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Crucial message on International Fund

From the National Spiritual Assembly to the American Bahá’í Community

Dearest Friends,

The National Spiritual Assembly received the following message of critical importance from the Universal House of Justice addressed "To the Bahá’ís of the World" about the pressing need for a marked increase in the contributions to the Bahá’í International Fund to sustain the work of the Faith.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, Robert C. Henderson, Secretary-General

REFOCUSING ON INSIGHTS OF THE GUARDIAN

Glenford Mitchell's talks put events in perspective

BY TOM MENNILLO

It would come as no surprise if Bahá’í Shoghi Effendi in the days following Glenford Mitchell's mid-October talks in Wilmette and Atlanta.

The Guardian's crystal-clear insights into our age formed the nucleus of the two speeches, given during the Universal House of Justice member's "vacation" in the United States and Canada.

While in Canada, Mitchell had addressed gatherings at nine localities, with about 4,300 total attending, according to Bahá’í Canada magazine.

At the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, on Oct. 13, Mitchell was welcomed not only with the respect due a member of the Supreme Body of the Faith, but also with a warmth extended to one of our own coming home. He had spent several years there as secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States.

More than 400 people braved the

Universal House of Justice member Glenford Mitchell (left) chats with Evaz Fanaian (right) of the Fulton County Northeast, Georgia, Bahá’í community after his talk Oct. II in Atlanta. Listening in is Joey Fischer of Sandy Springs. Photo by Tom Mennillo

Message of the Universal House of Justice to the Bahá’ís of the World, dated Nov. 12, 2001

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The Major Plan of God is at work throughout the world, hastening the disintegration of the old order as the new one unfolds. While it is propelling forward a social transformation of a magnitude never before witnessed, fear and uncertainty grip the consciousness of a majority of the world's people, who remain unaware of God's purpose in this Day. There is a growing sense of a fundamental change of far-reaching dimensions that chills preoccupation with the pleasures and comforts of material existence. In the midst of this turmoil, the Divine Will for humankind is being achieved.

The progress being made by the community of the Greatest Name is a cause for the deepest satisfaction. Its members, undismayed by the surrounding distraction and distress,

Forum opens horizons for treasurers

BY JAMES HUMPHREY

The weekend was one of opening hearts to new horizons in service, of exploring ways to carry out the variety of roles local Bahá’í treasurers play in keeping the "life-blood of the Cause" healthy.

Yet at the end it was clear those possibilities must result in unified action by the Bahá’ís in general, to reverse a downslide afflicting the senior Funds of the Faith.

"Cultivating a Spirit of Generosity," the first-ever National Treasurer's Forum organized by the Office of the Treasurer, brought nearly 270 local treasurers or other delegates of Spiritual Assemblies to Northbrook, Illinois, on Oct. 25-27.

About 30 more were on hand to lead workshops or participate in panel discussions.

"The experience was educational, enlightening, spiritual, fun, and inspirational," one local treasurer from Georgia wrote to the Office of the Treasurer. "I can't wait to begin my new journey,"

Message of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, dated October 21, 2001

We were deeply saddened by the news of the passing of highly devoted, self-sacrificing servant of the Cause Patricia Locke. Her many years of dedicated service to the Faith as a member of your National Spiritual Assembly will long be remembered. The widespread recognition of her outstanding endeavors as an educator and administrator in championing the special educational needs of American Indians has contributed to the rising prestige of the Cause in the United States.

Kindly convey our loving sympathy to her family, and assure them of our heartfelt prayers at the Sacred Threshold for the progress of her illumined soul throughout the heavenly realms.

The Universal House of Justice

Report on National Spiritual Assembly By-election

Dearest Friends,

The National Spiritual Assembly is delighted to report that the November 17, 2001 by-election to fill the vacancy created by the passing of our dearly loved sister Patricia Locke has resulted in the election of Ms. Jacqueline Left Hand Bull.

Ms. Left Hand Bull served with distinction as a member of the Continental Board of Counselors and as a member of the National Teaching Committee.

We eagerly anticipate her service on the National Spiritual Assembly.

The National Spiritual Assembly proceeds with confidence, supported by your prayers and the firm and irrevocable promise of the Almighty, that the American Bahá’í community will attain its glorious destiny.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, Robert C. Henderson, Secretary-General

BUILDING THE KINGDOM IT'S OUR TIME

Participants: more than 7,000 Goal: $60 million Pledges + cash: $24.6 million Received: $8 million

THE NATIONAL FUND

Received by the National Treasurer $1,458,935 received, September 2001 $1,243,760 received, October 2001 6,169 individual contributors, September 2001 6,362 individual contributors, October 2001 Excluding Kingdom Project [Page 2]

LETTER FROM THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

to the American Bahá’í community, dated November 20, 2001

Dear Friends,

It is with deep regret that the National Spiritual Assembly will close the current building of the Bahá’í Home for the Aged after 43 years of dedicated service to the community. Completed in 1958, the Bahá’í Home, a sheltered care facility, has provided a caring and comfortable environment to elderly persons of all races and religions. After consulting Bahá’ís with expert knowledge of elder care, the National Spiritual Assembly concluded that the Home would have to be enlarged to enhance resident accommodations and make its operation economically feasible. The financial challenges we currently face render us unable to expand and improve the Home, or to continue operation in the current state. Our plan is to acquire a larger and more modern facility in the future.

We are deeply grateful to the Bahá’í Home staff for their devotion to upholding a standard of spiritual and professional excellence. Their qualities of service are evidenced in the letters of appreciation received from residents and their families that confirm the warm welcome given to residents and their guests alike, the sensitivity to their needs, and the loving attention they have received.

Residents of the Home will be assisted in locating to other elder care facilities. Staff members displaced by the closing will be assisted to secure other employment. Our prayers go with them all.

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES Robert C. Henderson, Secretary-General

Counselors announce Auxiliary Board members to serve within U.S.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States has shared with the friends the following letter from the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas.

Dearest Bahá’í Friends,

It is with great joy that we inform you that the following friends have been appointed to serve as Auxiliary Boards for Protection and Propagation of the Faith in the United States of America for the five-year term beginning on November 26, 2001:

Auxiliary Board for Protection

Auxiliary Board for Propagation

Mrs. Yvonne Billingsley, Mr. Navid Haghighi, Mr. Shahin Vafai, Mr. Riaz Khadem, Mr. Charles Cornwell, Dr. Nabil Ali, Mrs. Allison Vaccaro, Dr. Sohrab Kourosh, Mr. David Smith, Mr. Houshmand Sheshbaradaran, Mrs. Lorilyn Wilson, Mr. Gary Bulkin, Mr. Rick Schneider, Mrs. Shiva Khadem Ziai, Mrs. Vida Ellins, Mr. Shannon Javid, Dr. Katherine Williams, Mr. Enayat Rohani, Mr. Khosrow Rezai, Mr. Edward Rice Jr., Dr. William Wieties

Mrs. Lynn Wieties, Ms. Pooneh Rassekh, Mrs. Alexandra Rivera-Rule, Dr. Linda Ahdieh Grant, Mrs. Barbara Sheridan, Mr. Michael O’Neal, Mrs. Farah Guchani-Rosenberg, Mrs. Maxcia Lizárraga, Mrs. Catherine Schmitz, Mrs. Lupita Ahangarzadeh, Mr. Raymond Waight, Mr. Steve Kim, Mrs. Chitra Gholestani-Maghzi, Mr. Fernando Huerta, Mr. Gerald Sinclair, Mr. Henri Cross, Mr. Todd Kutches, Mr. Ferris Paisano, Ms. Alice Bathke, Mr. Kevin Locke, Ms. Karida Griffith, Ms. Nina Dini

We are certain that these dear friends will devotedly and sacrificially lend their support to your community to win the goals of the Five Year Plan.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, The Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

Johnie M. Floyd, a Bahá’í in Bristol, Connecticut, was selected for induction into the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. An outstanding track runner in high school and college, in later years he coached several undefeated state champion track and cross country teams at Bristol East High School. His work in more recent years as director of admissions at Central Connecticut State University was marked by his ability to discern innate potential in a number of students who later went on to achieve laudable positions in society.

KC Porter, a Bahá’í in Calabasas, California, was honored as Producer of the Year in this year’s Latin Grammy Awards program. He was cited for his role in producing the recordings of Santana and Ricky Martin, as well as such Latin stars as King Changó, Laura Pausini and 98. He has gained success as producer of such artists as Selena, Janet Jackson, Sting, Boyz II Men and Ednita Nazario.

Carlos M. Velazquez, a Bahá’í in Wake County, North Carolina, was honored as the Environmental Educator of the Year by the Environmental Educators of North Carolina. The award was in “recognition of outstanding contributions and leadership in the field of Environmental Education.”

Habib Zargarpour, a Bahá’í in San Rafael, California, was one of four 3-D graphic artists honored as “Maya Masters” for expanding the boundaries of computer graphics as well as commitment to teaching and sharing of their ideas. Zargarpour, as part of the film effects company Industrial Light and Magic, has contributed to such movies as The Perfect Storm, Star Wars: Episode I, Jumanji, The Mask and two Star Trek movies.

Other honors

Academic

Ryan Kholousi, 11, Omaha, NE: President’s Award for Academic Excellence.

Genevieve Larimer, Morgantown, WV: Golden Key International Honor Society at West Virginia University.

Civic

Steven Gottlieb, Yakima, WA: recipient of “One World, One Valley” community service award.

Arts

Laura Elaine Stokes, 17, State College, PA: Second prize, performing arts competition, Clare Dahlia Snetsinger Art Award (annual competition within ‎Center Centre‎ County); for dance performance.

Unity of Mankind Award

Katie Krotz, 13, Cadette Girl Scout in Orinda, CA.

Henryk Sosnowski, Boy Scout in Sparks, NV.

Samuel T. Stephenson, 10, ‎Webelo Webelos‎ Cub Scout in Netarts, OR.

Kai Weixelman, 10, ‎Webelo Webelos‎ Cub Scout in Ypsilanti, MI. ♦

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: 847-425-7963 Fax: 847-425-7969 E-mail:

Editor James Humphrey

Associate Editor Tom Mennillo

Facilities Manager, Bahá’í Media Services Artis Mebane

Contributors Hossein Amanat, Kathleen Babb, Natalia I. Chalmers, Jim Cheek, Vahid Ellig, Neda Gallagher, Dianne Savage, Vladimir Shilov, Paul Slaughter

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/MAILING 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 (e-mail ). There is no need to contact the Editors directly. A form is on the back page.

SUBMITTING ARTICLES, 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 plans. We may edit stories for length and style. 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:
  • Feb. 26, 2002 issue: Deadline Jan. 8
  • March 21, 2002 issue: Deadline Feb. 5

PLEASE ADDRESS ALL ITEMS FOR possible publication to The American Bahá’í, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (e-mail ).

©2001 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. [Page 3]

Patricia Locke: A life well lived for the woman whose name means COMPASSIONATE

Preserving the languages, cultures and spiritual traditions of American Indians and other indigenous peoples was an abiding passion for Patricia Locke, a lifelong educator who influenced changes in federal laws, helped organize 17 tribally run colleges, and was awarded a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship in 1991.

Recognized as one of the most influential American Indians of the 20th century, she accepted the Bahá’í Faith late in life and achieved several distinctions within our national community, including becoming the first American Indian woman to be elected to the National Spiritual Assembly in 1993.

Patricia Locke, whose Indian name was Tawacin Waste Win (meaning: She has a good consciousness, compassionate woman), passed from this world on October 20, 2001, in Phoenix, Arizona, where she had been hospitalized with heart problems for more than a month. She was 73.

"Mrs. Locke embodied the virtues she said were most prized by the Lakota—generosity, bravery, respect, and wisdom," said a statement of the National Spiritual Assembly printed on her funeral program. "Her own words frame her life: 'All peoples have the same need to love that we do, the same family ideals, the same need for joy, the same need for understanding.'"

Though her home was on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in South Dakota, her remains were laid to rest in the Phoenix area in accordance with Bahá’í burial law.

Born Jan. 21, 1928, in Idaho, Patricia came from Standing Rock Sioux (Hunkpapa Lakota) and White Earth Chippewa (Mississippi Band) families. She earned a degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and had two children during a 23-year marriage.

She worked as an educator for more than 40 years, from the elementary to the university level. During much of that time, Indian languages and culture were suppressed by official policy in schools that served the indigenous.

Patricia was involved in a wave of activism that gradually put more power over Indian education into the hands of indigenous leaders.

In the 1970s she was instrumental in lobbying for the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978, which set into federal law the guarantee that Indians may freely practice their spiritual traditions. Soon afterward, she was appointed co-chair of the U.S. Interior Department's Task Force on Indian Education Policy.

Patricia's service as an instructor, curriculum designer and co-director of the International Native Languages Institute put her in a unique position among American Indian educators. In addition to helping organize 17 tribal colleges, she developed policies, procedures and education codes for Indian communities in several regions of the country. She helped develop a Bureau of Indian Affairs Education Mission Statement and policies that became written into law.

"Patricia Locke embodied the virtues she said were most prized by the Lakota," said a statement of the National Spiritual Assembly.

She wrote a regular column for the Lakota Times titled "Unlocking Education." She also wrote or contributed to more than two dozen published articles in education journals, on issues as far-ranging as religious freedom and anthropological theories.

Over the years she served as president of the National Indian Education Association, chair of the advisory committee for education with the National Tribal Chairmen's Association, chair of the American Indian Advisory Committee to the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission, and a member of advisory boards for a number of social, human rights, and environmental issues.

Daniel Socolow, director of the MacArthur Fellows Program, said in a statement that Mrs. Locke was "a rare individual who combined a deep commitment to her own people with a broad vision for all people."

93rd Bahá’í National Convention

April 25-28, 2002 Foundation Hall, Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois

The National Spiritual Assembly eagerly anticipates greeting delegates, members of the Continental Board of Counselors, and their Auxiliaries, members of the Regional Bahá’í Councils and a small number of visitors as we mark the close of the first year of the Five Year Plan.

The 93rd Bahá’í National Convention will open Thursday evening, April 25, and close midday Sunday, April 28. All elected delegates will have reserved seats in Foundation Hall throughout the Convention.

Visitors, including family members of delegates, MUST apply for pre-registration with this form by U.S. mail or fax. Due to limited seating space, only registrants using this form—faxed or postmarked between Nov. 26, 2001, and March 1, 2002—will be admitted to the Bahá’í House of Worship Visitors Center during the Convention. Seating will be assigned on a first-applied, first-served basis.

Enrollments: October 2001: 117 May-October 2001: 676

HUQUQU’LLÁH: THE RIGHT OF GOD

Formula for participation

At a recent gathering for deepening in the law of Huqúqu’lláh, a friend came up with a wonderful insight and a simple formula for observing this law. She said that we have learned that after we distinguish between needs and wants, our non-needful expenditures are to come out of the 81% of our wealth that has been "purified" by payment of Huqúqu’lláh.

But many of us do not have "purified" savings to use for non-needful expenditures. Our only asset may be a monthly salary that we spend in its entirety, and it appears that we do not have enough "wealth" to qualify for payment of Huqúqu’lláh. For those of us in this situation who want the privilege of observing the Right of God, here is a way:

Any expenditure that we feel should have come out of our money (the 81%) and not God's (the 19%) we divide by .81 and then multiply by .19. For example, we buy a birthday or wedding gift for $50 and we want that to come out of our money (the 81%). Dividing $50 by .81 we get $61.73, and 19% of that is $11.73—the amount owed as Huqúqu'llah. We can keep the $11.73 in a special safe place and keep adding to it in this manner until we periodically add it up and send a check to one of the Trustees of Huqúqu’lláh.

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 listed below.

• Amin Banani
• Stephen Birkland
• Sally Foo
• Daryush Haghighi
• Elizabeth Martin
• Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust

[Page 4]

Overview: Partnerships vary in form

BY TOM MENNILLO

American Bahá’í communities of all sizes are responding to a call from the Universal House of Justice to “formulate plans for systematic growth.”

In its Jan. 9, 2001, letter to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counselors, the Supreme Institution noted that the “areas into which a region divided will fall into various categories of development.”

At the highest level of functioning, wrote the House of Justice, in a few localities “strong communities of deepened believers will be in a position to take on the challenges of systematic and accelerated expansion and consolidation.”

Even though it predates the Jan. 9 letter, an area growth program under way in the Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) region of northeastern North Carolina fits that description to a “T.”

Three reports about that effort follow—a look at its formation and structure, a progress report and an account of a recent periodic evaluation session.

Other area growth programs are in the planning stages, says Ken Bowers, secretary of the National Teaching Committee.

Each Regional Bahá’í Council, in consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly and the NTC, has been narrowing down the candidates.

Where areas appear equal in levels of systematic action, intangibles will tip the balance, said Bowers.

These include actual growth, number of media campaign responses, demographics and community vitality indicators.

Meanwhile, the four Regional Councils have received clustering proposals involving several hundred Bahá’í communities.

The Jan. 9 letter said that “among the factors that determine the boundaries” of an inter-community partnership, or cluster, “are culture, language, patterns of transport, infrastructure, and the social and economic life of the inhabitants.”

The National Spiritual Assembly, in a July 19 letter to Local Spiritual Assemblies, expressed its confidence “that creating and strengthening inter-community partnerships will bring unity and strength to our efforts to advance the systematic growth and development of the Bahá’í community.”

The national body called upon Assemblies to “complete their initial plans for establishing partnerships by Oct. 1, 2001, and submit them, along with a description of partnerships in which the Assembly is already participating, to the Regional Bahá’í Council for review and comment.”

An early description of the process by which the Councils will provide review and comment also follows. ♦

William Tucker (left) gives feedback on the progress of the area growth program in the Triangle region of North Carolina at a periodic evaluation meeting held Oct. 27 at the Intercommunity Bahá’í Center in Durham. Photo by Tom Mennillo

Triangle growth program: Tune-ups smooth operation

Think of North America’s first area growth program as a cluster hitting on all cylinders.

And one year into this five-year effort in North Carolina, periodic tune-ups are ensuring that it continues to do so.

The latest evaluation session was held Oct. 27 at the Intercommunity Bahá’í Center in Durham—a building where vehicles once were housed and maintained, quite fitting for a tune-up.

Participants ranged from individual Bahá’ís to an advisory group comprising representatives of Local Spiritual Assemblies, the Triangle Coordinating Team, Supreme Talisman Regional Training Institute, National Teaching Committee, Regional Bahá’í Council, and the Continental Board of Counselors and its auxiliaries.

Input from the session, as with past and future periodic reviews, will lead to refinements so resources and activity can be more effectively targeted.

The day’s focus was on four goal areas of effort—seeker follow-up and media, devotional gatherings, firesides and

SEE TUNE-UPS, PAGE 5

Area of cooperation
Participants in the Triangle-area growth program are the Bahá’í communities indicated at left, plus the National Teaching Committee, Southern Regional Council and its Triangle Coordinating Team, the Supreme Talisman RTI and Auxiliary Board members.
Map detail includes: Orange Co. (Carrboro, Chapel Hill), Durham Co. (Durham), Wake Co. (Cary, Raleigh, Garner), Chatham Co.

How the area growth program got started

One could say the seeds of an area growth program in the Triangle region of North Carolina were sown in a July 2000 meeting of the National Teaching Committee and Regional Bahá’í Council.

But driving the effort has always been the friends’ high level of activity there, says Ken Bowers, secretary of the NTC. The area growth program simply helps to focus and build on that activity.

According to a report compiled on the program, several communities across the South were considered for the initial systematic effort.

When the Council and NTC indicated their top choices, the Triangle topped the list.

SEE BACKGROUND, PAGE 5

Clusters: Proposals pouring in

Ayyám-i-Há came early for the four Regional Bahá’í Councils.

Hundreds of clustering proposals arrived at Council offices before and after the Oct. 1 deadline suggested by the National Spiritual Assembly.

A robust 229 came from communities in the Western States alone.

What are the Councils doing with these gifts?

Keep in mind it’s still early in the process, say Council representatives.

The Central Regional Council is “actively processing clustering submissions from about two-thirds of Local Spiritual Assemblies,” says Ada James.

“Most of these look like sound proposals that will serve the designated areas quite well,” said James.

She said the Council looks to work with all Central States Local Spiritual Assemblies to “foster their functioning, growth, and development, to ‎implemental implement‎ or enlarge systematic growth programs designed to advance the process of entry by troops.”

The Northeastern Regional Council had fielded cluster proposals from seven of the nine states as of late October and was starting to review them, according to Secretary Joel Nizin.

In the South, Corinne Mills of the Regional Teaching Office said a meeting was scheduled for Nov. 9–11 in Dallas, Texas, to consult on issues related to cluster proposals.

The meeting brought together the Southern Regional Council, Counselor Eugene Andrews, Auxiliary Board members who serve the South, and the teaching office.

Mills noted that the Southern Council is taking the approach of not deciding the cluster makeup.

“It is pretty much being left to the communities to self-determine,” she said.

“We will consult on the situations where there is conflicting recommendations about cluster feedback and how best to handle that.”

That’s an issue each Council faces. In some areas, different

SEE CLUSTERS, PAGE 6 [Page 5]

Broad progress being made in the Triangle

Progress—both quantitative and qualitative—is being made toward achievement of the goals of the area growth program in the Triangle region of North Carolina.

“There is a heightened sense of activity and the need to teach going on in the area,” said Corinne Mills, coordinator of the Southern Regional Teaching Office and a member of the growth campaign’s advisory group.

“Perhaps this is best reflected by not only increased attendance at the devotional gatherings but increased attendance at some of the community Feasts and the quality of consultation that results.”

Mills said the most recent local media campaign garnered 82 seeker calls. This three-month effort, which began in May, used two cable channels.

Significantly, while the response was equal ‎that to that‎ of a year earlier—when Bahá’í programs ran on Fox television—costs were significantly lower this year, but with much greater total exposure.

Callers are sent literature and invited to attend devotional gatherings, said Mills.

Three devotional gatherings are held each week: one at the Intercommunity Bahá’í Center in Durham, one at the Bahá’í Unity Center in Raleigh and one in a Chapel Hill home.

When seekers attend a gathering, they are given personal attention and are invited to a fireside or dinner in a friend’s home.

Mills noted that contact between Bahá’ís and the general public also is being fostered through service.

Much of that service has been spawned by the four ongoing Triangle study circles, with participants ranging in age from 12 to 70-plus.

An example is work in a Durham-area soup kitchen sponsored by a local church.

Other projects sponsored by study circles emphasize service within the Bahá’í community: developing a Feast presentation to inspire further acts of service; visiting community members who cannot regularly attend Bahá’í functions; upkeep of grounds and facilities at the two Centers; and a monthly dinner-and-movie night for the friends and seekers.

Two of the study circles are working with Ruhi Book One, “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit,” and two with Book Two, “Arising to Serve.”

Intercommunity collaboration plays a huge role in the growth program’s success, of course.

Mills said such partnerships go back several years and were instrumental in purchasing of the two Bahá’í centers about five years ago.

Other areas of cluster-like activity include children’s classes, the devotional gatherings, Holy Day celebrations, media outreach, seeker follow-up, and an inter-community newsletter.

TUNE-UPS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

training institute courses—that are at the program’s heart.

‘Grand experiment’

Present to put the process into perspective for the gathered friends were representatives of their institutions.

Counselor Eugene Andrews said this “grand experiment is at once a spiritual revolution” and noted the four goal areas boil down into one—growth.

“What you do to enrich one area affects all of them,” he said.

We must develop ourselves as Bahá’ís, said Andrews. Fortunately, we have the sequence of courses laid out by training institutes to help us increase our skills and productivity.

And the study circle is proving to be a most efficient delivery system for those courses. Circles promote a sense of community, are fun, let us take responsibility for our own learning, are great for inviting non-Bahá’ís into our midst, and are action-oriented because they lead us naturally into teaching and service.

Participants in an Oct. 27 evaluation session raise points with Ken Bowers (at lectern), secretary of the National Teaching Committee, as Auxiliary Board member Shahin Vafai (seated at left) listens. Photos by Tom Mennillo

Auxiliary Board member Shahin Vafai said Triangle Bahá’ís should be proud of their trailblazing efforts.

He urged them to continue to plan, act, learn, make changes, and act some more.

‘Follow the recipe’

Echoing Andrews, he said, they must explore how to integrate the four ‎goals goal‎ areas of a “simple but audacious plan” and, thereby, further the process of attracting fellow residents to the message of Bahá’u’lláh.

Ken Bowers, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, assured the friends that good things come to those who are confident and “follow the recipe.”

He said the Universal House of Justice is asking us to cluster, pursue a range of activities, persist, and refine as we go.

Communities around the country are realizing that all their activities—“especially those that rejuvenate us”—work together in furthering this process, he said.

Among those he cited were his tiny home community, Vernon Hills, Illinois, and much larger ones such as San Antonio, Texas; Springfield, Massachusetts; El Paso, Texas; and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

“Our success depends on cracking the code” of universal participation, said Bowers.

He related how a facilitated community-wide consultation in Jacksonville, Florida, has transformed the relationship between believers and the Spiritual Assembly and the level of community life.

Counselor Eugene Andrews (left) studies a map showing the location of area seekers with assistance from Steve Kozlow.

Charting the progress

Time was taken to hear progress reports on the local media campaign and seeker follow-up.

Eric Johnson traced the evolution of media efforts from broadcast “spots” to cable programming.

SEE TUNE-UPS, PAGE 6

BACKGROUND,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

In August of that year, an advisory group was formed.

Initial members were a Continental Counselor, two representatives of the Regional Council, two Auxiliary Board members, two NTC members and a member of the Regional Council’s coordinating team for the Triangle.

Joining them in December was a member of the Supreme Talisman Regional Training Institute.

The advisory group met in September 2000 with Triangle Assemblies and Groups to offer a partnership in a program lasting five and a half years.

And in November, a meeting with the friends Triangle-wide shared the program’s vision and goals and encouraged all friends to play an active role.

Four goal areas were identified: seeker follow-up, devotional gatherings, firesides, and training institute courses.

As noted in the report, “it was believed that a vigorous focus on these four goal elements would help bring communities to a higher level of functioning, thereby providing a strong foundation for a growth-producing milieu.”

Specific—in some cases numeric—goals were set by the Assemblies and Groups through consultation.

Coordination of the seeker follow-up process was undertaken by the Wake County Assembly for communities in the eastern half of the Triangle and the Coordinating Team for the western communities.

A media campaign also was devised and implemented, through the Triangle Public Information Team.

Progress on each of the goals has been measured through Assembly reports and periodic review sessions.

Communication among the players—individuals, communities, and institutions—also has been ongoing.

And assistants to Auxiliary Board member for Propagation Shahin Vafai have met with their respective communities to foster participation in the program. [Page 6]The Intercommunity Bahá’í Center in Durham is a hub of activity in the Triangle region of North Carolina. Photo by Tom Mennillo

TUNE-UPS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

When the two were compared, he said, it was found that they yield a similar number of responses per dollar spent.

And because cable advertising is so much less expensive, the Faith seemingly can be on the air all the time.

Johnson also reminded the friends that many more people hear the message than respond, so the effectiveness of the campaign cannot be measured solely by the number of calls.

Speaking of calls, Corinne Mills said area communities are learning the value of striking while the iron is hot—following up inquiries immediately with materials and invitations to activities.

They also are seeing a need to develop their skills in connecting with people. Mills said the Triangle Coordinating Team has invited noted teacher Howard Menking to come in December and train the friends in reaching out heart to heart.

Feedback front and center

But the day—as does the area growth program itself—belonged to the friends.

In response to an invitation by Auxiliary Board member Vafai, the friends first listed specific areas within the four goal areas they particularly wanted to explore.

Observations and suggestions flew as fast as a volunteer scribe could mark them on a rapidly filling easel pad.

Varied as the comments were, they could be distilled to concerns that the talents and energies of all believers be put to use and that Bahá’u’lláh’s message be more widely and effectively delivered to a waiting public.

They included needing to:

• Discover friends’ talents and fit them into the program.
• Proclaim Bahá’u’lláh and progressive revelation—“the greatest story ‎every ever‎ told.”
• Relate the teachings to ills of society.
• Promote Americans’ understanding of Islam.
• Give people God’s vision for the future.
• Make devotional gatherings, study circles, children’s classes and other activities truly open to the entire community.

“Perfection is the enemy of good. Don’t wait for perfection, because it will stifle universal participation.” —Counselor Eugene Andrews

• Focus efforts more and more on the neighborhood level rather than concentrating them at the Center.
• Employ consultation to “harness all we are.”
• More systematically translate ideas into action.
• Make fireside and public meeting topics truly dynamic.
• Quickly move new believers and new residents into the activity stream.

Exploring issues further

As the day went on, participants and the institutional representatives interacted to expand on these concerns.

In this, they took heart from Andrews’ words: “Perfection is the enemy of good. Don’t wait for perfection, because it will stifle universal participation.”

Bowers of the National Teaching Committee said, for example, we need to take a long view of the benefits from media expenditures.

