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THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í

March 21, 2001 ... BAHÁ/SPLENDOR JALÁL/GLORY BAHÁ’Í ERA 158

VOLUME 32, NO. 3

I·N·S·I·D·E·

• FAMILY, COMMUNITY, SERVICE SPECIAL SECTION: PAGES 12–19
• TEMPLE UPDATE PAGES 20–21
• INTERNATIONAL NEWS PAGE 39
• KID’S CORNER · 22
• YOUTH · 23
• CLASSIFIED · 26–27
• IN MEMORIAM · 34
• PERSIAN PAGES · 36–38

Message from the Universal House of Justice/pages 3–4

A glimpse of the upcoming Five Year Plan

To the American Bahá’í Community Dear Friends, We are delighted to share with you the January 9, 2001, message, sent to all National Spiritual Assemblies, addressed to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counselors to facilitate consultations on the Five Year Plan that will take place at all levels. / Page 3

We are also pleased to share the message of January 25, 2001, from the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas, announcing the names of Counselors who serve the United States Bahá’í community. / Page 4

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

Terraces virtually finished

A view of Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel, shows the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb virtually complete from the base to the crest of the mountain. See pages 24–25. Bahá’í World News Service photo

BUILDING THE KINGDOM

FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN, YOUTH & CHILD

Bahá’í National Conference June 28–July 1, 2001 · Milwaukee, Wisconsin www.kingdomconference.org

Conference registration opens

4-day event designed to welcome Bahá’ís and their friends

Picture a growing, developing Bahá’í community, where we all learn from one another and elements of individual life, family life and service are harmonized. Picture adults, youth and children as integral members of an organically united community.

That is what Building the Kingdom for Every Man, Woman, Youth and Child, the Bahá’í National Conference, is all about. Bahá’ís and seekers alike are offered the chance not only to glimpse that vision, but even to contribute to it in a focused setting of community.

For Bahá’ís in particular, the June 28–July 1 gathering in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is designed to help each of us gain a sense of our spiritual mission in the Five Year Plan—and in turn to nourish development of communities and institutions.

Registration is now open, and a number of measures have been taken to pave the way for as many Bahá’ís and friends of the Faith as possible to participate:

• Online registration is available through the Conference Web site (www.kingdomconference.org).
• Registration brochures have been mailed out to Bahá’í households across the nation.
• Alternately, you may register toll-free by fax (877-608-1816) or by phone (888-802-8177).
• Registration is free for those age 14 and under (although they must be registered with parent(s) or sponsor).
• Registration fees have been kept low (by May 1, $40 for adults, $25 for youth ages 15–20). Bahá’ís who need assistance to attend are encouraged to inquire with their Local Spiritual Assembly or Regional Bahá’í Council about possible scholarships.

Here are some particulars: The earlier

SEE CONFERENCE, PAGE 8

What do our visitors think?

Temple survey takes stock

“This House of Worship, now opening wide its doors to peoples of all creeds, of all races, of all nations and of all classes, is dedicated to the three fundamental verities animating and underlying the Bahá’í Faith—the Unity of God, the Unity of His Prophets, the Unity of Mankind.” —From the Guardian’s dedication statement, May 2, 1953

BY REBECCA W. ELLISON NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE OFFICE

Each year, the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, attracts close to a quarter-million visitors from all over the world, the vast majority not Bahá’ís.

The Guardian’s vision, expressed above, is apparent in the ever-increasing diverse flow of humankind streaming through this edifice. They represent a variety of religious orientations, nationalities, ages, races and ethnicities.

“We saw people from over 135 countries this past year alone,” said Pamela Barrett, volunteer/visitors coordinator at the House of Worship.

A recent survey commissioned by the National Teaching Committee provides insight into how visitors describe them-

SEE TEMPLE, PAGE 8

THE NATIONAL FUND

Between May 1, 2000, and Jan. 31, 2001

$20,250,000	Goal/all funds
$13,380,307	Received

Excluding Kingdom Project See page 5 for details

·E·X·C·E·R·P·T·S·

“No goodly deed was or ever will be lost, for benevolent acts are treasures preserved with God for the benefit of those who act.” —Bahá’u’lláh [Page 2]

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í
PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES Bahá’í National Center 847-869-9039 Editorial Office of The American Bahá’í Mail: 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Phone: 847-869-9039 Fax: 847-251-3652 E-mail:
Editor James Humphrey
Associate Editor Tom Mennillo
Facilities Manager, Bahá’í Media Services Artis Mebane
Contributors Jose Acaba, Erik Andersen, Nancy Bagley, Jim Cheek, Liz Donaldson, Rebecca W. Ellison, Judith Griffin, Theo Gustafson, Carey Jordan, C. Aaron Kreader, Kevin Morrison, Robert Ramirez, Vladimir Shilov, Nancy Tancredi, Ruhi Vargha, Nancy Wong
PUBLISHED ONCE EVERY 38 DAYS (plus one special issue) for a total of 10 issues per year by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611. Periodical postage paid at Evanston, IL and additional mailing offices. ISSN Number: 1062-1113 Canada: Publications Agreement Number 1486683
ADDRESS CHANGES If you have an address change, or wish to stop or consolidate mailings, contact the Membership Office, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail ). There is no need to contact the Editors directly. A form is on the back page.
SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PHOTOS THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í welcomes news, letters or other items of interest from individuals and institutions of the Bahá’í Faith. ARTICLES should be clear, concise and relevant to the goals of the worldwide and national teaching plans. We may edit stories for length. We cannot print advance articles to publicize locally sponsored events, but may be able to list them in the Calendar. PHOTOGRAPHS may be color or black-and-white prints. Please submit photos that are well-composed and in focus, and identify people in photos when possible. If you wish photos returned, include a self-addressed envelope (you do not need to supply postage). DEADLINES for upcoming issues: June 5 issue: Deadline April 17 July 13 issue: Deadline May 29 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.

ALMANAC

Naw-Rúz

A Bahá’í Holy Day

• Observed from sunset March 20 until sunset March 21
• Work is to be suspended

Festival of Ridván

Bahá’í Festival and Holy Days

• Observed sunset April 20 through sunset May 2
• First Day of Ridván observed sunset April 20 through sunset April 21; devotional gatherings should be 4 p.m. daylight time April 21 (3 p.m. where standard time is in effect)
• Ninth Day of Ridván observed sunset April 28 through sunset April 29
• Twelfth Day of Ridván observed sunset May 1 through sunset May 2
• Work is to be suspended on each of the three Holy Days within the 12-day Festival of Ridván

Bahá’u’lláh has called Ridván the “King of festivals.” The word Ridván means paradise. During this period, Bahá’ís celebrate the 12 days in 1863 when Bahá’u’lláh resided in a garden in Baghdad—later called the Garden of Ridván—and in that time proclaimed His mission as God’s Messenger.

“Verily, all created things were immersed in the sea of purification when, on that first day of Ridván, We shed upon the whole of creation the splendors of Our most excellent Names and most exalted Attributes.” —Bahá’u’lláh, Kitáb-i-Aqdas, para. 75

The Universal House of Justice is elected every five years during the Festival of Ridván; the last such election was in 1998 (B.E. 155). National Spiritual Assemblies are elected each year, usually during Ridván, though during years of House of Justice elections the National Assembly elections are moved to late May. Local Spiritual Assemblies are chosen by the friends each year at election meetings held during the First Day of Ridván.

Some significant dates in Bahá’í history

Late March and April

March 1889: Edward G. Browne delivered the first lecture on the Bahá’í Faith in the West, to a private audience in Newcastle, England.

March 21, 1909: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá placed the sacred remains of the Báb in their final resting place. The Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel at the time consisted of a rectangular six-room structure.

March-April 1916 and February-March 1917: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed the Tablets of the Divine Plan, eight in 1916 and six in 1917. Addressed variously to the Bahá’ís of the United States, Canada, Alaska, Greenland and four regions in the continental U.S., they were unveiled in 1919 and formed the basis of what the Guardian later termed a “laborious and tremendously long process” of spreading the Bahá’í Faith and its Administrative Order to all countries and territories.

March-April 1922: Shoghi Effendi for the first time directed the formation of National Spiritual Assemblies and established conditions for forming Local Spiritual Assemblies. He then entrusted the worldwide affairs of the Faith to the Greatest Holy Leaf and withdrew to Europe before returning to fully take the reins of the Guardianship.

April 6, 1954: The Guardian created five Auxiliary Boards to help and advise the Hands of the Cause of God in Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa and Australia.

March 21, 1990: Bahá’ís in Cluj, Romania, formed the first Local Spiritual Assembly in Eastern Europe since World War II.

Significant upcoming dates

• Anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb, May 23
• Anniversary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, May 29
• Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb, July 9

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

EXCELLENCE IN ALL THINGS

Amy Bucknell, a 15-year-old Bahá’í from Cody, Wyoming, earned the all-around championship in the Wyoming state high school gymnastics meet Feb. 9-10. She also continued as champion on balance beam, setting a state record for highest two-day scoring total in the event. She led Cody High School to a second-place team showing.

Patrick Clark, a Bahá’í in Santa Cruz, California, has been recognized with the first “Making a Difference Award” sponsored by the San Lorenzo Valley Unity Action Group. A Feb. 3 article in the Santa Cruz Sentinel highlighted a number of his local services including:

• Chairing the local Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women.
• Helping launch Partners for a Peaceful Community, an organization to combat hate crimes.
• Mentoring youth in a variety of ways, including a campaign for treating teen girls with respect and a countywide effort to educate first-time lawbreakers on how crime affects people.
• Conducting tours of sites important in local African-American history.

“He really cares about people and the community,” the article quoted Robin Lysne-Lopez, a Valley Unity Action Group member, as saying. “He works nights so he can be a community activist during the day. That’s how dedicated he is.”

The Empire Program For Multicultural Education was recently honored as Best Multicultural Program in 2000 by the National Association for Multicultural Education. Empire, profiled in the Dec. 31, 1998, issue of The American Bahá’í, is headed by Randie Gottlieb, a Bahá’í from Yakima, Washington. The Bahá’í communities of Yakima and neighboring Toppenish are among Empire’s sponsors.

Glenn Nerbak, a Bahá’í in South Portland, Maine, has been honored as an Outstanding Middle Level Educator 2000 by the Maine Association for Middle Level Education. He teaches seventh-grade social studies in Portland.

Other honors:

Academic

Barbara Esposito, Oxnard, CA: Outstanding Citizenship award and Principal’s Honor Roll at Fremont Intermediate School.

Arian Mashhood, 14, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA: Earned high honors on the 2000 Golden State Examination in first-year algebra.

Other

Anis Sabeti, Watauga, TX: Elected senior class president at Oakridge School, Arlington, TX.

Clarification

• Northern Plains Healthy Start, a program to reduce infant mortality in the heartland, was called a “Bahá’í-influenced initiative” in an article about the recent Bahá’í Conference for the Americas in the Feb. 26, 2001, issue of The American Bahá’í. Healthy Start is sponsored by the federal government, but it is accurately described as “Bahá’í-influenced” under the guidelines of the Office of Social and Economic Development at the Bahá’í World Center; Healthy Start is influenced in its operation and direction by Bahá’í participants. We apologize for any misunderstanding that may have resulted from the article’s wording.

[Page 3]Letter of the Universal House of Justice to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counselors dated January 9, 2001

Dearly loved Friends,

Five years ago, we called on the body of Counselors assembled in the Holy Land to aid the Bahá’í world to understand and shoulder the challenges of systematic growth. The brilliant achievements of the Four Year Plan testify to the wholehearted response they made. Today, we ask for an equally great effort on your part, this time to ensure the successful launching of the Five Year Plan.

In your deliberations on the nature of this next stage in the unfoldment of the Divine Plan, you need to take into account the magnitude of the changes occurring in the fortunes of the Faith. At the World Centre, the raising of the great edifices now standing on the Arc represents a major step in the consolidation of a divinely appointed Administrative Order. The Four Year Plan witnessed a remarkable increase in the institutional capacity of Bahá’í communities in every continent. The evolution of National and Local Spiritual Assemblies has visibly accelerated, and Regional Councils, where they have been established, have brought a new energy and effectiveness to the work of the Cause. With the birth and efflorescence of more than 300 training institutes, the Faith now possesses a powerful instrument for developing the human resources needed to sustain large-scale expansion and consolidation. Further, the ability of the Bahá’í community to influence the course of human affairs, both through its dealings with governments and organizations of civil society and through its endeavours in social and economic development, has been greatly enhanced. The Cause of Bahá’u’lláh stands at the threshold of a new epoch, at a moment in history when, despite confusion and outbursts of fresh hostility, the world has made real strides towards peace. One clearly sees an increasing receptivity to His all-pervasive and resplendent Spirit.

Advancing the process of entry by troops will continue as the aim of the Five Year Plan—indeed the aim of the series of Plans that will carry the community to the end of the first century of the Formative Age. The acceleration of this vital process will be achieved through systematic activity on the part of the three participants in the Plan: the individual believer, the institutions, and the community.

The Training Institute

A searching analysis of the Four Year Plan recently prepared for us by the International Teaching Centre demonstrates that the training institute is effective not only in enhancing the powers of the individual, but also in vitalizing communities and institutions. The continued development of training institutes in the diverse countries and territories of the world, then, must be a central feature of the new Plan. Drawing on the wealth of experience now accumulated in this area of endeavour, institutes will have to provide their communities with a constant stream of human resources to serve the process of entry by troops. Elements of a system that can meet the training needs of large numbers of believers have already been tested worldwide and have proven themselves. Study circles, reinforced by extension courses and special campaigns, have shown their ability to lend structure to the process of spiritual education at the grassroots. The value of a sequence of courses, each one following the other in a logical pattern and each one building on the achievements of the previous ones, has become abundantly clear. Various models are emerging that provide insight into how such sequences can be used to create training programmes. In one example the main sequence, much like the trunk of a tree, supports courses branching out from it, each branch dedicated to some specific area of training. In another, several tracks of courses, each with its own focus, run parallel. Institutes will do well to examine these elements and approaches and employ them in a manner that responds to the opportunities before them.

At the outset of the Twelve Month Plan we underscored the need for Bahá’í children to be nurtured spiritually and to be integrated into the life of the Cause. There is every indication from the response of the friends thus far that a raised awareness of the importance of child education will, in fact, be a hallmark of this brief yet significant Plan. A new impetus has been given to Bahá’í children's classes. Increased awareness has also brought to light opportunities to offer moral and spiritual education to children in general, as exemplified by the success of the efforts to introduce courses on the Bahá’í Faith into programmes of official school systems.

That institutes are placing more and more emphasis on the training of teachers for children's classes is a particularly encouraging sign. Other measures are equally essential if regular classes for every age are to be offered in Bahá’í communities throughout the world. In some countries, national and regional committees have been established to assist Local Spiritual Assemblies in the discharge of their responsibility to educate children. In these, the relationship between the committees and the training institute will steadily evolve as experience is gained, each agency enhancing the work of the other. But there are many countries in which the institute is the only structure developing the capacity to organize and maintain courses in locality after locality. As this approach is working well with youth and adults, and increasingly for junior youth, there is no reason why the training institute should not also shoulder similar responsibility with respect to children, where necessary. As a general rule, institutes do not take on the administration of plans and programmes for expansion and consolidation. Conducting children's classes, however, is a unique enterprise, of special urgency. In those countries where the task is given to it, the institute becomes a centre of learning intensely engaged in the spiritual education of the friends from the tenderest age through adulthood.

Individual Initiative in Teaching

With the work of institutes growing in strength, attention has now to be given everywhere to systematizing teaching efforts. In the document "The Institution of the Counsellors" just issued, we emphasize the role that the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants play in helping the friends to meet this challenge, both at the level of individual initiative and of collective volition. As individuals progress through institute courses, they deepen their knowledge of the Faith, gain insights, and acquire skills of service. Some of the courses devoted to teaching will no doubt treat the subject in general terms. Others will focus on various means of sharing Bahá’u’lláh’s message with specific segments of society, incorporating the wisdom gleaned from the teaching endeavours of the friends. This combined process of action, learning and training will endow communities with an ever-increasing number of capable and eager teachers of the Cause.

Training alone, of course, does not necessarily lead to an upsurge in teaching activity. In every avenue of service, the friends need sustained encouragement. Our expectation is that the Auxiliary Board members, together with their assistants, will give special thought to how individual initiative can be cultivated, particularly as it relates to teaching. When training and encouragement are effective, a culture of growth is nourished in which the believers see their duty to teach as a natural consequence of having accepted Bahá’u’lláh. They "raise high the sacred torch of faith," as was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s wish, "labour ceaselessly, by day and by night," and "consecrate every fleeting moment of their lives to the diffusion of the divine fragrance and the exaltation of God's holy Word." So enkindled do their hearts become with the fire of the love of God that whoever approaches them feels its warmth. They strive to be channels of the spirit, pure of heart, selfless and humble, possessing certitude and the courage that stems from reliance on God. In such a culture, teaching is the dominating passion of the lives of the believers. Fear of failure finds no place. Mutual support, commitment to learning, and appreciation of diversity of action are the prevailing norms.

Systematic Programmes of Growth

During the coming months, you will be helping national communities, whose circumstances differ widely, to formulate plans for systematic growth. There are many countries where increased institutional capacity, particularly at the level of the region, now makes it possible to focus attention on smaller geographic areas. Most of these will consist of a cluster of villages and towns, but, sometimes, a large city and its suburbs may constitute an area of this kind. Among the factors that determine the boundaries of a cluster are culture, language, patterns of transport, infrastructure, and the social and economic life of the inhabitants. The areas into which a region divides will fall into various categories of development. Some will not yet be open to the Faith, while others will contain a few isolated localities and groups; in some, established communities will be gaining strength through a vigorous institute process; in a few, strong communities of deepened believers will be in a position to take on the challenges of systematic and accelerated expansion and consolidation.

Once the appropriate categories have been identified, national plans in these countries will need to make provision for the progressive opening of virgin areas through the settlement of homefront pioneers. Such goals can be met with relative ease if pioneers are experienced in institute programmes and are able to use their methods and materials in raising up a group of dedicated believers who can carry the work of the Faith forward in the area. Precious indeed will be the privilege of those who, in the remaining years of the first century of the Formative Age, place their trust in God and arise with fervour to take the lead in carrying the light of Divine guidance to every part [Page 4]of their countries. It is our hope that this call for homefront pioneers will generate great enthusiasm among the friends and open before their eyes a new vista of possibilities to serve the Faith.

