone into planning such a session. It’s obvious that you [the staff at Louhelen] have taken the words of the Universal House of Justice in the Ridván message to heart,” Blum said.

Spirit of service and love

A communication from another mother completes the harmonious chord of approval.

“Alláh-u-Abhá! Our hearts have been deeply moved forever by the spirit of service and love we enjoyed at Green Acre this summer,” said Ellen Hakala of Highland Park (Dallas area), Texas.

“My son Christopher absolutely loved Camp Green Acre July 22–26, and wishes to return next year. My daughter Maggie cannot wait to be old enough next summer to go to Camp Green Acre,” she said.

“Matthew sings along with the joke, ‘What’s the new wine in town? I want to go to Green Acre. I want to go to Green Acre,’Template:''” she said.

“I have never seen the Green Acre campus as immaculately clean and well-groomed as I did this summer. And I did not hear any complaints at Green Acre, nor have I ever felt so peaceful on a vacation,” added Hakala.

• “Thank you for such a wonderful experience for Matthew, with Bahá’í love” —Beth Lois
• “Thank you for such a priceless experience.” —Regina Blum
• “Thank you so very much. You were all so cheerful, happy and energetic!” —Ellen Hakala

“You are most welcome.” —From all the school administrators and staff who look forward to the very next opportunity to instruct, inspire, entertain and assist young Bahá’ís across the country.

A special spirit shines from youths and children at a summer session at Bosch Bahá’í School. All the permanent schools and institutes continue to hold special programs designed for young students. Photo courtesy of Bosch

Bosch Bahá’í School

500 Comstock Lane · Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-423-3387 www.bosch.org

Ocean of Light

Bosch Bahá’í School entered its summer schedule with a burst of sustained energy and experienced a very successful season of fellowship and learning.

With an emphasis on strengthening the family, Bosch reworked its summer schedule to allow more time for families to simply spend time together on the campus in the redwoods. Rather than have a day crammed with classwork, the schedule was loosened so people would attend classes in the morning and then have a large block of time in the afternoon for recreation, service field trips etc.

In July, Bosch hosted a session on the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. When not in class, the 60 children and youths serving as cabin counselors were under the direct guidance of a staff made up of Institute directors, Elvia Ramirez and Bahia Farahi, as well as four teachers and 10 cabin counselors, who made sure the children were always wearing smiles and carrying their prayer books.

By the last day, new friends shared tears of separation and exchanged promises of postcards and prayers from their departing cars and shuttles—obvious signs of a positive and successful experience. The Bosch staff was delighted to host so many children and it anticipates seeing those beautiful smiling faces next summer.

Upcoming sessions

To further build on the promising successes of this summer’s Family Sessions, Bosch has committed to hold intergenerational family sessions each week throughout the year. This is a way to continue the trend of unity these few sunny months have seen, and include time spent at playgrounds, in the forest and on the beach with families.

The first three of these special sessions will be:

Sept. 29–Oct 1: “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh” with Bahá’í scholar Dr. Muin Afnani.

Nov. 10–12 and Nov. 17–19: Study of the World Order Letters of Shoghi Effendi facilitated by Derek Cockshut, Regional Bahá’í Council member. These back-to-back weekend sessions will study the beloved Guardian’s clear exposition of the fundamental verities of the Bahá’í Faith.

As with all Family Sessions, classes will be offered for all children age 3 or older, and they too will study the fundamental teachings of our Faith as well as its relatively brief but dramatic history. [Page 21]Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads are accepted. Some of the opportunities have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise judgment and care in responding.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

If you know of anyone who has skills in the following areas, or know of people who may know others with these skills, especially for positions listed in the “Urgent Needs” section, please contact our Human Resources Department.

AT THE BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER EVANSTON, ILLINOIS

Concrete Journeyman, Conservation Office. Utilize your skills in state-of-the-art concrete repair for the historic Bahá’í House of Worship. Opportunity to manage and train concrete artisans in a unique studio environment.

Administrative Assistant for National Teaching Campaign, National Teaching Office. Must have analytical skills to help assess success, strengths and weaknesses of the ‎natiohnal national‎ media campaign and its results. Needs general computer skills, including familiarity with Windows 98, working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher; general knowledge of computer database entry; also skills in preparing charts for presentation.

Maintenance Team Leader, Properties. Will manage facility/building maintenance and engineering staff to provide timely services at minimal costs; plan, estimate, schedule maintenance projects and projects; ensure that all equipment and buildings are efficiently and effectively maintained. Needs at least five years’ experience in all areas of building maintenance (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, cleaning etc.) with three to five years as a maintenance manager; valid driver’s license; supervisory command of English.

Staff Producer, Media Services. Full range of video/audio production tasks, especially writing/development of Bahá’í Newsreel. Keeps day-to-day production process in order; researches, gathers news, writes, edits finished Newsreel stories, at times on own; helps develop network of correspondents; arranges duplication/distribution. Needs broad knowledge and experience in broadcast journalism; flexibility, organizational skills, familiarity with Bahá’í administration.

U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, Evanston: Administrative Assistant (part-time). 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 writing skills and speaking English.

Switchboard Operator/Receptionist, Office of Human Resources (part-time). Receives and routes telephone calls; greets visitors to the Bahá’í National Center in a pleasant and friendly manner; interacts with all staff and National Assembly agencies as well as the Bahá’í community at large and some international contacts. Must be flexible, effective in service as a team member in a fast-paced environment, able to promote unity in the workplace.

URGENT NEEDS

U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, Evanston: Assistant Coordinator for Refugee Program. Helps coordinator in efforts to assure a loving welcome for Iranian Bahá’í refugees, monitoring their immigration/asylum cases and credentials, communicating with refugees, Bahá’í agencies, government and other agencies. Must demonstrate high skill in preparing English-language correspondence, phone and other contacts, reports, articles, research papers; records/statistics maintenance. Reliable self-starter with attitude of service, confidentiality and flexibility under pressure; typing 40+ wpm.

Bahá’í Distribution Service, Fulton County, GA, or Bahá’í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL: Marketing Manager. Will plan, budget, implement, track and report on effectiveness of marketing campaigns for titles produced by Bahá’í Publishing Trust for both Bahá’í and retail markets. Will prepare research-based marketing strategies; sales estimates and sales/inventory reports; advertising in several media, publicity and other marketing materials. Should have marketing degree, professional marketing experience in publishing, catalog/advertising copy-writing experience, strong interpersonal skills. Knowledge of Bahá’í literature and trends in religious and children’s publishing are highly desired.

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

Office of the Secretary, Evanston, IL: Administrative Assistant. Interacts with all departments, composes responses to all correspondence, handles high volume of detailed information with frequent interruptions. Needs sound problem-solving/organizational judgment, ability to work with confidential information and to work as part of a team (with and without supervision), written and interpersonal communication skills, proficiency in word processing, driver’s license.

Office of the Treasurer, Evanston, IL: Administrative Assistant. Coordinates administrative tasks; maintains relationships with institutions and volunteers through phone, mail and electronic correspondence; and helps in executing tasks assigned to the Office of the Treasurer by the National Spiritual Assembly.

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

URGENT NEED

DIRECTOR OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION NEW YORK, NY

For a complete job description with responsibilities and qualifications: Visit www.usbnc.org and click on the “Current Opportunities for Service” link in the What’s New list.

We regret that no inquiries (by phone, fax or mail) or visits to the Office of Public Information or to the Office of External Affairs can be accepted.

AT THE WILHELM PROPERTIES TEANECK, NEW JERSEY

Caretaker. If you enjoy mowing, raking, trimming shrubs, planting flowers etc., this could be a great opportunity. Seeking individual or couple experienced in minor household maintenance/repair to take over custodial and maintenance duties at Wilhelm House, Log Cabin and Carriage House. Caretakers coordinate with Institutions for Sunday school, Holy Day observances, Feasts etc. Two-bedroom apartment provided. We need to fill this position immediately. To discuss responsibilities, call Sam Conrad at National Properties Office (phone 847-853-2314 or 847-853-2343).

FOR BRILLIANT STAR MAGAZINE WILMETTE, ILLINOIS

Activities Editor (10 hours per week). Will develop, acquire and compile fun and engaging activities for children and junior youths, network with contributors, help foster cultural diversity, participate in magazine and article development including research, writing, editing and on-site proofreading for all six issues each year. Must be able to stay abreast of trends and needs in Bahá’í children’s activities, participate in regular staff meetings, assist with marketing and promotional activities. Should be self-motivated, flexible with time, comfortable with a creative, deadline-driven atmosphere, and broadly familiar with Bahá’í writings and principles. Needs background in education and in children’s varied learning styles. Must be a good communicator. Experience with publishing preferred. Applicants who live within 100 miles of Evanston, IL, are preferred.

OFFICE OF INFORMATION SERVICES

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

Senior Applications Developer. Provides high-level analysis, design, implementation of information systems. Familiar with a variety of technologies: Visual Basic, SQL7, Microsoft Access, Web tools, Delphi, C++.

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

SQL Database Administrator. Coordinates 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.

Help Desk. Coordinates support activities for LSAI project. Provides training and support for LSAI. Handles or delegates requests for support. Develops training-related materials, assists promotion and education.

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

AT GREEN ACRE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL ELIOT, MAINE

Receptionist/Office Assistant. Receives phone, e-mail and fax communications; greets visitors in a courteous, efficient manner; provides administrative support for co-administrators, registrar, program coordinator; helps bookstore manager with sales and inventory.

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

AT NATIVE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTE HOUCK, ARIZONA

Administrative Assistant. Maintains relationships with institutions, volunteers, staff, public through phone, mail and e-mail; prepares newsletters, flyers, bulk mailings, reports; maintains financial records; coordinates purchasing; other duties. Must maintain confidentiality of sensitive records and materials. Cook. Must be flexible in schedule, culturally sensitive to indigenous peoples of the Southwest. If interested, contact the Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3427, fax 847-733-3430).

ACROSS THE NATION

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the City of New York seeks an Office Manager/ Executive Assistant 35 hours/week. Staffs Bahá’í Center office year-round, answers phone/correspondence, coordinates volunteer services, receives visitors, communicates with community members, public and vendors. Deepened Bahá’í, well-organized, detail-oriented, able to take direction and communicate positively, willing to learn, calm, resourceful, self-motivated, comfortable in electronic office. Strong writing skills a plus. Annual salary, vacation, health benefits. If interested, please send résumé and cover letter with Bahá’í and professional references to the Spiritual Assembly of the City of New York, 53 E. 11th St., New York, NY 10003 (fax 212-674-6840, e-mail ). Applications close Oct. 31.

INTERNATIONAL

China: Numerous openings for English teachers and professionals willing to travel for service in this rapidly developing country. For information contact Susan Senchuk (phone 847-733-3506, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail ). [Page 22]

Opportunities abound for lending skills toward China’s development

The People’s Republic of China is experiencing rapid social and economic development. With doors now open to the rest of the world, the people of China welcome ideas and consultation in many fields of endeavor, providing an avenue of service for individuals and groups with professional expertise in needed areas. Activities of this kind can be carried out by traveling to China to advise and consult with Chinese professionals or by participating in such exchanges with Chinese colleagues in the United States.