In response to comments of participant William Tucker, he said such “controversial” topics as Bahá’u’lláh and progressive revelation are being tackled head on in videos now being developed.

But care must be taken to communicate our message in a way that is clear and connects with people, he said, with focus-group testing a key element in crafting our message.

Some discussion followed a question by participant Kathy Lee on how we can achieve “sustained encouragement” of one another.

Young adult Jamal Lally said he has long felt a need to “feel accepted” and find “refuge” in the Faith.

One of several suggestions in response was that the friends develop a “language of encouragement” that would allow us to “speak frankly without sounding negative.”

Bowers agreed, noting that while we have high and uncompromising ideals, the Bahá’í community will not fully reflect them in the near future.

“How can we lighten up on each other in the meantime?” he asked.

Idola J. Dotson Scimeca pointed to young people such as Lally, an accomplished rapper.

“Talents are there but are not being drawn upon,” she said. “We need to celebrate Jamal for being able to reach certain people other Bahá’ís can’t.”

Before the day ended, fittingly, with the sharing of individual teaching experiences, Scimeca summed up the confidence shown throughout by the friends: “God is at the helm. It will work out.” ♦

CLUSTERS,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Assemblies and Groups are proposing clusters made up of different communities.

Linda Leeb Duper, administrative assistant in the Western Regional Council’s Office of the Secretary, said that “where there are ‘competing’ or different recommendations in the same area, the question will be referred back to the affected communities to resolve, with the assistance of their Auxiliary Board members.”

She said all communities that have submitted proposals are being encouraged to “proceed with activities until the Council is able to review and comment in greater detail about submitted plans.”

In some cases, she noted, “we have written back to request additional information. For example, sometimes the cluster boundaries or area are given (e.g., “Western Green County,” or “from Highway 19 to the coast”), but not the actual names of communities.”

Duper said at least two follow-up communications will be sent to the Assemblies, the first with the Council’s initial comments and a second requesting a six-month status report.

The Institution of the Learned and the Council are working closely on this endeavor, said Duper.

“Undoubtedly, the high response rate from the Assemblies can be attributed to the eager involvement of the Auxiliary Board at the grass roots with the Assemblies and groups,” she said.

In addition, Counselor Angelica Huerta and the Council have agreed to develop and share a common “cluster map” for the region.

Further clarification is being awaited from the National Assembly, said Duper, regarding “geographic boundaries determined for county, judicial, and commissioner districts, some of which are further subdivided.”

Additional considerations in reviewing cluster proposals, according to Duper, include:

• When one Assembly is writing in for several communities, the Council’s response will go to that Assembly, with copies to all clustered communities to ensure agreement.
• When an Assembly area is split in two or more clusters, this will need to be confirmed with the affected Assembly.
• When the Council has received information on the geographic area of cluster communities but not on activities or goals, the Council will encourage agreement on at least one intercommunity effort that focuses on a systematic program of growth. ♦

NO CALL WILL GO UNANSWERED

New ‘one-stop’ system for seeker responses!

FROM:

• National media campaign
• Local, area media campaigns

VIA:

• National Public Web Site
• 1-800-22-UNITE

What? The National Teaching Committee’s seeker response component of the national media campaign has entered a new phase.

A Web-based seeker tracking system is being put in place, so that local communities will have a “one-stop source” for seeker inquiries prompted by local and area media campaigns, as well as the national campaign.

The new system completely replaces the voice-mail seeker response system. This is a new degree of systematization in support of the National Spiritual Assembly’s Five Year Plan goal of enhancing seeker follow-up, in keeping with the theme “No Call Will Go Unanswered.”

Why? The aim is to provide communities with seeker inquiries in the most expeditious way possible. The new system also provides a significant saving to the National Fund by using the Internet instead of a phone-based system.

How do I find out more? www.usbnc.org Click on “Media Campaign.”

The media campaign is an important link in the process of entry by troops, but ultimately it is the community and the individual believer who will consecrate an interested soul.

The most essential aspect of the campaign is that it provides a means for a seeker to make a personal, heart-to-heart contact with a Bahá’í.

Through this systematic development of the community in preparation and in response to the national media campaign, communities have seen a maturation of love, unity, and collaboration: the hallmark of Bahá’í community life. ♦ [Page 7]

Bahá’í books in chain stores near reality

For many, mention of the Kingdom Project—the National Spiritual Assembly’s comprehensive five-year development plan designed to build the infrastructure of the American Bahá’í community—sparks awareness of the vitally important restoration work under way at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. Others connect with the renovation projects recently completed at Louis Gregory Institute and the permanent Bahá’í schools.

Yet another, soon to be more visible, part of the Kingdom Project has been quietly developing inside the Bahá’í Publishing Trust over the past several years: creation of a new series of books about the Bahá’í Faith written for seekers, to be sold through large chain bookstores such as Borders Books, Barnes & Noble Booksellers and other outlets.

“We are very excited about these new books and what they represent,” says Lee Minnerly, general manager of the Publishing Trust. “If sufficient contributions can be secured, the new series will provide a steady stream of new titles each year that can reach a wide section of the American public interested in religion and spirituality. We know there is a persistent hunger for fresh spiritual guidance in our society. We know the message of Bahá’u’lláh can resonate with people seeking meaning in their lives.”

The first three books will be published in spring 2002. Three more titles will appear in the fall, with new books following each spring and fall thereafter.

“These books are written for members of the public who are not familiar with the Bahá’í Faith or its teachings,” Minnerly adds. “But they also are written for Bahá’ís engaged in teaching work. They are tools that can be used at firesides, in discussion groups, and at other activities where seekers or potential seekers are present.”

KINGDOM PROJECT IN ACTION: BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING

Information about how these three books can be obtained, how the friends can assist in their marketing and sales, and new titles in development will appear in future editions of The American Bahá’í and through other communications sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly.

The first titles include Seeking Faith: Is Religion Really What You Think It Is? by Nathan Rutstein, A Wayfarer’s Guide to Bringing the Sacred Home by Joseph Sheppherd and Refresh and Gladden My Spirit: Prayers and Meditations from Bahá’í Scripture, a compilation of Bahá’í prayers and meditations with an introduction by Pamela Brode.

Rutstein’s Seeking Faith answers such important questions as: How do we develop a greater sense of purpose in life? How do we know if we’re heading down the right path? How can we cultivate our own spirituality? The author presents a personal, thoughtful exploration of the reasons we search for spiritual meaning in our lives.

Sheppherd addresses different but equally important questions: What is the spiritual connection between self, family, and community? What do these

SEE BOOKS, PAGE 8

House of Worship update: Dawn of reconstruction

As a mild autumn progressed toward winter, the House of Worship restoration crew in Wilmette was working hard to complete the following sub-projects in the overall restoration of the Temple and its gardens. Photos by James Humphrey

An old garden wall shows decades of water damage.

Crumbling section of stairs is closed to the public.

Photo above: The first sections of the new garden retaining wall have been cast in concrete on the southeast side of the Temple. The new walls will be sturdier than the old garden walls, which in places had deteriorated severely (see photo at top center). Future phases of the concrete work will transform the trench visible here into a storage space underneath a rebuilt circular deck at the base of the Temple’s monumental stairs.

Photo at right: Workers repair and re-waterproof part of the edge of the Foundation Hall roof, which lies beneath the monumental stairs surrounding the Temple auditorium. Over the years, seeping water has damaged the concrete to the point that leaks are common in the Visitors’ Center and offices surrounding Foundation Hall every time a significant rain falls.

Compare this sample arrangement of white concrete paving stones with the brick-and-poured-concrete surface it is intended to replace. Scott Conrad, on-site manager for Temple restoration (standing on the new surface), says the technique of placing small concrete slabs on low pedestals has proved safe and secure for many outdoor plazas and decks. Having a few inches’ space beneath the walking surface improves drainage, reducing the chance of water damage. Future repairs beneath the surface can be done with the lifting of a few tiles, keeping disturbance to a minimum. [Page 8]

KINGDOM PROJECT: KINGDOM-BUILDING IN A TIME OF CALAMITY

BY THE KINGDOM PROJECT OFFICE

Te see around us the stirrings of calamity and violence, and the responding outpouring of unity and cooperation from thousands of compassionate souls. The Lesser Peace is developing. World events are highlighting the urgency of our responsibilities in helping fulfill America's destiny, charted for it by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and in achieving the plans mapped for us by our Universal House of Justice and National Spiritual Assembly.

In previous times of crisis, Shoghi Effendi gave us our marching orders: "The great Republic of the West is inescapably swept into the swelling tide of the world tribulations, presaging the assumption of a preponderating share in the establishment of the anticipated Lesser Peace. Invisible hosts are marshalled, eager to rush forth and crown every effort, however humble, however belated, exerted to speed the unfinished tasks. Again I renew plea for closer communion. with the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh, for more passionate resolve, for more abundant flow of material resources, and for wider dispersion, intenser concentration, by a still greater number of pioneers, settlers and itinerant teachers to insure for the Plan a termination commensurate with and wondrous as the exploits marking the opening decade of first Bahá’í Century." —from a cablegram of April 26, 1942, quoted in Messages to America, p. 55

"As the international situation worsens, as the fortunes of mankind sink to a still lower ebb, the momentum of the Plan must be further accelerated, and the concerted exertions of the community responsible for its execution rise to still higher levels of consecration and heroism.... [T]he prosecutors of the Plan must evince a still greater cohesion in their spiritual lives and administrative activities, and demonstrate a higher standard of concerted effort, of mutual assistance, and of harmonious development in their collective enterprises.

"Then, and only then, will the reaction to the stupendous forces, released through the operation of a divinely conceived, divinely impelled Plan, be made apparent, and the fairest fruit of the weightiest spiritual enterprise launched in recorded history under the aegis of the Center of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh be garnered."—from a letter to the Bahá’ís of the U.S., Oct. 25, 1947, quoted in Citadel of Faith, p. 43

As we know, the Kingdom Project is a major goal of our National Spiritual Assembly's Five Year Plan. Shoghi Effendi has made it clear that pursuing the Plans set for us is especially vital during times of crisis.

The Kingdom Project is a unique effort to build the infrastructure necessary to welcome thousands of new believers into our ranks. It is also an opportunity for each one of us to reorient our material lives, which we have just been reminded are all too fleeting and fragile, to be more aligned with our spiritual existence.

"This is not the bour of rest! This is not the time of silence! This is not the day of inactivity! Like unto one mighty spirit, moving through thousands of souls, arise ye from your seats and cry at the top of your voices: 'Ya Bahá’u’l-Abba!"‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Please join us in Building the Kingdom—it truly is Our Time.

Update on timing of the Kingdom Project

Our National Spiritual Assembly announces that the gathering of funds for the Kingdom Project will run concurrently with the Five Year Plan. Specifically:

Pledges sought through April 2003 The period in which pledges and contributions are sought has been extended by one year, to end Ridván 160 (April 2003). The hope is that the entire $60 million required to fund the Kingdom Project initiatives will be committed by that time. This will allow work on the initiatives of the Kingdom Project to move forward with full assurance that the money to support them is secured.

Fulfillment through April 2006 The pledge payment period has been extended to end at the conclusion of the Five Year Plan (April 2006). This pledge period gives individuals and institutions the opportunity to pay their gift over a number of years, rather than in one lump amount. This can be quite convenient for contributors, enabling them to contribute more over time than they would have been able to all at once.

If you have any questions about the new timing or about how to make a pledge, please contact the Kingdom Project Office (phone 847-733-3521, e-mail).

Books and Spiritual Development

and strength, to name only a few. Brode's introduction explains basic Bahá’í teachings on the subject of prayer relationships have to do with our spiritual development? and spiritual sustenance and considers

A Wayfarer's Guide describes the vital role of personal transformation in spiritual growth, the importance of spiritual training in raising children, the divine purpose of marriage and family and the process for building strong communities.

Refresh and Gladden My Spirit contains more than 120 prayers and extracts from the Bahá’í writings on themes such as assistance from God, comfort, contentment, difficult times, death, faith, healing, marriage and family life, protection questions including: What is prayer? Why do we pray? Does prayer benefit the world?

These three books will be distributed in the United States by Hushion House Publishing Ltd., a Toronto-based distributor.

Local Spiritual Assemblies interested in sponsoring a presentation by National Center staff about the new publishing program are encouraged to contact the Kingdom Project Office (e-mail).

KINGDOM PROJECT IN ACTION: GREEN ACRE BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

Work has progressed steadily on construction of new meeting and classroom facilities at Green Acre Bahá’í School since the groundbreaking ceremony in June. Photo by Hossein Amanat

ENSURING MATERIAL MEANS

"[O]ur contributions to the Faith are the surest way of lifting once and for all time the burden of hunger and misery from mankind, for it is only through the System of Bahá’u’lláh—Divine in origin—that the world can be gotten on its feet, and want, fear, hunger, war, etc., be eliminated. Non-Bahá’ís cannot contribute to our work or do it for us; so really our first obligation is to support our own teaching work, as this will lead to the healing of the nations." —Directives From the Guardian, p. 15

"Pledges can be useful as a means of encouraging contributions and of bringing the financial needs of the Cause to the attention of the friends. This method can be particularly helpful in a situation where a Spiritual Assembly has a major task to perform ... and needs to have some idea in advance of whether the funds for the project will be available."—Universal House of Justice, quoted in Lights of Guidance, p. 261)

Our goals are $60 million in pledges to be committed by Ridván 2003 and fulfilled by Ridván 2006 (the end of the Five Year Plan). The National Spiritual Assembly is grateful for your sacrifices that have generated these results so far:

• More than 7,000 individuals, institutions and agencies participating.
• $24.6 million in pledges and/or cash contributions: $8 million collected.

Building the Infrastructure of the Kingdom

Kingdom Project initiatives under way include:

• Conservation of the House of Worship in Wilmette.
• A new meeting and classroom building at Green Acre Bahá’í School.
• Introduction of Bahá’í books to the retail book trade.

Louhelen's Unity Hall is the second project to be completed through the Kingdom Project; the first was renovation of the Louis Gregory Institute.

Your pledge is essential to the completion of efforts to build the infrastructure necessary to welcome thousands of new believers into our ranks.

Fulfillment of your pledge will ensure continued progress toward realizing our "unspeakiably glorious" mission proclaimed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and mapped for us by our National Spiritual Assembly. [Page 9]

TREASURER'S PAGE

"[O]ur contributions to the Faith are the surest way of lifting once and for all time the burden of hunger and misery from mankind, for it is only through the system of Bahá’u’lláh-Divine in origin-that the world can be gotten on its feet and want, fear, bunger, war, etc., be eliminated." -Shoghi Effendi, published in Bahá’í News, August 1948

Bahá’í National Fund activity through October 31, 2001

Contributions received by National Treasurer (excluding Kingdom Project) September: $1,458,935 October: $1,243,760 Total this fiscal year (since May 2001): $7,637,817

Individual contributors: 5,629 This fiscal year, 9.418 individual Bahá’ís have contributed to the National fund

KINGDOM PROJECT: IT'S OUR TIME $24,600,000: Pledges and/or contributions ($8 million cash received) $60,000,000: Pledges needed (must be fulfilled by Ridván 2006) Details, page 8

Cash-basis revenues, expenditures May 1-September 30, 2001 (latest available) Revenues (contributions, book sales, school fees etc.): $8,816,267 Expenditures (operations, capital and debt payments etc.): $11,920,563

Visitor brings perspective on giving

It was probably honor enough that a national treasurer sat, learned and shared side by side with local treasurers at the National Treasurer's Forum in October.

But Kevin Araki brought more than willingness to give and take during workshops. He brought loving greetings from the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, as well as a special gift: a five-year, $25,000 pledge to the Kingdom Project for the restoration of the Bahá’í House of Worship.

It isn't easy to scrape up such a gift, Araki noted. "Alaska has a widely spread Bahá’í community and limited financial resources," he said in an interview. "Much of the Fund is spent on paying bills associated with the operation of the Hazíratu’l-Quds (water, electricity etc.), and travel expenses to administratively operate and meet the needs of the friends."

But even with a hard row to hoe, Alaska's National Assembly decided "without any hesitation" to make its pledge. That Assembly is "very, very happy to have this opportunity to participate in a great work," he said.

After all, the Bahá’ís of northern America from Texas to the Arctic all shared primary responsibility for the building of the Holiest House of Worship, and Alaska, Canada, Greenland and the United States are full partners in the Divine Plan established by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Araki said Alaska's National Assembly was hoping to organize a similar forum for local treasurers, with the same mix of practical tips and spiritual education. Part of his mission was to take home ideas for designing programs and workshops tailored to Alaskans' needs.

"There's a definite sense of cooperation, a wonderful sibling relationship between all the National Spiritual Assemblies" in the north of the Americas. The Temple itself is a strong point of unity, and Araki said his group's tour of that edifice will help him convey to the friends of Alaska "what a wonderful teaching project, just by its mere existence, the House of Worship is."

In his four short years as a Bahá’í, Araki has seen a lot. He was one of the 19 people selected from Alaska to attend May's opening of the Terraces in Haifa. As he was arranging to make that visit, he was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly.

The thing that impressed him most about the Faith, he said, is that "Giving to the fund can come only from a Bahá’í. ... I am amazed by the Bahá’í spirit of sacrifice which gives them the ability to build and maintain so much beautiful architecture.

"This is an illustration of Bahá’í love for the world."

On people's minds...

Our Bahá’í community is planning a yard sale to raise money for several youth who are planning for a Bahá’í teaching trip overseas. Can we sell our personal items to non-Bahá’ís for this purpose?

"As to the sale of personal items for the benefit of Bahá’í Funds, we begin with the principle that any believer may sell personal services or goods to anyone and do with the proceeds as he wishes, including giving any or all of them to Bahá’í purposes. In doing so, however, he should not represent to non-Bahá’ís that such a sale is for the benefit of a Bahá’í fund as it is also a principle that it is improper to solicit funds from non-Bahá’ís in the name of the Faith for any purpose. This includes the sale of food and admission to entertainment." (From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Panama, April 1, 1968)

What's on your mind? Send your questions on the Fund and its workings to the Office of the Treasurer (e-mail).

A letter from a 'Kid for the Kingdom'

Dear Liang the Lion,

I am Kalim Anders, I am 6 years old. I met you when I didn't know that you would come to the family room at the Building the Kingdom Conference. I had a very good time making a heart for you and so you might remember who I am because I hope you still have that heart. I tried to make it as best as I could.

I found out why we have to give money to the Kingdom Project, because there are a lot of cracks and broken things on the Temple and on the side-walk and I think that we just have to give to the Fund because we need that to be repaired. So I think that we should make this world and the spiritual world better and this world should have more peace and happiness so I hope we will be able to repair that Temple. When I looked at it I felt that we will need to give to the Fund for a very long time because it is very big and many things need to be repaired on it.

My mom and Nisa (who is my sister) and me (Kalim) built a Kingdom Project box and we get money for the Kingdom Project to send to the Fund. We have gotten a lot of money and I have been trying to fill up the Kingdom Project books.

We usually have a pizza celebration every Friday, but we decided that we will do something as long as the Five Year Plan and this is what it will be: We are going to make our own pizza one Friday and we will buy one the next Friday and then make one and so on and so on. Then when we make a pizza we save the money that we would usually spend to buy the pizza and give it to the Kingdom Project. By the end of the Five Year Plan we hope to continue as long as there is a project. We expect that we can send at least $200 every year. We will also try to make some more money.

I am thinking that every Bahá’í kid on the earth is like your cubs because you are the lion and all of the Bahá’í kids are your cubs.

I hope you like this letter, Bye Kalim Anders (my mom helped me by typing what I said)

The National Spiritual Assembly's Gift and Estate Planning Program

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

• Not yet licensed in Arkansas, California, Washington

The Writing of a Will 8-page brochure Single copies may be requested free. Nominal charge for ordering in quantity.

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.

Automatic contribution system ... helps give the Fund stability and simplifies your contributions

Giving in memory or in honor ... of a loved one, a special event, a wedding, birth or graduation

Worksheets for local treasurers ... help keep your community on track and up to date

Find out more or get forms on www.usbnc.org or contact the Office of the Treasurer, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60202 e-mail

Mail contributions to: National Bahá’í Fund 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800 Please write Bahá’í ID# on check [Page 10]

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

An Agency of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

The Mount Carmel Terraces OFFICIAL OPENING

Video Collection Bahá’í World Center Videos $44.95 VHS 6-Tape Set (ETSETN) $49.95 PAL 6-Tape Set (ETSETP) $49.95 SECAM 6-Tape Set (ETSETS)

This six-tape collection from the Bahá’í World Center captures all the events surrounding the official opening of the Terraces of the Shrine of The Báb:

The Mount Carmel Terraces OFFICIAL OPENING

Day One Monday, 21 May 2001 DEVOTIONAL PROGRAM Bug 1 hour, 28 minutes

Day Twe Tesday, 22 May 2001. Marning WELCOME Hus CONVENTION CENTRE 1 hour, 50 minutes

Day Twe Today, 22 May 2001. Evening OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE TERRACES OF THE SHRINE OF THE BAB EN PLAZA O Toms 1 hour, 11 minutes

Day Three Wednesday, 25 May 2001, Mersing THE ASCENT OF THE TERRACES ENTRANCE PLAZA THE TERRACES 1, 18 minutes

Dey There Wednesday, 23 May 2001, Evening DAZZLING ACHIEVEMENTS HANA CONVENTION Cocor 1 hour, 28 minutes

Day F Tandy 24 May 2001, Evening REFLECTIONS Hus CoENTION CENTRE

Day Fier Friday 25 May 2001, Marning GATHERING ON THE ARC 1 hour, 28 minutes

159 B.E. BAHÁ’Í CALENDARS

Bahá’í Datebook 159 B.E. (2002-2003) $2.95 (BDB)

This convenient pocket-sized calendar, which many of us have come to rely on, allows one to keep track of Bahá’í events by overlaying a Bahá’í calendar upon a Gregorian one. Includes the number and name of each Bahá’í day and month. Various nine-pointed star symbols indicate Holy Days, Festivals and Feasts. 32" x 63/4", 15 pp.

Bahá’í Wall Calendar 159 B.E. (2002-2003) $2.95 (BWC)

This one-page calendar features a beautiful photo of the main reception area in the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, Bahá’í Holy Days (including a list of days when work should be suspended), the Calendar of Nineteen Day Feasts, special events and Bahá’í anniversaries. Perfect for home or office. 11" x 17"

Bahá’í Library CD-ROM

A Complete Multimedia Resource for the Bahá’í Writings $129.00 CD-ROM (BLCDR)

Contains all available writings of the Central Figures plus a Bahá’í dictionary, Bahá’í chronology, Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities (Local Spiritual Assembly guidelines) and Stewardship and Development. The dictionary includes definitions of words found in Bahá’í and Islamic literature and accompanying images plus a glossary of Persian and Arabic terms and pronunciations. Audio playback of the dictionary terms is available in English and Persian. This is an easy-to-use, interactive CD-ROM that is a complete resource for the study of the Bahá’í Faith. 500 MB HD space

Prayers of Ecstasy

compilation $14.95 HC (PRAYE)

Just as the name implies, this collection of prayers and tablets by the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá will allow the hearts of those who ponder them to soar! The three main groupings are "Proclaiming the Kingdom," "Prayers and Passages" and "Meditations." 44" x 6", 136 pp.

The Greatest Name of God

The Greatest Name: Its Significance and Use Hand of the Cause of God Abu'l-Qasim Faizi $1.50 SC (GNG)

Explanation of the emblem of the Greatest Name deepens understanding about the Greatest Name including some derivatives of the name Bahá, the symbol and letters, Phoenician alphabet and numerical values associated with letters, daily repetitions and other recitations, the meanings and forms of the Greatest Name and excerpts from letters by and on behalf of the Guardian answering questions about the appropriate display in photos, jewelry, flags, posters and other items, as well as places where it should not be printed or used. 5" x 73/4", 29 pp. Booklet

Falling Into Grace

Justice St. Rain $6.00 SC (FIG)

This is an inspiring and informative book about becoming a Bahá’í and staying Bahá’í. A thoughtful exploration into the spiritual and psychosocial challenges a Bahá’í can encounter on the path to personal transformation. Covers many topics including family life and holidays, meditation, and the struggle of conforming one's life to laws we find personally challenging. Well-supported with many wonderful gems from the Bahá’í sacred writings. A wonderful read for new and veteran Bahá’ís. 52" x 8", 144 pp.

The Anvil of the Spirit

Morris Taylor $12.95 SC (ANVIL)

Taylor, author of Helping Joe Strong and The Seeker Interaction Model, has succeeded again in providing us with an effective tool for improving the quality of Bahá’í community life and the functioning of Spiritual Assemblies. With $10,000 in Bahá’í scholarships up for grabs, the Crestview community launches a contest inviting members to submit their best ideas for improving the Bahá’í community. The result: a multitude of ideas for increasing love and unity, enlivening Feasts, organizing Firesides and much more! 6" x 9", 248 pp., appendix, suggested reading, index

The Bahá’í: The Religious Construction of a Global Identity

Michael McMullen $29.00 SC (BATL)

Through the method of case study, McMullen explores the Bahá’í goal of establishing a unified global community. In discussing the organizational structure, he explores the relationship between the Bahá’í Administrative Order and the Bahá’í community while examining the social boundaries between them and the greater community. A most objective and scholarly work. Suitable to present to teachers and professors, as well as public and university libraries. 6" x 94", 288 pp., list of tables, preface, appendix, notes, bibliography [Page 11]

Thy Name Is My Healing

compilation $6.00 HC (TNMH) $5.00 SC (TNMHS)

This pocket-sized prayer book includes full-color illustrated background for prayer text on each page. Captioned photos of the House of Worship in India, an illuminated tablet in the handwriting of Bahá’u’lláh, the Shrine of the Báb and the open gateway to the resting place of Bahá’u’lláh make this a wonderful keepsake or gift. Available in hard cover and soft cover.

3 5/8" x 4 5/8", 96 pp, illustrated, photos

Ya-llahi (Thy Name Is My Healing)

Persian compilation $6.50 HC (PTNMH) $5.50 SC (PTNMHS)

This Persian edition of Thy Name Is My Healing is a pocket-sized prayer book that includes full-color illustrated background for prayer text on each page. Captioned photos of the House of Worship in India, an illuminated tablet in the handwriting of Bahá’u’lláh, the Shrine of the Báb and the open gateway to the resting place of Bahá’u’lláh make this a wonderful keepsake or gift. Available in hard cover and soft cover.

3 5/8" x 4 5/8", 96 pp, illustrated, photos

African Traditional Culture and the Bahá’í Faith

compilation of extracts from letters of the Universal House of Justice $2.00 SC (ATC)

This compilation of letters by and on behalf of the Universal House of Justice covers topics such as non-involvement in politics, fostering cultural diversity, guiding social transformation, eliminating tribal prejudices, dance, music, initiation rites, female genital mutilation, supernatural forces, "evil spirits," witchcraft, traditional healing and healers, tribal chiefs and traditional leaders, and the status of women.

5 3/4" x 8", 50 pp. booklet

Wishes in Black and White

Eileen Mabry $11.00 SC (WIBW)

Author Eileen Mabry offers insight and ideas for healing human relations with compassion, understanding and honest communication. The book is filled with heartfelt interviews and photos of well-known figures in the fields of education, entertainment and social sciences. By getting at the core of honest communication, we begin to heal past wounds and promote human harmony.

7" x 8", 77 pp.

The Lab, the Temple, and the Market

Reflections at the Intersection of Science, Religion, and Development edited by Sharon Harper, International Development Research Committee $24.95 SC (LTM)

A discussion of development issues and processes with four systems of religious belief: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and the Bahá’í Faith. Each contributor to this work edited by Harper is a person of faith. The authors show how religious belief and personal faith can be deeply motivational and strikingly fruitful in scientific pursuits. They also emphasize how their faith has brought them a profound understanding of interconnectedness and compassion, and thus a wider perspective and greater sense of personal meaning to their research.

6" x 9", 300 pp.

Lights of ‘Irfán, Book II

Papers Presented at the 2000 ‘Irfán Colloquia and Seminars prepared by Trey and Lynne Yancy $12.00 SC (LI2)

This collection of papers covers topics including Bahá’í holy texts, mysticism and the Bahá’í Faith, principles of Bahá’í beliefs and the Bahá’í Faith’s relationship with other world religions. A new section has been added for explanatory notes and comments.

8 3/8" x 10 7/8", 152 pp.

A Holy Day Gathering

Poems Michael Fitzgerald $7.95 SC (HDG)

This booklet of poetry celebrates Holy Days from many of the world's religions. Selections are suitable for reading at spiritual gatherings where participants may be investigating the similarities among diverse cultural backgrounds and religions.

4 1/4" x 7", 28 pp.

That Promising Continent

compilation $2.50 SC (TPC)

These are selections from the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi related to the continent of Africa. A compilation that will surely stimulate a greater awareness of African Bahá’ís’ high spiritual destiny, a better appreciation of the victory they have already achieved, a clearer understanding of their strength and opportunities, and more resolute action on the part of institutions, communities and individual believers. This is a new arrangement of That Vast but Promising Continent published by the Universal House of Justice.