According to this scheme, national plans will also need to include provision for the strengthening of other areas which, although open to the Faith, have yet to reach the level of development that prepares them for intensive activity. In those areas where strong communities with a corps of deepened believers exist, systematic programmes for the expansion and consolidation of the Faith should be established forthwith. We have already indicated that the International Teaching Centre has identified certain patterns of growth appropriate for relatively small geographical areas. Since then, it has analysed several pilot projects in various parts of the world, and its findings are highly encouraging. The lessons learned now provide a body of experience for the launching of programmes for systematic growth in area after area. As you consult on this matter with National Spiritual Assemblies and Regional Councils, you will want to keep the Teaching Centre informed.

It is important that national communities not rush into establishing intensive programmes in an area before conditions are propitious. These conditions include: a high level of enthusiasm among a sizeable group of devoted and capable believers who understand the prerequisites for sustainable growth and can take ownership of the programme; some basic experience on the part of a few communities in the cluster in holding classes for the spiritual education of children, devotional meetings, and the Nineteen Day Feast; the existence of a reasonable degree of administrative capacity in at least a few Local Spiritual Assemblies; the active involvement of several assistants to Auxiliary Board members in promoting community life; a pronounced spirit of collaboration among the various institutions working in the area; and above all, the strong presence of the training institute with a scheme of coordination that supports the systematic multiplication of study circles.

Programmes initiated in such areas should aim at fostering sustainable growth by building the necessary capacity at the levels of the individual, the institution, and the community. Far from requiring grandiose and elaborate plans, these programmes should focus on a few measures that have proven over the years to be indispensable to large-scale expansion and consolidation. Success will depend on the manner in which lines of action are integrated and on the attitude of learning that is adopted. The implementation of such a programme will require the close collaboration of the institute, the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, and an Area Teaching Committee. At the core of the programme must lie a sound and steady process of expansion, matched by an equally strong process of human resource development. A range of teaching efforts needs to be carried out, involving both activities undertaken by the individual and campaigns promoted by the institutions. As the number of believers in the area rises, a significant percentage should receive training from the institute, and their capabilities be directed towards the development of local communities.

Our message of 26 December 1995 delineating the features of the Four Year Plan made reference to the stages through which a community passes as it develops. The experience that has been gained in the ensuing years in working with communities at various stages will prove valuable to programmes of growth. One of the first steps in implementing the programme may well be a survey to determine the condition of each locality in the area. Among the initial goals for every community should be the establishment of study circles, children's classes, and devotional meetings, open to all the inhabitants of the locality. The observance of the Nineteen Day Feast has to be given due weight, and consistent effort should be made to strengthen the Local Spiritual Assemblies. Once communities are able to sustain the basic activities of Bahá’í life, a natural way to further their consolidation is to introduce small projects of social and economic development—for example, a literacy project, a project for the advancement of women or environmental preservation, or even a village school. As strength builds, the responsibility for an increasing number of lines of action is to be devolved onto the Local Spiritual Assemblies.

Throughout the endeavour, periodic meetings of consultation in the area need to reflect on issues, consider adjustments, and maintain enthusiasm and unity of thought. The best approach is to formulate plans for a few months at a time, beginning with one or two lines of action and gradually growing in complexity. Those who are actively involved in the implementation of plans, whether members of the institutions or not, should be encouraged to participate fully in the consultations. Other area-wide gatherings will also be necessary. Some of these will provide opportunity for the sharing of experience and further training. Others will focus on the use of the arts and the enrichment of culture. Together, such gatherings will support an intense process of action, consultation and learning.

The friends who participate in these intensive programmes of growth should bear in mind that the purpose is to ensure that the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh reaches the masses of humanity and enables them to achieve spiritual and material progress through the application of the Teachings. Vast numbers among the peoples of the world are ready, indeed yearn, for the bounties that Bahá’u’lláh alone can bestow upon them once they have committed themselves to building the new society He has envisioned. In learning to systematize their large-scale teaching work, Bahá’í communities are becoming better equipped to respond to this longing. They cannot withhold whatever effort, whatever sacrifice, may be called for.

A Spiritual Enterprise

Clearly, the scheme described here, while suitable to many national communities, cannot be applied in every situation. We count on the ability of the Bahá’í institutions to create plans which, if not reflecting the total scheme above, will incorporate elements of its vision, according to the circumstances of each national community. Bahá’í communities are, of course, engaged in a range of indispensable endeavours such as public information activity, proclamation efforts, external affairs work, production of literature, and complex social and economic development projects. Most certainly, as plans are devised, they will also address these challenges.

The nature of the planning process with which you will be helping the friends is in many ways unique. At its core it is a spiritual process in which communities and institutions strive to align their pursuits with the Will of God. The Major Plan of God is at work and the forces it generates impel humanity towards its destiny. In their own plans of action, the institutions of the Faith must seek to gain insight into the operation of these great forces, explore the potentialities of the people they serve, measure the resources and strengths of their communities, and take practical steps to enlist the unreserved participation of the believers. The nurturing of this process is the sacred mission entrusted to you. We have every confidence in your ability to achieve it. May Bahá’u’lláh bless and sustain you through His unfailing grace and mighty confirmations.

The Universal House of Justice

Message from the Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States, dated Jan. 25, 2001

Dear Friends,

The Continental Board of Counselors during its recent meeting in Haifa, in the Seat of the International Teaching Center and under the guidance and protection of the Universal House of Justice, consulted on the next phase of the process of entry by troops, and on how to effectively respond to the requirements of the forthcoming Five Year Plan, "the first in a series of Plans to be pursued until the Centenary of the Formative Age."

The Universal House of Justice has stated: "Fundamental to the work of the Counselors is the understanding that all members of the Continental Board bear responsibility for the entire continent and need to familiarize themselves, to the extent possible, with the conditions of the Cause in the countries therein."

The Board has decided that the Counselors for your immediate contact shall be Mr. Stephen Birkland, Mrs. Angelica Huerta, Mrs. Rebequa Murphy and Dr. Eugene Andrews. The direction of the work of the Auxiliary Board in your country as well as consultation on projects or needs that require the use of subvention funds shall be handled by the mentioned Counselors.

Through their National Spiritual Assembly, we invite all the friends in this region to join enthusiastically in a collaborative endeavor that will draw institutions, communities and individuals into a chain of mutually supportive "protagonists" of the current stage of the unfolding of the Divine Plan.

With our most loving Bahá’í greetings,

The Continental Board of Counselors for the Americas

New Counselors meet with Assembly

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly pose at the Hazírátu’l-Quds with members of the Continental Board of Counselors, during a February meeting involving both institutions. Counselors present are Stephen Birkland (left), Eugene Andrews (fourth from left), Rebequa Murphy (front, center), Angelica Huerta (fourth from right) and ‘Abdu’l-Missagh Ghadirian (third from right). [Page 5]

THE SECOND FRONT

Media and building communities National campaign inspires more Bahá’ís to systematize teaching locally BY THE NATIONAL TEACHING OFFICE

Bahá’í communities in increasing numbers are finding the link between the national media campaign and building the community infrastructure to connect with seekers—a systematic teaching and consolidation process that leads to unity.

In places such as San Antonio, Texas (see article, page 6), activity supporting a media campaign has also activated more individual teaching. Communities such as Euclid, Illinois, have also found success in calling all seekers who respond to media efforts, systematic mailing of local Bahá’í information and the Light of Unity seekers newsletter, and making "home visits" or offering to meet seekers at a neutral location such as a coffee shop or bookstore to discuss the Faith.

Reports are coming in about two campaigns evolving in the San Francisco Bay Area of California.

The San Mateo County task force is developing a media campaign in the Silicon Valley with a seeker response system, in tandem with plans to encourage fireside and other teaching methods, possible establishment of a "family school," and establishment of a Bahá’í center. Their program will begin with regional training institute-led Core Curriculum Teacher Training to ensure that the friends have the necessary tools to lovingly nurture seekers.

The National Teaching Committee encourages Local Spiritual Assemblies to assess the appropriateness of calling seekers who leave only an address on the 1-800-22-UNITE system. Only in a few reported cases have seekers responded negatively.

In San Francisco itself, the friends have been inspired to undertake a media campaign with their beautiful Bahá’í Center at the hub. All the infrastructure tools are in place, including the enthusiasm of Auxiliary Board member Marsha Gilpatrick and her assistants and the support of the Regional Bahá’í Council for the Western States. San Francisco has embarked on a 12-month campaign that features Bahá’í spots on cable stations CNN, MSNBC, Nick-at-Nite and other channels at reasonable cost.

Renewed campaigns are beginning in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Portland, Oregon; Des Moines, Iowa; Chico and Orange County, California; and Las Vegas, Nevada. New campaigns are developing in Lansing, Michigan; Rockville, Maryland; and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

New York; greater Chicago, Illinois; Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts; greater San Diego, California; Houston, Texas; St. Louis, Missouri; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, continue to receive seeker responses in large numbers.

Recent studies show that about one-sixth of new Bahá’ís were led to the Faith through media efforts. The incidence of seekers responding to a broadcast, going directly to a Bahá’í center or Bahá’í activity and declaring, is on the rise. Most important are the increase of individual initiative in teaching and a sense of urgency in unifying behind a broad range of community teaching efforts.

Other media campaign updates:

•Teaching materials. Three new video products have just been released or are in their final approval stages. Speaking of Gender, a program focusing on equality of women and men from a youth perspective, is available. A new video that addresses the station of Bahá’u’lláh, The Spiritual Road, and a video that speaks to the spiritual education of children, A Tiny Seed, are both in final draft stage and should be available soon.

•Future broadcasts. The National Teaching Committee is researching broadcasts on additional national cable outlets. MSNBC was utilized in the first quarter of 2001 to test the Bahá’í commercials on a national cable news network. The broadcasts appeared once a day over two weeks. An initial review of seeker response showed nearly 80 responses the first week and 140 the second week.

Those results are being closely studied. Most inquiries came from California and New York.

Welcome to sunny California? Bosch Bahá’í School is in a usually temperate area uphill from the Central California coast, but a Feb. 11 snowstorm—the area's biggest in 25 years—briefly interrupted power, phone lines and the general routine. "When you are located in an area that has only a dusting of snow every few years it is a big deal to get 4 or 5 inches," a Bosch employee said. Photo by Robert Ramirez

Kids step forward for the Kingdom

Here are two examples of young Bahá’ís helping the of God on earth with the Kids for the Kingdom campaign for the Kingdom Project:

Alexander Idabel, Oklahoma The 4-year-old in this town's only Bahá’í family has taken it upon himself to become a spiritual light of his family, according to his parents, Odie and Linda Lowe.

First, of course, comes learning the inspired word. And Alexander Badi Lowe evidently relishes his daily children's prayer asking for a "pure heart, like unto a pearl." He has not missed a day since he learned it, his parents say; he begins "sticking his arm out stiff as a board pointing east, then he very seriously sits in any direction holding his prayerbook upside down and recites his prayer."

Then when he's satisfied he has recited his "95 Alláh-u-Abhás" (nobody really counts), he makes sure his parents and sister have recited their prayers as well.

Alexander has included giving to the Fund quite naturally within his spiritual life. He delighted in filling his Kids for the Kingdom envelope with quarters "Now he can do something for Bahá’u’lláh!" And his fund-raising method? Well, what choices does a 4-year-old have? "He was quartering us to death until he filled it," his parents relate.

TAMY Amherst Township, New York Children in this Bahá’í community are enthused to be part of the Kids for the Kingdom project. Pictured, left to right, are (front row): Tray Peace and Munirih Peace, (middle row) Bayan Waseh, Anis Abedzadeh, Pantea Goshtasb and Sanaz Ardestani, (top row) Hamed Motamedi, Shayan Waseh, Khashyar Zare and Hooman Motamedi.

Enrollments 81 February 2001 1,146 Since May 1, 2000

THE FUND

May 1, 2000–January 31, 2001 Contributions received by National Treasurer (excluding Kingdom Project)

Goal for entire year: $27,000,000 Received since May 1, 2000: $13,380,307 50% of year's goal was met 75% of fiscal year has passed April 30, 2001

Total cash-basis revenues and expenditures for Bahá’í National Fund May 1, 2000–January 31, 2001 (excluding Kingdom Project)

Revenues: $17,591,406 (contributions, book sales, school fees etc.)

Expenditures: $19,497,955 (operations, capital and debt payments etc.)

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

Mail contributions to: National Bahá’í Fund 112 Linden Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091-2800 Please write Bahá’í ID # on check [Page 6]

One YEAR NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

GOAL: CARRY OUT THE NATIONAL TEACHING PLAN

Involve individuals, communities and institutions

• Encourage leadership and initiative among youth

PLAN 2000

Make training institutes fully operational

New video! OF speaking GENDER

This and all other videos for the media campaign are available to Bahá’ís nationwide.

Available local-use videos: You can order any of these videos from the Bahá’í Distribution Service (phone for $9.95 each or $48 for a set of all six.

To order any of these in a format to be broadcast on your local station, please contact U.S. Bahá’í Media Services (phone e-mail

• We Are One • I Am a Bahá’í • The Power of Race Unity • The Power of Prayer • La Fe Bahá’í-Latinos in the Bahá’í Faith • Family: Seeds of World Peace

Resources for local teaching on the Web!

www.usbnc.org Access www.usbnc.org with your Bahá’í ID number and click on "Media Campaign"

• The Light of Unity, issue 4: Downloadable newsletter for seekers; this issue focuses on physical and spiritual health. • Media campaign brochures. • A variety of teaching, training and fireside development materials. • Enrollment form for 1-800-22-UNITE seeker response system and tips for your community to make the most of it!

Heart-to-heart in Texas

New approach raises hope for steady growth

BY TOM MENNILLO

Systematic follow-up with seekers is paying off for the Bahá’ís of San Antonio, Texas.

Heart-to-heart connections have been made with dozens of people who had expressed an interest in the Faith by calling 1-800-22-UNITE. Several have joined the Bahá’í family as a result—and the process has been steady.

An initial burst of teaching in December inspired three seekers to declare their belief in Bahá’u’lláh. Three others were enrolled in January, and yet three more enrollments came in the first few weeks of February.

The community is optimistic about keeping up at least that pace.

Helping to spark the process is the realization that the national media campaign's phone seeker response system is making connections with people who really want to find out about the Bahá’í Faith.

"Even those who did not leave their phone numbers, and were therefore visited unannounced, were very comfortable with visits," said Larry Magee, local campaign coordinator. "After all, they had contacted the Bahá’ís first."

A good start, then acceleration

Before June 2000, seekers received literature and/or a phone call and were invited to a fireside. It was a good start, but San Antonio wanted to do more.

In the following months, core media campaign teachers were trained by the Aguila del Cielo Regional Training Institute. Seekers with phone numbers were called and seekers without phone numbers were sent from three to five personal mailings encouraging a call back.

Then, in late December, efforts ratcheted up another notch. With the help of a traveling teacher from West Virginia, Howard Menking, the core group began reaching out personally to media campaign contacts.

Working primarily with contacts that had been received as long as up to six months before, the core group called seekers with phone numbers and made appointments to visit them. Seekers who had not given their phone numbers also were visited. Numerous other people were taught over the phone.

By week's end, there were three declarations, and four seekers had come to at least one event at the Bahá’í Center. Sixteen seekers were designated "new best friends" people who have a strong interest in the Faith and want to be contacted further. Several had already stated that they feel they are Bahá’ís, so the approach was to shower them with love and attention and help them embrace the Cause.

Friends in San Antonio, Texas, pose on the steps of their newly acquired Bahá’í center, the focus of a number of activities in their teaching plan.

"Just the fact that we know the media campaign respondents are interested gives us the courage and audacity to embrace them as loving friends and to help them find Bahá’u’lláh." —Larry Magee

Connection from the heart

John Gaines, part of the core group, tells of a family the teachers encountered.

"We met a beautiful family—husband, wife and two young sons," he said. "As the husband and wife began to speak, I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. And as they talked further I realized that they already had the Bahá’í principles in their hearts. They just hadn't heard about Bahá’u’lláh yet.

"They remarked favorably about the literature and information sent, but since they hadn't seen a live Bahá’í they weren't quite sure that we truly existed as advertised," Gaines continued.

"The next day that family brought their kids to children's class—the type of spiritual and diverse training they were looking for—and three days later attended their first fireside and have been attending regularly ever since."

Gaines, a longtime San Antonio-area Bahá’í, said he welcomes the personal approach.

"I am one of many people that became attracted to Bahá’u’lláh from the heart," he said. "I didn't initially understand the Administrative Order or even the need to have a Local Spiritual Assembly. After I finally decided to read the words of Bahá’u’lláh, I knew immediately Who was speaking to me."

Follow-up steps

In the weeks after that first dynamic effort, the San Antonio community evaluated what had happened and made further plans.

Several observations were made:

1. The San Antonio community is very ready for this new teaching program. The community is very united and excited about its new Bahá’í Center. This initiative comes at just the right time.

2. Another dimension might need to be added to training institute courses—on-the-job training.

3. The fire for teaching not only lingers but is growing.

4. The combination of heart-to-heart teaching, persistent and loving follow-up, and hands-on management of the teachers seems to be working.

5. This type of teaching can be very freeing.

"I had been uncomfortable and skeptical about mass teaching and had had limited success in teaching friends and neighbors," Magee noted. "Just the fact that we know the media campaign respondents are interested gives us the courage and audacity to embrace them as loving friends and to help them find Bahá’u’lláh."

With these observations in hand, the San Antonio friends renewed their efforts. They arose to adopt their "new best friends." Several seekers began coming to meetings and Bahá’ís were assigned to them at a good pace.

Nine teachers are working in different capacities to follow up with the media campaign seekers.

Lynn Richards, who was given five contacts, served as pilot teacher for a new Web-based seeker contact system. After his calls and visits he would type in comments in each seeker's record, and anyone with access to the Internet and the password could review these notes. [Page 7]

Benton County, Oregon: Devotion and welcoming

An intercommunity program of Sunday morning public devotional activities, in its fifth year, has had cumulative attendance by more than 1,000 people, with the percentage of guests of the Bahá’ís ranging from 9% to 53%. "Over the years, the [organizing] committee and the community in general have gained skill in creating a welcoming environment for newcomers," said Lyn Martin, a member of the management team overseeing the effort.

The team establishes a year-long schedule of classes and programs that includes collective worship, adult classes, children's classes, monthly guest speakers and quarterly weekend programs composed of workshops, firesides and public meetings. Five neighboring Assemblies share expenses and host duties. The Day Star Bahá’í Choir, sponsored by the Linn County Spiritual Assembly, practices weekly for performances at holy days and public events. This year, the Corvallis Assembly's Children's Committee initiated its first 12-month schedule, including a well-received 10-week adult course, "Evolution of Human Spirituality." Various Sunday teachers are on hand to help newcomers with questions about the Bahá’í Faith.