For those who can travel to China, professional fields in which the Chinese are especially interested are:

• Public health and Western medicine.
• Psychology and counseling.
• Women and family.
• Education and moral development.
• Agriculture.
• Computer science.
• Electronics and telecommunications.
• Bioengineering.
• New materials and energy sources.
• Environmental protection.
• Marine science.
• Aerospace.
• Architectural engineering.
• Advanced technologies of all kinds.
• Marketing and advertising.
• Public relations.
• Business management.
• Many other fields of endeavor.

Upon returning from a service project in China sponsored by Health for Humanity, an organization enabling health-care professionals to offer services and resources throughout the world, one person wrote:

“[T]his was the first time that many of us had traveled to China. Understandably, we were filled with much excitement and anticipation. In a nutshell, we fell in love with China. There were many reasons for this. At the heart of our attraction was the nobility of the Chinese people which was evident in their daily lives, in their relationships with one another, and in how they treated us ... their simple, yet dignified lifestyle, genuine love, kindness and friendship. Our Chinese brethren left an indelible mark on our spirits; we cherished every moment we spent with them. The impression we left on the Chinese seemed to be equally deep. They, too, were moved by our spirit. ... They were impressed with our politeness, friendliness and openness to their way of life. ...There are ample opportunities to serve China, irrespective of profession ... it behooves us to consider seriously the chance to devote our time, energy and resources to a land upon which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá bestowed the appellation ‘the country of the future.’ ”

If, in the near future, you are willing to make a trip to China to advise and consult with Chinese colleagues in your field, please contact Susan Senchuk for further information and guidance (phone _______________, e-mail _______________). ♦

CLASSIFIED, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

The Office of Pioneering is eager to assist the friends preparing for international service. For information regarding jobs and study abroad, or international traveling teaching opportunities and other events, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail _______________).

ARCHIVES

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following: Charles and Leonora Edsall, Ivy Drew Edwards, Judith Eggman, Gisela Eichenauer, Helen Eichenberger, L.E. Eickelberg, Elton H. Elder, M.L. Ellas, C.A. Ellingham, Margaret Ellis, R.J. Ellis, Amalia Ellison and Ben Ellison. 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 maintaining a mailing list of those who would like to receive copies of its duplicate book mail auction catalogs. The Archives has one or two mail auctions of duplicate books each year. If you would like to be on the mailing list, send your name, address and Bahá’í ID number to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611.

PIONEERING / HOMEFRONT

A change in homefront pioneering appeals

The four Regional Bahá’í Councils have taken on responsibility for coordinating U.S. homefront pioneering. Because of this, The American Bahá’í has changed the way it presents appeals for homefront pioneers. We will regularly print contacts and/or top-priority localities in each region for homefront pioneers, as reported to us by each Council. Please see page 14 in this issue.

“Classified ads” seeking homefront pioneers have appeared in The American Bahá’í almost from its inception in 1970. However, at this time it is preferable for local communities to turn first to the Regional Councils for this purpose.

BAHÁ’Í SUBSCRIBER SERVICE • 800-999-9019

World Order

Your window to teaching, deepening and external affairs

Spring 2000 issue

Reflections on the Century of Light

• Editorial on the 20th century
• How do we reconcile the fact that the 20th century was arguably the bloodiest ever recorded with the Bahá’í view that it was the century of light? Five authors weigh in with points of light in what is commonly perceived to be a dark century: Stephen Friberg on science and religion, Geoffrey Marks on Chaim Potok, Gary Morrison on the ages of transition, Jim Stokes on humanity’s family album, Milan Voykovic on transmission and consumption of culture and ideas

Also Available: Winter 1999–2000 Issue

• Editorial: Amatul-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum 1910–2000
• Julio Savi examines “Religious Pluralism: A Bahá’í Perspective”
• Sandra Hutchison on “The Path to Beauty: The Literary Life of Amatul-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum”
• Ahang Rabbani translates into English a 1901 plan for surveillance of Bahá’í activities in Palestine and Iran

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TAB 9/27/00 [Page 23]

Tales from the trail

Mid-July through Aug. 15

South Bend/Mishawaka, Indiana: Runners got a welcome offer of free help from a sports therapist in Mishawaka, who had heard about the Spirit Run during an interview with a Bahá’í writer in Ohio. Leg, foot and back pains—and even road hazards such as gravel flying from truck tires—were well-known to the runners.

Angola, Indiana: Narendran Narasiah, a Bahá’í who helped plan Spirit Run events for this five-member Bahá’í community (with assistance from Fort Wayne), reported a series of connected blessings:

1. Advance work gave Narasiah opportunities to teach the Faith among colleagues at the school where he is a substitute teacher. One person enrolled.
2. The Spirit Run concept—and a radio interview involving several runners—impressed the radio station’s program manager so much that updates on the Spirit Runners’ visit were aired several times for two days.
3. Wishing to arrange indoor lodging for the runners and staff, Narasiah approached the president of Tri-State University for help. “To my great astonishment, without thinking it over, he offered to sponsor one of [the campus’] theaters. He then made an immediate phone call and made arrangements for 13 dorm rooms ...”
4. On the day of the visit, city and county authorities changed their promise of an escort: rather than just two vehicles, they sent six cars and a motorcycle to escort the runners down local streets.
5. A day care center, whose workers had found out about the Spirit Run through an advance newspaper article, prepared gifts for the runners, made with the help of the center’s 1- to 4-year-olds.
6. Guests at the “Spiritual Gathering of the Peoples” on campus included not only the university president and his wife, but also (with their spouses) the sheriff and police chief, all in mid-vacation, and the mayor, who attended despite his battle with cancer.

And more: Many students helped the Bahá’ís set up the event. Local restaurants donated food and beverages. And the connections made, especially with the university president, help pave the way for a future Bahá’í club on campus. Narasiah advises other communities, “Please make the effort to use the resources available. All you need to do is to tap into it and attract the blessings. To be able to witness and feel the aid of the Concourse on high is really a magical experience.”

Sylvania, Ohio: A gathering to proclaim the Bahá’í message at Lourdes College, supported by the Toledo Bahá’í community, showcased Ohio’s Spirit of Unity youth workshop, which performed after the Spirit Runners’ presentation. Bahá’ís from as far away as Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Marysville left the meeting reportedly energized by their contact with “a group of devoted people who sacrificed their comfort and their summer jobs and vacations in their selfless love for Bahá’u’lláh.” The Toledo ‎blade Blade‎ and local television covered the runners’ visit.

Wyandotte, Michigan: A local weekly newspaper printed a detailed front-page article on a meeting of nearly 200 Detroit-area people at Bishop Park, in which a Wyandot chief welcomed the runners on behalf of the Anderdon First Nation of Wyandots. He praised the runners for “showing us that racial harmony is alive and well and living with you as ambassadors of good will and friendship.” That article also quoted a Cherokee audience member: “You think of all the hatred and violence in the world and here are some young people running for their summer for a higher goal. I wish everybody in the world could be a part of that.”

SPIRIT RUN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

act and keep the spirit flowing.

A few glimmers of that spirit:

• After a special Bahá’í-sponsored evening of feasting and gift-giving at the American Indian Community House on Aug. 10 in Manhattan, the New York City Spirit Run Task Force reported: “We believe that it was a bridge between the Bahá’í community and the Indigenous community in that these two families of man were able to express their common point of unity, respect and love for the Most Great Spirit and our path towards peace.”
• In Brantford, Ontario, a police sergeant took great care to ensure the Spirit Runners, singing “Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá” to a steady drumbeat, had a safe escort through town. “The dedication of the team, their joy and simplicity had affected him deeply,” wrote local Bahá’í Ron Jacobs. By the time it occurred to the team to give the sergeant the gift of a Spirit Run T-shirt, though, the van carrying the shirts had left town. So runner Micah Reed donated the shirt off his back. “The sergeant was really moved,” Jacobs wrote. “What a story he would have for his family—and for the people back at the station house.”
• Spirit Runner Charles Nelson of Seattle, Washington, recently told a gathering of Bahá’í National Center staff and visitors, “I wish all the Bahá’í youth could go on a Spirit Run. You learn things no one could teach.” Then he corrected himself: “Bahá’u’l-láh was the teacher, and He did a pretty good job.”

One specific purpose of the Spirit Run was to forge connections locally, between Bahá’í communities and the communities of American Indians in their areas. Sometimes that contact was already well-established, and in many other cases beginnings were positive, a Spirit Run staffer said.

Every place where arrangements had been made in advance—especially on Indian reservations or at Native American churches, associations or cultural centers—Arthur Fernandez-Scarberry would present the vision and purpose of the Spirit Run. On behalf of the run he would offer the gift of a “bundle of talking leaves,” a small book of Bahá’í prayers and readings bound and wrapped in red, a color signifying sacredness in many indigenous cultures.

In the City of the Covenant

New York City provided several days’ welcome for Spirit Run, as well as recognition for its mission in an international forum.

On Aug. 9, the 21-member team was greeted at the New York City Bahá’í Center by representatives of the Bahá’í International Community and the National Spiritual Assembly. Then it set out for the United Nations headquarters to take part in a commemoration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, at which Patricia Locke represented the National Spiritual Assembly.

Originally the Spirit Run group was simply to observe as representatives of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson read messages of support for indigenous people’s rights, and as Lakota Chief Arvol Looking Horse performed a traditional sacred pipe ceremony.

But at the commemoration’s close, while highlighting the need to support the role of indigenous youth in society, master of ceremonies Roberto Muncaro Borrero formally welcomed Spirit Run to join him on stage. He praised them for completing their run across North America to promote unity and diversity, and recognized the chief elder and adviser, Bill Ekomiak of Canada, as well as organizer Arthur Fernandez-Scarberry.

Later the Spirit Runners attended UN discussions that focused on indigenous children and youth.

The evening of Aug. 10, the American Indian Community House was filled to capacity with nearly 300 people, including many indigenous leaders and UN dignitaries, for the Local Assembly-sponsored reception and gift-giving ceremonies. Arvol Looking Horse offered a prayer, followed by a drum circle and welcoming remarks by Ina McNeil on behalf of the Spiritual Assembly, then gift ceremonies and a banquet.

“This is where the support of the local indigenous community, the local Bahá’í community and the international indigenous community became overwhelmingly apparent,” the New York task force’s report stated.

An Aug. 11 fireside at the New York Bahá’í Center capped the visit to that city, with singing, drumming and stories from the runners about their cross-country experiences.

“We were able to see the seed that they planted at every step and foresee the beauty that will grow in their wake,” the report stated.

Into the ocean

How, then, do you finish a run that gave you the privilege of helping bear a sacred message from sea to sea?