5 3/4" x 8 1/4", 34 pp. booklet

The Singapore Bahá’í Studies Review

2000 Volume 5, Number I $9.95 SC (SBSR51)

This edition of the journal of the Association for Bahá’í Studies of Singapore covers the topic of "Chinese Culture and its Future Place amongst the World's Spiritual Traditions." Papers include "Brothers and Sisters: Buddhism in the Family of Chinese Religion," "Heaven in China with 'Religion' and Manifestation," "Chinese Religions: Evolution, Compatibility and Adaptability," "The Future of Confucianism," "The Challenge of Change for the Chinese in Southeast Asia" and "Science and Religion in Chinese Culture."

6" x 9", 278 pp.

Readings on Bahá’í Social and Economic Development

3.00 SC (RBSED)

A compilation of five selections from the Universal House of Justice, the Office of Social and Economic Development at the Bahá’í World Center and the Office of Public Information.

5 1/2" x 8", 94 pp.

My Memories of Bahá’u’lláh

NOW IN SOFT COVER! Ustad Muhammad-Aliy-i-Salmání/ Translated by Marzieh Gail $16.95 SC (MMBS)

This short memoir of Bahá’u’lláh’s barber is now available in a soft-cover edition. Salmání was a steadfast companion chosen to accompany Him into exile from Constantinople in 1863. Salmání’s story gives us a precious and intimate glimpse of the beginnings of the Bahá’í Faith (but should be considered as nothing more than his own pilgrim notes). Selections of the barber’s poems are translated, allowing us to experience something of the joy of nearness that he knew.

5 1/2" x 8", 148 pp., foreword, bibliography, references

The Master in ‘Akká

NOW IN SOFT COVER! Myron Phelps $19.95 SC (MAS)

This book is a reprint of the first six chapters of the author's book Life & Teachings of Abbas Effendi. Phelps, a lawyer from New York and a non-Bahá’í, was deeply attracted to the Bahá’í teachings and stayed in ‘Akká for a month recording the daily life and habits of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The most precious portion of the book is the history of the lives of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the Holy Family, told in intimate detail by Bahíyyih Khánum in the longest and most complete interview of her known to exist.

5 1/2" x 8", 161 pp., foreword, bibliography, references, photos, illustrations

Celebrate!

A Look at Calendars and the Ways We Celebrate Margo Westrheim $15.95 SC (CLAC)

Full of amazing facts and a wealth of detail, this book covers celebrations ancient and modern, religious and secular. Featuring a comprehensive list of major religious festivals and attractively illustrated with charts and tables, it explains the cultural and religious development of each calendar and investigates systems as diverse as Aztec, Greek and Navajo. This remarkable book is for all those interested in humankind's diverse perceptions of time at the turn of the millennium, and the celebrations that accompany them.

7 1/4" x 9", 134 pp., illustrations, tables, appendix, bibliography, index [Page 12]

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION

A Page from the History of Eternity produced by Gregory Ives $12.00 CD (PHCD)

This wonderful CD presents Bahá’í history from The Dawn-Breakers with narration accompanied by a dramatic musical score in English and Persian. Included: The conference of Badasht: gathering, garden, conflict, transformation, and triumph, the departure, epilogue; The Martyrdom of The Báb: The plans of the execution, preparation, the first attempt, the final attempt, epilogue; and Badasht Chant. running time: 51:12

Sunshine through the Rain Robert and Brendan Bassett $16.00 CD (SUNCD)

Mellow voices and mellow guitar gently guide the listener through this folk song journey to visit Bahá’í historical figures and uplift your spirit! running time: 31:35

Twelve Days Richard Primont $15.00 CD (12DAYS)

The music in this recording was inspired by the writings of the Bahá’í Faith and reflects the beliefs and principles of the Bahá’í Faith. This is the second in a series of recordings created by Bahá’í musicians in and around San Jose, California. Intended for listeners of all ages. running time: 47:20

We Want to Grow Up Nancy Ward $10.95 Cassette (WWGU)

Nancy Ward brings her fun, sing-along style to this collection of songs for children of every age! Songs include "We Want to Grow Up," "Aunt Hoochamagoocha," "Mother Fox and Her Babies," "Sleep Tight" and six more terrific songs. running time: 56:00

Satori Safari David Noll $15.00 CD (SASOCD)

David Noll's skillful guitar work and sensitive vocals make this recording relaxing, inspiring and memorable! running time: 53:23

MUSIC & VIDEOS

The Virtues Songbook Songs, Volumes I, II, III A Musical Companion to The Family Virtues Guide Jennifer Russell $25.00 3-CD Set (VSCD) $21.95 3-Cassette Set (VSC) $20.00 Songbook (VSB)

According to Linda Kavelin Popov, author of The Family Virtues Guide, these songs about virtues and the gifts within us have delighted children and adults around the world. Jennifer Russell's simple lyrics and delightful variety of musical style, from gospel to reggae, will touch your heart and make you want to dance! Songbook sold separately (VSB, $20.00) includes songs to illustrate each of 52 virtues- Assertiveness through Unity. songbook: spiral-bound, 8/2" x 11", 56 pp.

The Tablet of Ahmad intoned by Red Grammer $11.95 CD (TACD)

This CD features the Tablet of Ahmad beautifully intoned by Red Grammer. An introduction of the story of Ahmad of Persia is adapted from "A Flame of Fire, The Story of the Tablet of Ahmad," a two-part article by the Hand of the Cause of God Abu’l-Qásim Faizi published in the March and April 1967 issues of Bahá’í News. running time: 24:35

This Is Where I Live Character & Ethics Music Kit for Classroom & Youth Choir Jennifer Russell $25.00 CD and Booklet (TIWILCD)

This CD features the C&E Kids, a community youth choir of the Character & Ethics Project for the city of Glendale, California. The music kit has been adopted by the school district for classroom use. Kit materials include a 10-song CD (all songs are repeated with music tracks only), songbook with discussion questions, activity ideas, choir notes and lyric sheets to copy for classroom use. booklet 24 pp, running time: 62:50

SERVICE

Songs for the Martyrs Grant Hindin Miller $16.00 CD (SFMCD)

14 stirring songs celebrate the lives of Martyrs including Táhirih, Mullá Husayn, the Seven Martyrs of Tihrán, Badi and more. Other songs include "Nine Lighted Candles," "The Purest Branch," "Leaf Bright Leaf," "Jináb-i-Munib," "The Fiancée's Song," "In the Graveyards of Iran," "Father I Won't Be Home Tonight," "Tihrán" and "Sing O Carmel." running time: 57:34

Tahereh, Naghmeha-Haye Ashena, Part I (Persian) A Collection of Bahá’í Persian Songs, Part I Tahereh Najmi $10.95 Cassette (PTNU)

Features six Persian songs eloquently sung and arranged by Tahereh Najmi with music by Rahmatullah Badie and Shahram Badie. Includes Gonaham Bebakhsh, Vatan (Iran), Payameh Soroosh, Soghinameh, Ghiameh Aasheghaneh and Hazrateh Aalaa. running time: n/a

Beloved A Gift of Music Julie Rosser $15.00 CD (BELCD)

Bahá’í themes and writings are set to acoustic and electric, gently rocking music with soft soprano vocals by Julie Rosser. Her contemporary sound and style (somewhere between Bjork, Natalie Merchant and Jewel) will appeal to discriminating music lovers from youths to adults. running time: 31:20

Red Grammar Teaching Peace: Performance/Accompaniment Red Grammer $24.00 CD (TPPACD)

The Parents' Choice "Classic Award Winner" is now a performance/accompaniment CD! This recording features a chorus of children for performance support, but not the voice of Red Grammer himself. Keyed for children's voices, this CD's high spirits and infectious tunes will support and encourage kids to sing along in performance situations. All the songs from the original CD are included. running time: 64:47

A Visit To The West By The Trustee of Huququ’lláh and Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí Muhammad Varqá $9.00 VHS (EVWN)

The Hand of the Cause of God visited Bahá’í communities in North America and Europe at the direction of the Universal House of Justice. This video provides highlights of these trips, conveys his message of love to the friends and the spiritual aspects of the Right of God. He refers specifically to reciprocity and interdependence, which are fundamental principals of natural law and at the very heat of this mighty law of Bahá’u’lláh. running time: 43:00

Reflections at the Nexus Science, Religion & Development Bisharat Media Development Associates $19.95 VHS (ERNN)

This video is an introduction to the concept that economic development necessitates an understanding of the religious and social values held by those who would benefit from development. Scientists and social service agents interviewed share perceptions and success stories about integrating belief systems of developing communities into improving dialogue and planning strategies for economic growth. running time: 28:00

Science, Religion & Development Opening a Dialogue Bisharat Media Development Associates $14.95 VHS (ESRDN)

This video features conversations with people from a wide variety of scientific and religious backgrounds on the topic of development and the need for a frank evaluation of its effectiveness. At the heart of the discussion is awareness that religion is "the primary, defining cultural experience of most of the world's peoples." Participants provide their own view on the relationship between religion and science and their impact on development. running time: 44:00 [Page 13]

BAHÁ’Í DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

Rethinking Justice Judge Dorothy Nelson $3.50 SC (RJ)

Dorothy Nelson is a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and is a judge on the United States Court of Appeals. Judge Nelson presents a new vision for the resolution of conflict in the 21st century. She argues that our concept of justice must be expanded to incorporate negotiation, conciliation, mediation and arbitration in one composite system. She offers the Bahá’í method of non-adversarial decision-making as a model for group consultation and cooperation worthy of the challenges we face today.

53/4" x 8", 23 pp. booklet

DOOR OF HOPE Door of Hope NEWLY REVISED EDITION! The Bahá’í Faith in the Holy Land David S. Ruhe $24.95 SC (DHS)

"May the new edition serve Bahá’í pilgrims over many additional years, and bring to them the savor and richness of the bistoric setting of the Bahá’í World Center, and of the signal events which have occurred in the Holy Land.... -Dr. David S. Ruhe

An indispensable guide to the history and sites of a Bahá’í pilgrimage and much more. Dr. Ruhe lived in the Holy Land for 25 years while serving as a member of the Universal House of Justice. Over the years he was able to methodically examine its geography, archaeology and history as it relates to the Bahá’í Faith and the other major religions. His concise text is enriched by a unique collection of historical photographs that provide the reader with a view of the breadth of that great land known as "the cradle of the prophets."

67/8" x 9", 247 pp., appendices, bibliography, index, photos

La Top Jusache C Soviets Johnny B. Gall The Sad, Glad Story of Johnny B. Gull/Las Tristezas y Alegrias de Juancho C. Gaviota (English & Spanish) story by Larry Kenneth Gates illustrations by Abby Rubinstein $9.00 SC (JBG)

Written in both Spanish and English, this creative verse and selections from Bahá’í writings provides parents and teachers with tools to help children learn more about the principles of obedience. Watercolor illustrations depict the adventures of Johnny/Juancho, the seagull.

57/8" x 8", 34 pp., illustrations, appendix

O God Guide Me! O God, Guide Me! A Selection of Prayers Revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá $4.95 SC (OGGM)

New, colorful, illustrated edition of the prayer book for young children! Contains 10 Bahá’í prayers or portions of prayers and includes 22 full-color illustrations of children from around the world. A great new book to make learning prayers fun while encouraging memorization through visual association.

4/4" x 6", 41 pp., illustrations

THE PROMISE OF WORLD PEACE PEOPLES WORLD OTHER The Promise of World Peace—presentation edition To the Peoples of the World by the Universal House of Justice $3.95 SC (PWPP)

A message on the subject of peace from the Universal House of Justice to the peoples of the world. Addresses humanity's coming of age, the spiritual roots of peace, the path to world order, the construction of a peaceful global civilization, and the basis of human happiness. Includes a summary of the message and an addendum giving a brief overview of the Bahá’í Faith.

75/16" x 9/8", 39 pp., contents, addendum

LAS DOS ALAS DE UN PÁJARO Las Dos Alas de un Pájaro (Two Wings of a Bird), Spanish La Igualdad Entre La Mujer y El Hombre (The Equality of Women and Men) National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States $3.00 SC (STWB)

National Spiritual Assembly's statement on gender equality and the advancement of women.

51/2" x 8", 10 pp.

HooPlanet! Hooray for the Planet Michael Fitzgerald $8.95 SC (HP)

This wonderful children's book is by the creators of How to Live Sideways. Twice the size and two-thirds the price, this celebration of life in its diversity is for all ages, with delightful, two-color illustrations presented throughout!

8" x 10", 64 pp., illustrations

Bahá’í Prayers for Children $10.00 Spiral Bound (BPFC)

The tough, plastic-coated, spiral-bound, full-color book includes childlike drawings in crayon, stamps, and markers. This compilation of the easy-to-remember prayers from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is just the right size for little hands. Includes a smiling photo of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

4" x 8", 24 pp.

He is God! O God, my God Bestow upon me a pure heart, like unto a pearl.

Your order will be shipped via UPS Ground and should arrive within 7-10 business days after we receive your order. Any item currently out of stock or unavailable will be noted on the packing slip included with your shipment. Please note that separate shipping and handling charges will be added to each shipment. Back orders are canceled 90 days from date of order.

SHIP TO DAYTIME TELEPHONE # ( ) BILL TO CREDIT CARD # EXP. DATE SIGNATURE

CODE TITLE QUANTITY COST EACH TOTAL

UNITED STATES: ADD 10% (MIN. $4.00) CANADA: ADD 15% (MIN. $4.00) INTERNATIONAL: ADD 40% (MIN. $5.00, VIA AIR MAIL ONLY) SALES TAX: SHIPMENTS TO GEORGIA ADDRESSES APPLY APPROPRIATE SALES TAX

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Bahá’í Distribution Service 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30336 Fax 404-472-0119 call us • 800-999-9019 toll-free e-mail [Page 14]

NATIONAL PLAN Toward countering domestic violence

National Spiritual Assembly takes 2-pronged approach to studying, overcoming the challenge

Each year in the United States, as many as 4 million women experience serious assault by an intimate partner and as many as 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence.

In search of ways to address this alarming situation, our National Spiritual Assembly has been acting for nearly two years in the spirit of President Bush's proclamation of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In the proclamation issued Oct. 2, the president called on all Americans "to learn more about this terrible problem and to take positive action in protecting communities and families from its devastating effects."

The National Assembly's early efforts have focused on two main areas: external affairs initiatives that support wide-scale action to study and reduce violence within the home, and consultation on overcoming domestic violence within the Bahá’í community.

In America at large

Since spring 2000, the National Spiritual Assembly has been represented on the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women by its nongovernmental organization (NGO) liaison for women's issues.

A main objective of the task force—which lists more than 100 national and local organizations as members—was the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 (VAWA). This act provides funding for domestic violence hotlines, transitional housing for women and children fleeing abusive environments, and training of police officers and judges to pay closer attention to special issues surrounding domestic violence.

Within the task force, the NGO liaison for women's issues participated in strategy meetings, lobbying efforts and congressional briefings to address the importance of the act's reauthorization. The National Assembly itself also urged Congress to reauthorize VAWA.

In October 2000, at the invitation of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, the One World Bahá’í Youth Workshop, a 40-member performing arts group based in the metropolitan Washington area, performed on Capitol Hill for a program titled "Youth Speak Out Against Domestic Violence." On that day the Senate passed VAWA by a 95-0 vote.

In April 2001, the National Spiritual Assembly's liaison for women's issues helped plan a historic event on Capitol Hill. Aylene Fallah, a Bahá’í artist, was invited by the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women to create a wall of butterflies that reflected personal accounts of sexual assaults experienced by women throughout America.

The Bahá’ís' involvement in this event led to public recognition of the National Spiritual Assembly as one of a handful of organizations committed to combating sexual and domestic violence in America. Sen. Joseph Biden, the lead drafter of VAWA, wrote a personal letter of appreciation for the Bahá’ís' leadership on this critical issue.

Early efforts have focused on two main areas: external affairs initiatives that support wide-scale action to study and reduce violence within the home, and consultation on overcoming domestic violence within the Bahá’í community.

Within Bahá’í community

In October 2000, Juana Conrad, deputy secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, worked closely with the director of the Office of External Affairs, the NGO liaison for women's issues and the director of the Office of Women's Affairs to organize a meeting to discuss ways of addressing domestic violence within the Bahá’í community. A number of Bahá’í professionals who work on the issue participated in the meeting.

The rich discussion and consultation that ensued led the group to present a set of formal recommendations to the National Spiritual Assembly asking that it engage in a long-term, integrative, twofold process of learning and action to overcome domestic violence in the American Bahá’í community.

As a result, in July the National Spiritual Assembly created a working group to assess the extent of any domestic violence problem within the Bahá’í community, and to develop programs and action plans to address such problems. That working group includes members representing the Office of Community Administration and Development, the Education and Schools Office, the Persian-American Affairs Office, the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office, the National Teaching Committee, the Office of Governance and the Office of External Affairs.

In recent developments:

• Staffers from the offices of Community Administration and Development and Persian-American Affairs have attended a series of seminars and symposiums on how to address domestic violence within a community.
• The staff of the U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office has attended the International Conference on Refugee Women Fleeing Gender-Based Persecution.
• The Refugee Office has begun including material on domestic violence in the welcome packet sent to refugees newly arriving in this country.

Although the Bahá’í community has to travel the difficult journey of achieving equality between men and women, the Writings reaffirm the need for that journey: "The friends of God must be adorned with the ornament of justice, equity, kindness, and love. As they do not allow themselves to be the object of cruelty and transgression, in like manner they should not allow such tyranny to visit the handmaidens of God. He, verily, speaketh the truth and commandeth that which benefitteth His servants and handmaidens. He is the Protector of all in this world and the next." —Bahá’u’lláh

Cincinnati dialogue focuses on faith, environment

Reflecting the increasing inclusion of Bahá’ís in interfaith dialogues and consultations, a Bahá’í view on the environment was presented at the Symposium on Religion and Ecology, an interreligious conference held Sept. 5-6 at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The first major program of the newly established Brueggeman Center for Interreligious Dialogue, the event also included Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish and Native American perspectives on the environment.

The Bahá’í presentation was made jointly by Roxanne Lalonde, faculty lecturer in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, and Peter Adriance, liaison with nongovernmental organizations for the National Spiritual Assembly's Office of External Affairs in Washington, DC.

Lalonde spoke on the spiritual principles underlying the Bahá’í approach to the environment, while Adriance spoke about Bahá’í efforts internationally to advance those principles at the 1992 Earth Summit, in the consultations leading to the UN Earth Charter and in development of the terraces and gardens on Mount Carmel.

Reflection of the Divine

Lalonde noted that the Bahá’í writings speak of nature as a reflection of the Divine and see all life as interconnected and interdependent. The Bahá’í teachings uphold principles of moderation, humility and respect for ecological balance.

"The Bahá’í vision of a civilization that extends thousands of years into the future implies that human beings have a profound responsibility for stewardship of God's creation," she said, adding that a global vision is essential to carry out such stewardship.

Such a global vision was articulated by Bahá’u’lláh when he proclaimed, "The earth is but one country and mankind its citizens."

Lalonde noted that the Bahá’í teachings clearly make humanity's acceptance of the principle of the oneness of the human family a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development.

Citing Bahá’u’lláh's injunction, she said, "The well-being of mankind, its peace and security are unattainable, unless and until its unity is firmly established."

In Adriance's presentation, it was noted that the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) issued numerous official statements advancing spiritual principles in its preparation for the Earth Summit—the UN Conference on Environment and Development held during 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In association with the Earth Summit, he said, the BIC organized a symposium on leadership qualities for a sustainable civilization, published a book of children's art and essays on the future, and created a Peace Monument.

It also held a series of unifying cultural events at the 1992 Global Forum, the gathering of nongovernmental organizations held during the summit.

A unifying process

Adriance said the Bahá’í representatives also contributed to the "decade-long consultative process" that led to the Earth Charter a statement of ethics for living sustainably on Earth, and a product of the 1992 Summit.

"During that process, the principles of consultation often helped foster a sense of unity among the diverse participants," Adriance said. "When the final Earth. [Page 15]

Message of the National Spiritual Assembly to the Bahá’ís of the United States, dated October 20, 2001

Ahe National Spiritual Assembly was stricken with grief and a sense of profound loss in the passing of our noblehearted dearly loved sister, Patricia Locke. Pat's life was a testament to the power of faith and transcendence, rising above all obstacles to found colleges for the Indian peoples, to develop national education policy departments for American Indian Nations throughout North America. A recipient of the distinguished MacArthur Fellowship, she was recognized throughout the world for her vision of human service and social development leading to her citation as one of the most influential Indian people of the 20th Century.

After declaring her belief in the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, Pat traveled the globe sharing the Bahá’í principles of unity and equality and championing the upliftment of every soul and nation. She was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and was the first American Indian to be elected by that body to serve as an officer when she was elected Vice-Chair.

Patricia will be long remembered for her sterling character, for her wit and charm, for her extraordinary compassion and kindness, and for her commitment to lifelong learning. She is a model for all women. Her most precious quality was her wholehearted devotion to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about whom she made constant reference with expressions of love and celebrations of their lives.

Our lives have been enriched immeasurably by our love and association with dear Patricia.

We offer prayers for the comfort and solace of the family and friends grieving the loss of such a precious soul.

Pat Locke personified the spirit of the MacArthur Fellows program by carrying out her work in education with creativity, skill and dignity. As an outstanding leader and passionate advocate, she performed the invaluable service of deepening our understanding and appreciation of American Indian culture.

Along the way she passed her love of education and sense of mission to her two children. Kevin Locke, a Bahá’í, was a schoolteacher and administrator before embarking on his global career as a traditional musician, dancer and lecturer. Winona Flying Earth has served as director of the school system of the Standing Rock Reservation—a system Patricia Locke helped create.

Patricia Locke and her son, Kevin, are pictured at the Wakpala Pow-Wow in South Dakota in 1990. Photo Paul Slaughter

On the international stage, Patricia was U.S. representative for education at the 1982 World Assembly of First Nations in Canada. In 1995 she was chair of the Indigenous Women's Caucus at the United Nations Women's Conference in Beijing, China. She was among speakers at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Cape Town, South Africa, in December 1999.

Patricia Locke was acquainted with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and with a number of Bahá’ís. Her son has been a Bahá’í for more than 20 years, and he served on the National Spiritual Assembly in the late 1980s and early 1990s before accepting a post as an Auxiliary Board member for propagation of the Faith. Patricia herself was the first American Indian to be elected to an office of the National Assembly (vice chair, in 2001). For years before she became a Bahá’í, she was one of two members of our National Assembly attending the funeral service for Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum in January 2000.

Other prestigious honors included her receipt in 1995 of the Sweet Sadie "I never let Prejudice stop me from what I wanted to do in this life Child" award commemorating the passage of the 19th amendment.

Till the end, Patricia Locke was in great demand as a speaker and lecturer. She conducted courses and seminars at the University of California, Los Angeles, San Francisco State University, Alaska Methodist University, Denver University, the University of Colorado and the University of Southern Maine, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times.

In addition to her children, Kevin Locke and Winona Flying Earth, she is survived by five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Councilfire draws 400 to Makah Reservation

Was it the salmon bake, the talks, the fellowship or the great weather?

Those attractions and more brought 400 people to the Makah Reservation in Neah Bay, Washington, Aug. 17-19 for this year's United Spiritual Gathering Councilfire.

Campers filled the Hobuck Beach campground to capacity. The traditional dinner filled plates both with fish and a spirit of love and cooperation.

Counselor Rebequa Murphy addressed the audience on "Governance with Efficiency and Love" and, later, on the Five Year Plan. Derek Cockshut, member of the Western Regional Bahá’í Council, also spoke, and Reggie Newkirk of Canada's National Spiritual Assembly addressed the youth on "Living the Life."

Auxiliary Board members Todd Kutches and Celia Johnson were on hand as well.

Contributions and other efforts at the gathering netted more than $1,000 for the Funds.

Locke, son honored week before her passing

Only a week before her passing, Patricia Locke was honored along with her son Kevin Locke by the Indigenous Language Institute, which recognized the two for their outstanding efforts to help revitalize some of the original languages of this continent.

"Of the original 300 or more indigenous languages in North America, only 175 remain today, of which 120 are endangered. Loss of language diminishes the beautiful cultural and linguistic diversity of humanity, losing precious and insightful worldviews that are expressed in these languages," a statement from the institute reads. "Continuous, dedicated efforts of heroes and heroines such as Patricia and Kevin Locke make the daunting task of preserving, protecting and perpetuating the endangered Native languages a possibility."

During the Oct. 13 ceremony in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii presented a congratulatory message via videotape.

Kevin Locke attended and performed traditional Indian music at the Santa Fe ceremony. Patricia Locke's illness prevented her from attending. Her daughter Winona Flying Earth accepted the award on her behalf.

The non-profit Indigenous Language Institute serves Native American communities across the continent as a national clearinghouse of information and referrals and an education and research think tank. The organization helps grassroots community Inguage programs through seminars, research projects, publications and public outreach activities.

Dialogue

Charter was released in early 2000, many principles important to the Bahá’ís were reflected in the document.

Adriance also clarified the Bahá’í position on the Charter. "While not officially endorsing the Earth Charter, the Bahá’í International Community considers the effort toward drafting it and activities in support of its essential objectives to be highly commendable, and it will continue to participate in related activities, such as conferences, forums and the like," he noted.

Regarding the newly completed Bahá’í gardens and terraces in Haifa, Israel, Adriance pointed out practical actions such as water conservation, organic planting methods, reduction of pesticide and herbicide use and related educational components. However, he also emphasized the spiritual purpose of the gardens in preparing pilgrims and visitors to approach one of the holiest sites to Bahá’ís.

His presentation included a series of images of the widely praised results of the project. The audience expressed great enthusiasm with the way the gardens reflected a dynamic balance between the practical and the spiritual.

On behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly, Adriance presented a book of photographs of the new garden terraces, published by the Haifa Tourist Board, to the Rev. Joseph Bracken, director of the Brueggeman Center.

Local involvement paves the way

Bahá’í participation in the symposium was facilitated by the efforts of Faramarz Samadany, a Bahá’í in Cincinnati and a Brueggeman Center trustee.

One of the Center's inaugural events was a 1999 millennium peace gathering that drew an audience of more than 8,000. Samadany's loving but persistent suggestions that Bahá’ís be included in that event opened the door for a Bahá’í youth workshop performance on the unity of religions, an event that impressed Brueggeman staff and trustees.

That helped open the door for Bahá’í participation in the September symposium and other events. The Brueggeman center is named after a Xavier faculty member known for promoting understanding among Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and Jews.

"By bringing together diverse faith groups, the center is able to benefit from a range of views in seeking solutions to the human and environmental challenges facing humanity," Bracken said. [Page 16]

fertile field

...brings you... the Youth Page

STARTING this issue, Fertile Field has the honor and responsibility for preparing the Youth Page of The American Bahá’í.

Why? For starters, we want to increase the readership and contributors of Fertile Field and truly propel this publication to a new level of distinction and professionalism—that is, to become a national treasure!

Sounds idealistic? Hey, that’s why we’re youth!

Fertile Field is a national magazine that has been edited, designed, produced and circulated primarily by and for the nation’s college-age Bahá’í youth, under the guidance of the Office of Youth Affairs, an agency of the National Spiritual Assembly. We really hope to expand our readership and support this year, but we need your help!

Express Yourself!

• Fertile Field wants your talent, energy, insight, stories, articles, experiences, poetry, photographs, artwork, suggestions, comments, ‎rapporting reporting‎, illustrations, rantings, ravings, and loving support sent to fertilefield@yahoogroups.com.

Support Your Local Bahá’í News Network!

• Local Bahá’í community and campus club newsletters are encouraged to borrow articles from Fertile Field for publication in local and campus newsletters or other publications.

Why Subscribe to Fertile Field?

• First of all, you know we’re going to be very cool.
• Secondly, it is youth like you who will be contributing to it.
• Thirdly, what better way can you think of to share ideas, articles, artwork, stories, talent, insights, etc. with your peers around the country and around the world!? (We will, of course, be on the Internet for those tech-savvy folks.)

Photo by Elizabeth Gordon

Great, I’m Hooked! So How Do I Subscribe?

Download current and back issues from www.usbnc.org! Once inside click NSA Departments > Youth Affairs > Campus Activism > Fertile Field.

Due to the financial challenges facing the National Bahá’í Fund, the Fertile Field production team is excited to announce that it will be shifting gears to an all-new online format! What we aim to do:

Send our e-subscribers short Fertile Field highlights by e-mail (similar to the October highlights; see right-hand column of this page) with links to the full text of these stories on our upcoming Web site, www.fertilefield.org.

To subscribe to the Fertile Field e-newsletter:

• Go to http://lists.usbnc.org/lyris/lyris.pl?enter=fertilefield (all one line!)
• Click "Join fertilefield" and enter your name and e-mail address.
• Wait for your updates to arrive!