Publicity has also bolstered the effort, as the quarterly guest programs have garnered increasing coverage in area newspapers. A lending library and at-cost book sales provide access to the Sacred Texts. A Web page for the Devotional Morning program offers information on the worship services and classes.

Regional Youth Activities

Youth from San Diego, California, and their counterparts from across Montana gather at last summer's Montana Youth Rendezvous. Under supervision of the Regional Bahá’í Council, the San Diego and Los Angeles communities have pledged to support Montana and Wyoming, respectively, with traveling teachers.

Austin, Texas: Ringing in the new millennium

The "Austin Millennium Project" was inaugurated in January with a two-day training and a nine-day teaching campaign, which drew nine new enrollees and at least 20 interested seekers.

Plans for the project have been drawn up to continue through 2001, with monthly teaching weekends and continuing collaboration with the Aguila del Cielo Regional Training Institute.

Northeastern Oklahoma: AMA Intercommunity vision

Inspired by the Ridván 157 message, the Spiritual Assembly of Sapulpa conceived and launched Project VIA (Vision in Action), in response to the goal to move the teaching and consolidation work to a new level of endeavor.

In close collaboration with the Auxiliary Board members and the Oklahoma Regional Training Institute, a phased approach was crafted for the area. It involves teaching teams, establishing regular firesides and devotional gatherings, and special events such as a gala Ayyam-i-Há party that was planned to involve Bahá’ís from at least 20 localities.

Texas Teaching Database

That list has grown to a database of about 40 people contacted, each with a detailed record of contacts. Several teachers have begun using the database—which simplifies the task of assigning a teacher to a new seeker.

A sample record: Here's a sample of one of the records in the database. The teacher is Meredith Norwood:

• 01.12.01: seeker called 800-22-UNITE
• 01.13.01: first letter sent
• 01.17.01: second letter sent
• 01.19.01: sent coupon (should have gone w/ letter #2)
• 01.19.01: received a message that seeker had called
• 01.20.01 called seeker [This entry goes on to describe the conversation, with Norwood learning that the man knew Bahá’ís in the 1970s, then left the city and recently returned. It also said he is looking to do volunteer work and that he'd like a prayer book to replace one given to him long ago.]
• 01.27.01: spoke w/ seeker about running by his home to deliver a prayer book. He was only going to be at home for a few more minutes. We dropped the book and a pamphlet (the one on prayer) off in his mailbox.
• 01.29.01: seeker called to say thank you for the prayer book.
• NEXT: meet at fireside.

To Norwood, the entire process has been made easier by the knowledge that these are waiting souls. "Their initial interest helps eliminate any fear on our part of possibly being intrusive," she said. "After all, they contacted us. What I am especially grateful for in this effort is the impetus provided by National's airing of the videos.

"This means that instead of having to 'beat the bushes,' so to speak, there is a ready pool of people whom we know have already heard and been drawn to some aspect of the Faith," Norwood said. "It's a pleasure to seek them out and get to know them, their interests, their hearts, what matters to them."

San Antonio: Teaching Method

The method of reaching seekers being used in San Antonio has several components:

• Phone calls. "Previously we were timid to call a seeker back if he hadn't returned our call," said Larry Magee, campaign coordinator. This time, though, they kept trying, even as much as four to five days in a row, until they made connections. "None of the seekers minded getting these repeat calls. These people have reached out to us and want to be convinced that the Faith is the answer they have been looking for."

• Visits. "By demonstrating extreme courtesy to seekers visited, we were able to have many long, wonderful firesides with these contacts," said Magee.

• Approach. "Seekers were told that we were following up on the many calls we've received in San Antonio. We said we were looking for people who were Bahá’ís," said Magee. Teachers explained some of the basic Bahá’í teachings. If they agreed, they were told they were welcome to join the Bahá’í family. The process of loving and guiding the seekers to the Cause has continued from there.

• Heart to heart. Howard Menking, the visiting teacher, encouraged the community to teach "with tremendous enthusiasm and engage the heart of the seeker rather than the mind," said Magee, "He uses stories and analogies to bring points alike and always asks how the seeker feels about what he or she has heard."

• Vision. Contacts "have asked for information, hoping that this could be what they've been looking for. We arrive to let them know that their hopes have been fulfilled," said Magee.

• Meeting the seeker's needs. A few people told the teachers they read the information and didn't need to know anything more. They were bidden "Happy Holidays" and left to themselves. These will be put on an infrequent mailing list. All the rest were invited to become Bahá’ís. "We will continue to lovingly, urgently and enthusiastically teach all those who have not told us to stop," said Magee.

• Determination. The San Antonio friends took another lesson in perseverance on days when results appeared to elude the teachers; Menking "would say it has gotten so dark that Bahá’u’lláh just has to shine His light on our efforts. Then, at the end of the disappointing day, the teachers would be led to the most receptive, wonderful souls. These meetings had a miraculous feel to them."

• Bonus. The act of being enkindled by arising to teach led the Bahá’ís to other receptive souls who now know that they are Bahá’ís and will be lovingly guided to the Cause.

Systematization

"The above record is a good example of how we're trying to follow up with everyone," said Magee.

The teacher is organized and follows a system of sending cards and information to encourage the seeker to give his phone number. The cards and calls to the seeker are to establish a personal bond of friendship. "Notice how much the teacher learned on the first phone call," said Magee. "With each call, the teacher can learn more about the seeker and have more things to talk to him about. The teacher refers back to the personal things learned—how are the grandkids, etc.—to strengthen the bond of friendship."

He added that the teachers adopt the attitude that unless told otherwise, they should consider the seekers already to be Bahá’ís. "Our job is to befriend them, let them know they are Bahá’ís, welcome them into the community, enroll them, and continue follow-up. We are trying to make this a 'heart to heart' process," said Magee.

More news on priorities of our national One Year Plan

• Kingdom Project/pages 20-21
• Kid's Corner/page 22
• Youth/page 23
• Material means/page 28
• Training institutes/page 29
• Arising to travel for the Cause/page 30
• Bahá’í education/page 31

[Page 8]

CONFERENCE

your registration, the better; fees will go up after May 1. Only those age 18 or older may register as individuals. Participants age 17 or younger must be registered with a parent, or be sponsored with consent of parent(s). Because this event is open to anyone, money from the fees will be used only for conference materials and operating costs. Main conference centers will be the U.S. Cellular Arena and the Milwaukee Auditorium in downtown Milwaukee.

Here is how the four-day event is planned:

The conference will begin at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 28, on the theme "Welcome Home!" The coffeehouse and bookstore, both undoubtedly to be special places for meeting and getting to know one another, will be open several hours before the main gathering begins. The conference will gain its strongest rhythm Friday, June 29—with a theme of "What is 'Building the Kingdom of God?'"—and Saturday, June 30 themed "What is my role in 'Building the Kingdom of God?'"

On both those days, a relatively brief main session will be surrounded by workshops and presentations for all ages, exploring elements to advance the process of entry by troops such as Bahá’í community development, training institutes and moral development through family. The conference will also highlight arts and entertainment, family activities, and late-night sessions for youth and young adults.

Sunday, July 1, will send participants off with a main session on "Our Spiritual Mission." For those who want to keep up the conversations on focusing and using the ideas they've gained from each other, the coffeehouse and bookstore will be open for three hours after the formal conference closing at noon.

Conference planners anticipate anywhere from 8,000 to 12,000 people will be gathered for this momentous occasion. Be sure to register soon! ♦

NO CALL WILL GO UNANSWERED

What are the purposes of the Bahá’í National Conference?

• To launch the Five Year Plan.
• To help foster a learning community through sharing of ideas and action.
• To instill hope, joy and confidence in the hearts.
• To explore ways of integrating our various roles in life.
• To help consecrate the friends to the concept of "building the Kingdom" in all aspects.

Special programs will be offered for children, youth, junior youth and young professionals. Seekers welcome!

For more information, please visit the conference Web site: www.kingdomconference.org Phone:

CONFERENCE UPDATES

Pitch in a little time! If you would like to contribute a few hours to help create a warm and welcoming conference, please indicate this on your registration form. Volunteers are needed as members of welcoming teams, coffee shop helpers, ushers and in a variety of other roles. Volunteers will be assigned to three-hour shifts.

Do you have extra needs? The conference will work to accommodate people needing various types of special assistance. When registering, please indicate if you will require wheelchair access, language translation, hearing impaired equipment, sign language interpretation or any other special needs—please be specific!

Financial assistance Any Local Spiritual Assembly wishing to offer scholarships to help Bahá’ís attend the conference may send a contribution to the National Bahá’í Fund and earmark it "Building the Kingdom Conference." The appropriate coordinator will contact you.

Note: The Kingdom Project is a separate effort, coordinated by the national Treasurer's Office. See pages 20-21. ♦

TEMPLE

selves and their experience at the House of Worship. Visitors were allowed to offer their impressions of the Bahá’í Faith, provide basic demographic information, and comment on informational materials.

A total of 723 non-Bahá’ís took the survey on one of two open computer stations in the Visitors' Center. The survey was conducted August through October 2000.

A special place Asked what attracted them to visit the House of Worship, almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents cited the architecture and more than a third (35%) mentioned the gardens.

"People come for the beauty and the peace of the Temple and its surroundings," Barrett said. "Our guides hear comments like that every day, and visitors often write such comments in the guest registry."

Almost a third (29%) said that a primary motivation was to learn about the Bahá’í Faith. This translates to tens of thousands of visitors per year whose motivation includes learning about the Faith.

The great majority of visitors indicate they had positive experiences at the Temple. More than three-quarters (76%) said the architecture contributed to the overall satisfaction of the visit, more than two-thirds mentioned the garden, and 60% cited the spiritual atmosphere.

Exposure to information about the Bahá’í Faith prior to a visit also contributes significantly to overall satisfaction with the visit. More than half of visitors (51%) had heard of the Bahá’í Faith before their visit. Those who had previously heard of the Bahá’í Faith were more likely than those who had not to describe their visit as "satisfying" (85% vs. 68%).

The vast majority of visitors also are likely to agree the setting is peaceful (81%), they are drawn to the beauty of the surroundings (79%), this is a welcoming environment (77%), this is a spiritual environment (76%), and it makes them feel good to be there (73%).

Impressions of the Bahá’í Faith When asked how well they agree with various statements about the Bahá’í Faith, most survey respondents agreed that the Faith has positive spiritual values and attractive ideals. The majority also agreed that the Faith is a worldwide fellowship of believers (58%), and is a good religion (53%). Fewer visitors agreed the Faith is a cult (25%), made them nervous (22%), or should be avoided (18%).

The age of the visitor also seems to affect overall impressions of the Bahá’í Faith. The younger the visitor, the more positive the impression. sla

Why they visited, why they enjoyed it

Some results from the three-month survey of visitors at the Bahá’í House of Worship (in percentages of non-Bahá’í visitors who responded to each inquiry):

Why did visitors want to visit the House of Worship?

• Architecture: 62%
• Gardens: 35%
• To learn about the Faith: 29%
• Other: 19%
• Don't know: 15%
• Private devotion/meditation: 14%
• Devotional services: 8%
• Bookstore: 7%
• Holy Day activity or other event: 5%

What contributed to overall satisfaction with the visit?

• Architecture: 76%
• Gardens: 69%
• Spiritual atmosphere: 60%
• Displays at the Visitors' Center: 55%
• Courtesy of the staff: 54%
• Films and slide program: 39%
• Devotional program: 37%

Source: Survey August October 2000, commissioned by the National Teaching Committee

Profile of visitors

Visitors at the House of Worship represent a broad cross-section of the population. The survey revealed the following statistics about those who took it:

• 38% are Christian, 21% have no religious affiliation, 12% are Hindu, 6% are Muslim, 5% are Jewish, and 3% are Buddhist.
• 56% are male.
• Average age is 33.
• 67% are U.S. residents.

These and other data from the survey will help the National Spiritual Assembly understand better how to serve the interests of those who visit the House of Worship. This information will be particularly valuable in designing the new Visitors' Center, a goal of the Kingdom Project. ♦

Rebecca W. Ellison serves as research coordinator for the National Teaching Committee Office.

Teaching team

Though the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, has been extolled as a "silent teacher," it's really the captain of a team with hundreds of members—guides, ushers, garden teachers, speakers/readers, musicians/singers, hospitality volunteers and others to bolster the work of a few paid staffers.

Here are some statistics drawn from the 2000 House of Worship operations report, compiled from daily activity logs:

Last year, guides and staff conducted 325 tours of the Temple. Of those, 173 were unscheduled and involved an average of 43 people each; the 152 scheduled tours averaged 152 people.

Weekend garden teachers during warm-weather months greeted 3,319 people. (Members of the Public Safety staff greet thousands of after-hours visitors throughout the year.)

Visitors filled out 150 interest cards; these are being entered into the national seeker response system.

Seventeen people declared their belief in Bahá’u’lláh.

Attendance at regular daily and Sunday devotional programs totaled 10,462.

About one-fifth of other public events at the Temple were youth- and/or family-oriented. Including Story Fests, youth conferences, race unity meetings and Holy Day observances with child-friendly activities, they tended to have higher attendance than events aimed mainly at adults.

Thirty weddings were held in the Temple gardens or in Foundation Hall.

The number of person-hours served by volunteers totaled 12,893, including more than 5,000 hours by guides (greeting the public, ushering, etc.) and nearly 3,300 hours by members of the Bahá’í House of Worship Choir and other musicians. ♦ [Page 9]

The Institution of the Counsellors

A Document Prepared by the Universal House of Justice SC, $4.95 (IC)

This digest will increase the friends’ understanding of the responsibilities of the Counsellors and their auxiliaries and the workings of the Administrative Order. It includes an overview of the components of the institution and their duties, and statements addressing aspects of its functioning. 6" x 9", 48 pp.

Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb Commemorative Stamp and Leaf

created by the Philatelic Service Department of the Israel Postal Authority $4.00 (TSTAMP)

In recognition of the completion of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb, the Philatelic Service Department of the Israel Postal Authority has issued a commemorative stamp and leaf which includes a description of the Shrine of the Báb and Terraces written in English. Although the stamp itself will be released in April the commemorative stamp and leaf souvenir will not be available until May 15. It should arrive at your Bahá’í Distribution Service in the middle of June 2001. However, advance orders are now being accepted. The souvenir leaves will be printed only once. Place your order now to assure your receipt of this historic collector’s item.

The Three Great Spiritual Crusades of Shoghi Effendi

Ruth Katharine Meyer SC $7.95 (3GSC) Limited quantity available

This historical treatise conveys the drama, joy and pathos accompanying the introduction of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh to the peoples of South America. It is an account of Shoghi Effendi’s spiritual crusades for South America and the early struggles and successes during the author’s time on the continent. 6" x 8 1/4", 202 pp., introduction, references

The Half-Inch Prophecy

William Sears SC $6.00 (HIP)

“The Prophecy that shook the World!” This is how William Sears describes the subject of this amazing story of the fulfillment of a single half-inch-long Bible prophecy: “In that day also he shall come even to thee from As-syr’i-a and from the fortified cities, and from the fortress even to the river, and from the sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain.” (Verse 12, Chapter 7, The Book of Micah). Very different in its approach to the Bible from Mr. Sears’ widely read Thief in the Night, this is an exciting read in his easy style. 4 3/4" x 7 1/4", 156 pp., prologue, references, bibliography

Bahá’í Faith (teaching booklet)

prepared by Hidáyatu’lláh ‎Ahmad’yyib Ahmadiyyih‎

$2.50 (BFTB)	$2.25 each 2 copies
$2.00 each 3-5 copies	$1.75 each 10-24 copies
$1.50 each 25-99 copies	$1.35 each 100+ copies

An attractive, primarily visual introduction to the Faith. Its warmth, simplicity and beautiful full-color photographs make an unforgettable impression on seekers. Perfect for mass-teaching efforts. 8 1/2" x 11", 30 pp., photographs

BACK IN PRINT!

The Priceless Pearl

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum HC, $29.95 (PPHC) SC, $18.95 (PP)

This is a wonderful new printing of the biography of the beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. Work was initiated some months before Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum’s passing. She was very happy that this book would again be available to the friends—particularly the new generation of believers—to inspire and stimulate them with its definitive account of the life of their Guardian and his 36-year ministry as the Head of the Cause of God. The new edition, designed by Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum herself, is illustrated with 75 photographs, comprising those in the first edition and those in the 1988 book The Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith.

Children’s Books

A Prayer for Fluffy

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

On his birthday, Colby names his new kitten Fluffy because she is the softest, fluffiest thing he has ever held. When Fluffy disappears, Colby’s mother eases his sadness by helping him pray for Fluffy’s safety. The next day, Colby discovers that God often answers our prayers in unexpected ways. An excellent story for demonstrating to children the unique power and wisdom of prayer. 9 1/4" x 7 1/4", 45 pp., illustrations

Children’s Stories from the Dawn-Breakers

story by Zoe Meyer / illustrated by Winifred Barnum-Newman $19.95 SC (CSFDB)

This richly illustrated edition of 30 exciting, ageless stories tells of the amazing events surrounding the birth of the Bahá’í Faith from 1844–1850. Children of all ages will enjoy these tales of the heroes and heroines who gave their lives for what they believed in. Adapted from Nabíl’s The Dawn-Breakers [$29.95 HC (DB)], the stories are perfect for reading aloud and convey a sense of the rich and dramatic spiritual heritage of all who call themselves Bahá’ís today. Includes a glossary of symbols found in the illustrations. 9" x 7", 156 pp.

In Grandfather’s Barn

William Sears $8.95 (IGB)

Written from the perspective of a young boy named William who lives in Green Valley, Minnesota, during the 1920s, In Grandfather’s Barn is a humorous novel that recounts his adventures and misadventures growing up. Living in a small town is not always easy, but it can be the source of many hilarious lessons about life, as this story shows. Through the humorous ordeals that shape his young life—his great crush on the beautiful Angela Raffodil; his first confession at church with Father O’Malley; his befriending Jerry Haller, the only black boy in town; and more—we always find him resolving the perplexities of life in Grandfather’s barn. Relying on the practical, no-nonsense advice of his facetious grandfather who helps him see through others’ pretenses, William begins to understand what it really means to live an upstanding life with compassion for others. 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", 96 pp.

A Story of Peace

For the Children of God story by Kiser Barnes / illustrated by ‎Fabimeh Fahimeh‎ Meidani-Sliney SC $9.95 (ASP)

This book for youth and pre-youth offers a powerful story about the journey from childhood into adulthood. Join 15-year-old Kwame as he journeys from his home on the island nation of Gardenia to distant lands to mark his transition into adulthood by spreading the joyful news of The Promise of World Peace. 6" x 9", 132 pp. [Page 10]

New from Bahá’í Distribution Service

The Bahá’í Faith 50 Years in Singapore Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Singapore SC $3.00 (BFSING)

The year 2000 marked the golden anniversary of the arrival of the Bahá’í Faith in Singapore. This commemorative book documents the history, achievements and contributions of the Bahá’í community during the past 50 years. Among these were the championing of women’s rights, fostering of interfaith cooperation and understanding, promotion of environmental ethics and advancement of moral education for children. Includes numerous historical and contemporary photos. 6½" x 9¼", 48 pp.