You run straight into the Atlantic Ocean, of course. Unless your inner sense of the moment holds you standing on the damp edge of the beach, rapt in gratitude for the role God allowed you to play in this unfathomable drama.

That scene played out Tuesday, Aug. 15, as the company ran and walked the last few miles from the center of the Shinnecock Reservation on Long Island to the seashore. They were in the company not only of local Bahá’ís and Shinnecocks, but also of visitors from across the continent.

“We chanted ‘Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá,’ we sang ‘God Sufficeth,’ and the sound vibrated through the trees,” relates Melody Reed, mother of core runner Micah Reed and a visitor to the Spirit Run at several junctures.

Ben Rhodd, a Lakota elder and Bahá’í from South Dakota, carried the carved staff that served as a symbol of unified, respectful consultation. Jonathan Smith, a Shinnecock and the runners’ host the previous night, was one of two men singing and keeping a steady drumbeat.

“As we approached the sand,” Reed wrote, “rows of people, holding hands, walking up and over a small hill to see the Atlantic Ocean, Arthur yelled ‘Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá,’ his voice breaking with the power of all our emotion and we all answered ‘Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá’ over and over again.”

After cresting the rise, the runners jumped into the waters of the Atlantic, SEE RUNNERS, PAGE 25

Telling the longer story

Spirit Run embraces enough stories, perspectives, life lessons and community breakthroughs to fill a book. And that’s exactly what planners have in mind for the next step.

The Spiritual Assembly of Lynnwood, Washington, a primary sponsor of the Spirit Run, hopes to gather as many stories as possible “while memories are fresh and inspiration and enthusiasm are still active.”

They invite:

• Reports on events with the Spirit Runners.
• Reflections and stories about how these events changed the people and communities who participated.
• News about follow-up activity along the route of the Run and elsewhere.
• Photographs, printed or digital, as well as originals or good copies of any media coverage.

With such raw material, the Spirit Run Task Force plans to compile a book for posting on the Spirit Run News e-mail list or the Spirit Run Web site. The task force notes that any material submitted would be subject to editing.

Reports should be submitted to Spirit Run News (e-mail ) or to Nancy Griffith, .

Details on joining the e-mail list are available on the Spirit Run Web site (www.spiritrun.org). ◆

Photo by Ken Duszynski [Page 24]

Tales from the trail

Mid-July through Aug. 15

Windsor, Ontario: Permission was denied for the Spirit Runners to run in their usual singing procession across the Ambassador International Bridge from Detroit. After crossing the river into Canada in a more conventional fashion, the runners reasoned there was no harm, because ‘Abdu’l-Bahá “asked us all to shout ‘Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá’ over land, not water,” reported Sharonne Fogle.

Six Nations Reserve, Ontario: The company stayed at Chiefswood, the childhood home of E. Pauline Johnson, a Mohawk poet known for promoting racial tolerance and women’s rights. They consulted with the Bahá’í Native Circle of Ontario, then participated in a drum circle with Indian and other families from the Brantford/Six Nations area. Later at a ceremonial dinner, a chief of the Onondaga Nation praised the runners for sharing in the vision of united humanity. All this was a joy for the two-member Bahá’í community of the Six Nations Reserve.

Niagara Falls area, Ontario/New York: Bahá’ís in a string of communities cheered the runners in their procession, on a day that culminated in a proclamation at the Niagara Regional Literacy Center and a presentation of gifts to the center’s literacy coordinator. After heavy overnight rains, they were met in the morning by the mayor of Niagara Falls, Ontario and area Bahá’ís, then set off drumming and singing over the Rainbow Bridge to New York—thus raising the cry of “Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá” over water after all. “We were impressed by their vim, vigor and vitality this late in their cross-country run. It is evident that their spirits are renewed with every step,” wrote Phoebe Anne and Bill Lemmon of Chelsea, Quebec.

Tuscarora and Cattaraugus Reservations, New York: Torrential rains didn’t dampen the hospitality shown by residents of these two areas. The evening program at a Seneca family’s home, with 100 people present, was capped by placement of a stone bearing words of Bahá’u’lláh at the grave of the hosts’ son, who was a Bahá’í at the time of his death in an auto accident.

Syracuse, New York: A meeting among the Spirit Runners, local Bahá’ís and members of the Onondaga nation was energized by two apparent coincidences. Arrangements for the run to go through the Onondaga Reservation were uncertain when runners arrived in the city, but the doors of welcome were thrown open when it was discovered that an Onondaga in Minnesota had presented the run with a wampum belt replica—and that gift had been carried on foot all the way to New York. Also, a Bahá’í in Ithaca owned a vacant house near the reservation, providing a convenient place for the Spirit Run company to stay. A public meeting in a nearby library, filled to capacity, was the scene for the passing of the Minnesota gift to the Onondagas of New York.

Reflections on the run

Message from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada

Dear Friends,

We greet you with joy, dear friends, as you grace us with your presence in Canada for a brief time. We have followed your progress with great interest, as have Bahá’í communities across the United States and Canada. As you have passed through cities, towns and villages, raising the call for unity, you have touched hearts and minds through your example.

Bahá’u’lláh promises that “The movement itself from place to place, when undertaken for the sake of God, ‎bath hath‎ always exerted, and can now exert, its influence in the world.” (quoted by Shoghi Effendi: The Advent of Divine Justice, Page: 84) May you be ever strengthened as you pursue your worthy goals, may your path be straight, may your feet be firm, and may your efforts yield bountiful fruit. We add our prayers to the many, which have surrounded you since you began this inspired and spiritual journey. ◆

Excerpts from a letter by a Minnesota woman who was inspired by the Spirit Run to embrace the Bahá’í Faith:

I know that I am just one of the many people you met from one of the many communities that you stopped in. I just needed you all to know, that here you made a difference. See, I have spent a long time wandering in the darkness of confusion and uncertainty. ... Then, one day I was told about the Spirit Run and that it might be possible to get the group to come through the community in which I live. ...

I really enjoyed being there for all of you and getting everything ready. But then you were gone. Once again, I was lost and confused. I was hurting so bad, but didn’t know why. Then someone told me about Wilmette and the activities at the House of Worship. All of a sudden my soul was being pushed to go. ...

I walked with the group to the House of Worship. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of it. ... [By that evening] things started to fall in place (I think I was struck by lightning!!!). The light that I could never find in my darkness was now everywhere. ...

The uncontrollable desire to be in Wilmette was because it was my time to proclaim my faith and belief in Bahá’u’lláh. I am so grateful to all of you for helping me find my way. ◆

Share your successes!

Do you know of a seeker who enrolled in the Bahá’í Faith who was led to your community through the national media campaign?

E-mail your story to

The National Spiritual Assembly is interested in learning about your teaching successes. Please complete a form available on the Administrative Web Site (access www.usbnc.org and click on the “NSA Departments” icon at left, then follow the links to the National Teaching Committee and “Teaching Success Survey Form”).

The latest issue of The Light of Unity, a newsletter designed for seekers, is available for downloading from www.usbnc.org (click on the “Media Campaign” icon at left, then click on the “Seeker Newsletter” link and scroll down).

The Light of Unity can be sent as is, or changed to include local news and information. If you have questions, please e-mail us .

Also on the Web:

• Forms and step-by-step guidance on how to make the most of your community’s voice mail box for seekers.
• Materials to help your publicity and fireside development.
• Tips on using national media campaign videos.

MEDIA

CONTINUED FROM PAGE I

In the last two years, nearly 2,400 have enrolled in the Faith in the United States, and although this represents nearly 100 new Bahá’ís per month, thousands more of these seekers are responding and eagerly waiting for assistance as they take a courageous step toward conversion.

Successful areas of the nation that have taken up the opportunity to actively respond to these “strangers” offer mentoring programs, home visit programs, and immediate training in the Sacred Writings. Most importantly, when a “stranger”—that is, a seeker who has responded to the Call of Bahá’u’lláh without prior knowledge of the Faith—arrives at the doorstep of the Bahá’ís they must be able to look into the eyes of the friends and see the love of Bahá’u’lláh alive in their hearts and the unity inspired by His Faith alive in the community.

Surprising TV successes

The level of interest is undiminished in the quarter just ending, despite our inability to secure favorable national broadcast slots on several fronts:

• The superstations had reassigned paid programming slots to election-year broadcasting.
• The Odyssey Channel had discontinued their paid programming offerings.
• The Fund could not sustain buying select time on other networks.

Black Entertainment Television and the TV Guide Channel, however, were still available to our Message of unity. In fact, the latest in the national media campaign’s selection of broadcast videos, We Are One, has found receptivity across a wide spectrum of Americans beyond its intended audience. In one of its first airings, the new video scored the third all-time highest weekend response in August when it aired on BET.

We Are One features a country music concept, but the theme of race unity is a strong component of its appeal. The previous other two high response days had resulted from a combination of multiple videos showing on multiple cable outlets.

Growth in Web inquiries

In addition to national broadcasts, many local media campaigns are enthusiastically underway and adding to the national totals. The campaigns have also enabled the Faith to reach another level of responders to the national public Web site (www.us.bahai.org).

During August, a normally slow television month, Web inquiries moved into double digits with requests for information and local contact information reaching above 20 per day.

The National Spiritual Assembly, as part of its national meetings tour in October and December, will speak directly to the absolute necessity of responding heart-to-heart with these waiting lovers of Bahá’u’lláh. ◆

RUNNERS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

laughing, crying, embracing.

And something else: The bundle carrier, a friend of the Bahá’ís, stood still at the shore. One core Spirit Runner, Alfred Kahn, also had to pause and let the emotions flow over him.

“One by one,” Reed wrote, “people were hugging and the hug grew and grew until there was this huge ball of people holding each other on the shores of the Atlantic, the waves breaking around our legs. ...”

Celebration led to ceremony. Exercising his standing as an elder, Rhodd organized the Spirit Run company in a circle. Each core runner planted a foot on the shore in turn, then the circle widened to the entire company. “Each person following the last went around the circle shaking hands, hugging and sharing their love and gratitude for one another,” Reed wrote. ◆ [Page 25]

Karin Leonard pioneered across Americas, in Africa

Karin Högberg Leonard grew up Bahá’í, and was the niece of the “mother of South America,” Leonora Armstrong.

We were grieved to learn of the passing of Karin Leonard, stalwart maidservant of Bahá’u’lláh. Her long years of devoted service as a pioneer in the Bahamas and southern Africa are remembered with gratitude. Kindly assure her family of our ardent prayers at the Sacred Threshold for the progress of her luminous soul in the Abhá Kingdom.

The Universal House of Justice

Karin Leonard served the Bahá’í Faith with her husband, Bob, at pioneering posts on three continents for a total of 41 years. She passed away March 30, 2000, in Salinas, California, at age 64.

Born in Santa Monica, California, Karin Alethe Högberg was the only child of Carl Sigurd and Alethe Alida Holsapple Högberg. She grew up as a Bahá’í in the Los Angeles area.