Our apologies to the college students - we can no longer provide you with complimentary print copies (but you’ll dig the online version!)

HIGHLIGHTS FROM October ’01 Fertile Field

The Editorial Team welcomes you to Fertile Field’s first issue of the academic year and its fifth year in print. Most of this issue is devoted to exploring the interface between youth and the training institute process. The team would like to thank Eric Horton and Mojan Sami for their service as directors of the Office of Youth Affairs, and introduce the new directors, Jesse Fish and Lacey Graves.

Letter from the National Spiritual Assembly to Youth

A personalized message to Bahá’í youth of the United States, urging them to reflect prayerfully on the youth goals of the Five Year Plan, to consult about them with friends and loved ones, and to make a personal plan to fulfill them.

RTIs and the Changing Face of the Bahá’í Community

Feature article: On defining training institutes; engaging grassroots transformation through study circles; defining study circles; exploring practical initiatives; and on contacting regional training institutes and learning how to get trained as a tutor. By Guest Editor Naisohn Arfai, 25, San Antonio, Texas

Championing the Kingdom Project

"By now, most of us have heard about the Kingdom Project, either through The American Bahá’í, mass mailings, the Kingdom Conference in Milwaukee, or other source. So what’s the big deal and how will it affect us as youth? Or alternatively, ‘how will we youth affect the Kingdom Project?’ " By Jesse Fish, 23, Seattle, Washington

Each Rain Drop Carries an Angel

Poem by Amelia Villagomez, 18, Fort Worth, Texas

Finding the Kingdom

"Life is a circle that has no end. Although we may complete the circle many times, it still remains everlasting. And so I began, and will continue my journey, with renewal, maintenance, knowledge, and wisdom. ..." By Pablo Nossa, 22, Issaquah, Washington

The Gift of Inspiration

"When I began college, my plan was to graduate in three years, enter medical school early, and finish early. It was as though I was fighting with time, trying to hold it back while I got ahead. Nothing could shake my focus. ... As always, however, it seemed that Bahá’u’lláh had His own plans. ..." By Mahta Ostadia, 23, College Station, Texas

Operationalizing Reflection in the Cause

"As we develop plans for our spiritual and social development, I invite you to pause and ponder the implications of these words of the Blessed Beauty. He writes, ‘one hour’s reflection is preferable to seventy years of pious worship.’ ... Based on my own observations it seems that we could have powerful breakthroughs in our teaching efforts and community life if we cultivated the practice of reflection on a regular and ongoing basis. ..." By Sherlock I. Graham-Haynes, Durham, North Carolina

College club registration

For online registration, please visit the www.usbnc.org Web site. Once inside, click "NSA Departments" > "Youth Affairs" > "Campus Activism." There you will find the Bahá’í campus association registration form. Thank you! —Office of Youth Affairs

College Club Weekends

Campus club weekends at Louhelen, Green Acre, Bosch and Raleigh/Durham, NC —Regional Youth Committees

IT’S TIME ...

... says Nancy Wong, former member of the National Youth Committee, currently on staff in the Office of Youth Affairs.

The National Bahá’í Fund needs the help of all Bahá’í youth, especially now since the National Fund is in critical condition. We, as youth, are the best folks to step up, even higher than we thought possible, in our giving to the "life-blood" of the Cause. As we each step up, regularly and in a spirit of sacrifice, to support all the Funds of the Faith, our acts will loudly proclaim to the world that

the youth of this mighty Faith are not about words but about deeds.

"Let deeds, not words, be your adorning."—Bahá’u’lláh, Hidden Word No. 5 from the Persian

National Bahá’í Fund • Bahá’í National Center • 112 Linden Ave. • Wilmette, IL 60091

OFFICE OF YOUTH AFFAIRS • Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central Street • Evanston, IL 60201-1611 Phone 847-733-3499 • Fax 847-733-3502 E-mail • Web site www.bahaiyouth.com [Page 17]

Virtue Treasure Hunt

Finding Happiness

Children are the most precious treasure in the Bahá’í community. During the Five Year Plan, there are five things you can do to grow strong and be happy. You’ll need a special virtue to go with each of the five tasks. Can you figure out what the virtues are?

c _ u r a _ e

_ i n d n _ s s

r e _ e r e _ c e

k _ o w _ e d g e

g e _ e r o s i t _

Did you see that four of the letters in the virtues are circled? Unscramble them to find another virtue that we all need. With this virtue, all of the other tasks are easier!

Can you match your five tasks to the pictures above?

• Pray every day
• Learn about Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Their Teachings
• Be a friend to all people and help them
• Share the Bahá’í Teachings with others
• Contribute to the Bahá’í Funds and the Kingdom Project

Write the sixth virtue here:

_ _ _ _

Answers: 1. Courage 2. Kindness 3. Reverence 4. Knowledge 5. Generosity 6. Love

Send this form to: Bahá’í Distribution Service • 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd. • Atlanta, GA 30336

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BSTAR AD 12.2001 [Page 18]

Main address: Rebequa Murphy

Connection with early heroes

In the centerpiece speech of the forum, Counselor Rebequa Murphy traced a connection between the work of treasurers and the sacrifices of the Dawn-Breakers of the Bábí and early Bahá’í communities.

The work of the faithful since then has amounted, spiritually and materially, to “rearing edifices that centuries and cycles cannot undermine,” she said.

And just as Bahá’u’lláh told us, material means have always been needed to carry that work forward. “Everything that we have done, from the moment Mullá Husayn accepted the Báb, has somehow been affected by this institution [of the Fund],” Murphy said.

To illustrate the “quintessential relationship” of individual believers to the institution of the Fund, she pointed to the example of Vahíd, an early hero of the Faith.

Shortly before he was martyred, Vahíd expressed that he longed to sacrifice his palatial mansion with its stately furnishings so that “friends and foe alike [will] realize that he who owned this house was endowed with so great and priceless a heritage that an earthly mansion ... had no worth in his eyes. ...”

The job of a treasurer, she said, is to “cultivate that seed in the heart of the believers. ... If ever there is a relationship that needs to be redefined, it’s the relationship between wealth and poverty and faith.”

She urged the treasurers to study and contemplate the many writings of our Faith that touch on dedicating our material resources toward spiritual uses.

In particular, she said, the Universal House of Justice has given us a number of messages in the past year that urge us to carry out specific tasks that require monetary or other material support—for the benefit of humanity in general, not just of the Bahá’ís.

Our Funds draw considerable spiritual power from being supported by rich and poor alike worldwide. And a unique feature is that any Bahá’í may directly support the work of the Cause on the global level as well as nationally or locally, reinforcing the idea expressed by the Universal House of Justice that “the time has come when each human being on earth must learn to accept responsibility for the welfare of the entire human family.” ◆

FORUM,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

hopefully as a source in my community of inspiration, information, and loving guidance.”

The bulk of the weekend was given to looking at ways local treasurers can inspire and educate their communities about the Fund—an institution that tangibly expresses the Bahá’í ideals of sacrifice, dedication and world-embracing love. Many sessions also dealt with maintaining the Assembly’s trust through clear and reliable records.

Morning talks by Counselor Rebequa Murphy and by National Spiritual Assembly members William L.H. Roberts, treasurer, and Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general, helped energize the friends for their days of learning in workshops and panel discussions.

The treasurers also welcomed Nesreen Akhtarkhavari, new coordinator of the Kingdom Project, and showered Rebecca Wilson with love in her tearful farewell from that post. Along the way came in-depth updates on progress of the Temple restoration and other components of the project.

An inspiring highlight came when Kevin Araki, visiting treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, hand-delivered a check for the first installment of a five-year, $25,000 pledge to be used toward the Kingdom Project effort to restore the House of Worship.

Another was the availability of Sacred Trust, a book containing 200 pages of relevant writings compiled by the Office of the Treasurer and produced by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust especially for the forum. By Saturday evening, most attendees could be seen carrying copies of the first edition with its bright-colored cover.

Principles from the Stewardship and Development program of the Treasurer’s Office formed the framework of the forum, inspiring the topics of the workshops (see additional articles) and the evening sessions.

By far the most popular evening sessions were two question-and-answer forums with Roberts. A sampling of the heartfelt concerns broached at one of those sessions included:

• The balance between resolving debt and giving to the Fund.
• The nature of the “active core” of the Bahá’í community and how to measure it.
• The advisability of earmarking contributions for particular uses as opposed to giving Assemblies complete discretion over the money entrusted to them.
• How to express the need for individual Bahá’ís to support the international and national funds directly.

On that latter point, Roberts asserted that a central part of being a Bahá’í is assuming a more direct responsibility for the worldwide and national needs of the Cause. Direct contribution to the senior funds is “a new process that God has given to us” to help Bahá’ís avoid the trap of caring only for local concerns, and which “catapults us into world consciousness.”

Other evening sessions informed and engaged the friends in discussions on:

• Acquiring a local center, with stories of successes and pitfalls on the way.
• Basic skills and tools for new treasurers.
• Planned giving and the writing of a will.
• Managing the treasury of a large community (plus a separate session, spontaneously formed, on challenges of treasurers in small communities).
• Community games as an educational tool.
• Appropriate commercial software for, respectively, larger and smaller communities to manage their finances.

“I am still deeply affected by this conference,” a treasurer from Oregon wrote days later. “I do feel loved, cherished, and the role of the treasurer is so much clearer to me. ... Simultaneously, I have never left a conference with such a sense of responsibility.” ◆

Exploring Our Roles as Treasurer

Facilitator: Alloysia Haynes, Rochester, NY

“Strive therefore to create love in the hearts,” Alloysia Haynes quoted ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as saying. “When the love of God is established, everything else will be realized.”

Haynes added her own observation from experience: “Guilt doesn’t work.”

With the help of attendees, she listed a number of roles for local treasurers: trustee of the Fund, spiritual educator, chief financial officer and adviser of the Spiritual Assembly, bean counter and so forth. But paramount, she said, is the role of an inspirer.

A treasurer can express love to the friends in several ways, she said: not only through talks at Feast—gently encouraging Bahá’ís to learn more about the bounties of giving joyously and about the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh—but also by getting to know community members personally and encouraging their understanding of the Fund as a natural part of Bahá’í life.

Sources of inspiration can include stories from The American Bahá’í, or from such books as He Loved and Served or Stories About the Fund.

“You have to be passionate about the Fund,” Haynes said. “If you’re a treasurer and not passionate about the Fund, how can you educate the friends?” ◆

Other presenters of this workshop: Farshad Monfared, Oregon; Kevin Morrison, Office of the Treasurer; Roger Nesbit, Oregon; Carol Payne, Alabama

Main address: William L.H. Roberts

Sobering statistics

Near the gathering’s end, William L.H. Roberts, the national treasurer, used stunning statistics to demonstrate the importance of these times:

Fewer than 7,000 individual Bahá’ís are contributing to the National Bahá’í Fund each Gregorian month. Contributions to the National Fund for September totaled about 8 percent less than the same month in 2000. Contributions for May through September had decreased by 11 percent from 2000.

Only 130 out of about 1,200 Spiritual Assemblies have committed sums of money to the Kingdom Project.

The National Assembly would need to take action to deal with the resulting $3.1 million cash deficit in its operations, Roberts said.

Then he dropped the bombshell.

“On the international level ... we can tell you that contributions to the International Fund are down by 63 percent from the year 2000. This is not acceptable.”

Members of the Universal House of Justice often sacrifice careers and established situations to serve in positions they did not ask for, he said—just as members of National and Local Assemblies are placed into positions of service with tremendous responsibilities.

“How can we place them there,” he asked, “and not give them the resources to do what they need to get done?”

Roberts made clear in his call to action what is expected: the energetic, loving and prayerful exercise of the treasurer’s roles as educator, inspirer and adviser, so that believers in every Bahá’í community have a closer connection to the work of the Cause and its needs.

He also asked the help of those present to spread the message and spirit of the forum to the more than 700 Local Spiritual Assemblies that could not send treasurers there.

“The Guardian said it is spirit, determination and sacrifice that bring victories one after another,” he said. “We as a community are capable of changing the tide of what is happening.” ◆

Fun(d) Education for Our Most Precious Resource

Facilitator: Nancy Wong, Office of the Treasurer

What is money and what is it for? What do the Bahá’í teachings say about money and how we should use it?

Now, how do you explain that to a 9-year-old?

“I’m basically asking you to do my work,” said Nancy Wong, a fund development specialist for children and youth for the Office of the Treasurer, as she set small groups on the tasks of explaining money and the Bahá’í approach to it in terms that make sense to children ages 4-7, aged 8-9, and junior youth.

A number of straightforward principles emerged from that round of discussions: that money is a symbol for work and goods that are valuable to people, that wealth is praiseworthy if gained honestly and used for the benefit of people, and that giving in a spirit of sacrifice results in a reward for the giver.

Inspired by the Guardian’s assertion that the Funds are the life-blood of our Cause, another exercise looked at the functions of blood in giving nourishment and oxygen to all cells of the body—a process familiar to many grade-schoolers. And how does blood get replenished regularly? One participant caught the idea quickly: “When we give regularly, we’re the bone marrow.”

A brainstorming session brought out ways of involving young Bahá’ís, such as appointing a youth or child assistant to the treasurer, collecting a bowl of pennies, having children work out answers to Fund questions during Feasts and having them report at the end, etc. The workshop ended with a lively game modeled after a well-known TV quiz show. ◆

Other presenters of this workshop: Regina Blum, Office of the Treasurer; Frank Hetman, Minnesota; Lea Iverson, Minnesota

Captions

• Rebequa Murphy
• Top center photo: Forum attendees toured the Bahá’í National Center, getting a firsthand look at its service operations. Photo by James Humphrey
• Immediate left photo: What is a national treasurer’s gathering without Liang the Lion? Photo by Vladimir Shilov
• Above photo: Suzanne Turner of New York listens to participants’ contributions during brainstorming at a workshop on spiritual principles of giving.
• Photo at right: Rebecca Wilson (left) passes the mantle of coordination of the Kingdom Project to Nesreen Akhtarkhavari. Photos by Vladimir Shilov
• Left photo: As with all Bahá’í gatherings, it was a time to make and renew friendships.
• Above photo: Chris Hampton’s one-man play “The Noble Thief” capped the weekend. Photos by Vladimir Shilov
• In a workshop led by Alloysia Haynes (above), treasurers used a selection of photos to symbolize the state of their Bahá’í communities—and how those communities ideally should appear. Photos by James Humphrey
• It was an enthusiastic “hands up” in the interactive “Fun(d) Education” workshop. Photo by James Humphrey
• William Roberts (left) accepts the first installment of a Kingdom Project pledge from Kevin Araki, treasurer of Alaska’s National Assembly. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

page 18 THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í • NATIONAL TREASURER’S FORUM December 12, 2001 [Page 19]

WORKSHOPS

Spiritual Principles of Giving

Facilitator: Eric Kreitzer, New York, NY

Participation by Bahá’ís in the Fund is highly influenced by the link between sacrifice and love, Eric Kreitzer pointed out in this workshop, in which participants plumbed their experience for reasons why the friends might not participate—and methods to encourage getting past those barriers.

“I don’t know how to do it,” Kreitzer said in encouraging the flow of ideas. “I’m here to learn from you.”

Suggestions by the friends largely centered around education, especially about the reasons for giving to the Funds; creating unifying activities and service projects so the believers feel more connected to the community and therefore to its needs; and mechanisms to make giving easier, such as electronic fund transfers and personal budgeting strategies.

Kreitzer offered a further dimension: cultivating a change in the way we view sacrifice. In our culture the word tends to evoke thoughts of pain, deprivation and loss. But the original Latin roots of the word basically mean “to make holy.”

Participants in Eric Kreitzer’s workshop ponder materials handed out on the Treasurer’s spiritual roles and on the meaning of sacrifice. Photo by James Humphrey

Bahá’ís have plenty of examples of sacrifice from within our own Faith—for example, Bahá’u’lláh forfeiting His wealth and position to bring us the message of God, or the Iranian martyrs of the 19th century or since the 1980s.

But in our time and place we have a different sacrifice to make. Decades ago Shoghi Effendi had advised the believers of the Western world that “their comfort, to some extent, they must sacrifice if they are going to discharge their moral obligation to a tortured humanity”—and in the same passage he promised: “Once the friends start out to win the goals ... they will find the Divine confirmation sustaining them and hastening its consummation.” ♦

Other presenters of this workshop: Susan Berkman, California; Morris Taylor, Illinois; Suzanne Turner, Office of the Treasurer

Budgets, Goals and Audits

Facilitator: Rick Schickele, Alameda, CA

Decide what your Bahá’í community should accomplish in the upcoming year and what its fair share is in support of the international and national funds. That is the essence of your local budget, said Rick Schickele. As the life-blood of the Cause, the Fund “lets us do the teaching, it lets us do the community-building,” he said.

And when community members are involved in making each year’s local plan, they tend to feel connected with the Fund that makes much of the activity possible, he said. That sense of connection is undoubtedly an issue for communities represented by treasurers at the session, who reported local participation rates as high as 88 percent and as low as 25 percent.

Rick Schickele listens to a participant’s budgeting concerns. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

Participants agreed that a community’s budget is often a reflection of its nature; some communities plan fairly specifically, while others may leave room in the budget for more spontaneous, midstream planning.

They also shared ideas for formulating local contribution goals to make sure the budget is fulfilled. Goal-setting, Schickele said, is a valid tool for helping the community stretch beyond its reach—provided the goals are not so high that they discourage people.

He also said that annual auditing is an essential protection for every Assembly. Catching bookkeeping errors before they complicate things too much is essential—but even when a treasurer’s work is impeccable, independent confirmation can be a precaution that preserves unity. ♦

Other presenters of this workshop: Cesar Cortes, Office of the Treasurer; Bruce Curry, Texas; Jeremy Phelan, Office of the Treasurer

Accounting and Record Keeping

Facilitator: Barbara Bellamy, Englewood, CO

Each contribution to the Bahá’í Funds is like a prayer, said Barbara Bellamy. So it makes sense to handle that money with the utmost respect.

She took the participants through some basic bookkeeping functions of treasurers: deposit contributions regularly, pay bills and National Fund obligations promptly, reconcile your books with bank statements monthly, issue receipts for all contributions (even anonymous and non-cash ones), report Fund activity regularly to the Assembly and to the friends, and keep duplicates of records as much as feasible—this last task made easier when books are kept on computer. Remember, also, that the money and the records belong to the Assembly, and the Assembly as a body has the right to access that information.

Bellamy also listed some essentials for communities just establishing their local Funds, especially new Assemblies: acquiring a federal EIN number, doing paperwork to comply with state and local tax law, opening a bank account and purchasing or collecting basic supplies.

Both from her financial knowledge and the participants’ experience, ideas were also shared on finer points such as how to make receipts for non-cash items donated for auction, and the possibility of acquiring a fiduciary bond for those who are handling the finances of a very large community. ♦

Other presenters of this workshop: Frank Amanat, New York; Fred Delgado, Oregon; Arun Natarajan, District of Columbia

Regina Blum (top) and Jonathan King were two of the “heavy lifters” in the forum’s behind-the-scenes organization. Photos by Vladimir Shilov

Main address: Robert C. Henderson

Anchor of trustworthiness

The Saturday morning talk by Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly, was centered on trustworthiness and vision, two of the main attributes required of the keepers of the Fund.

He recalled Bahá’u’lláh’s depiction of the station of trustworthiness from the Fourth Taráz (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh), as “one of the Beauties of the Most Sublime Paradise, standing on a pillar of light. ...” and as “the greatest portal leading unto the tranquillity and security of the people.”

That degree of trustworthiness is a “sanctuary for every wayward soul, a point of confidence, a source of inspiration,” Henderson said.

“That is the kind of trustworthiness that Bahá’u’lláh is calling us to in the spiritual management of the Funds. ... It’s that kind of trust that inspires us to respond.”

Such trustworthiness has set a solid foundation for our community’s vision as crises and victories have intermeshed with each other throughout the history of this Cause, he said.

In recent years, the Bahá’ís in Iran have set sterling examples—some of physical sacrifice, others of steadfastness. Since the late 1970s nearly 300 Bahá’ís have been martyred, “yet God used their sacrifice to galvanize the world Bahá’í community” toward expansion of the Faith in new areas of the world and a new level of credibility on the world stage.

Despite occasional economic hard times, the friends also have arisen sacrificially to contribute enough funds to complete the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, the Bahá’í Houses of Worship in Samoa and India, and the Arc and Terraces on Mount Carmel.

During this time, studies of the U.S. Bahá’í community have shown that we have in general become more consecrated to daily prayer, study and teaching of the Cause and its application in our own lives. Those processes have coupled with a 40 percent growth in the raw numbers of Bahá’ís in this country.

The writings of Shoghi Effendi assure us, he said, that with dedication and struggle, our Faith will arise triumphant through periods of obscurity and active repression.

“Lest we forget ... we are in the midst of a struggle for redemption of all souls and nations,” Henderson said. When people see us applying the principles in our lives and communities, he added, “they will see in your eyes that God specializes in things that seem impossible.” ♦ [Page 20]

Bahá’ís continue to act to bring people together

Bahá’í individuals and communities nationwide continue to bring people together in the wake of the attacks on Sept. 11 that buffeted our nation.

Under the guidance of the National Spiritual Assembly and its Office of External Affairs, they are helping Americans look forward to the fruits of recognizing the oneness of humanity.

Here are some more examples of ongoing efforts:

Interfaith services

Bennington, Vermont: The Bahá’í community here is witnessing a rise in esteem and interest after a prayer service in which hundreds of people recited the words of Bahá’u’lláh.

The Greater Bennington Interfaith Council, with a Bahá’í representative, was about to begin its scheduled meeting Sept. 11 when news of the attacks arrived. After prayers, plans were immediately launched for an interfaith service, with leaders of each faith community taking care to ensure every possible participant could feel included.

When the service was held Sept. 16, Bahá’ís were startled to find the familiar short unity prayer by Bahá’u’lláh printed on the cover of the program, along with a drawing of people holding hands and encircling the planet.

The Catholic church where the service was held had prepared the program, but even the pastor didn’t know who had typed it up “and had no idea of how the prayer had come to be there,” wrote Betsey Belvin. “The Bahá’í community assumed Bahá’u’lláh had wanted it there, and so it was.”

During the service—which included scripture readings and music contributed by Christians, Jews and Bahá’ís—the Bahá’í reader felt moved to invite the assemblage to recite the unity prayer printed on the program. “[T]he hearts of the Bahá’ís soared as more than 300 voices uttered the words of the Blessed Beauty,” Belvin reported.

Several people afterward told Bahá’ís how much they appreciated the words, and the reading drew special mention in the local newspaper report. At least one seeker renewed his investigation into the Faith.

East Pima County, Arizona: An Interfaith Council of Tucson, with a Bahá’í representative, has been formed as a result of a celebration of religious diversity sponsored by the Bahá’ís here.

More than 500 people attended a follow-up prayer gathering Oct. 11, planned by the newly formed Council. Bahá’ís read a unity prayer as part of the program. Local newspapers gave the gathering front-page space, and television stations covered the event.

All this came less than a month after the Bahá’ís held a Sept. 15 celebration of religious diversity to commemorate the nation’s tragedy—in place of the annual Unity Fiesta, which the Bahá’ís usually organize that time of year to celebrate Tucson’s cultural diversity.

The September event brought together representatives from the Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Islamic and Bahá’í communities to share prayers and spiritual messages with an audience of more than 150.

U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe spoke, as did Tucson’s deputy mayor and a member of the County Board of Supervisors. A TV station covered the gathering and mentioned the prominent role played by the Bahá’ís in bringing the religious communities together.

When the official program was over, audience members, mostly children, came forward to share spontaneously their thoughts and sentiments. The Tucson Bahá’í Choir sang and the Prayer for America was read.

Washington, DC: The Recognized Campus Ministries of Howard University issued a joint statement on the Sept. 11 attacks that was published by the university newspaper and posted on the bulletin board at the metropolitan Washington Bahá’í Center.

Shirley Ganao, Bahá’í chaplain at Howard, participated in the joint statement and a unity prayer program at the university that was broadcast on radio and television. Two Bahá’í prayers—one for the departed and one for unity—were recited at the event.

A follow-up memorial service also was held on campus.

Barnesville, Georgia: When a memorial service was held at Gordon College for the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, Bahá’í Mark Salata was given the “task to close the event with an ‘all-inclusive’ and ‘positive’ note,” he reports.

With input from area friends, Salata chose to speak briefly on the “effect that this event had on my family in Iran and here,” read quotations from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and from the National Spiritual Assembly’s Sept. 11 letter, and close with the Prayer for America.

Each attendee was given a copy of the prayer, and the local newspaper printed it in an account of the gathering.

Charleston, South Carolina: Nearly 100 people prayed together at an open-air interfaith service organized by two Bahá’ís and involving representatives of several Christian denominations, two Jewish traditions, the local Islamic community, Buddhism and Hinduism.

An open-air prayer service in Charleston, South Carolina, serves as a “seed” for continuing interfaith dialogue, according to organizer Tom Jerige.

“It serves as a seed” for a continuing interfaith dialogue, said Tom Jerige, a local Bahá’í quoted in an article in the Post and Courier reporting on the Sept. 23 event. “I think the words getting out into the atmosphere have an effect.”

Greensboro, North Carolina: Teen-agers Jessamyn Stanley and Haley Hoffman were the voices of the Bahá’í Faith at a Community United rally Sept. 20, attended by more than 200.

Held to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 tragedy, the rally featured brief presentations by city officials, clergy members and others.

Stanley, 14, and Hoffman, 15, “spoke eloquently and shared writings of Shoghi Effendi and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá related to America’s great destiny,” according to Thomas Hayes, a Bahá’í in Greensboro.

Edwardsville, Illinois: Martha Williams, a Bahá’í in nearby Troy, moderated “An Evening of Religious Understanding” in which representatives of the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Bahá’í traditions presented their core beliefs and values.

Roger Lutley of the Edwardsville Spiritual Assembly represented the Bahá’í Faith on the panel. More than 50 people attended the event, held in the Religious Center at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

A lengthy article was published the next day in the Edwardsville Intelligencer.

Other avenues of sharing

Gig Harbor, Washington: The Pierce County Peninsula Spiritual Assembly consulted on the guidance from the National Spiritual Assembly before joining with local media and educational institutions in reflecting on the tragic events of Sept. 11.

The first effort was an opinion article that appeared in the Religion section of the Peninsula Gateway newspaper in conjunction with an Oct. 12 public meeting sponsored by the Bahá’ís.

The second was a talk by Gig Harbor Bahá’í Christopher Gilbert presented in two colloquia at the University of Washington-Tacoma “Day of Reflection” on Oct. 11.

All classes at UW-T were canceled for the day so students, faculty and staff could look back and forward on the one-month anniversary of the attacks. Gilbert is an adjunct professor of business at the university.

Gilbert was joined in his presentations by Patabbi Raman, a native of India who had participated in the opening of the Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi. They spoke on “Free Will, Unity and the End of Global Terrorism.”

Seattle, Washington: Lynwood Bahá’í Wesley A. Dyring was listening to Seattle radio station KUOW on Oct. 1 when the topic “Is There a Silver Lining to the Attacks?” was broached on a show called The Conversation.

Dyring wanted to contribute to the discussion—as an individual, not as a representative of the Faith.

But his call did not get through to guest host Luke Burbank and guest Seth R. ‎Reise Reice‎, author of “The Silver Lining: The Benefits of Natural Disasters.”

So he took the recommended alternate route of sending an e-mail message to the moderators. In it, he outlined his belief that people are starting to see the benefits of uniting in a spiritual way.

“The national unity is important, but this vision of the reality of the oneness of humanity is far more so,” he wrote. “When all peoples are able to see and act on the fact that we are all part of a single human race, then will the difficult problems in the world be able to be resolved and we will have world peace.”

Dyring wished he could have said more, but recognized it wasn’t the time.

“Had it been wise to do so I could have also said that this was but one of a series of tests which God will send to America in order to convert its material preeminence into spiritual distinction. Horrendous tests such as this attack can only serve to burn away the veils of attachment and bring all of the diverse peoples who are Americans closer to true unity.”

Personal witnesses

West Orange, New Jersey: Herald Ostovar, a Bahá’í and medical student from West Orange, has written a striking and somber account of traveling to Ground Zero.

Less than 48 hours after the attacks, he pitched in with search and rescue efforts and treating the injuries of rescue workers—all amid conditions of devastation that posed many hazards.

“It was cold and I still got soaked [from heavy overnight rains] even though I was wearing a helmet and raincoat,” he wrote. “[B]ut I assure you, even though we didn’t find anyone [alive] this time, it still felt good, like we were doing something worthwhile.”

To read Ostovar’s complete account on the Web, access www.sgu.edu and click on “An eyewitness account...”

Malibu, California: A Bahá’í from Malibu had a personal experience of another nature on Sept. 11.