Investigate Bahá’u’lláh J. Peter Smith SC $2.50 (IBS)

Author J. Peter Smith presents and answers 36 questions designed to allow anyone to easily investigate the life and station of Bahá’u’lláh. A perfect introduction to the Bahá’í faith, Investigate Bahá’u’lláh is an excellent resource for easily discussing and teaching the Bahá’í Faith with people of other religious denominations. 5½" x 8½", 20 pp.

Safíniy-i ‘Irfán (Persian) Studies in Bahá’í Sacred Texts, Book Three ‘Asr-i Jadíd Publishers SC $18.50 (PIRFAN3)

Published in Persian, Safíniy-i ‘Irfán is a collection of studies on the Bahá’í writings, particularly papers presented at the ‘Irfán Colloquia. Includes some previously unpublished Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh; the Tablet revealed in honor of Mullá ‘Abdu’l-Rahím; notes from the Adrianople Period; description of the Word of God in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh; observations on the revelation of Laws and Ordinances; study of the contents of the Tā’íyyih and Várqá’íyyih Odes; a tour of the Four Valleys; a review of the Tablet to the King of Persia; the Book of Badí‘; and a brief review of the writings of the Supreme Pen. 6½" x 9½", 218 pp.

Logos and Civilization Spirit, History, and Order in the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh Nader Saiedi SC $23.95 (LC)

In this groundbreaking study, Nader Saiedi addresses key controversies in the current academic literature about Bahá’u’lláh’s writings. The author approaches the subject from sociological, historical, philosophical, spiritual and theological perspectives and draws on the vast body of previously untranslated original Persian and Arabic texts. “I know of no other work offering as penetrating an insight into some of Bahá’u’lláh’s writings such as the Kitáb-i-Íqán, Sahífiy-i-Shattíyyih (Book of the River), and the Kitáb-i-Badí‘, the latter two being almost totally unknown in the West.”—Heshmat Moayyad, professor of Persian language and literature, University of Chicago 6" x 9¼", 408 pp., introduction, index, references

Shirin Fozdar: Asia’s Foremost Feminist Rose Ong HC $25.95 (SHFO)

Shirin Fozdar was instrumental in the establishment of the Local Spiritual Assembly of Singapore in 1952. A pioneer with her husband, Dr. Khodadad Fozdar, in Singapore beginning in 1950, Mrs. Fozdar formed the Singapore Council of Women and served as its secretary-general until the Women’s Charter of 1961 became law. Mrs. Fozdar also founded the Santitham Vidhayakhom School in Yasothon town in northeastern Thailand, which became the largest co-educational institution in the province. Presenting vignettes of her life, this book will serve to further inspire future generations of Bahá’ís and others in Singapore and around the world. 7½" x 10", 94 pp.

Spanish Titles

La Fe Bahá’í (Spanish, four-color, quarter-fold pamphlet) 10 Pack $3.00 (SLFB10) This is a beautiful, four-color introduction to the Bahá’í Faith printed in Spanish. Available in packs of 10. 8½" x 3⅔"

La Fe Bahá’í (Spanish, two-color, tri-fold pamphlet) ‎10 Pack 25 Pack‎ $1.95 (SLFB25) This two-color introduction to the Bahá’í Faith is printed in Spanish and is perfect for giving to seekers. Available in packs of 25. 6¾" x 3¼"

La Fe Bahá’í Y Su Comunidad Mundial (Spanish, full-size, two-color, tri-fold pamphlet) 10 Pack 1, $4.00 2–4, $3.50 5+, $3.25 (SFBM10) This pamphlet is the Spanish edition of “The Bahá’í Faith and its World Community.” Available in packs of 10. 8½" x 3⅔"

Oraciones Bahá’ís (Spanish) Selección de Oraciones Reveladas por el Báb, Bahá’u’lláh y ‘Abdu’l-Bahá SC $2.95 (SOBP) Pocket-size Spanish collection of prayers revealed by the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Contains obligatory prayers, general prayers and occasional prayers. 4¼" x 5½", 68 pp.

Oraciones Bahá’ís (Spanish) Selección de Oraciones Reveladas por el Báb, Bahá’u’lláh y ‘Abdu’l-Bahá HC $4.95 (SOBMED) Paperback Spanish collection of prayers revealed by the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Contains obligatory prayers, general prayers and occasional prayers. 4¼" x 6½", 190 pp., thematically arranged index

Oraciones Bahá’ís (Spanish) Selección de Oraciones Reveladas por el Báb, Bahá’u’lláh y ‘Abdu’l-Bahá HC $9.50 (SOBG) Handsome Spanish collection of prayers revealed by the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Contains obligatory prayers, general prayers and occasional prayers. 4½" x 6½", 324 pp., thematically arranged index

Khadíjih Bagum (Persian) Hasan M. Balyuzi translated by Dr. Minu Sabet SC $3.00 (PKB) This concise booklet published in Persian by Images International tells the compelling story of Khadíjih Bagum, wife of the Báb. 5¼" x 8½", 20 pp.

Bahá’í Holy Day Cards Harriette Robinson $10.00/8 pk. (BHDC) Greeting cards made using papier collé and monotype processes to produce striking designs based on Japanese crest symbols. Inserts with quotations from the Bahá’í writings are enclosed, making the cards appropriate for Ayyám-i-Há, Naw-Rúz, Ridván and other holy days. 4¼" x 5½", 8 cards, 8 envelopes, 12 inserts [Page 11]

Multimedia

A Woman and Her Words Songs of Táhirih Tadia, music by Ellis Hall $16.99 CD (WHWCD)

This CD brings to life the true story of a 19th-century legend. This remarkable theatrical music drama chronicles the life of Táhirih, the great Persian poet and legal scholar who became known as the “Joan of Arc of the Eastern world.” The lush musical soundtrack and songs were adapted from Táhirih’s poems, written in her native Persia over 150 years ago and only recently translated into English. “Absolutely sensational! Powerful and sensitive! Táhirih’s heroic story makes important points about the ever-present challenge of the relationship between men and women. From suffering to serenity, from victim to victory, it is Táhirih’s ultimate triumph that leaves the audience feeling empowered.” —ContinuuM Magazine Total time: 74 minutes

Solace of the Eyes The Story of Táhirih Tadia, music by M.S. Rice and Ellis Hall $14.99 CD (SOECD)

With a distinct style, Tadia’s voice delivers the poetry of Táhirih with a strong personality and a mystical quality that shines with a glow which matches Táhirih’s reputation as the most beautiful woman of Persia. Powerfully controlled, Tadia is a master of vocal color and texture as she weaves melodic expressions and sweet sensuality that can only be described as a silky velvet wrapped in satin. “Entrancing, commanding, extraordinary, passionate, mystical, outstanding, unforgettable! Powerful poetry sung beautifully!” —ContinuuM Magazine Total time: 41:45 minutes

From My Heart Farzad Khozein $15.00 (FMHCD)

The selections on this CD are an exquisite mixture of Eastern, Western and classical music styles. Entirely instrumental, it is appropriate as background music for Feast and Holy Day observances. This relaxing, uplifting collection includes original compositions and modified Persian folkloric interpretations. Total time: 46:30 minutes, 10 tracks

Splendor Anthony Appolito $15.95 (SCD)

Inspired by Bahá’í writings, Splendor delivers nine soul-stirring original guitar recordings combining marvelous classical and folk guitar artistry with just the right touch of light orchestral accompaniment. This CD is wonderful for Feasts, Holy Days, and gift-giving. Includes a 20-page booklet featuring select Bahá’í writings. Total time: 31:36 minutes, 9 tracks

Mystical Realities: The Báb and Quddús, Series 2 Inspiring Stories of The Báb’s Revelation A Minnesota Bahá’í Institute Recording $16.00 (MR2BQCD)

Set to beautiful Persian music, this CD conveys the history and mystical realities of the Bahá’í Faith. With historical documentation, it depicts similarities between the lives of early Christians and those of the Bábís. This magnificent story tells of a Manifestation of God (the Báb) who appeared in 1844. The actual events of these mystical realities will stir your heart and lift your soul. Total time: 69:21 minutes

Kitáb-i-Ahd: Book of the Covenant A Class at Bosch Bahá’í School with Derek Cockshut Video $19.95 (EKAN) Cassette $6.95 (KACS)

Bahá’í historian Derek Cockshut covers the Kitáb-i-Ahd (translated from Arabic as “Book of the Covenant”)—the Will and Testament of Bahá’u’lláh. This Tablet is one of the most important documents revealed by Bahá’u’lláh and is unique in religious history. In this study class from the Bosch Bahá’í School in California, Cockshut explains the historical and religious background and some of the implications and significance of this document. Total time: 61 minutes

Will & Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá A Class at Bosch Bahá’í School with Derek Cockshut Set of 2 Videos $39.95 (EWTABN) Set of 3 cassettes $19.95 (WTABCS)

In this study class from Bosch Bahá’í School in California, Bahá’í historian Derek Cockshut goes through ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Will and Testament paragraph by paragraph, explaining historical and religious background, and some of the implications and significance of the document. Every student of the Bahá’í Faith will find this study class informative and invaluable. Total time: 192 minutes

Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum, 1910–2000 $7.95 (EABRKN)

This is the commemorative video of the funeral ceremony at the Bahá’í World Center in Haifa for Amatu’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum Rabbání—daughter of May and Sutherland Maxwell, who became the wife of Shoghi Effendi in 1937 and was appointed a Hand of the Cause of God in 1952. Produced by Bahá’í Media Services. Total time: 17 minutes

Dear Friends, please note that the Bahá’í Distribution Service will be closed for inventory Monday, April 30, through Friday, May 4. We look forward to serving you again beginning Monday, May 7. Thank you!

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Regional schools foster a Bahá’í culture

BY TOM MENNILLO

As Bahá’ís of all ages eagerly plan to attend a regional summer school, the school committees are planning to make their experience a special one.

Regional and permanent schools have been given “Establishing New Bases for Human Happiness” as a theme for the year.

The title is drawn from a passage in The Secret of Divine Civilization by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

That work, which provides a blueprint for applying Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings to spiritualize the life of individuals, families, communities and institutions, is one of two the National Spiritual Assembly wants American Bahá’ís to focus on this year.

The other is the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, revealed by Bahá’u’lláh to give us a deeper understanding, noted Shoghi Effendi in releasing his translation, of the verities on which effective prosecution of our teaching and administrative undertakings ultimately depend.

In setting the annual theme, the Education and Schools Office at the Bahá’í National Center has provided regional school committees with materials and ideas they can use in sessions for children, junior youth, youth and adults.

The process schools go through to further a Bahá’í culture of family, community and service can be illustrated in the work of the Iowa, South Carolina, and Colorado East committees.

ONE Family ONE Community MANY paths to service One YEAR PLAN 2000

In devising our national One Year Plan for 2000–2001, the National Spiritual Assembly made clear that community-building is a high priority, with emphasis on involving youth, junior youth and children, and fostering spiritual distinction among Bahá’í individuals, families and communities.

In this special section, The American Bahá’í focuses on three currents in our communities’ efforts toward those ends: Bahá’í education, as exemplified by regional schools; mentoring, a way of sharing knowledge and inspiration across age groups; and views of family that encompass what many consider “non-traditional.”

Iowa

This is a year of tests for the Iowa schools committee.

Winter school was canceled when an ice storm made travel dangerous.

And because summer school will be shorter than usual, the “village concept” so popular with attendees will not be incorporated into this year’s curriculum.

But planning goes on.

Committee member Jeanne Barzydlo said a conscious effort is made to promote a culture of Bahá’í family, community and service:

• Every year scholarships are increased so more families and individuals who don’t have ready funds can attend and families can attend together.
• A meeting place and snacks are provided during free time in the evenings to promote gathering and sharing among the friends.
• Families work together on preparations for schools, and groups of believers are encouraged to collaborate on children’s classes, the welcoming committee, refreshments at registration, and many other activities.
• Friends who attend help with preparations for the next school—not always the same people, so everyone has the bounty of serving, building human resources and pride of accomplishment.
• Job descriptions of responsibilities for the friends participating in the planning are written down, so that expectations are clear and the sense of united effort and success is increased.

“I think that we build into our thinking, as a committee, these permanent goals,” said committee secretary Diane Findlay.

“We are very much a community as a committee. We love each other, deepen and pray together, and look forward to our daylong monthly meetings,” Findlay said, adding that the unity generated in their “lively” consultation shapes the spirit and structure of the school.

For example, community-building activities add to the fun while subtly injecting purpose into the students’ free time.

One year, Findlay said, “we had sheets with a series of tasks to perform for points, involving acts of faith, love and service. At another school, we practiced ‘catching’ each other enacting virtues, and gave not only ‘reward’ stickers but also a sheet of stickers for the ‘caught’ person to turn around and look for virtues in action in others.”

Then there’s the summer school variety show—“I think we’d have mutiny if we didn’t do it!” Findlay said. “The rousing support for everything from the efforts of a first-grade Suzuki violin student to the Cedar Rapids Bahá’í Choir encourage lots of willing participation.”

Other unifying efforts include planned intergenerational recreation, service projects for the host school or community, and encouragement of families to serve the school as a group “as snack coordinators, devotions coordinators, etc.,” she said.

“We have board games out during social times, to encourage ‘knitting the social fabric,’ and our research library person is good at placing subtle little research challenges around the school to

Above: Youths at the winter 2000 Iowa Bahá’í School warm a cold night by making—and eating—S’mores. Right: Bahá’ís remember Edna Wilson with a display at the 1999 Iowa winter school.

Here are dates, places and contact information for most regional Bahá’í schools during the next few months. See the back page for more details on schools scheduled for May and early June; a complete schedule of late spring and summer schools is to be published in the April 28 issue of The American Bahá’í.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, JUNE 21–24 Yucaipa, CA.

COLORADO EAST, AUG. 8–12 Woodland Park, CO.

FLORIDA, JULY 6–9 Melbourne, FL.

GEORGIA, MAY 25–28 Hampton, GA. See back page.

ILLINOIS “HEARTLAND,” ‎JULY 31–19 JULY 31–AUG. 4‎ Peoria, IL.

IOWA, JULY 20–22 Newton, IA.

KANSAS, MAY 4–6 Near Herington, KS. See back page.

KENTUCKY, AUG. 31–SEPT. 3 Faubush, KY.

MARYLAND “DAYSPRING,” AUG. 2–5 Frostburg, MD.

MISSISSIPPI, JUNE 1–3 Canton, MS. See back page.

MONTANA “JOHN H. WILCOTT,” JULY 29–AUG. 3 Near Livingston, MT.

NEW MEXICO “FOUR CORNERS,” JULY 11–15 Near Gallup, NM.

NORTH CAROLINA, AUG. 24–26 Browns Summit, NC.

NEW SCHOOL: OHIO, DATES PENDING This school is newly approved by the National Spiritual Assembly, and is the successor to “Kamp Kalimát,” which was held in July 2000 and drew 121 participants from five states. Watch for more news!

EASTERN OREGON, JULY 27–30 Near Sisters, OR.

OKLAHOMA, MAY 4–6 Near Stillwater, OK. See back page.

SOUTH CAROLINA, JULY 6–12 Rock Hill, SC.

TENNESSEE BAHÁ’Í INSTITUTE, AUG. 31–SEPT. 3 Monteagle, TN.

TEXAS, AUG. 31–SEPT. 3 Bruceville, TX.

VIRGINIA (WEST) “HEMLOCK HAVEN,” JUNE 15–17 Near Marion, VA. See back page.

WASHINGTON “TINY SEED,” JULY 27–AUG. 1 McKenna, WA.

EASTERN WASHINGTON/NORTH IDAHO “SHELTERING BRANCH,” JUNE 30–JULY 6 Southwest of Pomeroy, WA.

UTAH, MAY 25–28 Near Zion National Park, UT. See back page.

WISCONSIN “MARIAN STEFFES,” JULY 16–20 Brownsville, WI. [Page 13]invite participants to seek information or solve riddles together.”

On the other hand, a “youth lounge” is usually designated so students in that age range can hang out together during free time.

Sometimes the friends are assigned “homework”—perhaps a prayer campaign or a study program—to maintain the school’s effectiveness and keep students in touch with each other between sessions.

And the villages concept?

Amy Lugsch, whom Findlay calls the “mom” of the summer school’s evolving use of villages, explained.

“Participants sign up for villages based on shared interests: i.e. scholarship, history, other religions etc.

“Each village meets daily to pray, consult and deepen together and develop a presentation to share with the rest of the school at the closing program.

“This concept is evolving yearly,” Lugsch said. “Ultimately it will be thoroughly age-integrated, with each village acting as their own community taking into consideration the needs and ideas of all of its members. Each village has had an elder appointed beforehand to act as the facilitator and keep the group on task.”

Part of that evolution, of course, is learning from mistakes. Last year, Lugsch said, one village based on the arts ended up being entirely composed of children and youth. “Next time we will not have a separate arts village. Each village will be required to utilize the arts in their closing presentations,” she said.

“Unfortunately, ... we will be unable to incorporate it into the curriculum in 2001, but be assured villages will be back in 2002 bigger and better than ever.”

South Carolina

“Our committee functions well,” said Mehrdad Yousefian by telephone as he and other South Carolina schools committee members gathered at the Winnsboro home of committee secretary Elizabeth Martin.

“We eat, have fun, and even consult once in a while,” Yousefian said to knowing laughter.

It’s no wonder the South Carolina winter and summer schools are fun, too. And filled with a spirit that draws Bahá’ís from North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and other states.

“We’re trying to re-establish the spirit of ’60s school gatherings” that served the entire South, said Yousefian.

Summer school lasts six days, he said, and winter school runs for four.

“We’re trying to make the school as good as we can. If we don’t aim high, we won’t learn from it,” he said.

Doug Phillips said the committee aims high right from its consultation on faculty. The school has a comprehensive curriculum, he said, in which the theme is tied in to the message of every talk.

Vafai and fellow Board member Annette Reynolds have been very supportive of the school, said Abercrombie.

They have been particularly instrumental, he said, in encouraging Local Assemblies to offer 15–30 scholarships a year to youth, especially from the coastal Low Country.

Youths are becoming more involved in planning the schools.

“We have an honoree each year,” Abercrombie said. “A youth, Robbie Barfield, is consulting with the committee on how we can make this aspect more meaningful to the youth.”