She was the niece of a towering figure in the history of the Faith: Leonora Stirling Holsapple Armstrong, the first Bahá’í pioneer in Latin America, who served in Brazil over most of the 20th century.

By age 20, Karin left Stanford University to marry Robert Allen Leonard and pioneer to Kodiak, Alaska, a goal of the Ten Year Crusade.

During her 11 years in Alaska she maintained weekly firesides that attracted many seekers, leading to the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Kodiak in 1962. She organized and conducted children’s classes, and held Holy Day celebrations welcoming many guests. The small group saw such success that many in Kodiak thought the local Bahá’í community must be more than 100 people.

Karin’s poor health forced the couple to move. They found an opportunity in the Bahamas, fulfilling a U.S. goal of the Nine Year Plan. During those nine years in the Bahamas she not only taught the Faith, she also served as and hostess for numerous government officials, Bahá’í dignitaries and traveling teachers as the community developed.

Unable to remain in the Bahamas due to political changes, Karin and Bob moved to new service in the Amazon jungle city of Iquitos, Peru. Karin learned Spanish and immersed herself in a mass teaching/deepening campaign that brought in hundreds of believers in just one month, and culminated in a strong, active and deepened community.

Despite its difficulties, life in the Amazon held an added bounty. Karin found opportunities for several visits in Brazil with her beloved Aunt Leonora—particularly precious because Karin’s parents had passed away by 1966.

Karin accompanied her aunt to the dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Panama in 1972, and years later cared for her in the weeks surrounding the International Conference of Bahá’í Women in Lima, Peru. Her daughter Kristine spent part of a year helping Mrs. Armstrong in Brazil.

On leaving Peru in 1978, Karin traveled to the Bahamas to help celebrate the formation of that country’s first National Spiritual Assembly.

Responding to their children’s educational needs, Karin and Bob then moved temporarily to a homefront goal area near Houston, Texas. Karin was an Assembly trainer and was involved in early media work. Within three years, both their daughters were married and at pioneering posts in Africa, and the Leonards prepared to serve overseas again.

Karin and Bob started a business and moved to Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa, where they helped form the first Local Assembly. Teaching work accelerated as the Universal House of Justice urged the South African community to come out of obscurity in its 1985 message.

In 1988 they closed their business due to economic circumstances, and moved to Botswana. Working in an administrative post with the U.S. Embassy there, Karin met with many diplomats and local government officials. While unable to teach in rural areas of the Kalahari Desert, she served the Faith actively on summer school committees, as the liaison coordinating events with the United Nations, and working in media.

With the untimely passing of one of their sons-in-law, the Leonards rejoined their older daughter in the United States. After 15 years in Africa, America was quite a shock. At the suggestion of the Auxiliary Board, Karin and Bob settled in Salinas. Once again she opened her home and worked tirelessly in support of the Local Spiritual Assembly.

Focusing on the community and on her grieving daughter, Karin did not for some time discover the regrowth of a cancer she had successfully fought in 1971. She was blessed with a very short illness.

The U.S. National Spiritual Assembly wrote to the family, in part: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of beloved maidservant of God, Karin Leonard, whose sterling services with her husband, Robert, spanned more than four decades. ... She has earned her place in the annals of the Bahá’í world community and she will remain an inspiring example to present and future generations. ... Our hearts embrace [her family] as we pray the Almighty speedily wing her sweet and loving soul to the Kingdom of Immortality.”

A letter from the Continental Board of Counselors in Africa said in part: “Her devotion to Bahá’u’lláh and the memory of her services to the Cause in southern Africa will forever remain in the thoughts and minds of all who came in contact with her.”

Survivors include her husband; daughters Kristine Asuncion and Cynthia Adlparvar; son-in-law Payam Adlparvar; and six grandchildren. ♦

A. Joseph Viafore was a constant teacher after finding Bahá’í Faith late in life

Anthony Joseph Viafore passed on to the Abhá Kingdom, June 21, 2000, at age 72 in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Joe became a Bahá’í when he was 65 years old. According to a family member, “When he turned his heart over to Bahá’u’lláh, it totally changed his life.”

Joe was constantly teaching. The month after he enrolled in the Faith, he invited over 165 friends, neighbors and associates to a dinner at his home, to hear about his new religion.

Born Dec. 7, 1927, in Boston, Massachusetts, Joe was raised in the Italian Home for Children in nearby Jamaica Plain. He served in the armed forces during two wars.

Joe fathered two sons and two daughters, raised four stepsons, and became a role model to many youths. Friends of all ages looked up to him for love and advice, which he gave abundantly.

Residing in Texas for 40 years, Joe opened and operated 54 businesses. In recent years, he devoted his life to counseling others and to teaching the Bahá’í Faith.

“Joe believed so strongly in the Bahá’í Faith,” a family member recalled, “that he would tell every person he met (even ministers and rabbis) that this Faith was from God.” He put Bahá’í principles on his business cards and on bulletin boards wherever he went, reaching people from all over the country.

When Joe’s health started declining, his next teaching ground became the hospital. Along with his warm smile, he freely handed out Bahá’í brochures, willing to discuss his Faith with anyone and everyone.

Joe cherished his family, friends and Faith with an unselfish love, always wanting to give of himself. This precious man, so greatly loved, will truly be missed by each person and life he touched. ♦

IN MEMORIAM

Easter L. Adams Marion, SC July 14, 1999	Michael J. Buonsanto Westford Town, MA October 21, 1999	Virginia S. Eilers Decatur, IL July 28, 2000	Jenny Many Beads Hard Rock Chapter, AZ November 3, 1999	LaVerne Tolbert South Bend, IN June 26, 2000
Wilma I. Alexander Miramar, FL August 5, 2000	Frank Capro Wilmington, DE July 26, 2000	Betty Garcia San Leandro, CA August 7, 2000	Mary Many Beads New Lands, AZ December 6, 1999	A. Joseph Viafore Poughkeepsie, NY June 21, 2000
Vahid Aminian Glendale, AZ July 11, 2000	Jofre Ritchie Card Ferndale, WA April 27, 1999	Ethel R. Johnson Summerville, SC July 10, 2000	Modesta Marino Fresno, CA July 25, 2000	Van Williams Glendale, AZ July 10, 2000
Ruth Bailey Asheville, NC June 2, 2000	Justina Collins Lancaster, CA March 2000	Karin H. Leonard Salinas, CA March 30, 2000	Raymond Morris Homewood, IL June 30, 2000	Thomas G. Woods Skokie, IL March 29, 2000
Manoutchehr Djame Contra Costa Cty., CA August 1, 2000			Thaddeus Swanegan Berkeley, CA June 1999

[Page 26]

2000 BAHÁ’Í CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AMERICAS

December 14–17, 2000 • Rosen Plaza Hotel • Orlando, Florida

THEME: ADVANCING THE PROCESS OF TRANSFORMING THE WORLD

TOPICS

The organic nature of social and economic development. What is SED all about?

A new vision for the arts in building Bahá’u’lláh’s new order. SED and Indian Peoples in the Americas. Agriculture and Environment: Bound by the Covenant. Use of music as a metaphor for racial harmony. Youth leadership for community service. Getting to the nitty gritty: identifying community realities as a first step in development planning for the individual and community planning. Living the life of SED. Conflict resolution techniques in Bahá’í administration. Moral Leadership program ... and much, much more.

MUSIC AND DRAMA

Inspirational learning through the arts, Leslie Asplund, director; featuring the talents of Laura Lee, Farzad Khozein, Eric Dozier, Gina and Russ Garcia, Bill and Bridget George, Narges, Dan and Andi Seals, Anne and Tim Perry, the Quinn Family (Martin, Wendy and Caitlyn), Christina and Richard Quinn, Kathryn Tahiri, Shahram Shahriary, Mansoor Sobhani, Ludwig Tuman, Anne Tomas, Susan Lewis Wright, Phil Lucas, Mark Ochu, Joyce Olinga, and more.

[Photos: Eloy Anello, Elizabeth Bowen, Eric Dozier, Narges, Children’s Theatre Co.]

This year’s conference theme is “Advancing the Process of Transforming the World,” which was inspired by the draft compilation prepared by the Office of Social and Economic Development: “Seminar on Social and Economic Development—July 1999.” Virtually all the topics of the keynote addresses have been drawn from this valued and profoundly enriching document. Key elements of the program plan include a mixture of full plenary and smaller concurrent sessions featuring presentations on SED principles, concepts and core processes and in-depth case studies, with a number of repeat sessions to assist the friends in being able to attend sessions of interest.

Featured speakers: Peter Adriance (U.S.), Douglas Allen (U.S.), Dwight Allen (U.S.), Eloy Anello (Bolivia), William Davis (U.S.), Danielle Locke (U.S.), Patricia Locke (U.S.), Gordon Naylor (Canada), Susanne and Andras Tamas (Canada), Ludwig Tuman (U.S.), Mark Wedge (Canada), Donald Witzel (Venezuela), Johanna Merritt Wu (U.S.)

Registration & Fees

Register online at our Web site: www.rabbanitrust.org For general information, call 407-740-5415

Adults $120 • Youth (15–20 years) $80 • Children and Junior Youth (3–14 years) $60 • Add $19 contribution if possible for scholarships

Add $20 per person after Nov. 10 • No refunds for “no-shows” • All cancellations subject to a $20 cancellation fee

TO REGISTER BY MAIL: Use the Multipurpose Form on this page • SEPARATE COPY FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL REGISTERING Mail check (in U.S. dollars) to Rabbani Charitable Trust • 2693 W. Fairbanks Ave. Suite A • Winter Park, Florida 32789

OR: To pay by credit card (Visa, MC, Amex, DC, CB), under “Special Information” write card number, exp. date, amount paid, cardholder’s signature

HOTEL/AIRLINE/RENTAL CAR INFORMATION

Hotel rooms at the Rosen (formerly Clarion) Plaza Hotel in Orlando: $50 per night (up to 4 people per room) Limited availability—call promptly 800-627-8258; mention Bahá’í Families

Delta Airlines discounts through American Travel Consultants 800-393-5050 File #164074A

Avis Car Rental discounts 800-331-1600 • Avis Worldwide Discount Group #D131183

INFORMATION ON YOUR INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP

To record achievement of travel-teaching goals, the Office of Pioneering needs information on all international trips taken 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, e-mail ___________________).

Use the Multipurpose Form below to respond by mail. Include the following special information (use a separate sheet as needed):

• 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?

Workshop Testimonial

“We loved the spiritual infusion of new energy into long-known concepts.” —a workshop participant

Spiritual Assemblies are working to build a new state of mind.