The airliner aboard which Diane Samandi and her sister were returning from France was diverted to Halifax, Nova Scotia. From there the passengers were bused to a shelter two hours away.

The experience prompted Samandi to write a letter in gratitude to the Canadian people for their compassion and generosity.

“The Canadians inspired us with their love and joy in serving us,” she wrote. “They just couldn’t do enough to try to take care of our every need. How could any of us complain when we had such loving and gracious hosts. ...

“It was a glimpse into a hopeful future, where love, service and sacrifice for each other was the standard and means for real happiness.” ♦ [Page 21]

Plan now for summer session

Now is the time to begin planning for the 2002 session of the Wilmette Institute’s four-year study program, Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization. The 2002 theme is “Development and Governance of Bahá’í Communities,” and the residential session at which students will gather for two weeks in the Wilmette area is set for July 27–Aug. 10.

The university-level program also entails sessions of home study May 1–July 25 and Aug. 15–Sept. 30. Deadline for applications is April 15, 2002.

Here are some student impressions of the two-week residential session held last summer:

“Imagine being in a spirit-filled environment for two weeks. We have it.” —Diann Stevens, Sacramento, California, 2001 Wilmette Institute summer student

The candles were lighted, the samovar was bubbling, and Persian desserts were graciously being passed around the room from hand to hand.

Pictures of the Greatest Holy Leaf, Bahíyyih Khánum, hung around the room.

And students listened with rapt attention to a moving account of her life and service to her beloved Father’s Cause.

This special moment, along with many others, brought joy to the summer residency of the Wilmette Institute program Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization, held July 28–Aug. 11.

This year’s program was described by students, faculty members and board members as being the most successful residency since the first one in 1996. Students dedicated their efforts to the Greatest Holy Leaf, described by the beloved Guardian as the “orb of the heaven of eternal glory” and the “sweet scent of His garment, shed across all created things.”

The 12 students ranged in age from 19 to 78, and hailed from Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon and Tennessee as well as overseas—a pioneer from Texas serving in Korea.

The students greatly enjoyed the theme of this year’s study, “Individual Development and Marriage and Family Life,” along with combined study of the lives of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and their writings (including the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, the Seven Valleys, the Four Valleys and the Hidden Words), Bahá’í history from 1892–1921, teaching the Faith, consultation, psychology of spirituality, research skills and writing skills.

The class also took an educational field trip to a Jain temple in the Chicago area to learn about Jainism. They received a guided tour and were greeted with warmth and hospitality.

Institute students benefited from the excellent instructors from all parts of the country—plus one visiting from India—who created a loving atmosphere of learning by offering their unique gifts and perspectives.

As the two-week session can best be described by the students and faculty themselves, here are some of their sentiments and reflections:

“The instructors were knowledgeable yet very humble. They imparted their wisdom and their knowledge in such a manner that students were challenged to think for themselves. ... The history sessions have been the greatest benefit to me personally. Until the Spiritual Foundations program, I merely read the Holy Writings but thought I was studying them. It was like I had been given a most valuable gift.” —Sherry Krannichfeld, Benton County, Arkansas

“The instruction is so valuable. It sparks my interest to study more and more. I know how to get around in the Writings better. ... Imagine being in a spirit-filled environment for two weeks. We have it.” —Diann Stevens, Sacramento, California

“We committed and devoted ourselves to a guided study of the Holy Scripture; shared meals and some of our experiences; participated in a service project together; prayed at the magnificent edifice known as the Bahá’í House of Worship; and rededicated our hearts and minds, thoughts and actions, to reshaping ourselves and consequently transforming the look and the spirit of our home communities.” —Pamela Solon, Winnetka, Illinois

“This is my second experience as a faculty member in the Wilmette Institute. This second experience has confirmed what I felt when I participated for the first time several years ago: the Wilmette Institute is one of the most important educational processes underway in the Bahá’í world. What makes it especially useful is the attempt to connect Bahá’í scholarship and metaphysics to other secular and religious systems of thought.” —Dr. Michael Penn, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, faculty member

REGIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE CONTACTS

Southern States

Regional contacts: Susan Nossa • Charlotte Joyner •

Training institutes:

• Aguila del Cielo RTI Central Texas • Web http://bci.org/aguila/
• Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum RTI Alabama, Georgia •
• Crimson Ark RTI DC, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia •
• Jubilee RTI Tennessee, Arkansas • Web www.jubileerti.com
• Magdalene Carney RTI Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi •
• Mathew Kaszab RTI South Texas •
• North Texas RTI • Web http://bci.org/ntxrti/
• Oklahoma RTI •
• Sam McClellan RTI Kentucky •
• South Carolina RTI •
• Supreme Talisman RTI North Carolina •
• Tree of Life RTI Houston, Texas •

Western States

Regional contact: Council secretary • e-mail

Training institutes:

• Arizona RTI •
• California Northeast RTI •
• California South RTI •
• Columbine RTI Colorado •
• Native American Bahá’í Institute •
• Nevada South RTI •
• Oregon RTI •
• Rio Grande RTI New Mexico • Web http://bci.org/riogrande/
• Robert Turner RTI California Northwest •
• Seven Valleys RTI Idaho, Montana, Washington, Wyoming •
• Southern Nevada RTI •

Central States

Regional contact: Council secretary • e-mail

Training institutes:

• Chicago RTI •
• Dorothy Baker RTI Ohio •
• Gateway RTI Missouri •
• Iowa RTI •
• Kansas RTI •
• Milwaukee Metro RTI •
• Minnesota RTI •

Northeastern States

Regional contacts: Caren Rosenthal, Patricia Harmsen, Valerie Kreitzer •

Training institutes:

• Doris McKay RTI Western New York state •
• New York Tri State RTI Metro NYC, Northern NJ, Long Island •
• Sadie Oglesby RTI Eastern New England •
• Thornton Chase RTI Western New England, Upstate New York •
• William Sears RTI Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey •

More information at www.usbnc.org Click on “Regional Councils”

Wilmette Institute

Distance learning: A timely introduction to Islam for Deepening and Dialogue, Jan. 15–April 15, 2002

Decades ago, Shoghi Effendi urged the Bahá’ís of the Western world to become better-acquainted with Islam, its sacred scriptures and teachings, to understand the origin and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith fully. The need for deeper appreciation of Islam has been underscored by the tragedy of Sept. 11 and the world-shaking events since then.

Because of its timeliness, the Wilmette Institute is offering this distance learning course in early 2002. It will briefly survey Pre-Islamic Arabia; examine the life of Muhammad, the process of revelation and subsequent compilation of the Qur’án; cover the teachings and practices of Islam; explore its rich civilization; and consider its current situation in the world. Tuition: $150; financial aid available

The Bible, Dec. 1, 2001–Feb. 28, 2002 Registration is open through the end of December for this distance learning course. The Bible will be studied as historical literature, as Jewish and Christian scripture, and as a work interpreted and clarified by the Bahá’í scriptures. It will be useful in understanding and acquiring familiarity with the contents of the Bible. Tuition: $150; financial aid available.

More courses set for early 2002 Hinduism for Deepening and Dialogue, Feb. 7–May 7 Rediscovering the Heroic Age: The Bahá’í Faith, 1863–1921, March 1–May 31 Marriage and Family Life, April 1–June 30 Shoghi Effendi’s The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, May 21–Aug. 21 Bahá’u’lláh’s Early Mystical Works, June 10–Sept. 10

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. Registration is open throughout the first month of each course.

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 course fees. [Page 22]Louhelen Bahá’í School 3208 S. State Road • Davison, MI 48423 810-653-5033 www.louhelen.org

Loving service to others

BY JIM CHEEK

The concept of offering loving service to others is a central teaching of Bahá’u’lláh. This concept has caught fire and leads many Bahá’í youths to offer a year of service to the Cause.

In addition to offering tangible assistance, youths often seek to grow and develop spiritually themselves. Opportunity for spiritual growth is one of the acknowledged and treasured benefits for members of the youth service corps at Louhelen Bahá’í School.

All Bahá’í schools offer an opportunity to live a portion of one’s life in active service, in an environment conducive to reflection, with support and stimulation from spiritual mentoring programs. The powerful environment of a permanent school such as Louhelen provides youth with a model that can serve them for a lifetime of spiritual involvement and service.

Youth who are serving at this school were asked to share about their experiences:

Lindsey Eggers from Leavenworth, Washington, found herself “more spiritually aware—the levels I’ve achieved at Louhelen will help me to strive for those same feelings throughout my life.”

Best friend and roommate Shelly Paik of Delafield, Wisconsin, enjoys daily visits to the Refuge for prayers and meditation with Eggers. Paik also found she has gained confidence in her ability to deal with life choices. “We have Barbara,” she adds, referring to co-administrator Barbara Johnson, “and she always seems to know how we feel.”

Weekly deepenings at the Johnson residence are a favorite for the youth and is just one of many opportunities for spiritual nourishment.

Shahin Ip from Hong Kong especially enjoys the meadows and wooded trails during her daily walks and prayers. “The grounds are beautiful, I like to walk and enjoy the outdoors; it’s such a luxury coming from Hong Kong as there are no trees where I live in the city.”

SEE LOUHELEN, PAGE 24

Photo Captions

Top photo: Lindsey Eggers (left) and Shelly Paik share morning prayers at the Refuge at Louhelen.

Left photo: Jesse Mason during prayers at the weekly staff meeting and deepening at Louhelen.

Photos by Jim Cheek

Maryland local school begins its 17th year

Local Bahá’í schools across the country opened their doors again this fall. In this issue the Education and Schools Office puts the spotlight on Varqá Bahá’í School of Greenbelt, Maryland, which operates under the mandate of ‘Raising Spiritual Children.’

BY NATALIA I. CHALMERS

On Oct. 7, 2001, for the 17th year, Varqá Bahá’í School began operating its weekly Sunday School where children study human virtues, memorize the Word of God, learn to pray and sing, and last but not least, have a good time. Its participants, representing a wide range of the human family, create an atmosphere of love and appreciation for their differences, as well as a creative atmosphere for the development of their children.

The group’s mission is presented in four parts: 1) To teach children, their parents, and other interested adults the history, principles, scriptures and essential truths of the Bahá’í Faith; 2) To foster fellowship and love which may be diffused throughout the community; 3) To develop leadership and parenting skills; and 4) To develop the understanding and skills, and provide the tools, to initiate personal transformation.

The growing school is in its second year at a rental location, and adjusting well to this year’s move from homes of members of the local community.

SEE MARYLAND, PAGE 24

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

Assembly development

“You are the focal centers of Bahá’í activity. More than any other institution you face the challenge of making real the promises of our Faith and regulating the affairs of your local communities. Your mission is to exercise spiritual leadership, functioning as ‘instruments of the spirit of the Faith’ and ‘loving shepherds of the multitudes.’” —Five Year Plan of the Bahá’ís of the United States

“I felt as if we were being told that Local Spiritual Assemblies would never again have to feel alone or overwhelmed in their work,” said Sharona Shuster of the Spiritual Assembly of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Her words were an expression of gratitude for being one of the 117 people attending the Assembly Development Weekend at Green Acre on Oct. 19–21, which drew 95 members of 31 Spiritual Assemblies from across the Northeastern States.

The Assembly Development Weekend provided a unique opportunity for all those 95 to enhance the functioning of their Assemblies.

It also provided many learning moments that helped further the maturation of the individuals and the Assemblies through training, idea-sharing and warm, loving fellowship.

Over several months leading to this huge event, Assemblies had consulted on enabling and encouraging their members to attend. The Regional Bahá’í Council of the Northeastern States also had communicated loving encouragement.

And the members who came were glad they had exerted the effort and, for some, made sacrifices to attend.

With the cooperation of the Office of Assembly Development and the Regional Council, nine workshops were offered over the weekend.

A flow of questions drew expert responses. Participants were later heard commenting on the many great ideas they would be able to take home to their Assemblies and communities.

Participants acknowledged gaining tremendous knowledge and encouragement simply from being in the presence of others carrying the same load of responsibility.

Among comments from other participants:

• “It was great to meet people from other LSAs.”
• “I gained so much from interaction with other LSA members and finding out what works in their community and what doesn’t.”
• “I gained a better sense of what other Assemblies are struggling with and reassurance that we are not alone.”

“Attending the Green Acre LSA Development weekend was an incredibly emotional, inspiring and transformational experience,” continued Shuster, the participant from Massachusetts. “It gave me an opportunity to understand that our beloved National Spiritual Assembly has created networks for the constant love, protection, and development of Local Spiritual Assemblies.”

“There is so much loving aid—whether it is through development modules, Regional Offices of Assembly Development, compilations created for the improved functioning of Spiritual Assemblies, or the simple power of being offered an opportunity to come together on a regular basis. A culture of support is truly becoming enacted,” she continued.

Other strong impressions she recalled are the diversity of Assembly members from across the region, a sense of mission to manifest a keener and humbler sense of service, a perspective on the need for understanding as Assemblies evolve, and a “more sacred appreciation for the application of Bahá’í law.”

“Truly, these Spiritual Assemblies are such magnificent institutions, the local foundation of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, and they are immersed in the ocean of God’s love and in the love and support that the National Assembly has portioned for them,” Shuster said. “Ultimately, the restructuring of society depends on their holy work.” ◆

Complete list of upcoming Green Acre programs on Calendar, back page [Page 23]

Communities offer innovative strategies to welcome refugees

By TOM MENNILLO

Metro Bahá’í communities continue to grow into their responsibility to welcome a recent influx of Iranian newcomers. One example is an Atlanta-area inter-community effort, the Georgia Office for Bahá’í Refugee Assistance.

Known as GOBRA, this agency has worked over the past year with newly arrived Iranian friends. It is a project of the Family Unity Institute, a social and economic development agency created by the Spiritual Assembly of South DeKalb County.

GOBRA receives advice from an Auxiliary Board member and the assistants. Some newcomers to greater Atlanta have not called on the committee because they receive help from relatives and friends.

But for those who need help, GOBRA assists the refugees to utilize benefits offered by the resettlement agencies.

“Agencies provide basics for a specific time with differing degrees of efficiency,” said Micah Janus, a GOBRA volunteer. “These disparities create pockets of need, but also opportunities for helping.” GOBRA provides emotional support for refugees by trying to remove as much uncertainty as possible from the process.

Working to relieve stresses

A GOBRA volunteer whose family has lived and worked in China said newcomers’ culture shock puts stress on their relationships. “I’m seeing that here—fracturing of families and even of the refugee community,” he said. “We’re working to heal that.”

He said the committee’s role has been twofold. It has recruited friends to provide refugees with such services as transportation, Persian-English translation, English-language training, cultural familiarization and employment assistance. And it has established a buddy system to facilitate the newcomers’ integration into the metro Bahá’í community.

GOBRA also has accepted donations of a variety of household goods—clean and in good working order—for equitable distribution to the newcomers.

The response of metro Bahá’ís has been much greater than expected. The Atlanta-Area Regional Training Institute has stepped in to facilitate deepening but progress has been slow because in many cases the refugees are working long hours and have difficulty making class. If need be, the RTI will go to the refugees’ homes. They need attention like new believers receive.

Help from a new player

GOBRA was gearing up to accelerate its assistance to newcomers, when another player came on the scene and offered to take over some functions. The two groups are working out a complementary relationship. The new group, initiated by the Spiritual Assembly of Central DeKalb County, is known by the acronym MOHABAT (Markaz-e Hemaayat Be Taazeh-vaaredan, or Center for Assistance to the Newly Arrived).

In partnership with Emory University, this group of Persian-speaking Bahá’ís and others focuses on acculturation of all Iranian newcomers. “Refugees don’t always know what services are out there,” said a Bahá’í active in MOHABAT. “We tell them and get them there. We also deal with special needs.” A recent Emory graduate, he said affiliation with the university “seemed the most logical route to attaining nonprofit status. It’s a very multicultural university with lots of resources.”

Those resources, besides money and expertise, include the energy of Emory students. Help also is available from newcomers who have gotten a firm hold in the community, said one of the members. “After a while here, refugees can help those who arrive after them,” he said. “That’s already started.” ♦

Houston RTI helps

The Tree of Life Regional Training Institute in Houston, Texas, has developed a model for individuals and communities to come together to serve the need of the newly arrived Persian friends.

The Adopt-a-Family Project pairs newly arrived friends with a sponsor—individual, family, Local Spiritual Assembly, study circle or other group. The term of the commitment is six months per family.

One strong feature of this project is that it clearly defines the responsibilities of both the refugees and the sponsors. For example, the Persian friends are asked to complete the Reflections on the Life of the Spirit course, which is conducted in Persian through a study circle or by residential format. Scholarships are awarded for all refugees. The sponsor volunteers are also asked to complete the same course in English. ♦

For more information about this project, contact the Tree of Life Regional Training Institute (phone 281-480-2786, e-mail

MARYLAND,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

Bahá’ís to a local public elementary school. It is sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Greenbelt and managed by an administrative committee.

Learners are at these age levels: nursery (0–2), preschool (3–5), early elementary (6–9), upper elementary (9–12), high school (13–16) and adult (ages 17–99).

This year’s curriculum includes the Five Year Plan and the Bahá’í Education for Children books by the Hand of the Cause ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan. Adults are studying Ruhi Institute Book 2, Arising to Serve in English or Book 1, Reflections on the Life of the Spirit, in Persian.

Many of the children are enrolled in a gathering they call the Brilliant Star Club. They and their parents study virtues every week, keep records of their performance and receive points and a Brilliant (gold) Star when 20 virtues are manifest. The Brilliant Star Club has a motto prayer, motto song and a motto pledge.

The Varqá School also helped guide the children’s program for this year’s Unit Convention (EU020). Using materials and ideas ‎form from‎ the National Education and Schools Office, the teachers helped create a Unit Convention experience that parents acknowledge was truly unforgettable for their children. ♦

Organizers of this local school are always looking for new ideas and would love to share their ideas with others. Feel free to contact Varqá Bahá’í School c/o Bahá’í Faith, P.O. Box 245, Greenbelt, MD 20770 (e-mail

LOUHELEN,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

city.” She acknowledges that her level of spirituality has definitely increased. “It’s such a calm place where we have time to meditate and think, with regular deepenings,” she said.

Christoph Volk from Thun, Switzerland, is in his ninth month of service. He recently took part in the Core Curriculum Teacher Trainer training. He called it “a great tool—a tool I look forward to using at home.” He added that this training exposed him to “people that gave me new insights, a different kind of people, from different communities, with different experiences.”

Omaha, Nebraska, native Jesse Mason is in his third month of service. He enjoys his newfound activities: “I’ve started writing my own stories and studying the Writings.” Asked how this will affect his life after Louhelen, Mason said, “It all gives me a much-needed push to do better things.”

Youth empowerment

A training opportunity at Louhelen of particular interest to youth is the Youth Empowerment Facilitators session, beginning Jan. 4–7, 2002, with Part Two offered May 24–26, 2002. Youth facilitators trained at the National Teacher Training Center, located at Louhelen, may themselves offer training at the local and regional levels.

This workshop session, part of the Core Curriculum series of programs, is designed, as described in its brochure, “to help empower youth to arise to teach and serve this great Cause, live lives of such heroic virtue that they attract the attention of their peers, and spearhead victory after victory as the Cause marches on to embrace all humanity and create that Kingdom for which every heart longs.” ♦

If interested in Youth Empowerment Facilitators training, contact the National Teacher Training Center (phone 810-653-5033, e-mail or see Web site www.louhelen.org).

Complete list of upcoming Louhelen programs on Calendar, back page

Interested in youth service?

Youths interested in exploring service possibilities at a permanent Bahá’í school or institute in the U.S. should contact the Bahá’í Youth Service Corps of the Education and Schools Office (phone 847-733-3514, e-mail)

Captions

Children from the Varqá Bahá’í School in Greenbelt, Maryland, show their poster on the Five Year Plan after completing their Plan Workbooks during the area’s Unit Convention. Photo by Natalia I. Chalmers [Page 24]

URGENT NEEDS

Bahá’í World Center, Haifa, Israel:

Office Positions

The World Center urgently needs people with secretarial and writing skills at all levels. If you have one or more of the following skills, or feel you could learn them, and are fluent in English, you are encouraged to consider applying for service at the World Center.

• Ability to draft and respond to correspondence
• Ability to write, analyze and summarize reports
• Ability to deal with routine correspondence, reception, scheduling and clerical work
• Word processing skills
• Editing and proofreading skills
• Organizational, analytical and supervisory skills
• Some experience in Bahá’í administration may be helpful.

Maintenance/Janitorial Supervisors

The Works Office at the World Center is responsible for physical maintenance of buildings, involving renovations, repairs, carpentry, plumbing, electrical works, etc. The Cleaning Maintenance Department is responsible for keeping the buildings clean; this involves janitorial work, protecting and cleaning floors, walls, furniture, art objects etc. The person heading this department not only must be knowledgeable and experienced in technical details—for instance, knowing what chemicals apply to what object—but also must be able to supervise a number of helpers. The buildings to be looked after cover a wide range, from the character of museums to that of ordinary offices.

Also: Electrical Engineer, Electrician

If interested, contact the Bahá’í World Center, Office of Human Resources, P.O. Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel (Phone 972 (4) 835 8387/835 8339, fax 972 (4) 835 8325, e-mail

UNIVERSAL HOUSE,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE I

labour to provide reassurance and insight to those with whom they come in contact, making sure that the confident vision that informs their actions is not clouded by the limited perspective of the mass of humanity. Current world events offer Bahá’ís an opportunity to demonstrate the application of the remedy brought by the Divine Physician.

At this critical moment, we find ourselves compelled to turn to you, our co-workers, to inform you of the pressing need for a marked increase in the contributions to the Bahá’í International Fund. A great portion of the resources in this Fund is expended outside the Holy Land for the advancement of the Cause of God. These expenditures are of special importance at this time when the Five Year Plan gives every indication of yielding a significant advance in the process of entry by troops in the years ahead. This same Fund must finance the operation of the Bahá’í World Center, the maintenance of the sacred properties in the Holy Land, the conduct of the pilgrimage programme, and the defence and proclamation of the Faith.

We now appeal for a response to this need from all the followers of Bahá’u’lláh. Our appeal is addressed to all without exception: those of modest means as well as those who possess substantial resources. Your immediate and sustained action is imperative, for the discharge of your spiritual obligation to contribute towards the advancement of the Cause can suffer no delay. The blessings that flow from your sacrificial deeds are assured.

The present crisis in the Bahá’í International Fund is due, in considerable measure, to the sharp reduction in resources available, consequent to the economic downturn afflicting much of the world. It arises also, in part, from the necessity to provide assistance from the Bahá’í International Fund to sustain the work of the Faith in the growing number of countries devastated by warfare, internal division, and endemic poverty.

However, a major cause of our present deep concern is the necessity to maintain, at a befitting standard, the buildings and gardens at the World Centre. An indication of the increase of costs is that the area of gardens has now more than doubled.

The Bahá’í International Fund must not fail to meet these needs. To assist it, we have decided to set up the World Centre Endowment Fund, for the preservation, upkeep, and security of the edifices and precincts of the Spiritual and Administrative Centres of the Faith—activities that currently form so large a part of the responsibilities of the Bahá’í International Fund. This decision follows the example of Shoghi Effendi, who during his ministry dedicated the income from lands in the environs of the Jordan Valley for the upkeep of the Holy Shrines.

This Endowment Fund, ‎to you which to which you‎ are urged to contribute, beyond your general support of the Bahá’í International Fund, will initially be used to defray the related expenses, estimated at the present time to be seven million dollars annually. Whatever balance remains unexpended at the end of each year will be retained as an earmarked fund and, as it grows in the years ahead, will provide a continuing source of investment income dedicated to maintaining the magnificent setting of these Holy Places. These precincts were created gradually, during the past century, through the sacrificial outpouring of resources by the believers who responded to the vision of Bahá’u’lláh and supported the strenuous endeavours of the Master and the Guardian. It is essential that this splendour, befitting so sacred a place, be preserved undiminished in the decades and centuries ahead.

Our ardent supplication in the Holy Shrines is for the reinforcement of the consecrated endeavours of the lovers of the Blessed Beauty in every land, as they respond to the needs of the ever-advancing Cause of God.

The Universal House of Justice

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

At National Office of Public Information, New York, NY

Director, Office of Public Information. For a complete job description with responsibilities and qualifications: Visit www.usbnc.org and click on the "View current job opportunities" 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 Bahá’í National Center Evanston/Wilmette, IL

Accountant, Treasurer’s office (CPA skill level). Will work in fast-paced, complex environment with diverse accounting, financial and administrative responsibilities. Should have a strong background in auditing and either for-profit or not-for-profit activities. Minimum 10 years’ experience.

Assistant Coordinator for Refugee Program, U.S. Bahá’í Refugee Office. Assists coordinator in work with Iranian Bahá’í refugees, asylum-seekers and diplomatic matters. Tracks immigration/asylum cases and credentials, communicates with refugees, Bahá’í agencies, government and other agencies; helps in conference planning and in preparation of quarterly Southeast Asian Helpers Bulletin and articles for The American Bahá’í. Must demonstrate skill in preparing English-language correspondence, phone and other contacts, reports, articles, research papers; records/statistics maintenance. Reliable self-starter with attitude of service, teamwork, confidentiality and flexibility under pressure; typing 40+ wpm, skill in MS Word.

Meetings/Travel Assistant, Office of Meetings and Travel. Will help make travel arrangements for National Spiritual Assembly agencies and Bahá’í National Center departments. One-week technical training will be provided. Will also help with clerical/telephone work and some bill reconciliation. Must be able to work well under pressure and time constraints. Will sometimes be called on to help with hospitality.

At Bosch Bahá’í School Santa Cruz, CA

Facilities Manager. Will manage facility/building maintenance and engineering staff to provide timely services at minimal costs; plan, estimate, schedule maintenance requests and projects; ensure that all equipment and buildings are efficiently and effectively maintained. Needs 5 years’ experience in all areas of building maintenance (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, cleaning etc.) with 3–5 years as maintenance manager; valid driver’s license; supervisory command of English.

At Green Acre Bahá’í School Eliot, ME

Office Assistant. Performs general office management and bookkeeping, assists with the bookstore, reception, registration. Must be grounded in Bahá’í principles, proficient in general secretarial/administrative skills, familiar with software including MS Word, Excel, Publisher and QuickBooks.

Assistant Cook (part- to full-time). Helps Head Cook, occasionally oversees kitchen and dining room; must have 2 years’ experience as cook.

If interested in any of the above 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).

INTERNATIONAL

China: Numerous openings for English teachers and professionals willing to travel for service in this rapidly developing country. For information contact John Cornyn (phone fax 847-733-3509, e-mail

See article, page 30.

ARCHIVES

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following: Maud H. Gass, Jeanne Gasse, Rene Gasse, Gladys E. Gates, Jean L. Gates, Laura Collison Gates, Nancy Gates, Walter Gates and Laurence Gaudreaux. 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 847-853-2359).

The National Bahá’í Archives has prepared a series of biographical sketches of prominent African-American, Native American, Latino and Asian Bahá’ís for the use of local communities in Black History Month, Race Unity Day and other special events observances. There is also a partial chronology of U.S. race unity activities. Any local community or individual wishing a set of these sketches is asked to send a request with a mailing address to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-869-9039).

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

The Office of Pioneering is eager to assist the friends preparing for international service.

Opportunities to work for Bahá’í institutions in other countries:

Kampala, Uganda: urgent vacancy for headmistress at Bahá’í-sponsored Auntie Claire’s Kindergarten.

Lusaka, Zambia: urgent vacancies at Banani International Secondary and Primary Schools for Principal of Secondary School; Science/Computer Studies Teacher, grades 8–12; Assistant Primary School Teacher, ages 5–11.

For information regarding jobs and study abroad, or international traveling teaching opportunities and other events, please contact the Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail [Page 25]

Bahá’í SUBSCRIBER SERVICE • 800-999-9019

World Order Making sense of the world by exploring the spiritual implications of 21st-century life

Summer 2001: Perspectives on the Promise of Peace

• June Manning Thomas on removing racism from urban planning • Richard W. Thomas on positive interracial and multicultural movements that model peace
• Leila Milani on the decision-making role of women in bringing about peace
• Jeffrey S. Gruber on indigenization, universalization and world language
• M. Eric Horton on Gregory Nava’s El Norte • Firuz Kazemzadeh reviews Century of Light

Still available: Spring 2001 Martha L. Schweitz on family governance • Michael L. Penn on eradicating gender-based violence • Caren Rosenthal and Leili Towfigh on truth telling and healing families through an analysis of Thomas Vinterberg’s The Celebration

Coming Soon: Special issues on:

• Constructing Gender
• Does Race Exist?
• Cities, Suburbs, and Countryside: Connecting the Spirit to the Environment

Subscriptions: U.S.—$19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mail—$19 / year, $36 / 2 years Outside U.S. air mail—$24 / year, $48 / 2 years Single copy: $5 + shipping/handling

One Country Quarterly about development by the Bahá’í International Community Subscriptions: U.S.—$12 / year, $22 / 2 years Outside U.S. surface mail—$16 / year, $30 / 2 years Outside U.S. air mail—$20 / year, $36 / 2 years Single copy: $3.50 + shipping/handling

The American Bahá’í 10 times a year; available by subscription to Bahá’ís outside the continental U.S. Outside U.S. surface mail—$24 / year, $45 / 2 years Outside U.S. air mail—$32 / year, $60 / 2 years Single copy: $3 + shipping/handling

Brilliant Star

Bimonthly children’s magazine by the National Spiritual Assembly For subscription information: See “Kid’s Corner,” page 17

Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription

Which publication? _____________________________________________________

Send to: _____________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________ State, ZIP __________________

Country ____________________ Daytime phone or e-mail __________________

Sold to (if different from recipient): _______________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________ State, ZIP __________________

Country ____________________ Is this a gift subscription? (Circle one) Y N

Home phone ____________________ Fax _________________________________

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Check/money order payment must be in U.S. dollars from a U.S. bank, payable to Bahá’í Distribution Service. Do not combine subscription payments with payments for back issues or other single items. Georgia residents include applicable sales tax.