In fact, a youth committee is being formed to help make every aspect of school more appealing to young Bahá’ís.

And those sessions get results.

“Shahin Vafai, one of our Auxiliary Board members, conducted a workshop at winter school on issues such as gossip and backbiting,” noted Rich Abercrombie. “Because of this class, we noticed that a conscious effort has been brought back into our community.”

Other noted speakers also have made an impact.

“For winter school we asked for a national representative,” Yousefian said. “[National Spiritual Assembly member] Jack McCants came. [National Assembly member] Erica Toussaint and Tod Ewing will be here for summer school, along with our Auxiliary Board members and other speakers.”

“We have a very good coordinator for children’s and youth classes,” Yousefian said. “She uses the national materials. Even when she can’t be there, she sets it up.”

The school has separate classes for children, youth and adults. “But we open every session with everyone present,” he said, “and we’re all together in the evening and at meals.”

Oh, those evening programs!

“There’s a coffeehouse for all participants,” Yousefian said. “The talent show on the last night is one of the best parts of the program. Everyone shares.”

Colorado East

The Colorado East Regional Bahá’í Schools Committee has for years been committed to providing a school that gives the opportunity to experience community life, according to secretary Jeanette Brayton.

“As fully incorporating children and making everyone feel this is their school and not simply something they attend seems to have been the most difficult aspect to achieve, this has been a focus,” Brayton said.

“The school director reminds everyone that this is a service school,” she said. “Sign-up sheets for various activities are available at registration, and everyone—including children—signs up for kitchen and cleanup duties.”

Brayton said attendance at devotions is required. “Everything stops for devotions, as the committee feels this is necessary to provide the threefold balance of recreation, study and devotions,” she said.

For several years an all-ages class has been offered to give the experience of consultation with children, youth and adults. This ongoing experiment has yielded varying degrees of success, said Brayton.

“The committee feels that at this year’s winter school great strides were made in that direction,” she said. “The theme was ‘Developing Distinction through a Child-Centered Bahá’í Community.’

“The intention was that not only classes on the topic would be held but that the class format itself would provide the opportunity to practice the objective.”

Brayton said all attendees were divided into “families” with members from all generations.

After spending its first class session studying the roles of children, youth and adults in the community, each newly formed family consulted on how it could exemplify its assigned virtue at the school.

Each of the family groups chose a new name—for example, the group that was assigned the virtue of love renamed itself the Valentine Family.

“In [the] second class the families started the class with a get-acquainted activity,” Brayton said. “Each member had an animal’s name attached to their back and they had to ask questions to find out the animal.”

This simple icebreaker “served the purpose beautifully of making the children immediately feel a part of the family,” Brayton said.

Some families chose service projects as a way of practicing their virtues. “In the case of the Valentine Family they loved everyone and worked at making everyone feel loved.

“The third class was devoted to preparing a two-minute skit to exemplify their virtue to be presented that evening,” Brayton said.

“It was clear that everyone had played a part,” she said. “The families were so comfortable with each other and the quality of the skits was incredible.”

Another schools committee member, Valerie Dana, noted that a young member of the Valentine Family, Julie Cordova, wore her “Julie Valentine” name sticker for a week after winter school. “It was quite wrinkled, but she was very proud to stick it on her clothes, and told people how she came to get the name when they asked what it meant,” Dana said.

“The atmosphere of the school was warm, loving and united,” Brayton said. “This was confirmed by the positive response of participants in their evaluations.”

“The atmosphere of the school was warm, loving and united. This was confirmed by the positive response of participants in their evaluations.” —Jeanette Brayton, Colorado East

Left: Adalia Ellis cheers on children forming a pyramid during the winter 2000 South Carolina Bahá’í School. Above: A talent show performer at the South Carolina school has this audience member’s rapt attention. Photos by Jose Acaba

One YEAR PLAN 2000 ONE Family ONE Community MANY paths to service [Page 14]

Bahá’í mentors are inspired to ... inspire

BY TOM MENNILLO

Many of us take younger people under our wing and guide their career paths or help them develop skills and spiritual qualities. Some such activities are individual; others are systematically carried out on the local level or beyond.

Traditionally they have included Bahá’í schools, youth workshops, and campus clubs. Training institutes were added in the Four Year Plan.

Mentoring has branched into new arenas as well. And its inspiration is, well, inspiring.

Project sponsors The American Bahá’í contacted are using Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablets, the latest Ridván message, the principle of consultation, an Assembly development module, a Wilmette Institute course, and The Family Virtues Guide by Linda Kavelin Popov to shape their efforts.

Youth site: A resource

The Youth Affairs Office at the Bahá’í National Center is working to make mentoring efforts of a national or international scale available to young American Bahá’ís.

They will be featured on a redesigned www.bahaiyouth.com Web site when it is launched.

One project the office has contacted is the International Bahá’í Young Leaders Forum, headed by Hooman Katirai.

The IBYLF sprang to life last December with a vow to bring together “a wide variety of young professionals, students and leaders from diverse fields.”

Katirai, a Canadian, sees the association as a way for young Bahá’í professionals to “discover and draw upon each other’s talents.”

“Whether the occasion be to foster consultation, to seek career mentoring or advice, or to simply network with other Bahá’í professionals,” he said in introducing the forum, “this organization was created with the simple belief that fostering communication between Bahá’í professionals will lead to encouraging results.”

To join the group, send an e-mail to Katirai@interchange.ubc.ca

Another mentoring effort by professionals is being conceived on the Bahá’í Journalists e-mail list. A brochure on media careers has been drawn up, and young Bahá’ís will be encouraged to seek out list members for mentoring.

The idea is not just to guide prospective journalists to training and job opportunities but to help young Bahá’ís see how they can help transform the profession, said Corinne Podger of the BBC London in unveiling the initiative. Messages can be posted to the list at journalism@usbnc.org

Bahá’ís of any age can be mentors, of course. The organization Young At Heart (YAH) took on the challenge of working with youth and children following a meeting several months ago at Louhelen Bahá’í School.

YAH was formed under the umbrella of the National Teaching Committee as a means for Bahá’ís over 50 years of age—“a population we feel is highly underutilized,” said member Judith Griffin—to serve the Faith.

“By working with these age groups [children and youth], we feel that as seasoned Bahá’ís we have much to offer them,” said Griffin, an Iowa Bahá’í. E-mail Griffin at jugriff@pionet.net

Sailing and spirituality: Teamwork, consultation learned aboard the 40-foot sloop Crescendo

Left: Huddled in the stern of the Crescendo are Alex Greenbeck, Gabe Martin, Matt Salton, skipper Chris Gilbert, Darcey, Crop, Katje Tupper, Shannon Gilbert and Stephanie Gilbert. Right: The crew takes part in a survival exercise based on consultation.

It takes consultation and teamwork to make a 40-foot sailboat ride the wind. So Chris Gilbert and the Spiritual Assembly of Gig Harbor, Washington, are using sailing as a metaphor to teach those skills to Bahá’í youths along Puget Sound.

Gilbert has used his French-built Wauquiez Centurion 40 sloop, Crescendo, as a mobile traveling teaching platform since 1993.

But it wasn’t until recently that he recognized its value for lessons in spirituality and sailing.

“The scales finally fell from my foul-weather coat and I made a proposal to the Assembly to assist with our youth activities,” said Gilbert.

The idea dovetails nicely with the Assembly’s desire to add recreational opportunities to the successful biweekly children’s and youth classes.

Over five months, “utilizing a handbook for sailing supported by basic principles of the Faith, youth will learn the basics of boat handling, navigation, coastal cruising, safety at sea, teamwork, provisioning and trip planning,” Gilbert said.

More importantly, he said, “these lessons are interspersed with activities utilizing the power of consultation, the strength of unity in diversity, community support and team building, care and appreciation for the environment, the accord of science and religion, the necessities of a universal language (sailing is full of specialized terms) and the links between effort and achievement.”

ONE Family ONE Community MANY paths to service ONE YEAR PLAN 2000

Tentatively titled “An Ocean of Unity: Spiritual Sailing Lessons,” the project also is intended “to create closer connections between our youth that are meant to ripple up and down Puget Sound.”

The hope, Gilbert said, “is that some of our newly minted sailors will stay on board to help teach other youth in the area. This provides marvelous teaching opportunities for the friends as well as linking our youth communities in new ways.”

The first lesson, on dry land, was carried out Feb. 24. It focused on sailing terms, basic boat familiarity, knot tying, safety and first aid.

It also had team building, consultation and unity exercises, derived from the Bahá’í Assembly Development Modules on consultation and from Gilbert’s work as a college professor in management and human relations.

The second through fifth lessons, held aboard ship on weekends starting March 4, were to build on these Bahá’í principles with sailing activities, youth-planned and -organized day trips and on-the-water lessons in Puget Sound marine ecology.

The final activity before youth receive a certificate of completion will be a supervised overnight trip to one of the area’s many beautiful island state marine parks.

The trip will be planned, provisioned and completed by the young sailors. With the right timing, it could coincide with a local yacht club’s spring “fun races.”

Late February was an ideal choice for launching the project—“prime sailing weather around here,” said Gilbert.

His daughters Shannon, 14, and Stephanie, 11, are assisting with these first lessons “as they have the added blessings of being wonderful sailors familiar with our boat and great teachers,” he said.

“We are very excited about this effort, and if nothing else it will give our youth an opportunity to literally be put in the same lifeboat to learn about one another as Bahá’ís, to deepen in the Faith and to learn together the ins and outs of an arcane sport that is truly a beautiful art form,” Gilbert summed up. Gilbert can be reached by e-mail at crescendog@aol.com [Page 15]

High tech: Easing the transition from school to work

“The subject [of mentoring] is very near and dear to me,” said Rory Plaire of Philomath, Oregon.

“I have a perspective on not only how brutal it is and how unprepared we generally are in making the transition from school to work in this society,” he said, “but also how great, therefore, is the opportunity for the Bahá’ís to make real bonds in between members and generations based on spiritual principles as we address this.”

Plaire works in the public sector with computers.

So when youth Ryan Siegel expressed an interest in the technology, he jumped at the chance to share his knowledge and passion.

“I spend time [with him] talking about it, encouraging and working on technology-related projects,” said Plaire.

“Currently, we are even involved together in helping the Faith by creating a database system for our regional training institute.”

The challenge, he said, is to “make technology interesting and relevant to this youth in his service to God and humanity.”

According to Plaire, computer technology is an especially difficult career to pursue “since schools have very limited training to prepare these professionals due to the rapidly evolving nature of its products.”

He challenges other Bahá’ís involved in technology to aid youths in recognizing the “civilization-revolutionizing potential of this gift of God.”

Plaire can be e-mailed at ◆

Ryan Siegel (left) and mentor Rory Plaire strike a familiar pose in front of the computer.

Carrying out a mandate: EcoAg apprentices learn importance of farming

Perhaps the granddaddy of Bahá’í mentoring projects is EcoAg Service, a youth agricultural apprenticeship program begun in 1993 in cooperation with the Agriculture Seminar of the Association for Bahá’í Studies of North America.

John Bradley, a Bahá’í farming in North Carolina, conceived the idea after studying the importance that Bahá’u’lláh attached to agriculture’s role in reconstructing the planet.

Bradley wondered where were the Bahá’í youth who could carry out the mandate in the Tablet of the World (Lawh-i-Dunyá) that “special regard must be paid to agriculture” (Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 90).

With the help of Nancy McIntyre, just over the line in Virginia, a Bahá’í-inspired social and economic development project was formed.

The youth apprenticeship program in sustainable agriculture now links youths 18 and older with farm sites in Barbados, England, Latin America, Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, United States and Wales.

The apprentice and farmer work out the terms and length of service.

“We have more willing farmers and interesting sites than we have applicants for apprenticeship at the moment,” said EcoAg board member Winnie Merritt of Mt. Airy, North Carolina.

Apprenticeship is seen by EcoAg as a quest for learning and life focus.

Specific purposes of the program include:

• To promote the evolution of community-based agricultural models.
• To recognize the dynamic coherence between the spiritual and the practical requirements of life on earth.
• To prepare individuals to become agents of change.
• To facilitate the evolution of agriculturally based training institutes dedicated to enhancing the quality of community life through service.
• To provide information on current opportunities for paying “special regard” to agriculture.

Lucy Lodge, once an apprentice herself, is coordinator.

For information, e-mail or visit the Web site, www.geocities.com/~ecoag-service ◆

ONE YEAR PLAN 2000 ONE Family ONE Community MANY paths to service

Top: Former EcoAg apprentice Vanessa Ring, using the service and leadership skills she developed, teaches school in Asia.

Left: Orientation finds new EcoAg apprentices helping on a host farm in return for room and board.

DEFINE: Woman retreat helps younger Bahá’í sisters gain understanding of role in world

In a rapidly changing world, young women can benefit from taking time out, reflecting and sharing ideas about their identities.

More than 30 young women ages 12–16 gathered Oct. 20–22 in Webster, New Hampshire, for just that sort of retreat in the light of Bahá’í teachings.

The DEFINE: Woman retreat was conceived of and organized by six women in their 20s who saw a need for more meaningful discussion among Bahá’í youth regarding difficult issues affecting young women. The group arranged a space where their younger Bahá’í sisters could gain in understanding of what it means to be a woman in a confusing world, according to Parisa Fitz-Henley, 23, an organizer.

Discussion throughout the weekend centered on the individual and her relationships with Bahá’u’lláh, with herself, and with family and friends. Also discussed were social issues such as chastity, drug use, eating disorders, backbiting, and difficulties in teaching the Faith among one’s peers.

“It’s difficult for some girls to talk about these things in Bahá’í contexts because standards are high, and they may feel like they are being judged or attacked,” said Fitz-Henley.

One young woman who attended the retreat said she “left feeling much stronger—learning that being Bahá’í is not at all about being perfect, and all about being real.”

Although only women participated directly in facilitating DEFINE: Woman, several men were involved in the preparations and gave their support though consultation, providing transportation, distributing the questionnaire, and prayers.

For information about this conference or planned future events, please contact the DEFINE: Woman organizers at ◆ [Page 16]

Teaching virtues: Bonds forged in wider community

Virtues training is the focus of two ongoing local projects and a Wilmette Institute-inspired course.

ROSES After School

ROSES After School in Portland, Oregon, began in July as a project to teach virtues to Hmong children who were already coming to the Bahá’í Center weekly for cultural lessons.

It has evolved into a large-scale mentoring project that is forging strong connections with the children’s schools and with local refugee communities and agencies. ROSES stands for Realm of Service Enterprise Systems.

With the help of the Portland Spiritual Assembly’s Social and Economic Development Committee, one-hour classes involving six to eight boys were started on a six-week trial basis using the national Core Curriculum and The Family Virtues Guide.

Activities included stories, Hmong culture, music, art, crafts and games. Refreshments and a social time also were included.

Lesson plans and follow-up reports were regularly e-mailed to Hmong leader Victor Cha and the other parents, who also helped transport children and provide information for consultation.

Response to the program was overwhelmingly positive.

“Parents thought that the teaching and songs about the virtues were beautiful and they thought the teachers were doing a great job,” said project coordinator Loie Mead. “They were especially excited when they saw that the teachers were interested and appreciative of the Hmong culture.”

But parents’ concerns about the allure of gangs and their children’s low reading levels dictated that ROSES be expanded in focus.

“As of this writing there are 23 mentees and 25 trained (or in training) diverse mentors who work to develop virtues, complete homework assignments and read aloud for a weekly two-hour session,” said Mead.

Following the mentoring portion, children take part in a group activity designed to build self-esteem and promote expression through art, music, drama, games and consultation. The group activity is facilitated by two mentors or guests with expertise in a special area.

And the rewards are coming back. Mentors are reporting on progress in all areas—homework as well as development of basic skills and virtues. Here are some entries in mentors’ logs:

• “Mentee misses about one out of every 10 words. I want to incorporate vocabulary flash cards into his routine.”
• “Mentee starts work immediately. Has excellent manners. He inspires me to pursue teaching professionally.”
• “When he became interested in one of our books about Hmong culture, he began to share his family history based on what his father and grandfather have told him. We will use rest of year to write mentee’s family history.”

Relationships extend beyond the once-a-week session.

Two mentors who learned their mentees are interested in architecture planned a field trip to some of Portland’s special buildings. A mentor helped a child find books on the pyramids and alerted him to a PBS special on the subject.

Girls trained in Hmong dances and boys who are mastering the qeej have been invited by two communities to perform as the ROSES After School Hmong Dancers and Musicians.

Children, parents, and non-Bahá’í mentors who ask about the Faith are encouraged to attend the Portland Bahá’í School.

Are the children themselves happy with the program?

Tzer Vue, Hmong cultural adviser and case manager with the International Refugee Center of Oregon, asked, “Do you want more of the ROSES After School?” The children answered with a resounding “More!”

E-mail

Mentor Michael Pennington, a high school student in Portland, Oregon, playfully hoists second-grader Michael Thao during a ROSES After School session.

ONE Family ONE Community MANY paths to service

Virtues Camp

This past summer, as a result of a women’s study circle, some Bahá’ís in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, took the initiative to sponsor what they called Virtues Camp.

“It was a great success. Half the children were not Bahá’ís and we filled the group to capacity and had to start a waiting list,” said Homa Tavangar of the Berwyn community. “The Philadelphia Inquirer covered it and many in the larger community are asking if we’ll do it again.”

Virtues Camp was held three hours a day Aug. 14–18 under the sponsorship of the Spiritual Assembly of Tredyffrin Township.

The 40 children, ages preschool (and potty trained) through fourth grade, were each assigned to one of three age groups for the classes, held at a Quaker facility.

The curriculum and entire program were based on an interfaith approach. For example, sessions began and ended with prayers and a spiritual discussion, but did not emphasize any particular religion over another.

Promotion focused on virtues, character-building, a loving environment and practical application of spiritual principles. It emphasized an approach that included arts, performance, crafts and cooperative games along with more formal instruction.

A core group of about six adults—all participants in the women’s study circle—taught, organized and managed the camp, with help from a few youth assistants. In addition to teaching they oversaw numerous details relating to safety, transportation, budgeting, insurance etc.

None of the organizers are professional child educators, “but all are parents and were very moved by the Ridván message of the House of Justice resonating with what we were seeing in our children’s learning environments,” Tavangar said.

A notice was put out asking men in the community to volunteer an afternoon at the camp so that children would see that men, too, were interested in their activities and education.

Organizers learned “so many wonderful lessons” from the experience.

“We didn’t have to overtly ‘push’ the Faith and its teachings to the group in order to successfully teach,” said Tavangar. “Our actions spoke much louder than words. ... As a result, at least one family is now seriously studying the Faith, with many more much more open and interested.”