Join them by taking one of 15 Assembly Development Module Workshops. Contact the Office of Assembly Development at 847-733-3490, e-mail ___________________ or go to www.usbnc.org

MULTIPURPOSE FORM

CLIP OR COPY AS NEEDED

For which event or activity? __________________________________________________

Name ________________________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________

City ________________________________________ State, ZIP _______________________

Phone _______________________________________ E-mail __________________________

Special information (please include dates if reporting international teaching trip): ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

TAB 9/27/00

IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY

Honor those you love on their special days or remember them after they’ve passed on with a gift to the National Bahá’í Fund.

Forms available:

• On the Web (www.usbnc.org)
• By mail from the Office of the Treasurer, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201

[Page 27]فارسی در قرن بیستم سخن گفتند. در بین این دو سخنرانی، مهندس منوچهر وهمن (ویلن) و آقای سیامک پویان (تنبک) قطعه‌ای اجرا کردند.

برنامة «گنج سخن» هر بعد از ظهر از ساعت ۲ تا ۳ به نظارت دکتر طلعت بصاری اجرا می‌شد و به طور کلی حاوی شعرخوانی بود. پس از این برنامه آقای خشایار خسروان قطعه‌ای با نی نواختند. آنگاه دکتر امین بنانی نطقی با عنوان «نظری کلی به قرن بیستم و مصداق‌های قرن انوار» ایراد کردند. پس از نطق ایشان آقای پرویز هاشمی قطعه‌ای با ویلن نواختند و سپس دکتر قاسم بیات راجع به «پیشرفت‌های علمی در قرن بیستم» سخنرانی کردند.

برنامه شب به نظارت خانم شکوه رضائی اجرا می‌شد. از نوجوانان بهائی آقای وفا لاله‌زاری غزلی از مولوی با مصرع آغازی «جان جهان دوش کجا بوده‌ای» و آقای پناه نبیل اکبر خطبه افتتاحیه مثنوی معنوی را دکلمه کردند. سپس دو نوجوان دیگر آقایان عطا و ثنا تابش قطعه‌ای با سنتور همنوازی کردند. این دو نوجوان که پدرشان ایرانی و مادرشان آمریکائی است به تشویق مادرشان فارسی را آموخته‌اند و به فراگیری موسیقی ایرانی پرداخته‌اند. پس از اجرای این دو برادر آقای پناه نبیل اکبر با پیانو پرلودی از راخمانینف اجرا کرد. بعد از آن نوبت به آقای فرزاد خزین رسید که با ویلن خود شوری در حاضران انگیختند و قطعات گوناگونی اجرا کردند. گروه هنری «روح‌افزا» قطعه‌ای نواختند. در قسمت بعد خانم شکوه رضائی سخنانی درباره فکاهی‌سرای نامی ایران، سید غلامرضا روحانی، سخنانی ایراد کردند. آقای کورش چاره‌جو قطعه‌ای با گیتار نواختند و سپس نوبت به استاد رحمت‌الله بدیعی میهمان ویژه انجمن رسید که به همراهی دخترشان پریسا خانم و آقای سیامک پویان برنامة بسیار جالبی اجرا نمودند.

شنبه ۲ سپتامبر

برنامة صبح با نظامت خانم پریوش (سمندری) خوشبین بود. پس از تلاوت مناجات و لوح، آقای هدایت هنری درآمد دستگاه راست پنجگاه را با تار نواخت. سپس دکتر امین بنانی سخنانی با عنوان «ادبیات ایران در قرن بیستم» ایراد کردند و در آن سیر تحول نویسندگی و شاعری را در این قرن بررسی نمودند. آنگاه استاد رحمت‌الله بدیعی قطعه‌ای با ویلن نواختند و پس از آن دکتر فیروز کاظم‌زاده نطقی با عنوان «ولادت نظمی جهانی در قرن بیستم» ایراد نمودند.

برنامة بعد از ظهر با «گنج سخن» به نظامت دکتر طلعت بصاری شروع شد. دکتر داریا مجذوبی قطعه‌ای با نی نواختند و پس از آن نوبت به میزگردی رسید با عنوان «بهائیان ایران و سیر افکار عمومی در قرن بیستم» با شرکت خانم‌ها گیتی وحید و گیتی اجتماعی و دکتر ایرج خادمی و آقای وفا مستقیم. پس از این میزگرد که با استقبال حاضران روبرو شد، دکتر الهام ضیائی (پیانو) و دکتر پرویز موفق (ویلن) قطعه‌ای اجرا کردند. سپس دکتر فرزانه میلانی سخنرانی بلیغ خود را دربارة «زن، تجدد، و تحرک در ایران» ایراد نمودند.

دکتر ایرج خادمی نظامت برنامة شب را عهده‌دار بودند و معمولاً معرفی اجراکنندگان برنامه‌ها را با به نظم کشیدن قطعه‌ای که شامل نام آنان بود همراه می‌کردند و حاضران را به شور می‌آوردند. گزیده‌هائی از اشعار فارسی در قرن بیستم خوانده شد از جمله کودک ۵ ساله پگاه نبیل اکبر قطعه‌ای از مهدی اخوان ثالث با عنوان «دریچه‌ها» خواند و سپس برنامه‌های موسیقی یکی پس از دیگری اجرا شد. آقای فرزاد خزین قطعاتی با ویلن اجرا کرد؛ آقایان کیومرث حقیقی (سنتور) و سیامک پویان (تنبک) قطعه‌ای باهم اجرا کردند. سپس خانم نسیم سیمونز برنامة رقصی اجرا کرد و پس از آن خانم شکوه رضائی همراه با آقایان رحمت‌الله بدیعی و سیامک پویان برنامه‌ای اجرا کردند. در خاتمه آقایان بدیع یزدی و شهرام شهریاری و وفا مستقیم برنامه‌ای اجرا کردند.

یکشنبه ۳ سپتامبر

دکتر مینو ثابت نظامت برنامة صبح را بر عهده داشتند که با تلاوت مناجات و لوح و نواختن قطعه‌ای با سنتور توسط آقای روح‌الله محمودزاده آغاز شد.

دکتر وحید رأفتی بخش دوم سخنرانی خود را دربارة «تألیفات بهائی به زبان فارسی در قرن بیستم» با ذکر تألیفات حضرات ابوالفضائل، اشراق خاوری، فاضل مازندرانی، دکتر داودی و جناب بخت‌آور و .... ایراد کردند و مطالبی نیز در تشویق به ‎تنزید تزئید‎ معلومات امری بیان نمودند. سپس آقای رضا هنری قطعه‌ای با کمانچه اجرا کردند و آنگاه آقای نعیم نبیل اکبر سخنانی دربارة مفهوم شعر و نظرگاه سنتی و معاصر آن ایراد کرد.

نظامت برنامة «گنج سخن» بر عهدة دکتر طلعت بصاری بود. سپس دکتر ضیا ثابت قطعه‌ای با فلوت اجرا کردند. آنگاه دکتر ایرج ایمن دربارة «جامعة بهائیان ایران در قرن بیستم» سخنانی ایراد نمودند و سپس قطعه‌ای توسط خانم شکوه رضائی به همراهی مهندس منوچهر وهمن اجرا شد. بعد، از قسمت‌هائی از آثار نثر نویسندگان بهائی از جمله جناب ابوالفضائل، جناب فاضل مازندرانی و دکتر داودی قرائت شد.

نظامت برنامة شب را دکتر ایرج خادمی عهده‌دار بودند. گروه آقایان کامبیز نصیرپور (سنتور) و آرین رحمانیان (آواز) و داریا مجذوبی (تنبک) قطعه‌ای اجرا کردند. سپس دکتر سینا ثابت و دکتر هایدة ثابت با ویلن و پیانو برنامه‌ای اجرا کردند. پس از آن آقای سیامک پویان با چیرگی قطعه‌ای با تنبک اجرا کردند که حاضران را به وجد آورد. آنگاه خانم روحا سبحانی قطعه‌ای دکلمه کردند و همسرشان آقای منصور سبحانی آواز خواندند. سپس خانم پریسا بدیعی (آواز) و آقایان رحمت‌الله بدیعی (ویلن) و سیامک پویان (تنبک) برنامه‌ای اجرا کردند و پس از آن گروه «روح‌افزا» به همراهی خانم وحیده مشرف‌زاده و آقای امیر حقیقی قطعه‌ای به اجرا درآوردند.

در خاتمه از همة کسانی که در برگزاری این کنفرانس دست داشتند خواسته شد که بر صحنه حاضر شوند و مورد قدردانی قرار گیرند.

ناگفته نماند که علاوه بر برنامه‌هائی که شرحش گذشت، برنامه‌هائی همزمان به زبان انگلیسی برای بزرگسالان و جوانان در نظر گرفته شده بود تا کسانی که فارسی نمی‌دانند ولی مایلند که در کنفرانس شرکت داشته باشند نیز با فرهنگ ایران آشنا شوند.

موضوع سخنرانی‌های به زبان انگلیسی تقریباً همان موضوع‌هائی بود که به زبان فارسی ایراد شده بود. برنامه‌های هنری صبح و بعد از ظهر نیز کمابیش در بخش انگلیسی تکرار می‌شد. برنامه‌های شب برای فارسی‌زبانان و دیگران مشترک بود.

برای جوانان بهائی ایرانی‌تبار کلاس‌ها و برنامه‌هائی که با چالش‌های آنان در آمریکا ارتباط داشته باشد، طرح‌دیده شده بود. کودکان از ۳ تا ۱۲ سال نیز کلاس‌ها و برنامه‌های ویژة خود را داشتند و بدین ترتیب والدین اطفال کوچک می‌توانستند با خیال آسوده در جلسات کنفرانس شرکت کنند و مطمئن باشند که نونهالانشان در جلسات مخصوص خود با نظارت اهل فن مشغول فراگیری موضوعی یا بازی با همدگر هستند.

برای کسانی که اطفالشان کمتر از سه سال داشتند سالن جداگانه‌ای در نظر گرفته شده بود که می‌توانستند جریان کنفرانس را، بدون نگرانی از اینکه کودکانشان مزاحم دیگران باشند، هم بشنوند و هم بر یک پردة بزرگ تلویزیونی ببینند.

عدة معتنابهی از شرکت‌کنندگان در کنفرانس اظهار می‌داشتند که کنفرانس امسال یکی از بهترین کنفرانس‌هائی بوده که تاکنون در آن شرکت داشته‌اند. شاید یکی از دلائل این نظر شرکت درصد بیشتری از دوستان در جلسات اصلی بوده باشد که خود هم به رونق کنفرانس می‌افزود و هم حس همبستگی دوستان را تقویت می‌کرد.

هیأت مدیرة انجمن امیدوار است کنفرانس‌های آینده نیز با توفیقی مشابه کنفرانس دهم همراه باشد.

کتاب‌های تازه

آئین بهائی، پیام آسمانی برای صلح و سعادت جهانی

اخیراً به همت دکتر هوشیدر مطلق کتابی نفیس در معرفی دیانت بهائی به زبان فارسی منتشر شده است.

کتاب آئین بهائی، پیام آسمانی برای صلح و سعادت جهانی در ۳۸۰ صفحه، مشتمل بر ۲۸ بخش است.