Credit card # (if applicable) ___________________________ Exp. date __________

Cardholder signature __________________________________________________

Phone orders: 800-999-9019 • E-mail orders: ____________________ Mail orders: Bahá’í Subscriber Service, 4703 Fulton Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30336-2017 TAB 12/12/01

Assembly development resources on the Web

• Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities manual (search and print)
• Assembly Development Module Workshop descriptions
• Downloadable workshop handouts
• Contact information for workshop facilitators
• Self Assessment Tool with related quotes
• Guidance on how to use Self Assessment results to select workshops
• Descriptions of other resources and how to access them

Access with your Bahá’í ID number www.usbnc.org Click on “NSA Departments,” then on “Office of Assembly Development”

INFORMATION ON YOUR INTERNATIONAL TEACHING TRIP

To record achievement of traveling 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?

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 12/12/01 [Page 26]

An eye-opening trip to the islands

Two decades ago, the Grandma Snyder Project on the Caribbean island nation of St. Lucia resulted in the enrollment of more than 1,500 new believers. Unfortunately, the deepening of all those new believers was beyond the island’s resources.

Determined to re-establish contact with many of those enrollees and to reinvigorate the process of expansion and consolidation, that country’s National Spiritual Assembly initiated the Grandma Snyder Project Revisited. The project in July and August was dedicated to a member of the first teaching team, Husnieh Bahá’í of Canada, who passed away this year. Among goals were to establish systematic study circles with trained tutors, children’s and youth classes and local devotional meetings.

Here are excerpts of a report by Vahid Ellig, one of the traveling teachers.

A few members of the Grandma Snyder Project Revisited team (left to right starting at the top: Elisa Tidswell, Verdia Louis, Carmen Mebane, Ada Leonce, Vahid Ellig, Nadia Flood and Alice Leonce.

The first goal of this year’s project was to go through records of the previous project and relocate the believers. All this new information is to be entered into a database.

Patricia Edwards was the first receptive soul I found. The La Clery postmaster and some local boys helped us find her home. People have no addresses in the islands. You ask one person, follow a path or two, then ask someone else.

No one was home at what we hoped was her house. Feeling disappointed, we went home and tried the telephone book as a last resort. Out of all the people on our list from that town, hers was the only house with a phone. We gave her a call, told her about the Faith, and she wanted to meet us immediately. We scheduled a fireside for the next day.

She brought her preschool-age boy along; he was quite frightened of all the new faces. We told them about the Faith, answered any questions she had, and served a snack. She asked me to sing a song, which I felt inadequate in doing but was thankful for her interest. She eagerly accepted some prayer books and reading materials.

The thing that amazed me most was, just before she left, she asked us to stand, hold hands in a circle, and pray. She must have been spiritually guided to ask that of total strangers.

A visit to church

When I went to Marchand, we had a long list of former Bahá’ís—more than 80. A longtime Bahá’í resident of the area accompanied me. It happened to be a Sunday morning so what better place to find people than at the church? I was resistant to this idea because I imagined people would not be pleased to be asked about a different religion while in SEE ST. LUCIA, PAGE 35

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 26 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 Marc Hensen (e-mail

Central States

To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer, contact the Central Regional Bahá’í Council secretary, Curtis Russell (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 or Mike Paik (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:

Homefront pioneering: Flor Téloui (phone e-mail

Traveling teaching: Jan Saeed (phone e-mail

Adopting a goal community: Sima Cockshut (phone e-mail

For information on American Indian reservations, contact the regional American Indian teaching coordinator, Helen Kiely (phone e-mail

Southern 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 a regional coordinating team member:

Homefront pioneering: Susan Crossley (phone e-mail travel-

Traveling teaching: Kitty Schmitz (phone e-mail

Regional Bahá’í Councils

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

Northeastern States

Pioneers needed to help save the only Spiritual Assembly in a big area of western Pennsylvania between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg! State College, Pennsylvania, is losing six Bahá’ís in May 2002. Our active, diverse community is home to the Bahá’í club of highly regarded Pennsylvania State University (a “fertile field” for teaching with more than 40,000 students; for example, half the Spiritual Assembly’s members are people who became Bahá’ís in the past three years). State College has a small-town feel with many big city advantages such as sports, theater, arts and excellent schools. State College was ranked as the lowest-stress U.S. city by Psychology Today, as the seventh-safest city by Places Rated Almanac, and as fifth-best place to live among small Northeastern cities by Money magazine (more info: www.statecollege.com/demographics).

The Bahá’ís of State College would love to talk to you—please contact us (phone 814-238-2258, e-mail

Western States

The Regional Council has three main criteria for homefront pioneering goals: saving jeopardized or lapsed Assemblies; forming Assemblies in communities of seven or more believers; and saving/maintaining Assemblies on Indian reservations (marked * below).

Priority is on sites 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). Assembly communities that can benefit from homefront pioneers are indicated in italics.

For communities on Indian reservations (marked *), contact the regional traveling teaching coordinator or homefront pioneering coordinator (both listed at right).

• Arizona: Apache Junction, Bapchule District*, Bisbee, Buckeye, Casa Grande, Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Cochise Co. SW, Gold Canyon, Goodyear, Guadalupe, Houck Chapter*, Kaibito Chapter*, Kingman, Sedona, South Tucson, Sun City West, Surprise, Tolleson, Whiteriver
• Idaho: Ada County, Caldwell, Coeur d’Alene, Fort Hall Reservation*, Kootenai Co., Meridian, Twin Falls
• Montana: Billings, Blackfeet Reservation*, Bozeman, Butte-Silver Bow, Crow Agency*, Flathead Reservation*, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Lewis and Clark Co., Missoula Co., Northern Cheyenne Reservation*, Ravalli Co., St. Ignatius, Yellowstone Co.
• Nevada: Boulder City, Churchill Co., Lyon Co., Nye County/Pahrump, Winchester Township
• New Mexico: Artesia, Aztec, Belen, Bernalillo Co. E., Deming, Doña Ana Co. Cent., Grants, Jicarilla Apache Reservation*, Los Lunas, Lovington, Luna Co., Mountainair, Rio Arriba Co., Shiprock Chapter*, Socorro, Taos Co., Tohatchi Chapter*
• Utah: Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, La Verkin, Layton, Midvale, Ogden, Roy, Syracuse, Uintah-Ouray Reservation*, West Valley City
• Wyoming: Casper, Cheyenne, Cody, Laramie, Evanston, Gillette, Jackson Hole, Lander, Laramie Co., Newcastle, Rock Springs, Weston Co., Wind River Reservation*
• California: 74 goal communities
• Colorado: 16 goal communities, including 2 on Indian reservations
• Oregon: 21 goal communities, including 2 on Indian reservations
• Washington: 39 goal communities, including 8 on Indian reservations

Southern States

The Regional Council has placed top priority for homefront pioneering on localities where Local Spiritual Assemblies can benefit from homefront pioneers (in italics), cities with populations of 50,000 or more and no Local Spiritual Assembly, or localities near Assembly strength.

• Alabama: Dothan, Hoover, Mobile
• Arkansas: Fort Smith, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Pulaski County
• Florida: Coconut Creek, Daytona Beach, Hialeah, Melbourne, Miami, Pensacola, Sarasota, Volusia Co., West Palm Beach
• Georgia: Albany, Baldwin County, Decatur, Fort Valley, Hall County, Kennesaw, Macon, Milledgeville
• Kentucky: Murray, Owensboro
• Louisiana: Bossier City, Kenner, Lake Charles, Monroe
• Maryland: Annapolis, Takoma Park
• Mississippi: Biloxi
• North Carolina: Concord, Gastonia, Kernersville, Thomasville
• Oklahoma: Broken Arrow, Delaware County, Lawton, Mayes County, Midwest City, Moore, Ponca City, Shawnee, Vinita
• South Carolina: Adams Run, Chester, Georgetown Co., Kingstree, Lydia, Mt. Pleasant, North Charleston, Oconee Co., Orangeburg, Pendleton
• Tennessee: Clarksville, Jackson
• Texas: Addison, Baytown, Beaumont, Bedford, Benbrook, Brazoria Co., Bryan, Corpus Christi, Edinburg, Galveston, Highland Village, Killeen, Laredo, Longview, McAllen, Mesquite, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, Tyler
• Virginia: Danville, Lynchburg, Portsmouth, Suffolk
• West Virginia: Huntington

Please contact the Southern Regional Traveling Teaching and Homefront Pioneering Coordinators listed at right. ◆ [Page 27]

Margaret Gallagher served as Auxiliary Board member

INFORMATION FROM NEDA GALLAGHER

Margaret Ariel Gallagher, ‎a an‎ unfaltering teacher of the Faith and an Auxiliary Board member for several Western states from 1969 into the early ’80s, passed away July 24, 2001, in Placerville, California.

Born July 10, 1920, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Julius James Ellerman and Rhona May Marshall, Marge grew up in Denver, Colorado, the oldest of seven children. While her mother and stepfather were hard at work all day, Margaret raised her siblings and managed the household.

After a difficult childhood, she left home at 17 and headed for California. She married young and gave birth to her son James, her pride and joy throughout her life.

She divorced when James was a baby. To support her small family, Margaret was not afraid to try any job. She worked as a short order cook and as an ambulance driver, among other things.

In the 1940s, Margaret met and married John Joseph Gallagher, a handsome Navy officer. The family traveled around the U.S. for some time before settling in Hayward, California, in 1950. Marge and Joe were a dashing couple, and Joe loved Jimmy as his own child.

Energetic service to Faith

In 1954, Margie was introduced to the Bahá’í Faith. She soon became a Bahá’í, and dedicated her life to sharing her new religion with others.

Her energetic service to the Faith combined with her extensive knowledge of its teachings led to her appointment, in 1969, as an Auxiliary Board member for propagation of the Faith.

Her responsibilities included deepening the knowledge of her fellow Bahá’ís in the tenets of the Faith and encouraging the growth and maturation of their communities. Her geographic territory included California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Nevada.

When Margie was on the road in her lime green Tornado, she taught classes at summer schools and conferences, and met with countless Bahá’í groups. Everywhere she went was like a homecoming. She was lavished with love and affection wherever she went.

At home Margie hosted numerous meetings and provided hospitality to several Hands of the Cause of God, members of the Universal House of Justice and other distinguished members of the world Bahá’í community.

She undertook two pilgrimages to the Holy Land, attended both Bahá’í World Congresses, and was present at the dedication of the Bahá’í Houses of Worship in Panama and India. She traveled to many foreign countries, including Mexico, Canada and England, to spread Bahá’u’lláh’s message of love and world unity.

Skill in speaking

Her skill as a public speaker was astonishing for someone with just a high school education, at a time when a woman’s domain was thought to be the home. Margie worked hard to develop her talents in public address. She could speak to 10 people, or 100, or 1,000 and make them howl with laughter, move them to tears, and bring them closer to their own spiritual nature.

In their 55 years of marriage Marge and Joe provided a loving home for their cherished son Jimmy. They took in and raised Margie’s grandniece Margaret Ann as their own for the first six years of her life.

They became surrogate parents to many of Jimmy’s teen-age friends. Many Bahá’ís around the world count them as their spiritual parents.

Any night of the week folks would drop in, unannounced, and be treated to great food (always enough to feed the troops!), scrumptious desserts, good company, a challenging game of Scrabble, and enough laughter to choke a horse (let’s not forget the colorful expressions!).

Margie will be remembered for many outstanding qualities. Her humor, courage and confidence were powerful. Her warmth, culinary talents and hospitable nature were a blessing.

Her sense of adventure and daring escapades were legendary. Her commitment to and love for all people, regardless of their race, religion, or culture was her guiding principle.

The National Spiritual Assembly, in its message of consolation to her Bahá’í community and relatives, described her as “a dedicated, hardworking, long-standing servant of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh. Her services as an energetic and reliable Auxiliary Board member for more than fifteen years are gratefully remembered.”

She is survived by her two grandchildren, Sean Gallagher of Mountain View, California, and Neda Gallagher of Placerville; a brother, Don Kendrick of Colorado; and a half-sister, Betty Doyle of Ohio.

Her beloved husband, Joe Gallagher, preceded her to the Abhá Kingdom five months earlier, in February. ◆

Margaret Gallagher was present at the dedication of two Bahá’í Houses of Worship.

Cheryl Stull created solo performance

INFORMATION FROM SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF PORT ANGELES, WA

Cheryl Lyn Stull was a stalwart for 22 years in the Bahá’í community of Port Angeles, Washington, helping provide Bahá’í presentations in high school comparative religion programs and creating a one-woman performance based on the life of Martha Root.

She passed away April 24, 2001, in Port Angeles at age 59.

Born Oct. 8, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, she grew up mainly in Eugene, Oregon. She was 15 years old when she first heard of the Bahá’í Faith.

In summer 1977, Cheryl embraced the Bahá’í Faith with a passion. She was elected to the Spiritual Assembly of Eugene the following year. Only months later, she married Peter Stull.

In 1979, the couple and a friend, Carol Sprague, moved to homefront pioneer in Port Angeles, a town on the Olympic Peninsula. Together they helped the community maintain a Spiritual Assembly.

Over the years Cheryl served on the Port Angeles Spiritual Assembly and the Washington State District Teaching Committee.

When Port Angeles High School requested help with its Contemporary Issues program, a requirement for seniors, she helped contribute to its section on comparative religion.

Through her efforts, the Bahá’í Faith continues to be presented to the seniors with assistance from students of Maxwell Bahá’í School in British Columbia, Canada.

Cheryl often was a guest speaker at

SEE STULL, PAGE 29

Joseph Savage pioneered in Mexico and Guatemala

Joseph C. Savage, a devoted servant of Bahá’u’lláh in California, Nevada, Mexico and Guatemala, passed away May 11, 2001, at his pioneering post in La Esperanza, a village near Quetzaltenango in southwestern Guatemala. He was 71.

Born in Mineral Wells, Texas, in 1928, Joe found the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh at age 35 while living in Southern California.

He deepened his knowledge through firesides and study of Bahá’í literature, and soon developed the desire to serve as a pioneer.

In the 1960s, Joe was involved in the operations of Geyserville Bahá’í School (now relocated and renamed Bosch).

For six years he worked with the institutions of the Faith toward his goal of pioneering, serving extensively as a traveling teacher in northern California and Nevada—and later along the border with Mexico—while searching for employment abroad.

He adopted a tried-and-true method of old West circuit preachers, creating a circle of contact sites and repeating that cycle until goals were met.

The years of preparation bore fruit in 1970 when Joe and his wife, Bobbie, set out on an excursion through Latin America, heading in the direction of Brazil until a pioneer post was “chosen by the Concourse,” according to their daughter Dianne Savage.

Soon the National Spiritual Assembly of Mexico asked the couple to serve as co-directors of the Amelia Collins Institute near Puebla, southeast of Mexico City. This “temporary” assignment lasted until 1976.

During this time the Savages refined their method of circuit teaching, organizing “road shows” to travel to a variety of towns and villages, with music and the showing of films along with the direct teaching, sometimes involving visiting groups of U.S. Bahá’í youth.

In 1972, Joe—known in Spanish as Señor José—arranged to drive a bus to the April dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Panama, picking up a number of Bahá’ís en route.

Ten years after returning to the United States, Joe offered again to pioneer. In 1992 he left to settle in Guatemala.

During his years in La Esperanza, Joe devoted his time and money to building a school for the Faith, which is still under construction.

Dianne recalls that her father would remind them of the spiritual importance of every Bahá’í function they were about to start.

For example, before Feast, “the call from him was, ‘You are going to have Holy Communion with the Concourse; prepare yourselves!’ or ‘This is your opportunity to become spiritually recharged,’ ” she wrote.

“The attitude was to slough off the outside old world (when changing clothes) and to be prepared to receive the Holy Spirit (while dressing with your best clothes).”

During a teaching project the call was “Mount your steeds, O heroes of God,” or “Alláh-u-Abhá, used as a wake-up call for the Bahá’ís to invoke the Concourse that they were about to embark on a wondrous journey.”

Joe was always surprised that people greatly respected him, his daughter added.

When asked who he was his answer would be “a physicist by trade and a farmer by vocation; most of all a servant of mankind as he understood Bahá’u’lláh’s mission,” Dianne wrote. “To live the life with all his being always rang true with my dad.” ◆ [Page 28]

IN MEMORIAM

Listings for “In Memoriam” come from the Membership Office of the Bahá’í National Center. To report the passing of a Bahá’í in the United States, please contact the Membership Office, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail ).

Hussein-Ali Badkubehi Missouri City, TX June 17, 1999	Elinor Kolehouse Oconomowoc, WI July 7, 2001	Gertrude Ridgell Tampa, FL May 22, 2001
Ziayeh Bayani-Dayyani Redmond, WA December 24, 2000	Patricia Locke Mobridge, SD October 20, 2001	Virginia L. Schroader Petaluma, CA July 28, 2001
Doris L. Bazille Boston, MA October 2001	Ronald A. MacInnes San Francisco, CA September 23, 2001	Donnie Shaw San Marcos, TX September 2000
Norma H. Beaulieu San Juan County, NM November 11, 2000	Mary E. Maxwell Phoenix, AZ September 9, 2001	Harold G. South Wiltz, Luxembourg October 7, 2001
Muriel I. Binford Moses Lake, WA September 1, 2001	James M. McGinnis King County, WA October 14, 2001	Sharon Speliades New Haven, CT June 23, 2001
Jon M. Dukes Redford, MI February 24, 1999	Barbara D. McQueen Scotts Valley, CA September 15, 2001	John H. Thiele Jr. Porter County, IN October 1, 2001
Marilyn L. Hammond St. Louis Park, MN January 23, 2001	Tayebeh Mesbah Plano, TX September 18, 2001	Rohanieh Vatanparasti Jeffersonville Twp., IN 1997
Morris Hartkopf Kent, WA January 8, 2000	A. Joyce Nelson Klamath Falls, OR June 10, 2001	Mohammad Reza Vatanparasti Jeffersonville Twp., IN 1998
Madelyn S. Herzfeld Lake Havasu City, AZ July 26, 2001	Abdulhossein Nourani Encinitas, CA July 23, 2001	Yahya Vedaei Beaverton, OR May 15, 2001
Gordon R. Jacky Baltimore County, MD January 4, 2001	Harriet A. Philip New York City, NY September 9, 2001	Patricia J. West Kent, WA February 27, 2001
Manuel Keepler Orangeburg, SC June 1999	Helen E. Rawhouser Ruidoso, NM September 8, 2001

Harold South was longtime pioneer to Luxembourg

Harold G. South served with his wife over more than four decades as a pioneer, mainly in Luxembourg, where they helped to establish most of the current Local Spiritual Assemblies, according to that country’s National Assembly.

Harold passed away on October 7, 2001, at his final pioneer post in Wiltz, Luxembourg, at age 85.

Born May 2, 1916, Harold worked most of his life in the printing trades, as a pressroom foreman, pressman, salesman, production manager and engraver.

He and his wife, Jeanne, were living in Cleveland, Ohio, when she first inquired about possible pioneering service at the beginning of the Ten Year Crusade in 1953—before Harold had even accepted the Faith.

By 1960 the couple was pioneering in the Netherlands.

About a year after the 1962 establishment of the National Spiritual Assemblies of both the Netherlands and Luxembourg, they moved to Luxembourg for a while.

After a stay in Ireland and a brief move back to the United States, both Harold and Jeanne settled permanently in Luxembourg in the mid-1960s.

The National Assembly of Luxembourg wrote in 1979 that these two valiant pioneers “in spite of many hardships, were during all these years on the forefront of not only the teaching work but also the administrative work. ... [B]oth were especially active in teaching the migrant workers coming to Luxembourg from southern Europe.”

“They also have a unique record of moves inside of Luxembourg, having moved to 5 different goal towns during these years [1960s and ’70s] and being instrumental in building and maintaining as many local Spiritual Assemblies.”

That letter was written upon the couple’s move to New Jersey—but they were back in Luxembourg before long.

At Harold’s funeral, the mayor of Wiltz said that the presence of Jeanne and Harold has been an enrichment to the city, and that the city of Wiltz profoundly deplores Harold’s loss.

In addition to his wife, Harold is survived by two sons. ♦

Zara Dunne answered call of Ten Year Crusade

Zara Undine Benson Dunne, long-time pioneer in Africa, the Caribbean and Mexico, ascended to the Abhá Kingdom on December 25, 1999.

“All throughout this wonderful ‘career’ of pioneering, we’ve learned the greatest solutions—there are two—to all pioneering problems,” she and her husband, Major, wrote in a letter to Pioneer Post. “First, of course, is prayer. Second, simply know that Bahá’u’lláh will never place upon one’s shoulders a greater burden than one can carry! Including that old malaria!”

Zara Benson was born Oct. 26, 1906, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She became a Bahá’í in 1939. Zara and Major E. Dunne were married in 1947 and the next year went homefront pioneering to Astoria, Oregon, where they helped form the first Assembly.

In response to the call for pioneers in the Ten Year Crusade, the Dunnes arrived in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1953. When their visas expired, they transferred to Liberia in 1954, staying there for the next eight years and returning there between shorter services in the Madeira Islands (1962) and the Canary Islands (1967–1968).

After a few years in the United States taking care of health concerns, the Dunnes set out again in 1975 as pioneers to Nevis in the Leeward Islands. By this time, they were quite elderly, but determined to stay.

“[W]hen the going gets tough—spiritual or otherwise—a good laugh really helps. We know! We’ve ‘been there,’” the Dunnes said in another letter.

After 12 years in the islands, Zara and Major pioneered to Mexico. In 1991, Major Dunne became seriously ill, necessitating their return to the United States. The couple received loving care from the Bahá’í community of Spokane, Washington, and remained in that community for continued health care and support. He preceded Zara in death in 1997. ♦

Veronica Augustine translated prayers into Tohono O’odham

Veronica Chiago Augustine of Sells, Arizona, one of the first members of the Tohono O’odham (formerly called Papago Indian Tribe) to accept the Bahá’í Faith, passed away on July 15, 2001, from injuries she sustained in an automobile accident. She was in her 60s.

She and her mother, Susie Flores, became Bahá’ís during the mass teaching in the early 1970s.

Veronica was elected to the Spiritual Assembly of Pima County, Arizona, the first of her tribe to serve on a Bahá’í institution.

Often Veronica would provide wisdom and had the spiritual solution to a problem, waiting for everyone at the Assembly meeting to speak before she set it forth, according to Star Staffa, who served alongside her on the Assembly. She also helped in preparing Assembly minutes and newsletters.

At the time of her passing, she was the contact person for her Bahá’í group in Sells.

Quiet, good-natured and friendly, she is remembered by her fellow Bahá’ís for her wonderful laugh and the stories of her childhood. She introduced many non-American Indian Bahá’ís to her culture, and took them on visits to the homes of O’odham Bahá’ís at Ridván for the election of the Spiritual Assembly of Sells District.

Veronica prepared translations of many Bahá’í prayers into her native language—recording them on tape, because the Tohono O’odham language has no written script. This service helped smooth the way for non-American Indian Bahá’ís who visited the reservation to help teach the Faith.

Veronica was instrumental in teaching other family members as well as others of her tribe, organizing large gatherings and family get-togethers on the reservation. ♦

STULL,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

the Unity Church on the Bahá’í Faith. She was the first Bahá’í representative with the Port Angeles Association of Religious Communities. She hosted many Bahá’í Holy Day celebrations and community Feasts.

In the 1990s she created, produced and presented a one-woman show based on events in the life of Martha Root. She was an assistant to Celia Johnson, Auxiliary Board member for Protection, until her illness prevented her from serving.

Knowing that her transition to the Abhá Kingdom was near, Cheryl planned much of her funeral and memorial service, knowing that it would be her last teaching event. More than 175 people attended her memorial service, most not Bahá’í. ♦ [Page 29]GLENFORD MITCHELL, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

most drenching rains of the autumn to gather for his talk in Foundation Hall. Three special guests from Canada attended: Counselor ‘Abdu’l-Missagh Ghadirian and National Spiritual Assembly members Susan Lynes and Enayat Rouhani.

In Atlanta, the slight, graying native of Jamaica appeared at the Bahá’í Unity Center in South DeKalb County on Oct. 11 as a gift from family members he was visiting.

An appreciative host Assembly bestowed on the Mitchells framed prints of photos of the family that had been taken the night before.

Friends packing the Center auditorium and fellowship hall responded with cries of “Preach it, brother” and “Bring it home” to Mitchell’s passionate recitation of passages that are as applicable today as when written.

Understanding the attacks

Though there were some differences between his talks in Wilmette and in Atlanta, basic themes were the same. The House of Justice member focused on The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh letters, Citadel of Faith and, most extensively, The Advent of Divine Justice.

He said those messages from Shoghi Effendi—the latest penned on the eve of World War II—hold the key to our understanding of the Sept. 11 attacks.

As alarming and devastating as the attacks were, “we should not be surprised or puzzled. ... We know that the old order is being rolled up and a new one spread out in its stead,” he said in Wilmette.

The “choice quotations” therein from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Mitchell said, are a surefire antidote to the feelings of helplessness voiced in the nation today.

“If we’re ever feeling blue, we can read that compilation” and derive from it “the spiritual injection we need,” he said in Atlanta.

Once fortified in our own souls, our fundamental duty at this time is to teach, Mitchell continued.

We talk forever about methods of teaching, he lamented, asking, “Do we need a course to tell a friend at work about the Cause? No one can tell us how to take the opportunities before us. ... Can’t you figure out a few things?”

Institutions can make goals, facilitate our efforts and encourage us, said Mitchell, but it all comes down to us.

If we don’t do our duty, he said, “we can paralyze our institutions and hold back blessings on the planet.”

Shoghi Effendi assured us in Citadel of Faith that the American republic will continue, “undivided and undefeatable,” until its destined contributions to the new order are fully made. “So what are you worried about?” Mitchell asked the Wilmette audience. “You know what all of this means. It’s time to roll up our sleeves” and fulfill the role of the Bahá’ís in this great evolution toward peace.

Mitchell traced simultaneous processes under way in the American Bahá’í community and the American nation.

The first, dating back to the Tablets of the Divine Plan, promotes development of the Administrative Order and leads indirectly to World Order.

The second, harkening to the close of World War I and the enunciation of President Wilson’s Fourteen Points, defines America’s relationship to the world and must lead through victories and reverses to the Lesser Peace.

Inherent in those processes are “serious responsibilities,” said Mitchell.

For Americans: “We’re not going to line up any ducks or do any business until we’re united.”

For Bahá’ís: “We can’t afford to miss a beat. ... We must do our part to alleviate the severity of tribulations” humanity is experiencing. “It’s a serious responsibility. ... We’re teachers, carrying the germ of unity.”

Fortunately, he said, Bahá’ís possess a Divine Plan “set before us by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and parceled out to us in measurable bits.”