Tavangar said a similar impact was seen in many children:

• “Even months after camp was over, they continued to use the vocabulary we used at camp. Words like generosity, consideration, gratitude, respect now regularly figure into their conversations—even among the kindergartners.”
• Many lasting friendships were formed. “On day one they came in as strangers and with seemingly nothing in common. By the fifth day they hugged good-bye, exchanged each other’s phone numbers, and made sure their parents met each other so that they could continue to see each other during the year.”
• The integration of various ethnicities in what is considered an extremely homogeneous white area was striking, particularly to non-Bahá’ís. “Frequently one would see the Chinese, Caucasian, African-American, Persian, Israeli kids doing a project together. The kids didn’t really notice this was special, but parents did.”
• “At our Bahá’í gatherings the children possess some new qualities. For example, they are less hesitant to share a prayer in a group; they are enthusiastic to perform an instrument or sing a song in front of a group of Bahá’ís at a meeting.”

Tavangar can be reached at

Spiritual qualities course

A student’s final project for the Kitáb-i-Aqdas course of the Wilmette Institute has led to a course called “Bahá’í Laws and Spiritual Qualities: A Study Program for Junior Youth Preparing for the Age of Maturity.”

Peter Bouchard and Tricia Conner of the Marshall Islands wrote the materials and will be happy to share them once review by their National Spiritual Assembly is completed.

The 13-week study guide covers laws and spiritual qualities as truthfulness, courtesy and chastity. The source for all these topics is the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

“The hope is that this course will strengthen our young people as individuals as well as creating a dynamic group of junior youth, ready for action,” say the authors.

Bouchard and Conner can be reached at [Page 17]

Bahá’í families come in all shapes, experiences, needs

BY TOM MENNILLO

The Bahá’í families we’ll see in their glory at the Building the Kingdom for Every Man, Woman, Youth, and Child conference are hardly homogeneous.

Some fit a perceived “model” household mold: two happily married, active Bahá’í adults with healthy, active Bahá’í children.

But more often they mirror the diversity of society itself: singles; one-parent homes; intergenerational, interfaith or multiethnic households; and children with physical, emotional and/or spiritual challenges.

And they have varying experiences within a Bahá’í community that should embrace and nurture all.

Here are reflections and comments by several Bahá’ís on their situations, and on the role of other Bahá’ís in their lives.

ONE Family ONE Community MANY paths to service

“Oddball” finds unity: Sandra Coble

I am a single parent living in Oakwood, Georgia. I have been a Bahá’í for seven years now and I am going on four years as a single parent trying to raise my daughter, Chelsea, in the Bahá’í Faith.

The Bahá’í community I am currently in is mostly made up of married families with children. I am the oddball, so to speak. Just the word single sometimes makes me feel very alone, even though I am not.

The community I am in helps to resolve that feeling. Most of the Bahá’ís have reached out to me and offered personal advice and have said prayers for me and Chelsea. I know they see me as a part of the community, ... and knowing that helps me feel a certain unity.

For my daughter, I believe being a Bahá’í is her greatest protection against some of the stereotypical lifestyles that occur in children of single-parent homes, such as failing in school, aggression and getting in trouble.

Trying to lead a Bahá’í life is perhaps the greatest challenge of all, but by making the effort shows great results in behavior and attitude.

One of Chelsea’s teachers told me that she is one of the few students of divorced families who are actually happy and content. I couldn’t say anything but “thank you” and I cried on the way home because the reason for her happiness is the Bahá’í Faith and, of course, her mommy and daddy!

Long-distance love: John and Li Jie McGimsey

We are Bahá’ís who run a very busy acupuncture clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Our daughter is being raised by her grandparents in Beijing (Li Jie is Chinese). She is becoming fluent in Mandarin and English. We talk to her long distance on the phone.

We want Lua to be bilingual in Mandarin and English, and to learn the Chinese culture. The extended family there—grandparents, uncles, aunts—are still together and act as a family. It’s not the nuclear family style as in America.

The Bahá’í community needs to begin acting as a family, as aunts, uncles, grandparents. We can feel as though the community’s children are our own.

A severe drought: Sharon Brammer

I am not sure where to start. There’s been some good and a lot of negative stuff along the way.

The first Bahá’í community I was in when my son was born in ’93 was in the Chesapeake area of Virginia.

One woman especially made me feel so comfortable. Her name is Sarah Rhodes. She was a big huggable, huggin’ smiling angel.

She would hold and play with my son Zach at Feast, and always was understanding if he was fussy. I felt supported. Her girls would come right out to the car and offer to help carry things if I was coming to their home.

I could feel her genuine delight in him, as well as the girls’. She was patient and never made me feel in the way. So kind and loving—lowly Bahá’ís.

My husband was in the Navy, gone six months at a time, and we decided to sell our home in Chesapeake. ... So we got an apartment in [another city]. Less upkeep. I told my husband not to worry. There was a Bahá’í community.

It became a nightmare. I was asked if I could get a babysitter so I could come to Feast. It was a community that had older people. Oh, I would go to another room if Zach started crying/fussing, but they were set in their ways and never had a child around functions. New expensive knickknacks would be laid out on low tables, candles burning in his reach, and I found no reliable babysitter.

I felt unwelcome. I even got a “hate letter” criticizing me. It was quite a test. I called Sarah in tears and began going back to my old community for Feasts. She assured me a child was to be “bathed in the love of the community.”

I had moved where there was a severe drought. I went back to my old watering hole, yet with some sadness.

Brad, Zach, and Sharon Brammer

Daughter is motivation: Barbara Roberts

I am a Bahá’í in Brush Prairie, Washington. My non-Bahá’í husband and I asked my Bahá’í mother to move in with us when I was pregnant.

The plan was for her to help us care for our infant daughter after I returned to part-time work. She has lived upstairs ever since (our daughter will be 3 years old in November).

The transition was incredibly difficult at first. Mom was an LSA secretary in New York City for over 25 years, then she moved to this sleepy town in the Pacific Northwest. Bit by bit things have gotten better.

For me it’s the best of both worlds. I have a wonderful, loving husband who’s given me a beautiful daughter. Along with that the most important woman in my life, my mother, lives right upstairs. She helps us in many ways. Her presence is very comforting in ways, I suppose, only a daughter could really appreciate.

But there are sacrifices for these important benefits, and that’s where we’ve had numerous opportunities for growth, both as individuals and as a family.

For instance, the privacy that many couples take for granted is lost. But the flip side is that our daughter has a chance to learn to relate intimately with older people (Mom is 77 years old) that she otherwise might not have had. That could give her added insight and compassion toward older people. And we think that’s very important.

Also on the positive side is the very fact that I can sit and write this with undivided attention at my convenience. That’s a benefit many mothers actually envy.

Now, here’s the real benefit that penetrates all levels spiritually, emotionally and mentally: We get to face our fears and old wounds and heal together. We have to. Samantha, our daughter, is the motivation.

Path of action is prayer: Rebecca Motlagh

I belong not only to the large group of people married to spouses of another faith but to a more select group as well: Western Bahá’ís with spouses who are Iranian Muslims.

It seems I am always pulled in two directions. However, Shoghi Effendi’s recommendations as recorded in Lights of Guidance have made choices easier. One of them is that one should do everything in one’s power to avoid antagonizing a spouse—short, of course, of giving up your Faith and becoming inactive in it.

The most difficult part, of course, is having to explain to fellow Bahá’ís. Often they don’t seem to understand why I can’t be there for every weekend proclamation or teaching activity.

But what is actually worse is that some well-meaning Bahá’ís, when my husband comes into contact with them at an event, seem to think this is the opportunity to “teach” him.

We have been married for almost 24 years and I have been a Bahá’í for 20-plus years. Believe me, he has heard about the Faith. And if he wants to hear more, I’m sure he’ll ask.

As a requirement to maintain family unity, my children were not “taught” the Bahá’í Faith, at the specific request of my husband. They have been exposed to it by attending many meetings with me until they were 15 and they see the meetings I host in our home. [Page 18]

FAMILIES,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

However, now at 20 my oldest has no interest in religion and even wears a shirt proclaiming himself to be an agnostic. My youngest, 16, has become a Muslim. He prays and observed his first Ramadan recently. He also attends mosque on his own sometimes on Fridays.

It seems that my only path of action is to pray for them, which I do daily. In fact, at the Shrine of the Báb, I made my husband one of my main subjects for prayer.

Support in a racist world: Frances V. Otto

I became a Bahá’í when my son was 3 years old and raised him as a Bahá’í. He is a biracial child and I felt that the Bahá’í Faith offered the support I needed to raise a child in a racist world.

Raising a child alone has many challenges, and being in the Bahá’í community was helpful. Having no family in Kansas City, the Bahá’ís were like my family.

My son is now 26 years old, and although he has not committed to the Bahá’í Faith he reads the Writings and prayers daily and often teaches about the Faith to others.

I am a professional nurse and managed with the help of Bahá’u’lláh and the Bahá’í community to rear a successful young man.

A need for involvement: Tracy Malloy

I was a single mom with three kids for seven years. I went to school full time and taught children’s classes, which is what got me through it.

But, really, it is important to keep non-traditional families involved. Sometimes financial assistance is helpful for Naw-Rúz parties, sometimes recruiting them for activities other than children’s classes.

I never taught my own children, but would pass them off to other teachers, and I would teach the pre-youth. It gave me both a break and a forum for service.

Sustaining principle: Susan and Rick Troxel

Our family has a mom, a dad and two adopted children (Korean/black background for each child, white parents).

One child is, at 18, happily married and on her own.

The other child turned out to have multiple special needs in the behavioral/cognitive areas (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, bipolar disorder, learning disabilities and intermittent explosive disorder). He is 16, is a Bahá’í and has participated in the Delmarva Bahá’í Youth Workshop for over two years.

Enabling him to participate in any Bahá’í activities involves careful choice, usually accommodations to provide enough structure and support (and sleep) for him to remain stable, as well as support from his family and the Bahá’í community.

He has a history of very aggressive behavior (although doing well now, on four meds and with lots of support) and there have been some very difficult scenes in various Bahá’í settings.

Some extraordinary Bahá’í adults and youths, as well as support and guidance from the institutions, and the unshakable commitment to unity which animates the Bahá’í community, have all been instrumental in enabling this child to continue to be embraced in the circle of Bahá’u’lláh’s love.

Indeed, the very notion that there is a part for him to play in the building of the New World Order, and his job ‎is find is to find‎ out what it is and do it, no matter what the challenges, has been a sustaining principle for him.

“Indeed, the very notion that there is a part for [our son] to play in the building of the New World Order, and his job ‎is find is to find‎ out what it is and do it, no matter what the challenges, has been a sustaining principle for him.” —Susan and Rick Troxel

Susan (second from left) and Rick (right) Troxel with their son, Ben (left), daughter, Sarah (center), and her groom, Tom.

Rain Man Lite: Burl and Britt Barer

Our son, Jordan, 19, has PDD (Pervasive Disability Disorder), a form of autism. He is very athletic and holds down two jobs while attending high school (he graduates this year). Did you ever see Rain Man? He is Rain Man Lite.

Our son, in his day-to-day, week-to-week life, has no friends. No buddies call to chat, no guys drop by to eat us out of house and home. He is kind, likeable, quiet, shy, handsome, but has limited social interaction/conversation skills. He can talk forever about certain topics upon which he obsesses, but he is very shy in social situations.

However, when we went to the Bahá’í youth conference in Salt Lake a year or two ago, he was in heaven! The Bahá’í youth scooped him up and took him along all the time!

When he attended the Clara Dunn Academy at Brighton Creek Conference Center (McKenna, Washington) for nine days, he actually called us on the telephone to tell us what a wonderful time he was having—this was remarkable—and was thrilled with the entire experience.

To be included, accepted, praised and appreciated did more for his self-esteem and his interpersonal skills than anything else.

Habib, Ferdows, and Bahiyyih Mehregani enjoy a visit to the Columbia River Gorge region outside Portland, Oregon.

Caring for parents is service: Ferdows Mehregani

I am a single female and was enjoying a quiet life in my new home in a suburb of beautiful Portland, Oregon, when about two years ago my parents, who have migrated to the U.S., came to live with me.

In the outside culture, this is “non-traditional.” Most non-Bahá’ís immediately express sympathy when they hear about this. But we have it working pretty well.

My parents are still young and can take care of themselves well. They are learning English and getting more independent every day. We share the house and daily chores, and we put our incomes together.

Of course, this situation has its challenges and rewards for all of us, but the basis of why it works for me is the Bahá’í principle that taking care of your parents is service to God and world peace starts at home.

For 17 years we were apart because they couldn’t leave Iran, and all those years I prayed to God to give me the chance to be close to them again, so this is a blessing for me. I have experienced many unexpected blessings from God since then.

I have heard that this situation scares off some men who otherwise would consider me for marriage, as they think I come with a “package.” Frankly, if that is what they think, I am not interested in them! This situation works well for me now that I am single, but it doesn’t have to be this way when I get married.

Pretty danged stressed: Lenore Lawrence and Brian Roberts

We are a Bahá’í family of a rather interesting variety: married couple, each bringing a special-needs kid to the marriage and then adopting a 4-year-old “kid from the system” who is also considered special-needs.

They are: a 13-year-old with ADHD, rather well-controlled; a 10-year-old with Asperger’s Syndrome (on the autism spectrum) and shades of ADHD, without the hyperactivity; and a 4-year-old, born addicted to heroin and methadone, diagnosed with ADHD, who has a sleep disorder and is very aggressive.

In addition, Lenore’s elderly aunt who is disabled and in a wheelchair, also lives with us (she’s a Bahá’í, too).

Add to this that Lenore works full time and commutes 86 miles per day. So she’s pretty danged stressed most of the time.

How could the Bahá’í community be more supportive in general?

• Include the pre-teen child on mailing lists.
• Invite the children over to visit. This way would give them the opportunity to get to know these precious ones, even when they appear to be hard to know. They aren’t.
• Provide social opportunities for the whole family. We love to be together anyway. How about a picnic without it having to be a huge proclamation event?

[Page 19]

• When you see parents who are stressed, give them a break. Offer to take the kids for an evening to go see a movie, so the parents can have a moment together that is free.

• Have some spare time? Offer to mow the yard for the stressed family. Maybe weed a flower bed.

• When there is a shut-in elder, just call them. Offer to take them to lunch. They’ll relish the attention. Make sure events are held in properly accessible facilities!

• When the family doesn’t make it to Feast, or maybe only one or two come, accept it gracefully and know they are trying.

Tolerance for immaturity: Sarah Zmick

The Bahá’í community is a microcosm of the world at large, representing the diversity of the whole human family, including individuals from all walks of life and all abilities.

I think this presents a challenge as well as an opportunity to members of our Faith.

All children are special, just as all human beings are unique, but some have more pronounced needs than others.

My family has the challenge and blessing of two such children. They have provided their parents with many opportunities for personal growth and maturity.

My daughter, whose needs are primarily medical and developmental, has a charming personality. She is easy to love.

Her understanding of the history/specifics about the Faith is limited, but she seems to have an innate understanding of the basic virtues.

My [pre-teen] son has issues that manifest in negative behaviors. He is advanced intellectually, but less advanced emotionally/socially.

He has a significant knowledge of the “facts” of the Faith, but lacks the self-control to consistently demonstrate the basic virtues to which Bahá’ís aspire.

As a Bahá’í, so much emphasis is placed on virtuous conduct. To have a child who struggles to exhibit these most desired traits is quite difficult.

The Bahá’í community can help.

First, we need to learn to love every person. Not just those who are similar to us, or that we like to socialize with, or who are declared Bahá’ís. We need to love one another as creations of God, without judgment.

It is much easier to think about how I would like my son to behave than to love him for who he is now. I, and my fellow Bahá’ís, need to look deep within each person we meet and find that spark that is worthy of all the love we can offer.

When we are able to love without reservation, the nature of our communities will change. We will become more tolerant, not of rudeness, but of immaturity.

No committee, nor plan, nor goal can accomplish what is needed, until there is a change in our hearts.

Paving the road: ‘Joy’ Carmel Turpin

I reside in Asheville, North Carolina. I have been deaf since birth and fought numerous times (with enormous support from my dear parents) to obtain my rights as an individual growing up in the Bahá’í world.

It wasn’t easy, because our Bahá’í world is not deaf-friendly. Closed-captioning is not provided for videos. Usually, neither are certified sign language interpreters for conferences when requested, nor other accommodations necessary for Feast, Bahá’í school and other regular Bahá’í events.

I have numerous deaf friends whose beliefs are very similar to the Faith; however, their interest [wanes] in part due to the Faith not being able to provide these resources. ...

My love for the Faith would not have been possible if it wasn’t for my parents’ love and devotion to teaching me the Writings and beliefs on their own. They had the patience to sit with me and my sister (Rabbani “Hope,” who also is deaf) when we were kids, explaining each topic while we read their lips.

Hope (left) and Joy Turpin. The sisters are profoundly hearing-impaired. They can read lips proficiently and use American sign language.

However, what was missing from the picture was personal conversation with other members. We weren’t able to pick up the conversation going on regarding the topic of discussion. ...

I try so hard to “pave the road” for others to follow, but the road seems to still have rocks and gravel that need to be cleaned up before the road becomes accessible for others to wheel and walk through with a big smile on their face ... a smile on their face that they have found love for Bahá’u’lláh.

Needs of children: Vivian Richards

The best thing a parent can do for her or his children is to work on their relationship by having fun with their kids and listening. Really listening. Often I was too stressed out to do this, and our relationships suffered.

I learned by the time my son came back from Minneapolis (he was 16 and I was in graduate school) that it was very important for me to drop everything if he wanted to talk to me about something.

It didn’t matter if I had a big paper due or exam the next day. He was my top priority.

Bahá’í children need relationships with the friends in the community—adults, not just other children. They learn by example.

Of course a parent’s example is primary, but if the community is not warm and receptive to children then the child does not feel part of it and will usually reject it and often the Faith.

Whatever we freely and lovingly put our energies into (without any resentments attached), our children will usually register this in their psyches and reflect it back to the world.

If we spent more time loving our children (i.e. listening to them, guiding them [encouraging them to face their tests and providing them with the tools to do so], building relationships with them [socializing with them]) and participating in our communities in a fun way, not just administratively, we would find more children from Bahá’í communities becoming and staying Bahá’ís as adults.

Extra trimmings: ‘Special needs’ children in Bahá’í communities

BY THEO GUSTAFSON

I am a parent and teacher living in Eugene, Oregon.

I used to teach classes for people wishing to adopt, and the course included, as one of several topics, information on incorporating children with special needs into the family.

The best way I can describe the needs of special kids in our Bahá’í communities is to say that ‎every thing everything‎ that is helpful for other kids is even more important!