آنچه به ویژگی کتاب ‎میافزاید می‌افزاید‎ ‎اینست این است‎ که همة متن کتاب در ۱۲ سی دی با صدای رسا و گویای خانم شکوه رضائی ضبط شده است.

برای اطلاعات بیشتر با شماره‌های زیر تماس بگیرید: ۱-۸۰۰-۹۴۹-۱۸۶۳

و همچنین ۱-۵۱۷-۷۷۲-۱۴۳۲

E-mail:

Website: www.globalperspective.org [Page 28]نوامبر سال ۲۰۰۰ پذیرفته خواهد شد. به تقاضاهائی که قبل یا بعد از این دو تاریخ واصل شود، ترتیب اثر داده نخواهد شد.

مانند سال‌های پیش افرادی که در ایران ‎تولد شده‌اند متولد شده‌اند‎ نیز برای شرکت در این قرعه‌کشی واجد شرایط هستند. حائز شدن شرایط برای شرکت در این برنامه 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 قرعه‌کشی شرکت کنند. ایرانیانی که به طور قانونی در آمریکا زندگی می‌کنند (دارنده ویزاهای غیرمهاجری مانند توریستی و دانشجوئی و کار و غیره) نیز برای شرکت در این قرعه‌کشی حائز شرایط هستند. اما کسانی که به طور غیرقانونی در آمریکا باشند، قادر به شرکت در این قرعه‌کشی نخواهند بود.

برندگان در این قرعه‌کشی می‌توانند اعضای خانوادۀ بلافصل خود (فرزندان زیر ۲۱ سال و همسر) را همراه داشته باشند، اما نمی‌توانند والدین یا برادران و خواهران خود را همراه بیاورند.

نحوۀ شرکت در قرعه‌کشی

شرکت در این قرعه‌کشی و تنظیم تقاضانامه برای آن دارای شرایط و مقررات خاصی است که عدم رعایت آن باعث ابطال تقاضانامه خواهد بود.

• تقاضانامه‌ها باید از ظهر دوشنبه ۲ اکتبر تا ظهر چهارشنبه اول نوامبر سال ۲۰۰۰ به نشانی مخصوصی که برای این کار اعلام شده است واصل شود.
• تقاضانامه‌های متولدین ایران باید به نشانی زیر پُست شود. هر گونه اشتباهی در درج این نشانی باعث ابطال تقاضانامه خواهد شد:

DV-2002 Program

Kentucky Consular Center

Lexington, KY 41902 USA

• تقاضانامه باید در پاکت‌های پستی استاندارد ارسال شود. پاکت باید بین ۱۵ تا ۲۴ سانتیمتر طول و بین ۹ تا ۱۱ سانتیمتر عرض داشته باشد. پاکت‌های کوچک‌تر یا بزرگ‌تر در قرعه‌کشی وارد نخواهد شد.
• تقاضانامه باید از طریق پست عادی زمینی یا هوائی ارسال شود. به تقاضاهائی که با فکس یا کارت پستال یا از طریق پست فوری ارسال شود، ترتیب اثر داده نخواهد شد.
• برای شرکت در این قرعه‌کشی فورم خاص چاپ شده‌ای وجود ندارد. تقاضای شرکت در قرعه‌کشی باید روی یک برگ کاغذ تنظیم شود و اطلاعات زیر باید روی کاغذ تایپ شده باشد یا با خط خوانا با حروف لاتینی نوشته شده باشد:

- اول نام خانوادگی و بعد نام کوچک. زیر نام خانوادگی باید خط کشیده شده باشد. - تاریخ تولد به شیوۀ اروپائی بدین معنی که اول روز، بعد ماه و بعد سال. - محل تولد شامل شهر و استان و کشور. - نام و محل تولد و تاریخ تولد همسر و فرزندان ازدواج نکرده زیر ۲۱ سال - نشانی پستی متقاضی و شماره تلفن - امضای متقاضی به خط فارسی - عکس پاسپورتی متقاضی (۳۷ میلیمتر در ۳۷ میلیمتر) که اسم متقاضی پشت آن نوشته شده باشد. عکس باید با استفاده از نوار چسب به تقاضا نامه الصاق شده باشد. استفاده از منگنه یا سنجاق یا گیره کاغذ که در دستگاه‌های اتوماتیک بررسی نامه‌ها گیر می‌کند، باعث ابطال تقاضا خواهد شد. تنها به عکس خود متقاضی در این مرحله نیاز است و از فرستادن عکس همسر و فرزندان باید خودداری کرد. - پشت پاکت در منتهی الیه سمت چپ باید کشور محل تولد متقاضی و اسم کامل و نشانی پستی او قید شود. نشانی پشت پاکت باید با نشانی تقاضانامه تطبیق کند.

هر چند از هر متقاضی فقط یک تقاضانامه برای شرکت در قرعه‌کشی پذیرفته خواهد شد، زن و شوهر می‌توانند با ارسال دو تقاضانامه جداگانه امکان برنده شدن خود را دو برابر کنند.

جزئیات شرایط و دستورالعمل برای شرکت در این قرعه‌کشی را می‌توان از طریق شبکه اطلاعاتی اینترنت نیز پیدا کرد. نشانی در زیر درج می‌شود: http://travel.state.gov

حقوق الله

از دوستان عزیز مستدعی است تقدیمی‌های حقوق الله را در وجه Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust و به نشانی یکی از امنای حقوق الله مندرج در صفحه ۱۹ این نشریه ارسال فرمایند.

گزارش دهمین کنفرانس سالانه انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE ASSOCIATION

دهمین کنفرانس سالانه انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی از ۳۱ آگست تا ۳ سپتامبر سال جاری در هتل شیکاگو اوهر مریات Chicago O'Hare Marriott Hotel تشکیل گردید.

چنانکه از پیش به آگاهی دوستان رسیده است، در سال ۱۹۹۱ دفتر امور احبای ایرانی/آمریکائی با کسب اجازه از محفل روحانی ملی انجمنی تأسیس نمود که اهداف آن عبارتند از:

• کمک به بهائیان ایرانی تبار برای حفظ ارتباط خود با میراث فرهنگی و ادب و هنر ایران
• تشویق جوانان و نوجوانان و کودکان بهائی به آموختن زبان فارسی
• آشنا ساختن همه اعضاء جامعه بهائی با فرهنگ ایران، زادگاه آئین بهائی، به منظور استفاده بیشتر آنان از مطالعه نصوص و نوشته‌ها و تاریخ دیانت بهائی

به منظور رسیدن به اهداف بالا سالانه کنفرانسی در شیکاگو تشکیل می‌گردد که در آن جنبه‌های گوناگون فرهنگ ایرانی بررسی می‌شود و برنامه‌های هنری ارائه می‌گردد و نمایشگاه‌هائی از آثار هنرمندان ایرانی ترتیب داده می‌شود.

بیش از هزار و دویست نفر در دهمین کنفرانس سالانه انجمن شرکت داشتند و از برنامه‌های گوناگون سخنرانی و هنری اعم از موسیقی و رقص و شعرخوانی استفاده کردند. گزارش کوتاهی از برنامه‌های کنفرانس، به ترتیب اجرای آن، در زیر درج می‌گردد.

پنجشنبه ۳۱ آگست

نام‌نویسی برای کنفرانس در حدود ساعت ۲ بعد از ظهر آغاز شد. برنامه کنفرانس ساعت ۸ شب رسماً به نظامت دکتر آذر موفق آغاز شد. پس از تلاوت مناجات و لوح (که در همه بخش‌ها وجود داشت) برنامه‌های کنفرانس را خانم آتیسا آذر و آقای کیوان فراهانی معرفی کردند.

آقای پرویز دادرسان درباره زندگانی و آثار شاعر عارف، لقائی کاشانی، سخنرانی کردند و آقای بیژن بیضائی و خانم کاتیا ماجدی نیا در برنامه‌ای به یاد رفتگان و دوستداران اشعاری در رثا و تجلیل از اهل قلم، هنرمندان، نویسندگان، شعرا، مترجمین، محققین که در بیست سال گذشته از این جهان به جهان دگر شدند خواندند.

اجرای برنامه‌های موسیقی به این ترتیب بود که آقای وفا لاله زاری قسمت اول سونات مهتاب بتهون را با پیانو نواخت. گروه روح افزا به همراهی آقای امیر حقیقی موسیقی ایرانی اجرا کردند و در بخش دیگر برنامه گروه مذکور به همراهی خانم وحیده مشرف‌زاده برنامۀ دیگری به اجرا درآوردند. گروه روح افزا را اعضای یک خانواده هنرمند تشکیل می‌دهند که عبارتند از: خانم فتحیه هنری که آواز می‌خوانند و آقای رضا هنری که کمانچه می‌نوازند و دو پسران هدایت (تار) و هامسین (تنبک و دف). جلسۀ شب اول با مناجات خاتمه پایان پذیرفت.

جمعه ۱ سپتامبر

نظامت برنامه صبح را خانم گیتی اجتماعی بر عهده داشتند. جلسه صبح با تلاوت مناجات و لوح آغاز شد. سپس آقای روح الله محمودزاده قطعه‌ای با سنتور اجرا کردند. پس از آن دکتر فؤاد ضیائی عضو هیئت مدیره انجمن به حاضران خوشامد گفته و اهداف انجمن را به آگاهی آنان رساندند. سپس نماینده محفل روحانی ملی جناب رابرت سی. هندرسون مطالبی دربارۀ اهمیت و تأثیر خدمات بهائیان ایرانی در جامعۀ بهائی آمریکا ایراد نمودند.

سخنرانی‌های اصلی برنامۀ صبح را مهندس فریبرز صهبا و دکتر وحید رأفتی بر عهده داشتند. جناب صهبا، درباره ساختمان‌های کوه کرمل در پایان قرن بیستم سخنانی با شور همراه با نمایش اسلاید ایراد کردند و دکتر رأفتی راجع به تألیفات بهائی به زبان ... [Page 29]

جلسات دیدار با احباء

NOTICE OF NATIONWIDE MEETINGS

حضرت عبدالبهاء، احبای آمریکا را به خطاب "ای حواریون حضرت بهاءالله" مخاطب داشته و بدین ترتیب مسؤولیت بزرگی بر دوش آنان نهاده‌‌اند.

محفل روحانی ملی تصمیم گرفته است که اعضای آن هیئت در سِمَت نمایندگان جامعه به همراه مشاوران و اعضای هیئت معاونت و اعضای شوراهای منطقه‌ای در یک سلسله جلسات دیدار با احبای سراسر ایالات متحده اعم از بزرگسال و جوان و خردسال ملاقات کنند و آنان را تشویق نمایند که استعدادهای نهفته خود را فعلیت بخشند و به تکمیل اهداف نقشه یکساله برخیزند و شالودۀ استواری برای نقشۀ پنجساله آینده پی افکنند.