Among other points:

• We are witnessing an acceleration of processes that are sometimes slow and imperceptible, sometimes sudden. The Hidden Words addresses this paradox thus: “My calamity is My providence ...”
• The Guardian prepared us well for current and future developments within and outside the Bahá’í community. They are clearly discussed in his letters, and we need to refer to them constantly.
• Two conditions affecting life in these times are the decline of religion and the lack of unity.
• Society must either be reborn or perish, Shoghi Effendi wrote in World Order.
• He showed religion to be the motivator for fairness, justice, order, and contentment. When religion is weakened, the result is anarchy.
• True religion is not what’s being preached in Afghanistan or reflected in the corruption of religious institutions here and abroad.
• Bahá’ís have a different understanding of religion. It’s not the Sunday morning experience but divine influence that produces a civilization. It’s a total life affair that permeates all we do.
• Unity is our central position, the fixed and immovable foundation. Its strength can never be impaired.
• Unity implies establishment of a world commonwealth.
• Getting from here to there is the great challenge facing the human race and spurring the actions of Bahá’ís.
• Bahá’u’lláh, in declaring His mission to the kings, offered on a platter the Most Great Peace. When they declined the offer, He responded: “Hold ye fast unto ... the Lesser Peace.''”
• The Lesser Peace implies a political unity—leaders getting together to lift burdens of humanity such as overtaxation, war and oppression. This process will not depend on direct action by Bahá’ís, though we can promote progress toward its achievement.
• The Most Great Peace, by contrast, will require a monumental change in hearts and souls. Love and justice—not on an intellectual level but reflected in how we deal with others—will mark it.
• That can be assured only through religious faith, through Bahá’ís promoting the oneness of humankind.
• In pursuit of this, we must be systematic as individuals and institutions. We must refine and change as needed.
• We also must strive to understand what is happening in society, how it relates to us, and how we should respond.
• Shoghi Effendi detailed in The Advent of Divine Justice how the United States is being “insensibly drawn” in the vortex of processes it can’t understand or control. “[H]er only hope of extricating herself from the perils gathering around her is to become entangled in that very web of international association which the Hand of an inscrutable Providence is weaving,” the Guardian wrote.
• As the turbulent process of the evolving world order plays out in America, the Bahá’í community has entered the Fifth Epoch of the Formative Age.
• Events leading up to it have included the collapse of the Soviet Union and formation of new National Assemblies there; a series of international conferences; the flourishing of nongovernmental organizations, of which the Bahá’í International Community is a leader; the centenary of the passing of Bahá’u’lláh; the release of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas in English and the implementation of more of its laws in the West; and the introduction of training institutes.
• We have indeed achieved a new state of mind and slipped into a new paradigm. Still, Bahá’ís should not hope to remain unaffected by calamities in the world. Sufferings awaken us to duty and increase our energy in setting before humanity the road to salvation. ◆

Glenford Mitchell, member of the Universal House of Justice, urges the friends of the United States to teach the Cause boldly, during his talk Oct. 13 at the Bahá’í House of Worship. Photo by Vladimir Shilov

Opportunities abound in China

The People’s Republic of China is experiencing rapid social and economic development. With doors 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 here 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.
• Advanced technologies of all kinds.
• Electronics and telecommunications.
• Bio-engineering.
• New materials and energy sources.
• Environmental protection.
• Marine science.
• Aerospace.
• Architectural engineering.
• Marketing and advertising.
• Public relations.
• Business management.

The demand for teachers of English continues to be very high as well, and many other fields of endeavor are of interest to the Chinese in the development of their society.

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, “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. ... 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.” ◆

If you are willing in the near future to make a trip to China to advise and consult with Chinese colleagues in your field, please contact John Cornyn (phone 847-864-1002, e-mail cornyn@worldnet.att.net) for further information and guidance. [Page 30]

Tabernacle of Unity

Focusing Our Energies

During the administrative year 2000–2001, we have been called upon by the Universal House of Justice and our National Spiritual Assembly to develop our forces—spiritual, intellectual, administrative, technical, and material—in preparation for the next stage of promotion of the Cause of God.

We just spent, according to the Supreme Institution, the most important four years of our lives in helping to erect the buildings on the Arc on Mount Carmel, in advancing the process of entry by troops, and in assisting with the maturation of the Administrative Institutions of the Faith of God.

The National Spiritual Assembly invited the Bahá’í Community to study two major works of our beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, namely The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, a collection of seven letters written from 1929 to 1936, and The Advent of Divine Justice, written on December 25, 1938.

These letters, expounding the origins and fundamental principles of the New World Order proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh, as well as defining the destiny of the North American Bahá’í community, were written by the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith at the time when Europe was anxiously considering the possibility of a second world war, which in fact started only a few months after The Advent of Divine Justice was published.

These messages were sent to the Bahá’ís of North America during the years between the two World Wars, before the expiration of the first century of the Bahá’í Era (1844–1944), and during the first epoch of the Formative Age of the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh (1921–1946).

Almost seven decades ago, the few thousand Bahá’ís in North America seemed a sufficient number for the beloved Guardian to mobilize for undertaking a worldwide teaching campaign to establish and consolidate the Cause of God in the five continents of the globe. What he saw in the North American Bahá’ís can be reflected in what he had penned down in 1934:

“The fire of an unquenchable enthusiasm that glows with undiminished fervor in the hearts of its itinerant teachers; the heights of self-sacrifice which its champion builders are now attaining; the breadth of vision, the confident hope, the creative joy, the inward peace, the uncompromising integrity, the exemplary discipline, the unyielding unity and solidarity which its stalwart defenders manifest ... —these are evidences of a power which a disillusioned and sadly shaken society can ill afford to ignore.” —The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 155

The Guardian’s vision, coupled with the characteristics he saw in the nascent Bahá’í communities in the late 1930s, brought to fruition successive teaching campaigns throughout the world, culminating in the Ten Year Crusade of 1953–1963.

The Bahá’í world, loyal to the vision of the Guardian of the Faith, proved worthy of carrying out his plan and, on his behalf, “planted the Banner of Bahá’u’lláh in farthest reaches of every continent and in the midmost heart of every sea.” —Universal House of Justice, The Bahá’í World, 1954–1963, dedication page

The crowning victory of that spiritual Crusade was the establishment of the Universal House of Justice in 1963.

Now, at this time of transition from one century to another, we stand in a very similar situation in terms of the next gigantic step we are about to take towards a major achievement in the course of the unfoldment of the beloved Master’s Divine Plan.

Let us count our blessings, purify our souls and prepare ourselves with the attributes that are the necessary ingredients for the success of our future enterprise.

* سراپردهٔ یگانگی

نیروهای خود را به کار اندازیم

PUTTING OUR ENERGIES TO WORK

از آغاز رضوان سال ۲۰۰۰ تا رضوان سال ۲۰۰۱، بیت العدل اعظم و محفل روحانی ملی امریکا از ما درخواست نموده بودند که قوای روحانی، عقلانی، اداری، فنی و مادی خود را تصفیه و تقویت کنیم و خود را برای مراحل بعدی تبلیغ امرالله در اجرای فرامین تبلیغی حضرت عبدالبهاء آماده سازیم.

همان طور که بیت العدل اعظم اشاره فرموده اند ما در دورهٔ نقشهٔ چهار ساله، مهم‌ترین چهار سال زندگانی خود را که با مساعدت در ساختمان طبقات قوس کوه کرمل و پیشبرد جریان ورود فوج‌های مؤمنین جدید، و کمک در بلوغ نظام مشورتی و نظم اداری امر الهی مشخص گردیده پشت سر گذاشتیم.

در سال گذشته محفل روحانی ملی، جامعه بهائیان را به مطالعهٔ دو اثر مهم از آثار حضرت ولی امرالله دعوت فرمود. این دو اثر عبارت بودند از: نظم بدیع جهانی که در بین سالهای ۱۹۲۹ تا ۱۹۳۶ از قلم حضرت شوقی ربانی صادر گشته بود. دیگر کتاب ظهور عدل الهی است که در ۲۵ دسامبر ۱۹۳۸ مرقوم شده بود.

بیش از شصت سال پیش، حضرت ولی امرالله تعداد چند هزار مؤمنین امریکای شمالی را کافی دانستند که بوسیلهٔ آنان نقشهٔ تبلیغ جهانی امر بهائی و استقرار ملکوت الله در سراسر جهان را پی ریزی و اجراء فرمایند.

آینده نگری حضرت ولی امرالله، همراه با شرایط لازم و کافی که در جوامع بهائی در اواخر دههٔ ۱۹۳۰ مشاهده فرمودند، موجبات تبلیغ منتظم و موفقیت آمیز در سراسر عالم بهائی را فراهم آورد که در جهاد کبیر اکبر در سالهای ۱۹۵۳–۱۹۶۳ به اوج خود رسید. عالم بهائی، وفادار به بینش جهانی حضرت ولی امرالله، خود را آمادهٔ برقراری این طرح دیده و، به نیابت آن حضرت، پرچم امر حضرت بهاءالله را در همهٔ نقاط قارات عالم و در قلب هر جزیره و دریا برافراشت. تاج درخشان این جهاد روحانی تأسیس بیت العدل اعظم الهی در رضوان ۱۹۶۳ بود که به هدایت و درایت حضرات ایادی عزیز امرالله بر تارک جامعه بهائی نهاده شد.

اکنون، در نقطهٔ تحول از قرنی به قرنی دیگر، بر ما روشن است که برای توفیق در اجرای فرامین تبلیغی حضرت عبدالبهاء، راه‌های نا پیموده‌ای را خواهیم پیمود. پس بایست قدر نعمتهای ارزانی شده را بدانیم، روح خود را تطهیر نموده به اخلاق و صفاتی که از عناصر لازم برای توفیق در اهداف آینده است مجهز شویم.

• فصل نامه سراپردهٔ یگانگی به مدت هفت سال به صورت جزوه‌ای در هشت صفحه به دو زبان انگلیسی و فارسی از طرف دفتر امور احبای ایرانی-امریکایی با تیراژی محدود منتشر می‌شد. از این پس بصورت بخشی مستقل در صفحات فارسی آمریکن بهائی منتشر می‌شود.

آگهی انجمن دوستداران فرهنگ ایرانی

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE FRIENDS OF PERSIAN CULTURE ASSOCIATION

دوازدهمین کنفرانس سالانه انجمن از شب پنجشنبه ۲۹ آگست تا آخر شب یکشنبه اول سپتامبر ۲۰۰۲ در هتل ویندهام Wyndham Northwest Chicago Hotel در حومه شیکاگو برگزار خواهد شد.

موضوع محوری برنامۀ سال آینده، میراث جهانی فرهنگ ایران است. برخی از سخنرانی‌ها در بارۀ موضوع‌هائی از قبیل عناوین زیر خواهد بود: رواج شعر و ادب فارسی از آسیای صغیر تا چین، تأثیر و نفوذ کشورداری ایران در سایر نقاط، تأثیر و خدمات فرهنگ ایران به اسلام، میراث ایران در فلسفه و اخلاق، تأثیر فرهنگ ایرانی در شبه قارۀ هند، ...

از دوستان علاقه مند به تحقیق و ارائه سخنرانی به فارسی و انگلیسی در موضوع‌های مشابه که مربوط به موضوع محوری کنفرانس باشد درخواست می‌شود طرح کلی سخنرانی خود را به دفتر انجمن به نشانی زیر ارسال کنند.

همچنین از هنرمندان عزیز درخواست می‌شود چنانچه علاقه مندند در برنامۀ کنفرانس شرکت کنند نمونه کار هنری خود را به نشانی زیر ارسال نمایند:

Persian-American Affairs Office, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201

در بارۀ حقوق الله

حضرت بهاءالله می‌فرمایند: امروز ادای حقوق الله عملی است بسیار بزرگ. صد هزار طوبی از برای نفوسی که به کتاب الهی تمسک جستند و به آن عامل گشتند. (مجموعه الواح آیات بینات، کانادا، ۱۹۹۹، صفحه ۲۶۴)

در یکی از دستخط‌های بیت العدل اعظم چنین مرقوم گردیده است: “بهائی مؤمنی که منقبت پرداخت حقوق الله را دارد بجای آنکه در ظرف این وظیفه روحانیه عذری بتراشد بر عکس حتی المقدور در اجرای آن پیشقدم میگردد.

از طرف دیگر، چون اطاعت از این فریضه امری است وجدانی و پرداخت حقوق الله عملی است که یاران بطیب خاطر به آن میپردازند، جائز نیست که جز تذکر به دوستان ایرانی در لزوم اجرای این وظیفه روحانیه قدمی فراتر نهاد و باید یاران را آزاد گذاشت تا هر طور مایلند در این باره اقدام نمایند.

همین اصل در بارۀ دوستانی نیز صادق است که به اسراف زندگی می‌کنند و منازلی میخرند و یا میسازند و آن را بیش از حد احتیاج مجهز میکنند و این مخارج را چنان توجیه مینمایند تا از پرداخت حقوق الله امتناع ورزند ....” (نقل از مجموعه‌ای از نصوص مبارکه و دستخطهای بیت العدل اعظم الهی در بارۀ حقوق الله، مرکز جهانی بهائی، می ۱۹۸۴، صفحه ۳۷)

حضرت عبدالبهاء می‌فرمایند: امیدواریم که در این کور اعظم جمیع شؤون رحمانیه در بین بندگان الهی ‎بخصص بخصوص‎ ظاهر شود که جمیع آفاق را رائحه طیبه اش معطر نماید. (مآخذ بالا، صفحه ۲۵) [Page 31]

درباره رادیو و انجمن پیام دوست

رادیوی پیام دوست در نوروز سال ۱۳۷۳ برابر با ۲۱ مارس سال ۱۹۹۴ برای نخستین بار کار خود را در منطقه واشنگتن دی سی آغاز کرد. پس از پنج سال فعالیت مداوم، در روز چهاردهم نوامبر سال ۱۹۹۹، برنامه های هفتگی این رادیو روی شبکه جهانی اینترنت قرار گرفت تا ایرانیان دیگر نقاط جهان نیز بتوانند به این برنامه ها دسترسی داشته باشند.

پر شور ترین فصل تاریخ پیام دوست در نوروز سال جاری و هنگامی آغاز شد که برای نخستین بار سه برنامه آزمایشی از طریق موج کوتاه برای ایران و دیگر نقاط خاورمیانه پخش شد. متعاقب این اقدام تاریخی، پخش برنامه های روزانه پیام دوست از آوریل سال ۲۰۰۱ بطور مداوم آغاز گردید و تا کنون بیش از ۲۰۰ برنامه روی آنتن رفته است.

هدف از تأسیس این رادیو از همان ابتدا آشنا ساختن ایرانیان عزیز و دیگر فارسی زبانان با پیام شفا بخش حضرت بهاءالله و آرمان مهر و دوستی دیانت مقدس بهائی بود. پیام دوست اینک در چارچوب انجمنی به همین نام و با فعالیتهای گسترده تر، از جمله انتشار یک نشریه اینترنتی و برقراری ارتباط با رسانه های گروهی فارسی زبان، تحت نظر جامعه بین المللی بهائی و با راهنمایی و پشتیبانی محفل مقدس روحانی ملی ایالات متحده فعالیت میکند. استقبال بی نظیر از برنامه های موج کوتاه پیام دوست و بازتاب پخش روزانه آنها در ایران و دیگر نقاط جهان، از جمله خاورمیانه، آسیای دور، و اروپا نمایانگر این واقعیت است که ایرانیان، مخصوصاً ساکنان زادگاه آئین مقدس بهائی، تشنه عشق و محبت و نیازمند نیروی الهی و محتاج تعالیم آسمانی حضرت بهاءالله هستند.

درجه تأثیر برنامه های رادیوی پیام دوست بطرق مختلف در ارتباط مستقیم شنوندگان با رادیو کاملاً محسوس است. واکنش های مثبت شنوندگان تقریباً بطور روزانه بوسیله پست الکترونیکی، تلفن و نامه با مسؤولین رادیو در میان گذارده می شود. با مرور مختصر چند نامه دریافت شده میتوان مؤثر بودن برنامه های رادیوی پیام دوست را در این مدت کوتاه حس کرد. بعنوان مثال شنونده ای در تماس تلفنی خود با پرشنونده ترین رادیوی برون مرزی در ایران از کیفیت دریافت برنامه های رادیوی پیام دوست اظهار خشنودی کرد و گفت، «رادیو بهائی را که صدایش بسیار رساست خیلی ها در ایران گوش می کنند.» شخصی دیگر نوشت «قصد داشتم در انتقاد و رد دیانت کتابی بنویسم ولیکن با شنیدن برنامه های شما نظریه ام کاملاً عوض شده است و از این بابت بسیار خوشحال هستم. از شما بسیار سپاسگزارم...» اشخاص دیگری از نقاط مختلف دنیا بوسیله تلفن و پست الکترونیکی مطالب بیشتری برای آشنائی با دیانت بهائی خواستار شده اند و به پرس و جو در زمینه تاریخ و اصول عقاید دیانت بهائی پرداخته اند. جای بسیار خرسندی است که عده زیادی از احباء فارسی زبان، مخصوصاً جوانان، از طریق نامه و پست با اظهار لطف و محبت فراوان از برنامه ها تمجید و تقدیر نموده اند. جوانی نوشت: «من هر شب رادیو پیام دوست را گوش می کنم و برنامه های شما به من و امثال من امیدی دوباره داده است.» شخصی دیگر از اینکه «برنامه ها بسیار قابل استفاده و جالب اند» و «مطمئناً باعث رفع سوء تفاهم ها خواهد شد» سخن میگوید. یک دانشجوی رشته پزشکی نامه خود را با این جمله «به پاس تعبیر عظیم و انسانیت از کلمه دوستی» آغاز میکند و مینویسد: «می خواهم بعنوان یک دانشجو بگویم که در بین تمام رادیوها... هیچ رادیویی به اندازه شما موفق نبوده زیرا شما دین را به صورت خشک و بی روح تبلیغ نمی کنید و شما به مشکلات مردم سراسر جهان می پردازید که در کمتر رادیوی دینی مشاهده می شود.» در پایان به فکسی دیگر از شنونده ای اشاره میکنیم که در آن چنین آمده است: «برنامۀ صدای دوست همانند تک درختی پر گل معطر و پر طراوت در کویر وحشت زده دنیای پر از تفرقه و دهشت است. چه آرام بخش است برنامه شما را شنیدن که از عشق، دوستی و وحدت فارغ از وحشت های روزمره سخن می گوید. شما بر فراز جهان ایستاده اید.»

مسؤولین رادیوی پیام دوست بسیار خوشحال و شاکرند که با فراهم شدن موقعیتی چنین استثنائی تجربیات خود را در راه رفع سوء تفاهم های موجود در مورد آئین بهائی و ترویج تعالیم الهی در میان فارسی زبانان بکار گرفته و با ایجاد محیطی مملو از عشق، محبت و امید در دل میلیونها شنونده جانی ثابت باز کرده اند.

بدینوسیله از تمامی کسانیکه مایلند در این میدان خدمت و فعالیت به دست اندرکاران این رادیو بپیوندند دعوت می شود با ما تماس بگیرند. نیاز همکاری در تمامی زمینه ها وجود دارد از جمله نوشتن مقالات، گویندگی، ترجمه، امور فنی و صدابرداری دیجیتال بر پایه نرم افزارهای کامپیوتری.

دوستانی که مایل به حمایت مالی و مادی از این رادیو هستند میتوانند برای دریافت اطلاعات بیشتر در زمینه چگونگی ارسال این کمکها با تلفنهای زیر با ما تماس بگیرند.

رادیوی پیام دوست هر شب از ساعت نه و نیم تا ده به وقت طهران (هفت تا هفت و نیم بعدازظهر به وقت گرینویچ) روی موج کوتاه ردیف ۴۱ متر برابر ۷۴۸۰ کیلو هرتز و هر یکشنبه از ساعت نه و نیم تا ده و نیم صبح بوقت شرق آمریکا روی موج متوسط ردیف ۱۱۲۰ ای ام در منطقه واشنگتن دی سی پخش می شود. در ضمن، برنامه های موج کوتاه، موج متوسط و ویدیوی گشایش رسمی طبقات کوه کرمل به زبان فارسی در سایت اینترنت رادیو در دسترس علاقمندان است.

انجمن پیام دوست Payam-e-Doost Radio P.O. Box 765, Great Falls, VA 22066 USA Phone: (703) 671-8888 Fax: (301) 292-6947 Email: Website: www.BahaiRadio.org

جزئیات تبرعات طرح استقرار ملکوت دریافت کنند، می توانند با دفتر آن برنامه تماس حاصل نمایند. شماره تلفن: ۷۳۳-۳۵۲۱ (۸۴۷) E-Mail:

خدمات جوانان

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جوانانی که مایل به خدمت در مؤسسات و مدارس بهائی باشند، می توانند با دفتر خدمات جوانان تماس حاصل نمایند.

شماره تلفن: ۷۳۳-۳۵۱۴ (۸۴۷)

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INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES TO WELCOME REFUGEES

در دو سه سال گذشته تعداد چشمگیری از یاران ایران وارد ایالات متحده شده و تصمیم به اقامت در این سامان گرفته اند.

جوامع بهائی در برخی از شهرهای بزرگ با همکاری جوامع حومه دست اندر کار خوشامد گوئی به آن عزیزان شده اند. از جمله جامعه امری آتلانتا دفتری برای کمک به پناهندگان تازه وارد تأسیس کرده است.

این دفتر از سال گذشته با ایرانیانی که به تازگی به آمریکا آمده اند، همکاری داشته است. دفتر مذکور که نام اختصاری آن GOBRA است، بخشی از طرح "مؤسسه وحدت خانواده" است که به همت محفل روحانی DeKalb County پی ریزی شده است.

یکی از اعضای هیئت معاونت و مساعدانش با مشاوره و راهنمائیهای خود به GOBRA کمک می کنند. برخی از تازه واردان با این دفتر تماس نگرفته اند زیرا کمک های لازم را از اقوام و دوستان خود گرفته اند. اما برای کسانی که به کمک احتیاج داشته باشند GOBRA تسهیلاتی ایجاد می کند که بتوانند از مزایای سازمان های مدد رسانی به پناهندگان و اسکان آنان استفاده کنند.

یکی از داوطلبان GOBRA اظهار می داشت که این سازمان ها مدت معینی حوایج اولیه پناهندگان را برطرف می کنند. GOBRA می کوشد نیازهای عاطفی تازه واردان را رفع نماید.

به گفته یکی از داوطلبان GOBRA زندگی تازه واردان و تفاوت آن با محیط قبلی ضربه هائی بر آنان وارد می سازد که خود باعث ایجاد تنش در میان اعضای خانواده ها می شود. یکی از وظایف ما رفع این تنش هاست.

برخی از خدماتی که دفتر مذکور برای پناهندگان تازه وارد فراهم می سازد، عبارت است از: رساندن آنان با اتوموبیل به جلسات و امثال آن، ترجمه، آموزش زبان انگلیسی، آشناسازی آنان با فرهنگ آمریکا، کمک برای یافتن کار و سعی در ادغام و وارد ساختن آنان در جامعه امری. [Page 32]ایشان در مورد روش تبلیغ گفتند سالهاست درباره روش تبلیغ صحبت کرده‌ایم. آیا احباء برای آشنا ساختن دوستانشان با امر مبارک باید کلاس بروند و درس بخوانند؟ واقعاً کسی نمی‌تواند به احباء بگوید در برابر فرصت‌هائی که به وجود آمده است به چه طریقی باید عمل کرد. مسلماً یاران قادرند خود راه و روش لازم را بیابند.

ایشان چنین ادامه دادند که تشکیلات امری اهداف را تعیین می‌کنند و فعالیت‌ها را تسهیل می‌نمایند و احباء را تشویق می‌کنند، اما نهایتاً وظیفه احباست که وارد میدان عمل شوند. اگر احباء به ایفای وظائف خود قیام نکنند اقدامات تشکیلات عقیم می‌ماند و کرۀ زمین از برکاتی که لازم دارد محروم می‌گردد.

جناب میچل همچنین گفتند که حضرت ولی امرالله در مجموعۀ حصن حصین امرالله فرموده‌اند که جمهوری آمریکا مقدر است در ایجاد نظم جهانی سهمی ایفاء کند و تا زمان وقوع آن متحدالشکل و شکست ناپذیر خواهد بود. بنابراین نگرانی یاران از چیست؟ احباء می‌دانند معنی این امور چیست. زمان آن است که آستین‌ها را بالا زد، کمر همت محکم کرد و سهم خود را به عنوان افراد بهائی در سیر به سوی صلح ایفاء نمود.

عضو محترم بیت العدل اعظم به ردیابی دو فرایندی که همزمان در ملت آمریکا و جامعۀ امری آن جریان یافته است پرداختند. فرایند نخستین به زمان نزول فرامین تبلیغی حضرت عبدالبهاء باز می‌گردد و ایجاد و تحول نظم اداری را اشاعه می‌دهد و غیرمستقیم به نظم جهانی منجر می‌شود.

جریان دوم به پایان جنگ جهانی اول و اظهارات پرزیدنت ویلسون دربارۀ نکات چهارده گانه او باز می‌گردد و رابطۀ آمریکا را با جهان مشخص می‌سازد و با پیروزی‌ها و عقب نشینی‌های مسلمی به صلح اصغر خواهد انجامید.

در این دو جریان مسؤولیت‌هائی جدی نهفته است: آمریکائیان کاری از پیش نخواهند برد مگر اینکه متحد شوند. احبای آمریکا باید آنی را از دست ندهند. باید هر چه در توان داریم بکنیم تا از شدت محنت و بلائی که در جهان می‌گذرد بکاهیم. هر دوی این مسؤولیت‌ها خطیر است.

جناب میچل افزودند خوشبختانه احباء نقشه‌ای الهی در دست دارند که حضرت عبدالبهاء طرح فرموده‌اند.

دیگر نکات مهم

نکات مهم دیگری که جناب میچل اظهار داشتند در زیر درج می‌گردد:

• حضرت ولی امرالله احباء را از وعد و وعید دو جریان اتحاد و افتراق و نظم و آشوب که از مختصات نقشۀ الهی است، آگاه ساخته‌اند.
• شاهد سرعت یافتن جریاناتی هستیم که گاه کُند و نامحسوس و گاه ناگهانی. در کلمات مکنونه این دوگانگی به صورت "بلای عنایتی..." ذکر گردیده است.
• حضرت ولی امرالله احباء را با تحولات کنونی و آینده در داخل و خارج امر مبارک به خوبی آماده ساخته‌اند و در آثارشان از آن به صراحت گفتگو فرموده‌اند. دوستان باید مستمراً به آن آثار مبارکه رجوع فرمایند.
• در زمان ما دو عامل بر حیات انسان‌ها اثر می‌گذارد که یکی انحطاط دین و دیگری عدم اتحاد در میان مردم است.
• جامعۀ بشری، چنانکه حضرت ولی امرالله در توقیعات مندرج در مجموعۀ نظم جهانی بهائی World Order of Bahá’u’lláh فرموده‌اند، یا باید تجدید حیات یابد یا از میان برود.
• حضرت ولی امرالله فرموده‌اند که دیانت موجب انصاف و عدالت و نظم و انقطاع است. هنگامی که اساس دین ضعیف شود، حاصل هرج و مرج خواهد بود.
• آنچه در افغانستان [دورۀ حکومت طالبان] تعلیم می‌شود، یا در فساد مؤسسات دینی در ایالات متحده و خارج آن، دیده می‌شود ربطی به دین حقیقی ندارد.
• اهل بهاء برداشت دیگری از دین دارند. دین برنامۀ صبح‌های یکشنبه نیست بلکه تأثیری الهی است که به ایجاد تمدن می‌انجامد و امری حیاتی است که همۀ کارهائی را که از ما سر می‌زند، در بر می‌گیرد.
• وحدت موضع اصلی و اساس تغییرناپذیر ماست و نیروی آن هرگز به تحلیل نخواهد رفت.
• وحدت متضمن تأسیس یک نهاد مشترک‌المنافع جهانی است.
• گذر از موضع کنونی و رسیدن به آن نهاد جهانی مشکلی است که در برابر نژاد بشر قرار دارد و احباء را به قیام و اقدام فرا می‌خواند.
• حضرت بهاءالله در ابلاغ امر مبارکش به ملوک، آنها را دعوت به صلح اعظم فرمود. هنگامی که آن را رد کردند، هیکل مبارک آنها را دعوت فرمودند که به صلح اصغر تمسک کنند.
• صلح اصغر متضمن وحدتی سیاسی است. رهبران جهان گرد هم می‌آیند که بارهائی چون مالیات بیش از حد و جنگ و ظلم را از میان بردارند. این جریان ربطی با فعالیت‌های مستقیم احباء ندارد، گرچه یاران می‌توانند پیشرفت در رسیدن به آن را اشاعه دهند.
• صلح اعظم در مقایسه با صلح اصغر مستلزم تغییر عظیمی در جان و روان مردمان است. خصیصه آن محبت و عدالت خواهد بود که نه در نظر بلکه در عمل و شیوه‌ای که مردم با هم رفتار می‌کنند باید ظاهر شود.
• این تغییر اساسی فقط از طریق ایمان دینی ضمانت اجرائی پیدا می‌کند، از این طریق که اهل بهاء وحدت نوع انسان را تعلیم و اشاعه دهند.
• در تعقیب این هدف و برای رسیدن به آن باید جامعۀ بهائی هم از لحاظ تشکیلات و هم از لحاظ افراد احباء به طور منظم و روشدار عمل کند. احباء باید به اقتضای نیازهای زمانه قابلیت آن را داشته باشند که تغییر کنند و عملکردشان را با دگرگونی‌های اوضاع هماهنگ سازند.
• همچنین باید کوشید که از آنچه در جامعه اتفاق می‌افتد با خبر بود و آن را فهمید. باید دریافت که اتفاقاتی که در جامعه رخ می‌دهد چگونه با امر مبارک ارتباط می‌یابد و چگونه احباء می‌توانند در برابر آن بازتابی داشته باشند.
• حضرت ولی امرالله در توقیع ظهور عدل الهی به دقت نشان داده‌اند که چگونه ایالات متحده به ورطۀ جریاناتی کشانده خواهد شد که نه می‌تواند آن را بفهمد نه مهار کند. تنها چارۀ ایالات متحده برای خلاصی از مشکلاتی که آن را احاطه کرده، درگیر شدن در تار و پود شبکۀ همکاری‌های بین‌المللی است که دست الهی برایش تعبیه نموده است.
• همچنانکه جریان متحول نظم جهانی در آمریکا رخ می‌دهد، جامعۀ بهائی وارد عهد پنجم عصر تکوین شده است.
• رویدادهایی که به افتتاح عهد مذکور منجر شده، عبارت است از: انقراض اتحاد جماهیر شوروی و تأسیس محافل ملی جدید در جمهوری‌های سابق آن؛ برگزاری یک سلسله کنفرانس‌های بین‌المللی؛ رونق گرفتن سازمان‌های غیردولتی که یکی از رهبران آن جامعۀ بین‌المللی بهائی است؛ صدمین سال صعود حضرت بهاءالله؛ انتشار کتاب اقدس به زبان انگلیسی و اجرای شمار بیشتری از احکامش در غرب؛ آغاز تأسیس مؤسسات آموزشی.
• اهل بهاء، ذهنیت جدیدی یافته و با مفاهیم تازه‌ای آشنا شده‌اند.
• با اینحال احباء نباید در پی آن باشند که از بلایا و محنی که در جهان رخ می‌دهد، بگریزند. تحمل رنج و آلام سبب می‌شود که حس وظیفه‌شناسی در یاران بیدار شود و بدین ترتیب راه رستگاری را برای جهان بشری هموار سازند.