Examples:

• Adults and youth being friendly to kids at Feast, talking to them, trying to draw them into conversation, commenting on a part they might have had in a children’s class presentation, asking about their interests, etc.
• Helping with transportation to Bahá’í events suitable for kids.
• Arranging for play time or trips to a skating rink (or whatever) with other Bahá’í kids and adults.
• Offering to take a child to a play, concert, children’s theater etc., or a youth out for miniature golf.
• Special events for Holy Days, during the day.
• Mentoring: If an adult can spare the time to be a “big brother or sister” to a child or youth, sharing their own interests on a regular basis, this is wonderful.
• Other families might be able to take along one or more extra children occasionally to a family outing.
• Find out the specific needs of the individual child. S/he may be able to do everything other kids can do, with just one or a few exceptions. Dealing with those exceptions may be beyond you, but maybe not!
• Respite care: All parents need some time off from constant child needs. When children have emotional problems, parents can become exhausted! One or a group of adult and youth Bahá’ís could offer to give the parents some time off.
• Gifts of Bahá’í or related books, games, puzzles, necklaces, etc., for Ayyám-i-Há or whenever. It’s expensive raising kids these days, and for many parents these things are a stretch. Special needs may mean special expenses, too, making the problem more acute.
• For adults with money but not time, sponsoring a child or family to summer school.

Special-needs kids have all the needs that other kids do, with some extra trimmings.

The American Bahá’í would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all the people, families and groups who, in response to our appeal for stories on family, community and service, so generously shared their triumphs, struggles and visions. [Page 20]“Your mission is unspeakably glorious. Should success crown your enterprise, America will assuredly evolve into a center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, and the throne of the Kingdom of God will, in the plenitude of its majesty and glory, be firmly established.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

KINGDOM PROJECT OVERVIEW

AS OF EARLY MARCH 2001: DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

• Louhelen Bahá’í School: Foundation work is under way for Unity Hall.
• Bahá’í House of Worship: Concrete and plumbing work to restore parts of terrace and gardens will resume when weather allows.
• Green Acre Bahá’í School: Architectural design has proceeded for building of a new meeting hall and classrooms.
• Bosch Bahá’í School and Native American Bahá’í Institute: Consultations on development plans are under way.
• Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute: Planned exterior and interior renovations have been completed.

ENSURING MATERIAL MEANS

• Well over 4,000 people have pledged funds toward the $60 million goal.
• Nearly as many people have participated by contributing directly.
• Well over $23 million in pledges or cash contributions has been committed to the Kingdom Project.

“Building the Kingdom: It’s Our Time,” the Kingdom Project, is a five-year comprehensive development plan designed to build on the spiritual foundation laid by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and to “prepare ourselves,” as instructed by the Universal House of Justice, “for ... the hour whose coming it is our task to hasten.”

Successful completion of this effort will ensure:

• Restoration and protection of the House of Worship and expansion of its dependencies.
• Redesign of the Hazíratu’l-Quds and creation of appropriate archives.
• Continuation and expansion of the media initiative and other national teaching efforts, support for Bahá’í Publishing, and fundamental development of Bahá’í-owned schools.
• Providing for the future with strategic reserves to give our community the flexibility to respond promptly to opportunities for significant growth, and an endowment to protect Bahá’í properties across the United States.

Concrete plans made to keep Temple dazzling

Conservation project is all about the spirit

Raul Millan gently removes the top layer of cement paste from an experimental slab while Jose Rubio flushes the paste away. Photo by Erik Andersen

In 1929, Shoghi Effendi urged the believers to work toward completion of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette as a “befitting and concrete embodiment of the spirit animating the Cause.” (Bahá’í Administration, p. 183)

With such a mandate and vision, it only stands to reason that the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ make sure the concrete itself is befitting.

“The concrete in this process is all about the spirit,” confirmed Dennis Davis, director of conservation for the Bahá’í House of Worship. His office has established a concrete studio in Lake Bluff, Illinois, several miles north of Wilmette, and its work relies squarely on two actions highly endorsed in the Bahá’í writings: investigation and consultation.

Conservation of the Temple’s concrete structure is one of several projects associated with the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár that are encompassed in Building the Kingdom: It’s Our Time, the National Spiritual Assembly’s $60 million, five-year comprehensive development plan.

Also known as the Kingdom Project, this development plan under the umbrella of the Office of the Treasurer is a logical extension of much of the work done early in the 20th century as part of the Plan for Unified Action, which made building of the Temple possible.

By the 1920s, the Bahá’ís of North America had a breathtaking Temple design in hand, created by architect Louis Bourgeois. To transform that design into reality they hired John Earley of Washington, DC, who had dazzled the construction world by devising uses for concrete that were more attractive than ever before achieved.

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

Dennis Davis displays for Caswell Ellis, House of Worship director, a foam rubber impression taken from an ornamented exterior wall of the House of Worship. Photo by James Humphrey

The Earley studio’s concrete panels on the exterior of the House of Worship have held up for about seven decades, but suffer steadily from the combined assaults of wind, rain and air pollution. Trouble signs include:

• Quartz pebbles in the walls jutting out where the white cement around them has eroded.
• Rounding of edges in pillar and archway ornaments that once were crisply defined.
• Even some cracking of the outermost panels at the top of the dome.

This generation’s tasks are to find efficient, yet enduring, methods of renewing the concrete and making sure the House of Worship stands as a beautiful, silent teacher of the Cause.

SEE CONCRETE, PAGE 33

For information on the Kingdom Project and how you can pledge or give your support:

KINGDOM PROJECT, Office of the Treasurer 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201

Web site www.usbnc.org Phone 847-733-3521 E-mail [Page 21]

Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í alike call it Home

BY KEVIN MORRISON KINGDOM PROJECT OFFICE

The Bahá’í Home for the Aged as it looks today before renovation. Photo at left by Kevin Morrison, at right by Nancy Wong

Far left above: Rezvanieih Gandom Pák-kon, who served at the Bahá’í World Center for 17 years. Photo by Nancy Bagley. Far left below: Tom, a music and poetry lover who helps produce programs at the Home. Left: Maya, a Jew who fled the Nazis. Below: Canine resident Maggie. Photos by Nancy Wong

For 42 years, the Bahá’í Home for the Aged has stood a few blocks from the House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. One of the lesser-known components of the Kingdom Project, it has the distinction of being to date the only dependency of our Mashriqu’l-Adhkár—in fact, the only dependency of any House of Worship in the world today.

Twenty people reside in the Bahá’í Home, which has a full- and part-time staff of 17. That ratio of caregivers to residents is the industry average. But it only takes a few minutes spent with the residents to recognize that the quality of care far surpasses “average.”

Forces of history

“The staff are very nice and the nurses treat me with loving care,” said Maya, a resident of the Home for about a year.

Born in Austria, Maya was a young girl when her family moved to Prague in then-Czechoslovakia. She entered law school at a time when women had been allowed there for only a year.

Several years later, Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany, and Maya’s family, as Jews, were forced to leave Europe. A cousin sponsored them to come to the United States. But this meant she had to leave behind her parents, several relatives—and her successful law practice.

“In the end,” she said, “I feel very lucky. I have wonderful grandchildren and wonderful children. I feel very lucky.”

Active involvement

Another resident, Tom, is a former employee of the Chicago Tribune and assistant to the dean of the School of Music at Northwestern University. Tom finds the Bahá’í Home “a very special place for someone like myself.”

Having a nearly lifelong love of poetry and music, Tom helps Nancy Bagley, the Home’s assistant administrator, produce a range of artistic programs and activities for the residents.

He hopes to write two books: his memoirs and a book of meaningful quotes he has collected over the years.

Living Bahá’í heritage

Rezvaneih Gandom Pák-kon, one of two Bahá’í residents, was a pioneer to Africa in the 1970s when she was called to the Bahá’í World Center to help with the secretarial work. For 17 years she typed handwritten manuscripts of the Central Figures into computer records.

She is a descendant of Mullá Muhammad Ja‘far Gandum-Pák-Kun, who was taught the Bábí Faith by Mullá Husayn, the first Letter of the Living.

Regular interaction

Rex Walker, administrator of the Bahá’í Home, and his staff provide the residents with a range of visits from Boy and Girl Scouts, local music schools, and high school history classes that each year write up the history of each resident. The Home also has its own dog, Maggie, whom the residents shower with love.

One difficult aspect of life in a home for the aged is that death looms large. When Walker introduced a series of “life after life” seminars for the residents, he did not know how they would react. He quickly found out. “They loved it,” he said. “It lights them up. Death is so often seen as the end instead of a beginning.”

If the Bahá’í Home lacks anything, it is a proper facility to care for the residents. Renovation of the Home is one of several undertakings that are part of the Kingdom Project, the National Spiritual Assembly’s Comprehensive Development Plan. The 16- to 18-week job was to begin in March.

The refurbishment will include:

• Modernization and improvement in basic building elements to provide a safer, more comfortable environment.
• New furniture to replace furniture that has been at the Home since its opening in 1958.
• Landscaping of the grounds, visible through the large windows of the Home’s common area, to provide a more colorful view.

The ultimate goal of the refurbishment is to physically manifest the spiritual heart of the Bahá’í Home.

“The whole staff is just remarkable,” Tom said. “Just simply remarkable. And when you think that these jobs can’t be high-income, well, it’s just incredible.”

Tom’s right. In an industry with an annual employee turnover of 50–60%, the Bahá’í Home averages a 1% turnover. What accounts for this? “We have all become an extended family,” said Tom simply as he got up to leave for lunch. “And that’s just fine with me.” ♦

What is a dependency of the House of Worship?

The dependencies of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Shoghi Effendi wrote, are to bring “relief to the suffering, sustenance to the poor, shelter to the wayfarer, solace to the bereaved, and education to the ignorant,” and could take many forms such as “an orphanage, a hospital, a dispensary for the poor, a home for the incapacitated, a hostel for travelers and a college for the study of arts and sciences.”

While the House of Worship is described by Shoghi Effendi as the “spiritual centre of every Bahá’í community,” the dependencies erected around it must be “dedicated to the social, humanitarian, educational and scientific advancement of mankind.” A dependency, the Universal House of Justice, writes, can thus be viewed “as the outward expression of this spiritual heart,” and a reminder that “the spiritual precedes the material.” [Page 22]

Brilliant Star Kid’s Corner!

“... our contributions to the Faith are the surest way of lifting once and for all time the burden of hunger and misery from mankind . . .”

—On behalf of Shoghi Effendi

Liang’s Hidden Coins

Do you have something to SHARE with BRILLIANT STAR, like PHOTOGRAPHS, stories, poems, or DRAWings?

We invite everyone to send in for the following our upcoming themes:

Passport for Spiritual Travel

Mysteries

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

Contact us at telephone: 847.853.2354 fax: 847.256.1372

Or e-mail us at

Please include your name and contact information with submissions.

For subscriptions to BRILLIANT STAR, call Bahá’í Distribution Service at 800-999-9019 or see page 35 to subscribe.

Brilliant Star is hiring a new associate editor. See page 26

Directions:

Liang has been saving his money to give to the Faith. Oops! Liang dropped his piggy bank and his coins have spilled all over his room. Help Liang so he can give to the Bahá’í Fund! Find all 14 coins and circle them.

Activity by the Office of the Treasurer • Illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader [Page 23]

office of youth affairs WHAT'S NEW?

Youth across the United States are gearing up to come out in force at this summer’s national conference, Building the Kingdom for Every Man, Woman, Youth and Child. All youth should plan to be in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, June 28–July 1, 2001! After the conference, youth are encouraged to participate in one of several major teaching initiatives held across the country in July.

197 Bahá’ís have registered with the Office of Youth Affairs as the primary contact person for the ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ or Bahá’í clubs at their colleges or universities. All of these people were sent a copy of the recent handbook for Bahá’í campus clubs, and are subscribed to the national newsletter for Bahá’í campus activities, Fertile Field, which has become a much more dynamic and substantive publication in recent months. Visit www.bahaiyouth.com to view back issues.

in your region UPDATES

Northeast • “The Cause: Be, Envision Manifest.” Centered on this theme, Bahá’í college students from throughout the Northeast and beyond gathered in Pennsylvania for an intense examination of their role in the transformation of society. The weekend, sponsored by the Northeast Regional Youth Committee, began with deepening on selected Bahá’í writings. Next, participants were asked to use their creativity to envision their role in the spiritual transformation of the planet. Finally, practical steps for realizing their vision were discussed, allowing these souls to return to their posts on their respective college campuses focused and prepared for greater services to the Cause.

Central • All youth in the Central States are invited to one of four sub-regional Building the Kingdom conferences:

• Ohio/Michigan LP April 14
• Indiana/Illinois May 12
• Minnesota/Wisconsin/North & South Dakota/Michigan UP May 27
• Kansas/Iowa/Nebraska/Missouri June 9

• The college-age students of Chicago have been communicating more regularly through e-mail and regular social events, and have begun consulting about how to leverage their collective energy to more direct services to the Cause and humanity.

Western • “Youth ... Building the Kingdom” • Three more Youth Forums will be sponsored in April and May 2001 in the Western region. These forums will be the beginning of extremely exciting developments in helping all Bahá’í youth and junior youth develop their vital role as teachers and servants of the Cause of God. The Regional Bahá’í Council of the Western States warmly and eagerly invites youth to come and be a part of the launching of these Youth Forums. For more information, contact your local Spiritual Assembly, or your Regional Bahá’í Council at

S. California April 13–15, Pilgrim Pines, Yucaipa N. California April 13–15, Camp James Gulch, La Honda Washington May 4–6, Bellevue

Similar forums were held March 16–18 in Utah and March 30–April 1 in Arizona. ♦

Propelling a ‘journey towards peace’ in the Chicago area

About 400 students from 20 Chicago-area high schools gathered Feb. 21 at the Bahá’í House of Worship as part of the annual “Putting Race Unity Into Practice” forum. Small-group discussions were springboarded by a viewing of the documentary Tutu and Franklin: a Journey Towards Peace.

What in the South are youth doing?

The following excerpts come from monthly reports on youth collected by the Southern Regional Youth Coordinating Team:

• • “In local events, we have been having our “shindigs” every month, to bring together the youth for a focused effort at unity. We need to have our younger youth and junior youth feel that the Faith is exciting and worth their time and effort to be a part of. So that has become one of the new focuses of the shindig. We always pray, have discourse, and then a social time. The last shindig we used the “Rights and Responsibilities” compilation and talked about obedience to the institutions and what it means. One of our next topics will be prayer, and how we can utilize prayer to our benefit, different ways in which we can pray, etc.”

• • “We have four seekers who have been attending everything since the beginning of the semester and their hearts are quickened by the rapture of the Faith. They’ve not yet signed the card, but I feel that they’ve inwardly embraced the Faith. Two of them have attended Bahá’í classes and come from a Catholic background. They love the Bahá’í Unity Club, and they love the Faith. Many also stop by the Bahá’í Unity Club booth. ... The booth alone has enabled thousands to see the name ‘Bahá’í’ and associate it with ‘Unity.’ Although we do a lot of stuff, it is difficult to generate the kind of impulse that brings to life the spiritually dead. I feel that we are not quite where we need to be, but we are moving in the right direction. We have accomplished a lot in the past year and a half, and the positive is far greater than the negative.”

• • “There will be a study circle on ‘Arising to Serve’ this coming semester with about seven participants and some will be youth, so the youth there are getting involved in the institute process.”

• • “The youth firesides are continuing! This past month we had one with four non-Bahá’ís and a guest speaker from South Carolina. It was very informal, but the four seekers have been coming consistently to things and are really into this Bahá’í thing. Youth in the area also had a ‘fun retreat.’ They brought there by friends and participated in activities as a group-teaching the Faith through example and social interaction.”

• • “About 70% of the Bahá’í youth on campus have been through a training course. (We) will be working next semester to have both a ‘Reflections’ course (encouraging ‎non-Bahá’í’s non-Bahá’ís‎ to take part) and a ‘Teaching the Cause’ course for Bahá’ís. After lengthy consultation near the end of the year, the youth registered a plea with the LSA to really look after them. In response, the LSA just a few weeks ago decided to make the youth a high priority and special consideration. The LSA is hosting a welcome back dinner as the spring semester is about to start, and will also try to meet with incoming students each year. This bodes very well for the future life of the community, and I look forward to seeing how it develops.”

• • “I have also been writing more this past semester, and reading my poetry to my class. It has been received very well. This could possibly be a good outlet for presenting Bahá’í principles to them indirectly. I think it already has proven so. Now, to just become friends with every single one of them ... then they’ll all know I’m a Bahá’í!”

• • “My orchestra teacher is very, very interested in the Faith, and a few others as well. One way I like to teach is by merely giving teachers or friends Writings on topics which they are passionate about.”

• • “During [Feast] I mentioned attempting to reach out to the people who call the 1-800-22-UNITE number. I know that there are at least 50 calls for (this area) and towns around us with no Bahá’ís. The lady who has the info promised to bring it to Feast so we can work on getting some concrete plans. I am afraid that I may end up doing this myself, although there is a lady here who I really believe I can become good teaching partners with.” ♦

Office of Youth Affairs Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201 Phone: 847-733-3499 Fax: 847-733-3502 E-mail:

www.bahaiyouth.com [Page 24]

VINEYARD of the LORD

Above: The council chamber in the International Teaching Center Building. Right: The International Teaching Center Building is just northeast of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. Below: Pillars frame the entrance to the International Teaching Center Building.

TEACHING CENTER COMES ALIVE

The new seat of the International Teaching Center, no longer just a beautiful structure, was alive with people and activity in early January amid feverish preparations to welcome Continental Counselors and Auxiliary Board members from around the world for the Counselors’ Conference.

That occasion marked the occupation by the International Teaching Center of its permanent seat on Mount Carmel.

Bahá’í staff representing a wide spectrum of cultural diversity provide a charming foil to its pristine beauty as they carry out various tasks inside and outside the building.

A computer rendering of the entrance plaza, gate and courtyard at the northern end of the path leading to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh in Bahjí. In the background are the new Pilgrim Facilities and Visitor Center.

CONCRETE STRUCTURE OF PILGRIM FACILITIES AND VISITOR CENTER IN BAHJÍ COMPLETED

A pyramid-shaped roof of red clay tiles—matching the roof of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh—tops the main reception hall of the new Pilgrim Facilities and Visitor Center in Bahjí near ‘Akká. The center’s concrete ‎stucture structure‎ is finished and interior construction proceeds.

That main hall will be able to accommodate a large gathering of pilgrims within its 4,300 square feet.

Plentiful large windows will focus an interplay of sunlight in the center of the room, where a nearly 400-square-foot Persian carpet is to be placed in a square area recessed 1 1/2 feet below the rest of the floor. High above this square will be a complex, arch-ribbed acoustic ceiling.