ناگفته نماند که جلسات همزمانی برای جوانان به موازات جلسات اصلی ملاقات منعقد خواهد شد. از همۀ یاران ایرانی درخواست و دعوت می‌شود که با حضور در این جلسات بر آگاهی خود نسبت به اهداف جامعهٔ بهائی ایالات متحده بیفزایند و بدین ترتیب مانند سابقۀ درخشان خود و اعقابشان سهم و تأثیری در رشد جامعۀ امری داشته باشند.

تاریخ و محل برگزاری جلسات

شنبه ۲۱ اکتبر سال ۲۰۰۰ دنور در ایالت کلورادو؛ واشنگتن دی‌سی؛ پورتلند در ایالت اورگان؛ لوئی‌ویل در کنتاکی؛ فورت لادردیل در فلوریدا؛ مینیاپولیس در مینه سوتا؛ فینیکس در آریزونا؛ راچستر در نیویورک؛ لینکن در ایالت نبراسکا.

یکشنبه ۲۲ اکتبر سال ۲۰۰۰ اورنج کانتی در ایالت کالیفرنیا؛ فیلادلفیا در پنسیلوانیا؛ سیاتل در واشنگتن؛ نشویل در تنسی؛ جکسون‌ویل در فلوریدا؛ شیکاگو در ایلینوی؛ لوس‌انجلس در کالیفرنیا؛ دیترویت در میشیگان؛ دوموین در ایالت آیوا؛

شنبه ۲ دیسمبر سال ۲۰۰۰ ایندیناپولیس در ایالت ایندیانا؛ نیویورک؛ دورم در کرولاینای شمالی؛ سن‌دیه‌گو در کالیفرنیا؛ سینت‌لوئیس در میزوری؛ سالت‌لیک‌سیتی در یوتا؛ بتن روژ در لویزیانا؛ اتلانتا در جورجیا؛ برلین گیم در ایالت کالیفرنیا.

یکشنبه ۳ دیسمبر سال ۲۰۰۰ کلومبوس در ایالت اوهایو؛ بوستن در ماساچوست؛ دالاس در تگزاس؛ آلبوکرکی در نیومکزیکو؛ ویچیتا در کانزاس؛ لاس وگاس در نوادا؛ هیوستن در تگزاس؛ کلمبیا در کرولاینای جنوبی؛ استاکتن در کالیفرنیا.

تذکر دربارۀ تماس با اولیای امور

CONTACT WITH OFFICIALS

محفل روحانی ملی مایل است بار دیگر سیاست کلی جامعۀ بهائی را دربارۀ تماس با اولیای امور یادآوری نماید.

افراد و تشکیلات بهائی باید قبل از تماس با اولیای امور چه در دولت فدرال و چه در دولت ایالتی از محفل روحانی ملی کسب اجازه نمایند. ناگفته پیداست که اخذ اجازه مربوط به اموری است که ارتباطی با امر مبارک داشته باشد.

از مواردی که تماس با اولیای امور مستلزم کسب اجازه از محفل روحانی ملی است عبارت است از:

• دعوت از آنان برای شرکت در جلسات بهائی
• تقدیم بیانیه‌های امری بدانان
• اظهار پشتیبانی جامعۀ بهائی از موضع یا موضوع خاصی

در گذشته عدم هماهنگی تماس با اولیای امور باعث ایجاد سرشکستگی و شرمساری جامعۀ بهائی گردیده است.

غرض از دستورالعمل محفل روحانی ملی مبنی بر کسب اجازه این است که امور خارجی آن به نحوی هماهنگ و یک‌پارچه ارائه شود و وحدت و وقار و حرمت جامعۀ امری را در سطح محلی و ملی حفظ نماید.

هر چند محافل روحانی محلی مختارند که با اولیای دولت محلی و نمایندگان حوزۀ خود در مجلس نمایندگان و سنای ایالتی تماس حاصل نمایند، با این حال تماس با اولیای امور دولتی در سطح ملی و نمایندگان مجلس و سناتورها و همچنین حکمران‌های ایالات (governors) و نیز کلیۀ ادارات و دوائر دولتی اعم از ملی و ایالتی در حیطهٔ اختیار محفل روحانی ملی است.

افراد احباء آزادند که در مواردی که ارتباطی با امر بهائی نداشته باشد، با نمایندگان منتخب خود و سایر اولیای امور تماس حاصل نمایند. البته دستورالعمل محفل روحانی ملی شامل مواردی که تماس افراد به‌طور غیررسمی یا در نتیجۀ روابط دوستانه یا ارتباط خانوادگی باشد، نخواهد بود.

در صورتی که احباء با اولیای امور و افراد سرشناس آشنائی داشته باشند، محفل روحانی ملی بسیار خوشوقت خواهد بود که در جریان اینگونه روابط قرار گیرد و از آن آگاه باشد، زیرا اینگونه روابط، در صورت لزوم، ارتباط با اولیای امور را تسهیل می‌کند.

همچنین در صورتی که یاران با شهردار یا عضو شورای شهر یا اولیای امور محلی ارتباط نزدیک یا آشنائی داشته باشند، بسیار سودمند خواهد بود که محفل روحانی محلی خود را از این آشنائی آگاه فرمایند.

دوستان می‌توانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر امور خارجی محفل روحانی ملی تماس حاصل نمایند.

شماره تلفن: ۸۳۳-۸۹۹۰ (۲۰۲) شماره فکس: ۸۳۳-۸۹۸۸ (۲۰۲) e-mail:

کودکان و جوانان نمونه

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

نونهالان و نوجوانان و جوانان بهائی در ایران گل سرسبد جامعه هستند و خود و والدین و جامعۀ امری را با توفیقاتشان در زمینه‌های درسی و هنری سرافراز می‌کنند.

سپاس باید گفت که در ایالات متحده و نیز دیگر نقاط جهان کودکان و جوانان بهائی ایرانی‌تبار، با تأسی به تعالیم الهی و با آگاهی از توفیقات جوانان بهائی ایران، این رویه را دنبال می‌کنند و داستان موفقیت‌هایشان به گوش می‌رسد. به عنوان مشتی از خروار نمونه‌های زیر درج می‌شود:

• آقای کوین همتی از دس پلینز Des Plaines در ایالت ایلینوی جایزه‌ای به نام Eagle Scout از سازمان پیشاهنگی آمریکا دریافت کرد. مراسم اهداء این جایزه در مشرق‌الاذکار ایالات متحده برگزار شد.
• خانم شهرة مجیدی از سینت لوئیس در ایالت میزوری یکی از افرادی بود که خدماتش در زمینۀ وحدت نژادی مورد قدردانی قرار گرفت. ایشان جلسات مذاکره‌ای با عنوان "مذاکره دربارۀ وحدت نژادی" Race Unity Dialogue دائر کرده است.
• خانم رزیتا نجمی از ناکس کانتی در ایالت تنسی جوائز متعددی دریافت کرد از جمله جایزۀ علمی Bausch and Lomb و جایزهٔ دوم بهترین وکیل در یک محاکمۀ نمایشی و جایزۀ مخصوص زنان با عنوان Executive Women International و جایزۀ Prudential Spirit of the Community و چندین جایزۀ دیگر.
• آقای فریبُرز امید سرویان از مِلیبو در ایالت کالیفرنیا جایزه‌ای مربوط به اطلاعات مربوط به جغرافیا National Geographic Bee دریافت کرد.
• آقای نوید زائر (۱۵ ساله) از سوّنا Savannah در ایالت جورجیا دیپلم دبیرستان را با عنوان شاگرد ممتاز مدرسه دریافت کرد. ایشان جوان‌ترین دانش‌آموزی بود که به اخذ دیپلم دبیرستان توفیق یافت. ایشان جوائزی دریافت داشته است از جمله جایزهٔ Georgia Certificate of Merit و نیز Presbyterian College Fellow Award.

توفیق این عزیزان را تبریک می‌گوئیم و مزید آن را برای ایشان و دیگر نونهالان و جوانان بهائی آرزومندیم.

قرعه کشی برای ویزای مهاجرت

VISA LOTTERY

(برگرفته و خلاصه از نشریه ایران تایمز) از سوی وزارت امور خارجۀ آمریکا شرایط شرکت در قرعه‌کشی دریافت ویزای مهاجرت به آمریکا اعلام شد. برنامهٔ قرعه‌کشی سالانهٔ مهاجرت در سال ۱۹۹۰ از سوی کنگرهٔ آمریکا به مورد اجرا گذاشته شد تا به تنوع نژادی و قومی در جمعیت آمریکا کمک کند.

تقاضا برای شرکت در قرعه‌کشی از ظهر روز دوشنبه ۲ اکتبر سال ۲۰۰۰ تا ظهر روز چهارشنبه اول [Page 30]

Audrey Robarts passes away after decades of service

The Hand of the Cause John Robarts and his wife, Audrey, are shown during a Minnesota visit in 1979. File photo

Audrey Robarts, a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh and the wife of the late Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts, passed away Aug. 24, 2000, in Rawdon, Quebec. She had lived there since the couple moved to the locality as a pioneering post in the 1960s.

She and her husband, both Canadian-born, embraced the Bahá’í Faith in the late 1930s after being taught by his aunt Grace Robarts Ober. John and Audrey Robarts were vigorous servants of the Faith in the Toronto area in the years leading to establishment of Canada’s first National Spiritual Assembly in 1948, and on through 1953.

That year after Shoghi Effendi announced the world-embracing pioneering goals of the Ten Year Crusade, the couple accepted the Guardian’s suggestion to pioneer in Bechuanaland (now Botswana) with children Patrick and Nina. The family traveled to teach there at every opportunity even though they had to live in Mafeking, Bechuanaland’s administrative capital, which was actually situated in South Africa.

The family moved in 1957 to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and continued to teach in Bechuanaland. While John’s international duties intensified after his appointment as a Hand of the Cause, Audrey traveled frequently to teach the Faith, helping to open numerous localities in remote areas of their two adopted countries.

In 1966, with a National Spiritual Assembly well-established in southern Africa, the Robarts moved back to Canada. Pillars of the Rawdon community, the couple taught continuously. As John Robarts’ age advanced, Audrey increasingly accompanied him on his international travels. He passed away in 1991.

Audrey contributed a lively reminiscence of Shoghi Effendi from the family’s 1955 pilgrimage, which was included in the 1993 book The Vision of Shoghi Effendi. She described her family alongside one other pilgrim at dinner with the beloved Guardian and sometimes with Hands of the Cause. One time Shoghi Effendi said John and Audrey were spiritual partners and told her, “You must vie with him spiritually.”