گزارش برنامۀ استقرار ملکوت

UPDATE ON THE KINGDOM PROJECT

محفل روحانی ملی اعلام کرده است که جمع‌آوری تبرعات مربوط به "برنامۀ استقرار ملکوت" همزمان با نقشۀ پنج‌ساله صورت خواهد گرفت، بدین ترتیب:

وصول تقبلی‌ها تا آخر اپریل سال ۲۰۰۳

تاریخ قبول تقبلی یک سال یعنی تا آخر رضوان سال ۲۰۰۳ تمدید شده است. اظهار امیدواری شده است که کل ۶۰ میلیون دلاری که برای "برنامۀ استقرار ملکوت" مورد نیاز است، تا تاریخ مذکور تقبل خواهد شد. بدین ترتیب اطمینان حاصل خواهد شد که اقدامات مربوط به اجرای آن طرح با اطمینان به وجود وجوه لازم معمول خواهد شد.

پرداخت تقبلی‌ها تا آخر اپریل ۲۰۰۶

مدت پرداخت تقبلی یاران نیز تا پایان نقشۀ پنج‌ساله یعنی رضوان سال ۲۰۰۶ تمدید شده است. در این مدت یاران و تشکیلات امری فرصت خواهند یافت که تقبلی‌های خود را به جای آنکه یکجا پرداخت کنند، در طول چند سال بپردازند. بدین ترتیب برخی امکان آن را خواهند یافت که مبلغ بیشتری تبرع نمایند.

دوستانی که مایل باشند اطلاعات بیشتری دربارۀ [Page 33]

ترجمه پیام بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی

MESSAGE OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE, OCTOBER 21, 2001

خطاب به محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده مورخ ۲۱ اکتبر ۲۰۰۱

این مشتاقان از خبر صعود خادم مخلص و فداکار امر مبارک، امة‌الله پتریشیا لاک عمیقاً محزونند. خدمات خالصانه ایشان در سالیان متمادی در سمت یکی از اعضای محفل روحانی ملی فراموش نخواهد گشت. مساعی ایشان در مقام مربی و مدیر امور مربوط به نیازهای ویژه سرخپوستان مورد اذعان عموم قرار گرفته و بر حیثیت روزافزون امر مبارک در ایالات متحده افزوده است.

مراتب همدردی این جمع را به خانوادۀ ایشان ابلاغ نمائید و آنان را اطمینان بخشید که در آستان مبارک برای ارتقای روح آن متصاعد الی‌الله به تقدیم ادعیه حارّه مبادرت خواهد شد.

بیت‌العدل اعظم

ترجمه پیام محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده

MESSAGE OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY, OCTOBER 20, 2001

خطاب به بهائیان ایالات متحده مورخ ۲۰ اکتبر ۲۰۰۱

اعضای محفل روحانی ملی از صعود خواهر عزیز و نیکدل خانم پتریشیا لاک همدم حرمان و غم شدند. زندگی ایشان شاهد گویانی بر نیروی ایمان و تعالی روح انسانی بود، که موانع را به یک سو می‌زد تا مثلاً کالجی برای سرخپوستان تأسیس کند و طرح‌هائی برای اشاعه حقوق بشر و مسائل مربوط به محیط زیست در همۀ قارات جهان پی‌ریزد و موازین تربیتی قبیله‌ای و روش‌های مربوط به ایجاد خط وضع نماید و اداراتی برای تعلیم و تربیت سرخپوستان در سراسر ایالات متحده تشکیل دهد.

ایشان به دریافت جائزۀ پر اعتبار McArthur Fellowship نائل شده بود و برای طرح‌هایش در زمینۀ خدمات انسان دوستانه و توسعۀ اجتماعی شهرت جهانی داشت به درجه‌ای که از ایشان به عنوان یکی از تأثیرگذارترین مردم سرخپوست در قرن بیستم یاد می‌شود.

خانم لاک پس از ایمان به امر حضرت بهاءالله به سراسر جهان سفر کرد و اصول امر مبارک را درباره وحدت و برابری به جهانیان ابلاغ نمود و مدافع اعلای هر فرد و ملتی بود. به عضویت محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده درآمد و نخستین سرخپوستی بود که به سمت نایب رئیس آن محفل انتخاب گردید.

منش گیرا و پرمنطقت و ظرافت طبع و مهربانی بی‌اندازه و تعهد همیشگی خانم لاک به آموزش از جمله خصائصی است که او را در خاطرها زنده خواهد داشت. پربهاترین خصلت او وفاداری بی‌دریغ او به فرزندان و نوه‌ها و نتیجه‌هایش بود که درباره‌شان همواره با مهر سخن می‌گفت و از زندگیشان با تجلیل یاد می‌کرد.

زندگی این جمع را با مهر و معاشرت و همکاری با ایشان غنای بیشتری بخشیده است. این محفل برای راحت و تسلی خانواده و دوستان خانم لاک که در رحلت او همدم ماتمند، دعا می‌کنند.

محفل روحانی ملی بهائیان ایالات متحده

ترجمه پیام محفل مقدس روحانی ملی

بتاریخ ۱۹ نوامبر ۲۰۰۱ خطاب به جامعۀ بهائی آمریکا PERSIAN TRANSLATION OF NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY’S LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 19, 2001

احبای بسیار عزیز،

محفل روحانی ملی خوشوقت است گزارش دهد که در نتیجۀ انتخابات روز ۱۷ نوامبر خانم جکلین لفت هند بول Ms. Jacqueline Left Hand Bull بجای خواهر عزیز و محبوب، خانم پتریشیا لاک Mrs. Patricia Locke عضو محفل ملی که اخیراً صعود نمود، انتخاب شدند.

خانم جکلین لفت هند بول در سمت عضو هیأت مشاورین قاره‌ای و پیش از آن عضو لجنۀ ملی تبلیغ با افتخار خدمت نمودند.

مشتاقانه در انتظار خدمات ایشان در محفل روحانی ملی هستیم.

محفل روحانی ملی با اطمینان به وعدۀ محکم و قاطع الهی که سرنوشت پرشکوه جامعۀ بهائی آمریکا تحقق خواهد یافت، و با کمک ادعیۀ شما عزیزان، به اجرای وظایفش میپردازد.

با اشواق گرم بهائی

رابرت سی. هندرسون منشی

ترجمه پیام هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای در قارات آمریکا

MESSAGE OF THE CONTINENTAL BOARD OF COUNSELORS

دوستان عزیز بهائی،

با سرور موفور به آگاهی آن عزیزان می‌رسد که دوستان عزیزی که نامشان در زیر درج می‌شود، روز ۲۶ نوامبر سال ۲۰۰۱ به سمت عضو هیأت‌های معاونت برای صیانت و تبلیغ امر مبارک در ایالات متحده به مدت ۵ سال انتصاب یافته‌اند:

اعضای هیئت معاونت برای صیانت امر مبارک خانم شیوا خادم ضیائی، آقای نوید حقیقی، آقای شاهین وفائی، آقای ریاض خادم، دکتر نبیل علی، دکتر سهراب کورش، آقای هوشمند شش برادران، آقای عنایت روحانی.

Mrs. Yvonne Billingsley, Mr. Charles Cornwell, Mrs. Allison Vaccaro, Mr. David Smith, Mrs. Lorilyn Wilson, Mr. Gary Bulkin, Mr. Rick Schneider, Mrs. Vida Ellins, Mr. Shannon Javid, Dr. Katherine Williams, Mr. Edward Rice Jr., Dr. William Wieties

اعضای هیئت معاونت برای تبلیغ امر مبارک Mrs. Lynn Wieties, Mrs. Alexandra Rivera-Rule, Dr. Linda Ahdieh Grant, Mrs. Barbara Sheridan, Mr. Michael O’Neal, Mrs. Farah Guchani-Rosenberg, Mrs. Maxcia Lizarraga, Mrs. Catherine Schmitz, Mrs. Lupita Ahangarzadeh, Mr. Raymond Waight, Mr. Steve Kim, Mr. Fernando Huerta, Mr. Gerald Sinclair, Mr. Henri Cross, Mr. Todd Kutches, Mr. Ferris Paisano, Ms. Alice Bathke, Mr. Kevin Locke, Ms. Karida Griffith, Ms. Nina Dini.

اطمینان داریم که این دوستان عزیز با خلوص و فداکاری به خدمت جامعۀ امری جهت اکمال اهداف نقشۀ پنج ساله برخواهند خاست.

جناب میچل در کانادا و آمریکا

MR. MITCHELL IN THE U.S. AND CANADA

جناب گلنفورد میچل، عضو محترم بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی ماه اکتبر سال ۲۰۰۱ را در کانادا گذراندند. هر چند جناب میچل برای گذران تعطیلات خود به آمریکای شمالی سفر کرده بودند، اما از پای ننشستند و با بسیاری از احبای کانادا و ایالات متحده دیدار کردند. به نقل از مجله اخبار امری کانادا حدود ۲۴۰۰ نفر از احبای کانادا با جناب میچل دیدار کردند. دیدار ایشان با احبای ایالات متحده، در آتلانتا و شیکاگو روی داد. یاران این دو شهر به گرمی از ایشان استقبال کردند. ۴۰۰ نفر از احبای شیکاگو و حومۀ آن به رغم باران شدید در تالار اجتماعات مشرق‌الاذکار گرد هم آمدند و حضور جناب میچل را خوشامد گفتند. یادآور می‌شود که جناب میچل پیش از عضویت در بیت‌العدل اعظم، سال‌ها عضو محفل روحانی ملی ایالات متحده و چندین سال منشی آن محفل مقدس بودند.

موضوع سخنرانی‌ها

هر چند تفاوت‌هائی در محتوای سخنان جناب میچل در آتلانتا و شیکاگو وجود داشت، درونمایه سخنان ایشان در هر دو شهر تقریباً یکی بود و بر مبنای سه اثر از مجموعۀ آثار حضرت ولی امرالله به زبان انگلیسی قرار داشت: ظهور عدل الهی و نظم جهانی حضرت بهاءالله و حصن حصین امرالله.

جناب میچل اظهار داشتند که پیام‌هائی که در مجموعه‌های مذکور مندرج شده حاوی مطالبی است که به مدد آنها رویدادهای اخیر را بهتر می‌توان فهمید. ایشان گفت حملات اخیر به ایالات متحده هرچند ویرانگر و باعث نگرانی بوده است، نباید موجب شگفتی و تحیر یاران شود، زیرا احباء می‌دانند که برچیده شدن نظم کهن و استقرار نظمی نوین برطبق بیانات حضرت بهاءالله مستلزم ظهور و بروز انقلاباتی است که باعث بیداری اهل عالم و آگاهی آنان به وحدت اصلیه‌ای است که جامعۀ بشری را به مراحل بالاتری از تکاملش در عالم خاک ارتقاء خواهد داد.

جناب میچل فرمودند که نصوصی که در سه اثر فوق از حضرت بهاءالله و حضرت عبدالبهاء، نقل شده است همچون مرهمی بر احساس بیچارگی و درماندگی احباء می‌تواند باشد. هر گاه نومیدی بر یاران چیره شود، با خواندن آن نصوص می‌توان بهره‌ای از حیات روحانی در آنها یافت و روحیۀ خود را تقویت نمود. پس از این تقویت روحانی درخواهیم یافت که تنها راه کمک به بهبود وضع موجود تبلیغ امر مبارک است. [Page 34]

Landegg earns official recognition as university

BAHA’I WORLD NEWS SERVICE

Wienacht, Switzerland: Although an African herself, Njeri Mwagiru was turned off by brochures from top universities in the United States and Canada that touted special clubs for Africans, Indians and other ethnic and racial groups.

"There just seemed to be a lot of separation on those campuses," said the 20-year-old Kenya native, discussing her decision to come instead to Landegg International University, a Bahá’í-inspired institution of higher learning in the foothills of the Swiss Alps. "It seemed to me that things were designed so that people of different cultures could stay apart....

"But here at Landegg, the emphasis is on having people of different cultures get together and that is what I was looking for."

Entering her third year in Landegg's Bachelor of Arts program, Mwagiru is happy with her choice—a choice made somewhat venturesome by the fact that Landegg's degree programs are only 5 years old.

Distinctive approach

In addition to a sense of unity amidst diversity, Mwagiru believes she is receiving a top-flight education with a distinctive approach. "It aims to combine various disciplines of study so that they make more sense and the education is more applicable to life," said Mwagiru.

"We have lots of contact with the professors and many in-depth discussions. The school has a general belief in the uniqueness of the individual—and at the same time the unity of all."

Mwagiru's description of her experience at Landegg quite accurately matches the university's stated goals to develop and practice an "integrative" approach to education that combines modern scientific thinking with spiritual and ethical values in a way that meets the needs of an interdependent and global civilization.

"Our curriculum seeks to make sure that the students not only receive the latest academic and scientific information about what they are studying, but that they will also be exposed to the various ethical considerations that pertain to it—and that they will then learn how to apply it in the real world," said Hossain Danesh, president of Landegg.

On Sept. 20, 2001, Landegg received an important new level of recognition for its approach, when it was formally registered by the cantonal and federal authorities as a private university in Switzerland. To achieve that, the university had to meet rigorous government criteria at both the canton and federal levels.

"One of the most significant implications of Landegg's new status is that the Swiss government has recognized the legitimacy of an approach to education that is global in reach and that has as its basis the idea of applied spirituality within a framework of integrated studies," said Michael Penn, who served as vice rector at Landegg from 1998-2000 and is currently an affiliate professor.

Landegg is also winning recognition in other important ways. A high percentage of its graduate students have gone on to prestigious doctoral programs at universities such as Stanford and Cambridge. And it has launched a major peace education project in Bosnia and Herzegovina that is winning high praise from government officials.

Gradual evolution

Landegg's evolution into a full-fledged university has been a gradual process. Located on 31 acres on a hillside overlooking Lake Constance in the rustic Swiss village of Wienacht, Landegg International University was previously known as Landegg Academy, and was used primarily as a conference center.

In that role, Landegg was the venue of a number of significant meetings on such subjects as global society and conflict resolution, as well as a number of international programs focusing on peace and world order studies for young people.

"... [T]he Swiss government has recognized the legitimacy of an approach to education that is global in reach..." —Michael Penn, affiliate professor and former vice rector at Landegg

In the gardens at Bahjí

Visitors pause to face the Mansion of Bahjí and pray as they walk the gardens outside this place, revered as the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh and so holy to Bahá’ís around the world. Bahá’í World News Service photo

Currently comprising nine buildings, the campus was originally built as a holiday retreat in the 19th century. The campus was acquired by a Bahá’í family in 1982 and the properties were donated to a newly established Landegg International Bahá’í Foundation, operating under the aegis of the Bahá’í community of Switzerland.

In the mid-1990s, the Foundation decided that Landegg's role as a center of learning should become formalized, and Landegg's functions were transferred to an independent board.

In 1997, Landegg inaugurated a graduate studies program, offering a Master of Arts degree in eight areas, including conflict resolution, psychology, education and religion. In 1998, Landegg began to offer undergraduate degrees as well, and by 2000 the school began seeking formal recognition as a university.

Landegg offers undergraduate degrees in economics and international development; political science and international relations; psychology, human development and education; and the integrative study of religion. Students may also design their own area of concentration.

The cornerstone of the university's integrative approach, Danesh explained, is to first study all relevant theories and models in a given field. Professors and students are then encouraged to create a new model, based on the new insights into human nature and on universal ethical and spiritual principles in the spiritual and philosophical heritage of humanity, and to see if such a model can have a practical application.

"For example, if we are studying conflict resolution, we first study all of the different theories and models of conflict resolution," Danesh said. "And we keep them. But we have also developed our own model, which we call 'conflict-free conflict resolution [CFCR].'"

Based on the CFCR model, Landegg has developed a subsidiary program, called Education for Peace, which seeks to help war-torn communities incorporate peace education into the standard public school curriculum. Currently, Education for Peace (EFP) operates a pilot project in six schools in three communities in Bosnia-Herzegovina, reaching some 6,000 students.

ST. LUCIA, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

church. To my surprise, everyone seemed happy to see us. We walked up to the church window, waved to people and they came outside to talk to us.

Also in Marchand we looked for a few families that had been firm Bahá’ís years ago. The first lady we talked to remembered the Bahá’í Faith. She was pleased to see us and had four children that could start attending classes right away. To my amazement she said that earlier that morning she had spontaneously started to sing Bahá’í songs.

A little farther down the path we found another family that also was Bahá’í. She had seven children and was ready for materials and classes right away.

Training to teach children

People in the area, including myself, attended a nine-day Ruhi institute training course. Going into this course I doubted the effectiveness of this program. It seemed simplistic. I also doubted my ability to teach children. Now after completing the course I have a totally different attitude. The course allows a person's mind to open to new interpretations of the writings.

Three of us practiced our newfound talents by starting a class in Augier. The children enjoy these classes. We studied quotes, did coloring, and had songs, games and snacks.

The first game we played was to tie the children's legs together and try to walk using unity. I thought it sounded simplistic and they would get bored, but to my surprise, they loved the game so much that we played it every day for a week!

Overall, the teaching and deepening projects in St. Lucia seemed quite successful but are by no means completed. I believe the St. Lucian Bahá’ís have a good handle on community development. My experiences helped to deepen my knowledge and understanding, but most importantly, helped spread the message of Bahá’u’lláh.

For more information on opportunities and requirements for traveling teaching outside the United States, please contact the Office of Pioneering, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail). [Page 35]

CALENDAR • OF • EVENTS

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Bahá’í National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes are: Bosch Bahá’í School, phone 831-423-3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail bosch@usbnc.org; Green Acre Bahá’í School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail greenacre@usbnc.org; Louhelen Bahá’í School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail louhelen@usbnc.org; Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, phone 843-558-5093; fax 843-558-9136; e-mail lggi@usbnc.org; Native American Bahá’í Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail nabi@usbnc.org.

DECEMBER

21–24: Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference, Hyatt Regency Downtown, Phoenix, AZ; theme: “Falling in Love With Bahá’u’lláh.” With Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly; Dr. Nosratollah Mohammad-Hosseini; Dr. Robert Stockman, director, Wilmette Institute; Dr. William Maxwell; others. U.S. premiere of the dramatic work “Reflections on the Century of Light.” E-mail falls@azbahaiaccess.com, Web www.azbahai.com. Special rates at conference hotel (phone 800-233-1234 or 602-252-1234).

Registrar: Carl Clingenpeel, (phone ___________, e-mail ___________). Pre-register by December 12.

21–25: South Carolina Winter School and Youth Retreat, Springmaid Beach, SC. With Jack McCants, Chaden Djalali, Adrienne Reeves, Anthony Greene, Carey Murphy, Angela and Karim Boyd. Information/registration: Doug Phillips, (phone ___________, e-mail ___________).

26–30: Winter School at Bosch: “Comparative Religion”/“Mediation and Conflict Resolution.”

26–30: SITA training at Bosch; for information, contact Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail ___________).

26–31: Winter School at Green Acre: “Copper to Gold: Personal Transformation and Powerful Teaching as an Apostle of Bahá’u’lláh.”

27–Jan. 1: Winter School, on the transformative power of prayer, at Louhelen.

27–Jan. 1: Midwinter Bahá’í Youth Conference, YMCA Camp near Cincinnati, OH; for ages 12–up. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of West Chester Township, OH. Registrar: Karen Gianniny (phone ___________, e-mail ___________).

28–30: Heartland Winter School, “Removing the Barriers to Unity”; Hilton Hotel, Springfield, IL.

28–31: Texas Winter School, Greene Family Camp, Bruceville, TX; with Michael Sours. Contact Registrar (phone ___________, e-mail ___________).

JANUARY

4–6: Ruhi Institute Training Book 2 and Book 7, Part 1, at Bosch.

5–6: “How to Get from Here to There with Simple Dignity: A Seminar on Leaving This Life” at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL; sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Pompano Beach. With Pamela Solon, Maureen and Richard Hall and others; sessions on wills/estate planning; burial; death as a messenger of joy; other relevant Bahá’í teachings. Concurrent children’s program. For information contact Denise Godsey (phone ___________) or Joan Tavalero (phone ___________).

9–13: Pioneer Training at Bosch. Contact Office of Pioneering at Bahá’í National Center (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail ___________).

18–20: Seekers and New Believers Weekend at Green Acre.

18–21: Two programs at Bosch: “Racial Unity: Intermarriage and Raising Biracial Children”; “Dawn-Breakers.”

25–27: Two programs at Bosch: “Courtship, Love and Marriage”; “Understanding the Kitáb-i-Íqán.”

25–27: “Helping Ourselves and Others” at Green Acre.

FEBRUARY

1–3: Two programs at Green Acre: “A True Pattern in Action”; “The Choicest Time” Youth Institute.

1–3: Two programs at Bosch: “The Life of Early Martyrs: Mullá Husayn, Quddús and Sulaymán Khán”; Ruhi Institute Training Book 7, Parts 2–3.

1–3: “The Art of Facilitation,” Fundamental Verities facilitator training at Louhelen.

1–3: Bluebonnet Conference in Austin, TX. With Erica Toussaint. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Round Rock (phone ___________ or ___________).

8–10: “Celebrating Marriage” at Louhelen.

8–10: Married Couples Retreat at Green Acre.

8–10: “The Bahá’í Faith and Islam” at Bosch.

8–10: Zia Bagdadi Teaching Conference, Radisson Riverfront Hotel, Augusta, GA. With Dr. Suheil Bushrui, University of Maryland, Bahá’í Chair for Peace. Information: Spiritual Assembly of Augusta, P.O. Box 14246, Augusta, GA 30919 (e-mail ___________ or ___________).

14–18: “Mediation, Consultation and Conflict Resolution,” 40-hour training sponsored by Bahá’í Justice Society at Louhelen. Special fee $500; limited scholarships available. Register through Louhelen; for course information contact Bahá’í Justice Society (e-mail ___________; Web www.bahaijustice.org).

15–17: “Handmaidens” retreat for women at Green Acre.

15–18: Two programs at Bosch: “Rúmí, ‘Attár and the Bahá’í Faith”; Singles Weekend.

22–24: Two programs at Louhelen: “Teaching Christians through the Use of the Holy Books”; “Islam and the Bahá’í Faith.”

22–24: Two programs at Bosch: “Celebrating One Human Family”; Seekers Weekend.

22–24: The Law of Huqúqu’lláh—The Right of God” at Green Acre.

Shahin Ip takes a quiet moment for prayers during her daily walk through the woods at Louhelen Bahá’í School. She is one of several members of the Youth Service Corps serving at permanent Bahá’í schools; article, page 23.
Photo by Jim Cheek

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

DECEMBER 12, 2001–JANUARY 18, 2002 MASÁ’IL/SHARAF • B.E. 158

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.

[Page 36]

3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT, EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail, or its agencies at the Bahé’f National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the permanent Baha’f schools and institutes are: Bosch Baha’i School, phone 831-423 f Green Acre Baha'i School,

fax 843-558-9136; e-mail

Baha’f School, phone | 810-653-5033; fax $10-653- 181; e-mail . Louis G. Gregory Baha’{ Institute, phone 843-558-5093,

phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521- 1063; e-mail

. Louhelen

. Native American. tba) i pnsaey

21-24: Grand Canyon Baha’ Regency Downtown, Phoenix, AZ; theme: “Falling in Love With Baha'u'llah.” With Robert C. Henderson, secretary-general of the National Spiritual Assembly; Dr. Nosratollah Mohammad-Hosseini; Dr. Robert Stockman, director, Wilmette Institute; Dr. William. Maxwell; others. U.S. premiere of the dramatic work “Reflections on the tury of Light.” E-mail » Web www.azbahai.com.

Special rates at conference hotel (phone 800-2331234 or 602-252-1234). 21-25: South Carolina Winter School and Youth Retreat, Springmaid Beach, SC. With Jack McCants, Chaden Djalali, Adrienne Reeves, Anthony Greene, Carey Murphy, Angela and Karim Boyd. Information/registration: Doug Phillips,

(phone

» e-mail

)26-30: Winter School at Bosch: “Comparative Religion”/“Mediation and Conflict Resolution.” 26-30: SITA training at Bosch; for information, contact Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508, email ). 26-31: Winter School at Green Acre: “Copper to Gold: Personal Transformation and Powerful Teaching as an Apostle of Baha’u’llah.” 27-Jan. 1: Winter School, on the transformative power of prayer, at Louhelen. 27~-Jan. 1: Midwinter Baha’i Youth Conference, YMCA Camp near Cincinnati, OH; for ages 12-up. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of West Chester ‘Township, OH. Registrar: Karen Gianniny (phone +e ).

28-30: Heartland Winter School, “Removing the Barriers to Unity”; Hilton Hotel, Springfield, IL.

BAHA’i NATIONAL CENTER 112 LINDEN AVE WILMETTE, IL 60091-2849

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DECEMBER 12, 2001-JANUARY 18, 2002 MASA’IUSHARAF * B.E. 158

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4-6: Ruhi Institute Testing: 1, at Bosch.

5-6: “How to Get from Here to There with Simple Dignity: A Seminar on Leaving This Life” at Florida Adantic University, Boca Raton, FL; sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Pompano Beach. With Pamela Solon, Maureen and Richard Hall and others; sessions on wills/estate planning; burial; death as a messenger of joy; other relevant Baha'i teachings. Concurrent children’s program. For information contact ) or Joan

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ding the Ki 25-27: “I ne Ourselves and Othe Acre.

Shahin Ip takes a quiet moment for prayers during her daily walk through

ye FEBRUARY

1-3: ‘Two programs at‘ n Acre: “A ‘True Pattern in Action”; “The Choicest Time” Youth Institute. 1-3: Two programs at Bosch: “The Life of Early Martyrs: Mullé Husayn, Quddis and Sulaymén Khan”; Ruhi Institute Training Book 7, Parts 2-3. “The Art of Facilitation,” Fundamental Verities facilitator training at Louhelen. 1-3: Bluebonnet Conference in Austin, TX. With Erica Toussaint. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Round Rock (phone or ebrating Marriage” at Louhelen. Couples Retreat at Green Acre. he Baha’s Faith and Islam” at Bosch.

Zia Bagdadi Teaching Conference, Radisson

Riverfront Hotel, Augusta, GA. With Bushrui, Uni y of Maryland, Baha’ Peace. Information: Spiritual Assembly of Augusta, P.O. Box 14246, Augusta, GA 30919 (e-mail or

14-18: “Mediation, Consultation and Conflict Réso40-hour training sponsored by Baha'i Justice

en. Special fee $500; limited scholarships available. Register through Louhelen; course information contact Baha’i Ju mail ; Web www.bahaij 15-17: “Handmaidens” retreat for wom programs at Bosch: “Rumi, ‘Attir and the ”; Singles Weekend.

.

, of Hugiqu’llah—The Right of God” at Green Acre.

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ral 1. 60201-1611. If ce address (B) must be filled in. Please allow three weeks for process~ Center's database.)

the woods at Louhelen Baha’i School. She is one of several members of the Youth Service Corps serving at permanent Baha’i schools; article, page 23.

Photo by Jim Cheek

ent # (if applicable) :

Address

Apartment # (if applicable)

Zip code State Zip code

E. HOME 1

-EPHONE NUMBER

Area Code Phone Number

Phone Number Name

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copies, $0 p the person(s) listed above.

H. 1 WOULD LIKE A COPY

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