She is survived by her sons, Aldham, John and Patrick Robarts, and daughter, Nina Tinnion, all of whom have pioneered for the Faith. ♦

An Aug. 24 message from the Universal House of Justice to the Robarts’ daughter, Nina Robarts Tinnion, said in part:

“We grieve with you at the loss of your dear mother, Mrs. Audrey Robarts, but rejoice in the achievements of a life so totally dedicated to the Cause of God. Beyond the radiance of heart that made her so widely loved, her pioneering to Africa, with your father, which won both of them the immortal distinction of Knights of Bahá’u’lláh, coupled with the tireless support she gave his magnificent efforts as Hand of the Cause of God, leaves an imperishable legacy that will enrich the history of the Bahá’í community for ages to come. Nor can one forget the spiritual atmosphere of the successive homes she established in Toronto, Mafeking and Quebec that drew countless seekers into the immortal life that belief in Bahá’u’lláh confers.”

DEVELOPMENT

• Ethiopia: Two Counselors joined forces in a continental-scale training of trainers for the “Equal Wings” program, April 7–11 in Addis Ababa. Counsellors Lee Lee Loh Ludher from Malaysia and Lally Lucretia Warren from Botswana trained a total of 22 Bahá’ís from Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. The program was introduced in the United States in a session during May at the Bahá’í National Center.

The five-day course was organized by the National Bahá’í Women’s Committee, in collaboration with the Office of Social and Economic Development, in order to help create awareness of the equality of men and women and to promote gender equality in the Bahá’í community.

• Sarawak: A wealth of local development projects were reported on during a teaching conference in Bugu Mawang on April 8–9 focusing on the region’s Area Growth Program. Among the projects: Friends from Mujat reported that literacy and children’s classes were on-going. Fish from a community pond had been harvested, with the money obtained from the sale to be used to build a new Bahá’í center. They have started a pepper garden, and the women’s committee made and sold cakes to raise funds. Also, the Bahá’ís of Bugu Mawang had finished ‎builkding building‎ their own ‎their ‎ community fishpond and repainted their Bahá’í Center. The women’s committee had also planted vegetables and made and sold cakes for the Fund. ♦

Scouts’ session

A deepening session for Bahá’í Scouts in São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation off the western coast of Africa, is held in a classroom at Ribeira Peixe School during a recent teaching and consolidation trip. Bahá’í International News Service

EDUCATION

• Pakistan: The newly founded Academy of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas drew 22 participants from around the country for its first program June 23–25 at the Bahá’í Center in Islamabad. The academy, a goal project of the Regional Bahá’í Council of Punjab, focuses entirely on in-depth study of the Most Holy Book and supports research on its laws and ordinances.

Muhammad Ashraf Ali, joint secretary of the Federal Ministry of Minorities, helped inaugurate the Academy by unveiling a piece of glass on which was engraved the opening paragraph of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas in Arabic and English.

Research papers on various religions presented by Bahá’ís and other academics made the study program “unique, informative and interesting,” a report stated. Special presentations provided the participants with a new vision and practical techniques for approaching study of the Most Holy Book.

• Canada: A conference to chart the road ahead for training institutes was “successful beyond imagining,” reported the National Spiritual Assembly. Among the 200 participants were Penny Walker, a Counselor member of the International Teaching Center, and six members of the Continental Board of Counselors—Gustavo Correa, Abdu’l-Missagh Ghadirian, Jacqueline Left Hand Bull, Carmen Elisa de Sadeghian, David Smith and Rodrigo Tomás. Several other honored guests attended from Latin America.

“[T]he connection forged between the northern and southern regions of the Americas was profound,” stated the report, which praised the Latin American visitors for “humbly and wisely” expressing the advancement of the institute process in their home nations.

Particular attention was focused on study of the Ruhi Institute’s Book Six, on teaching, and Book Seven (draft version) on tutor training.

• Sweden: Just two days after the July 1 opening to vehicular traffic of the 10-mile-long Øresund Bridge, linking Denmark and Sweden for the first time since the ice ages, the Danish and Swedish Bahá’ís held a joint summer school attended by 150 friends from several countries.

Special guests were Suheil Bushrui, professor holding the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, and his wife, Mary. Bushrui gave talks about Shoghi Effendi, Bahá’í ethics, Islam and the Bahá’í Faith.

TEACHING

• Turks & Caicos Islands: The “biggest proclamation of the Faith in this part of the world” was highlighted by a celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, attended by several dignitaries and bolstered by the presence of Jack McCants and William Roberts of the U.S. National Spiritual Assembly.

About 60 people representing 13 countries and several faiths attended the April 9 event at the home of a Bahá’í in Providenciales. They included Chief Minister Derek Taylor, opposition leader Washington Missick, and Haitian Vice Consul Joseph Delan. All were given copies of Call to Remembrance and The Promise of World Peace. The Haitian official extolled the gathering as “a sample of the UN in Providenciales.”

In the days surrounding this event, the U.S. visitors also spoke at a fireside, gave a lengthy interview for a national television program (which was aired repeatedly) and consulted with the Local Spiritual Assembly.

• Portugal: The Bahá’í community was represented in a wide-ranging forum on religious thought at the University of the Azores, May 25–26. A presentation by Rui Batista, a member of the ‎Natinoal National‎ Spiritual Assembly, titled “The Fundamental Unity of Religions—Bahá’u’lláh’s Vision,” aroused great interest among the 60 or 70 professors and university students attending, according to a report from the national newsletter. Speakers were invited from Italy, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain. ♦

[Page 31]

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY REACHES OUT

To encourage the American Bahá’í community in our “unspeakably glorious” mission, the National Spiritual Assembly—along with several Counselors and Auxiliary Board members—is undertaking an unprecedented series of meetings with the friends across the country, in 36 localities October 21–22 and December 2–3. Please see page 1 to find out about the meeting nearest you.

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 [redacted] Green Acre Bahá’í School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail [redacted] Louhelen Bahá’í School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail [redacted] Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, phone 843-558-5093; fax 843-558-9136; e-mail [redacted] Native American Bahá’í Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail [redacted]

OCTOBER

Early October, Weekends: Unit Conventions; dates and times vary. Details are in Unit Convention ballot mailings sent to individual Bahá’ís in August. Updates for some Electoral Units have been posted on the Administrative Web Site (www.usbnc.org).

6–8: ‘Irfán Colloquium and Seminar at Louhelen.

6–8: Local Spiritual Assembly Team Building: “Increasing Love and Trust Among the Members” at Bosch.

6–9: Two programs at Green Acre: “Talking and Listening: The Art of Spiritual Parenting”; “A True Pattern in Action: Solving Problems and Improving Relationships.”

20–22: Assembly Development Forum at Green Acre.

20–23: “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh” Part 2, Family Session at Bosch.

26–29: “Establishing Training Institutes” Facilitator Training for Ruhi Book 1 at Green Acre. Prior completion of Ruhi Institute Book 1 course required.

27–29: College Club Weekend at Bosch.

NOVEMBER

3–5: Royal Falcon Fall School, Pensacola Beach, FL. Registrar: Carol Payne (phone [redacted], e-mail [redacted], Web site http://bahai.home.mindspring.com); pre-register by Sept. 17 for discount. Hotel reservations: Best Western (phone 800-934-3301); deadline Oct. 15 for special rate.

3–5: Local Spiritual Assembly Team Building: “Increasing Love and Trust Among the Members” at Bosch.

10–12: Two programs at Green Acre: “Reaching Christian Hearts with Bahá’u’lláh’s Good News”; Junior Youth Session: “Get Real and Stay ‘Dry in the Sea’ ” for ages 12–15.

10–12: Family session at Bosch: The World Order of ‎Baba’u’lláh Bahá’u’lláh‎, letters 1 and 2.

10–12: Louisiana Bahá’í School, Covington, LA; with Counselor Tod Ewing; Jeanette Hedayati and Farah Guchani-Rosenberg. Registrar: Marilyn Jennison, (phone [redacted], e-mail [redacted]). Pre-register by Nov. 1; discount before Oct. 1.

12: Milwaukee, WI, community centennial dinner. Contact Patricia Hanson (phone [redacted]) or Gloria Oatis (e-mail [redacted]).

17–19: Two family sessions at Bosch: The World Order of ‎Baba’u’lláh Bahá’u’lláh‎, letters 3 and 4; “Parenting in the Bahá’í Faith.”

17–19: “Bahá’í-Centered Management” at Green Acre.

23–26: ‘Irfán Colloquium at Bosch.

23–26: Southern regional conference, Nashville, Tennessee; sponsored by the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Southern States. Details on page 12.

23–26: Desert Rose Bahá’í School, Casa Grande, AZ. Information available (phone 520-466-7361 or 520-466-7767, e-mail [redacted]).

23–26: Florida Bahá’í School, Orlando, FL; with Jack McCants, Kerry McCord, Leota Lookman, Jeff Huffines, Rachel Huffines. Registrar: Denise Godsey, (phone [redacted], e-mail [redacted]); pre-register Nov. 9.

24–26: Conference on Children: “Functional Families and Caring Communities” at Green Acre.

DECEMBER

1–3: Two programs at Green Acre: “Developing Patterns of Community Life” SED training part 2; Establishing Training Institutes: “Teaching the Cause.”

1–3: Assembly Development Module, “Builders of Communities,” at Bosch.

7–10: Family session at Bosch: The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

8–10: Seekers Weekend at Bosch: “God’s Messenger for this Day.”

15–17: “Challenges of Single Parenthood” at Bosch.

26–31: Winter School at Green Acre: Relationships, Marriage and Family Life.

26–31: Winter School at Bosch: “Comparative Religions” plus “Mediation and Conflict Resolution.”

26–31: Pioneer Training Program in New York City. Contact Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508).

PAID SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
at the Bahá’í National Offices
Refugee Office • Public Information • Publishing Marketing • More!	See page 22

Workers take jackhammer and shovel to a garden wall on the north side of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, as part of a gradual renovation of Temple grounds. More photos on pages 16–17.

Photo by James Humphrey

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 processing. (This also updates the National Center’s database.)

A. NAME(S)
1. _________________________________ ID# ________	2. _________________________________ ID# ________
3. _________________________________ ID# ________	4. _________________________________ ID# ________
B. NEW RESIDENCE ADDRESS	C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS
Street Address __________________________________	Street Address __________________________________
Apartment # (if applicable) ______________________	Apartment # (if applicable) ______________________
City ___________________________________________	City ___________________________________________
State _________________________ Zip code ________	State _________________________ Zip code ________
D. NEW COMMUNITY	E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER
Name of new Bahá’í Community ______ Moving Date __	Area Code Phone Number _______________ Name ______
F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S)
Area Code Phone Number _______________ Name ______	Area Code Phone Number _______________ Name ______
G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE:	H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY
[ ] We do not have the same last name. We do not want extra copies, so please cancel the copy for the person(s) and ID number(s) listed above.	[ ] The last names and addresses on our address labels do not match. We have listed above the full names of family members as they should appear on the national records, their ID numbers, and the corrections so that we will receive only one copy.	[ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.

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

SEPTEMBER 27—NOVEMBER 3, 2000 MASHÍYYAT, ‘ILM • B.E. 157

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í