Doors and windows are being manufactured in Canada. Floor and wall tiles for washrooms and pantries will come from Germany. Floors in the main building will be covered with marble and carpet.

Foundations for a new entrance plaza, gate and courtyard at the northern end of the path leading to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh are almost complete. The walls are to be cladded with Kurkar, a variety of sandstone local to Israel and identical to the stone on the walls of the Shrine. [Page 25]

TERRACES OF THE SHRINE OF THE BÁB ARE VIRTUALLY COMPLETE

With installation of 14 cascading pools and the star-shaped fountain in the entrance plaza below Terrace 1, the last major items on the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb have been completed.

Stone paving around the central fountain is also nearly finished. The fountain and the cascade have been successfully tested. Final touches and fine tuning are expected to continue until the inauguration of the gardens in May.

Flowing water is prominent in the design of all the Terraces, but its downhill journey from Terrace 1 between twin outdoor stairways to the entrance plaza will traverse a unique set of features:

• The flow will begin from a fountain set below a triple arch in the retaining wall of the terrace.
• It will tumble through a series of white Carrara marble basins into a large pool set in the landing above the cascade.
• From there it will appear to bubble up, springlike, into the topmost pool of the cascade, then fall in glassy sheets through each of its 14 pools.
• The culmination of the water’s journey comes when it bursts forth like a geyser from the central fountain, made of white marble and shaped like an eight-pointed star. Below the fountain will be a still reflecting pool, with a floor of deep green Indian granite.

MUNICIPALITY OF HAIFA PRODUCES KEEPSAKE BOOK ON SHRINE, TERRACES

The Municipality of Haifa plans to produce a keepsake book about the Shrine of the Báb and the Terraces, to be released at the time of the Terraces’ inauguration in May.

The 128-page, 9-by-13-inch book is expected to contain more than 100 full-size high-quality pictures, with text in Hebrew and English.

An earlier publication by the Municipality, the booklet Bahá’í Shrine and Gardens on Mount Carmel—Haifa, Israel, has sold more than 100,000 copies in English, Hebrew and nine other languages throughout the Bahá’í world. It was well-received by Bahá’ís as a resource for teaching and public relations. ◆

Details about the new hardcover book will ‎available be available‎ in a future issue of The American Bahá’í. For information on ordering the souvenir stamps commemorating completion of the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb, see the Bahá’í Distribution Service section, page 9.

THE MOUNT CARMEL TERRACES OFFICIAL OPENING

Information on the Web!

• News releases
• The music: Composers and performers
• Background on the Shrine of the Báb, the Terraces and gardens

www.bahaiworldnews.org/terraces/index.html

A view down Mount Carmel from Terraces above the Shrine of the Báb. The German Colony lies beyond the Shrine as the mountain continues toward the port of Haifa and the sea.

PHOTOS BY RUHI VARGHA

Above left: Across from the Shrine of the Báb on Hatzionut Avenue is the entrance plaza that leads to Terrace 11.

Above right: Ornamental details on the Terraces above the Shrine of the Báb gleam in the Mediterranean sunlight.

When the Mount Carmel Projects commenced in the Holy Land in May 1990, an arduous uphill task faced the Bahá’í world. The enormity of the undertaking must have made it difficult to visualize its completion by the turn of the century. Now, at the dawn of a new millennium, the vision expressed by Shoghi Effendi decades ago of “the splendour of the institutions which that triumphant Faith must erect on the slopes of a mountain [Carmel]” has finally been consummated. Praise be to God for enabling all of us to be part of such a historic and monumental undertaking. Overcoming uncertainty and turmoil, challenges and drawbacks, for all who toiled to translate this vision into a reality the anxiety has virtually ended with the expected completion of the Projects right on time, fulfilling a “date with destiny.”

Mount Carmel Bahá’í Projects, Office of the Project Manager [Page 26]Classified notices in The American Bahá’í are published free of charge to the Bahá’í community. Because of this, notices are limited to items relating to the Faith; no personal or commercial ads are accepted. Some of the opportunities have not been approved by the National Spiritual Assembly; the friends should exercise judgment and care in responding.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

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

Meeting/Hospitality Assistant, Meetings and Travel Office. Will promote loving, attentive, pleasing atmosphere for meetings of the National Spiritual Assembly and the Bahá’í National Center. Involved in menu planning, meeting setup and close-down, supply purchasing, stockroom maintenance, collaboration with the Office of the Secretary and Properties Office. Will also assist with travel-related and billing tasks. Very flexible work schedule available to accommodate intermittent weekend meetings. Should have aptitude for creating an aesthetic decor, arranging flowers; must be able to work well under pressure and time constraints.

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

Maintenance Team Leader, Properties. 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 at least five years’ experience in all areas of building maintenance (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, cleaning etc.) with three to five years as a maintenance manager; valid driver’s license; supervisory command of English.

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

URGENT NEEDS

Kingdom Project/Treasurer’s Office, Evanston, IL: Administrative Assistant. Will maintain database on pledges and cash contributions related to the Kingdom Project; produce regular large-scale mailings; make meeting/travel arrangements; provide telephone coverage. Must have exceptional ability to work with others; familiarity with computer software (Word, Excel, Access etc.) and some hardware; typing at least 50 wpm; experience as administrative or executive assistant.

Bahá’í Distribution Service, Fulton County, Georgia: Business Office Manager. Will manage all aspects of Business Office activities; coordinate/communicate with BDS manager and buying office, Office of the Treasurer, other Bahá’í offices, authors, publishers, vendors and others nationally and internationally; supervise business office assistants. Minimum five years’ experience in many aspects of accounting (receivable/payable, bank reconciliation, cash receipts etc.) including a year’s management experience; varied retail background a plus; strong computer skills including QuickBooks and Excel; must be highly motivated, a problem solver, able to work independently.

Bahá’í Distribution Service, Fulton County, Georgia: Buyer. Helps ensure timely, economical availability of Bahá’í literature and materials; communicates with publishers and vendors; negotiates sales agreements. Two years’ experience as a buyer, including work with purchasing contracts or two years’ experience retail ordering and stocking; experience with basic office administrative support including Microsoft Word.

Persian-American Affairs Office, Evanston: Administrative Assistant. Office skills should include Microsoft Windows 98 and/or 2000, possibly Excel; typing 55 wpm, calculator by touch. Excellent verbal and written skills in both Persian and English a MUST. Should be well-versed in both cultures, able to interact with all types of people; must possess in-depth knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith and have excellent consultative abilities.

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

Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine: Assistant Cook (part time). Helps Head Cook and occasionally oversees kitchen and dining room operations; must have at least 2 years’ experience as a cook.

Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California: Assistant Cook (full time). Helps Head Cook and occasionally oversees kitchen and dining room operations; must have at least 2 years’ experience as a cook.

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

URGENT NEED

DIRECTOR, NATIONAL OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION NEW YORK, NY

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

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

OFFICE OF INFORMATION SERVICES

Systems Support Manager (technical manager). Must know Windows NT4/2000, have WAN experience.

Senior Applications Developer (2 positions). Provides high-level analysis, design, implementation of information systems. Familiar with a variety of technologies: VB/VBA (preferred), SQL7, Microsoft Access, Web Tools, Delphi, C++.

Applications Developer. Provides high-level analysis, design, implementation of information systems. Familiar with variety of technologies: VB/VBA (preferred), database, Web Tools.

Network Administrator/Engineer. Responsible for configuration, maintenance, security of computer network infrastructure (LAN and WAN) including servers, cabling, routers, switches, NICs. Maintains documentation of network and servers. Should know NT4/Win2K.

SQL Database Administrator. Coordinates database development. Responsible for Enterprise SQL server including security rights, table design, normalization. Responsible for design and implementation of user and departmental applications as front ends to MS SQL7 using MS Access, VB or other tools.

Telephone Systems Specialist.

Report Writer. Skilled in Access, Crystal Reports; Visual Basic helpful.

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

FOR BRILLIANT STAR MAGAZINE WILMETTE, ILLINOIS

Associate Editor. Helps coordinate and execute all phases of content acquisition/development, proofing, and digital print production for all six issues per year of Brilliant Star in a creative, deadline-driven atmosphere; assists with other print projects within Bahá’í Media Services. Must have two years’ experience with editorial and production work in educational publishing for children (ages 6–12); familiarity with children’s activities and educational materials to suit various reading levels and learning styles in the context of Bahá’í teachings. Must have strong creative writing and editing skills. Should be detail-oriented; able to work in a consultative manner as a member of a team, as well as independently with little supervision.

AT BOSCH BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL SANTA CRUZ, CA

Bookshop/Cafe Manager. Will buy and merchandise a wide range of book titles, Sacred Text as well as others; also clothing, jewelry, music. Cafe section offers beverages and refreshments. Will work in bookshop as needed and supervise volunteers. Depending on qualifications, may help develop marketing strategies for Bahá’ís and the public, and assume responsibility for accounts payable and bank deposits. Should be familiar with basic accounting and finance, inventory management, use of Booklog and/or QuickBooks; retail experience helpful; attitude of service essential. Starts May 1, 2001.

Children’s Program Coordinator/Teacher. Looking for a dynamic, personable, energetic person with a bachelor’s degree in education or related field; must be trained in Core Curriculum; must have knowledge of curriculum building for children of all ages on a wide range of subjects; able to contact and supervise volunteer teachers. Will plan and organize children’s program as well as help with adult program. Organizational and leadership skills are a must; musical talents are a plus.

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).

ACROSS THE NATION

Freelance editorial help urgently needed! Deepened Bahá’ís with editorial experience to help the Bahá’í Publishing Trust with substantive editing, copyediting, fact checking, coding of manuscripts for desktop publishing, or proofreading of book projects. Excellent command of grammar, punctuation, and spelling is essential. Must have access to e-mail and Microsoft Word 97 (or later). Must be sensitive to deadlines. Familiarity with Chicago Manual of Style is helpful. If interested, please contact Terry Cassiday (e-mail tcassiday@usbnc.org).

INTERNATIONAL

China: Numerous openings for English teachers and professionals willing to travel for service in this rapidly developing country. For information contact Susan Senchuk (phone 847-733-3489, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail ssenchuk@usbnc.org).

WANTED

Seeking memories, information and photos for a 95th anniversary history of the Topeka Bahá’í community to be celebrated this fall, from former residents and visitors (seeking same for all of Kansas for eventual centennial history) and addresses of Topekans who have left so we can invite them to our party. Contact Duane L. Herrmann, 432 N.W. Greentree Ln., Topeka, KS 66617-1806 (785-286-3112) (e-mail dlherrmann@juno.com). [Page 27]

URGENT NEED AT THE BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTER, HAIFA, ISRAEL

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.

For more information see: www.usbnc.org

Please send your résumé to: Bahá’í National Center Office of Human Resources, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (fax 847-733-3430, e-mail )

Bahá’í Chair invited to co-sponsor globalization event

In another evidence of wide-ranging recognition, the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland has been asked to co-sponsor a conference at Howard University in Washington, DC, titled “The Challenges and Opportunities of Globalization at the Dawn of the Millennium.”

The April 11–14 conference is to explore two broad viewpoints of the trend toward a global economy: an extraordinary means of letting ideas, foods, finance and know-how across borders; and a process fraught with potential for exploitation, polarization and inequity inspiring violence and terrorism.

The conference is to involve several departments, schools and research programs of Howard University as well as government, business and academic institutions across the Washington area.

The invitation to the Bahá’í Chair and its holder, Suheil Bushrui, is a recognition that “Faith and [spirituality] as you have demonstrated in your lifetime work is indispensable to the future of an integrating planet,” according to a letter from the conference coordinator to Bushrui.

The Maryland professor was specifically requested to assemble a panel with representatives of various faiths to “shed light on approaches that would assist in finding lasting answers to the challenges of a globalizing world.”

The Bahá’í Chair, established in 1993 with an endowment from the National Spiritual Assembly, is part of the University of Maryland’s Center for International Development and Conflict Management. It engages in a variety of activities promoting peaceful methods of resolving international conflicts, with an eye toward sharing the experience of the Bahá’í community in that realm.

PIONEERING / OVERSEAS

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

ARCHIVES

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking original letters written on behalf of the Guardian to the following: Jacklen Ferguson, Murel Ferguson, Edward L. Fernald, Martha Fettig, Ida A. Finch, George Finks, Oni A. Finks, Theresa Fisch, M.E.A. Fischbach and Raleigh I.S. Fischel. 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 (phone 847-853-2359).

The National Bahá’í Archives is seeking photographs of the following Hands of the Cause to add to its collection: Hermann Grossmann, Jalal Khazeh, Sutherland Maxwell, Adelbert Mühlschlegel, Rahmat’u’lláh Muhájir, Enoch Olinga, Keith Ransom-Kehler, John Robarts, Taráz’u’lláh Samandari, Siegfried Schopflocher, Alí Muhammad Varqá, Valiyu’lláh Varqá. Anyone with photos they could donate may send them to the National Bahá’í Archives, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Please identify if possible with people, date and place.

A SPIRITUAL OASIS

Bahá’í House of Worship SPECIAL VISIT REGISTRATION

You are invited to participate in the 2001 Special Visit Program at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár. These visits are created to offer the friends who live farther from the Mother Temple a spiritual oasis in which to relish a memorable experience with this sacred place. Bahá’ís may bring friends and family who are not enrolled Bahá’ís, with the understanding that some activities may require supplementary explanation for these visitors.

Please select the weekend for your visit (6 p.m. Thursday through 2 p.m. Sunday, in either case): ___ July 5–8; register by June 1 • ___ Aug. 2–5 ; register by July 1 Please note that low advance enrollment could cause either of these visits to be canceled.

Highlights

• Tours of Bahá’í House of Worship, Bahá’í Home, Media Services, Publishing Trust, Archives, National Center
• Presentations on properties and Temple conservation
• Audiovisual and film programs
• Bahá’í Bookstore shopping
• Enrichment sessions from the Office of Pioneering, the National Teaching Committee and the House of Worship
• Garden teaching and guiding opportunities
• Option to read in daily devotional programs in the Auditorium
• Classes and activities provided for children ages 5–11 (infant/toddler care not provided)
• Some youth-specific activities (if a sufficient number register)
• Group photo; lakeshore park with beach; free-time opportunities

Registration (please clip or copy this form)

Family name of your travel group: ___________________________	How many people? _______
Address __________________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________	State __________	ZIP Code __________
If not from U.S., which country? __________________________________________________
Telephone—Home ___________________________	Work ___________________________
Fax ___________________________	E-mail ___________________________
List name(s) and Bahá’í ID number(s), if applicable, of all registrants; use additional sheet as needed. Indicate ages of children/youths (ages 5 and up may register).
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

Registration fees: Adult $25, Youth (12–20) $20, Child (5–11) $10 Please send fees with this form; make checks payable to the Bahá’í Services Fund. International visitors, please send fees by cashier’s check in U.S. dollars.

Accommodations

Howard Johnson’s Skokie can provide a group room rate (per night: one queen bed $89; double beds $99). Hot buffet breakfast included. If you check option “A” below, we will register you with the hotel, but you must handle all financial arrangements with the hotel. Please plan to lodge with members of your own family or with friends of the same gender. This office cannot match roommates.

A. ____ Would you like to stay at the Howard Johnson? Number of rooms needed ____ Number of people in each room ____

If staying at the Howard Johnson, do you plan to use its shuttle service? ____ Special needs? ____

B. ____ Would you like us to send you a list of other hotels?

C. ____ Will you stay with friends in the area? Phone # _______________

Transportation/meals

Shuttle will be provided between the Temple and the Howard Johnson. Two lunches and some snacks are included. Other meals and transportation will be on your own.

All registrants will receive Chicago transportation information. TAB 3/21/01

Return this form (or a copy) to: Spiritual Oasis, Activities Office Bahá’í House of Worship 100 Linden Ave. Wilmette, IL 60091

Please direct inquiries to the Activities Office (phone 847-853-2327, e-mail ) ) [Page 28]

Applying the law in your life

HUQÚQU’LLÁH THE RIGHT OF GOD

In their desire to fulfill their role in building the new World Order, Bahá’ís across the country often have questions about the Law of Huqúqu’lláh and how to apply this great law of God in their own lives.

Here are some questions that have been posed regarding the application of Huqúqu’lláh in the United States, with answers from the Trustees of the Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust. They are reprinted from past issues of The American Bahá’í.

Does the Huqúqu’lláh payment serve as a tax write-off on federal income tax forms?

Yes, payments to the Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust in the United States are tax-deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

How do we observe the law of Huqúqu’lláh in families where one spouse is not a Bahá’í?

Preservation of unity is Bahá’u’lláh’s first principle. You must make sure that the non-Bahá’í spouse has a full understanding of your spiritual needs and is radiantly in agreement with you in applying the law of Huqúqu’lláh to the half of the community property that is yours. Otherwise you pray that through your love and wisdom your spouse will come to appreciate your need.

Helpful hint: Please put your Bahá’í ID number on your checks every time.

Huqúqu’lláh Trust Information

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

• Amin Banani, 1022 S. Alfred St., Los Angeles, CA 90035, phone 323-651-4040, fax 310-394-6167, e-mail aminbanani@aol.com
• Stephen Birkland, 4429 Victoria St., Shoreview, MN 55126, phone 651-490-9506, fax 651-490-7521, e-mail sbirkland@usbnc.org
• Sally Foo, 147 Leabrook Ln., Princeton, NJ 08540, phone 609-671-0730, fax 609-671-0740, e-mail sfoo@usbnc.org
• Daryush Haghighi, 20110 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, OH 44126, phone 440-333-6938, fax 440-333-6938, e-mail dhaghighi@usbnc.org
• Elizabeth Martin, P.O. Box 178, Winnsboro, SC 29180, phone 803-635-4290, fax 803-635-9982, e-mail emartin@usbnc.org

Office of the Secretariat, Bahá’í Huqúqu’lláh Trust, 20110 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, OH 44126 (phone 440-333-6938, fax 440-333-6938, e-mail huququllah@usbnc.org).

“... payment of the Right of God is conducive to prosperity, to blessing, and to honour and divine protection.” —Bahá’u’lláh

Huqúqu’lláh Web site

accessible at www.usbnc.org

Tools to enhance your understanding of this great Law of God:

Codification of the Law ● Compilation of writings on Huqúqu’lláh ● Practical guidelines ● History of the institution ● Prayers ● Online videos ● Directory of Huqúqu’lláh Representatives across the U.S. ● Articles for study

Access www.usbnc.org with your Bahá’í ID number, then click on the “Huqúqu’lláh” link

THE BAHÁ’Í FUNDS

Individuals may choose to let life insurance benefit the Fund

Many of the friends have asked about naming our National Spiritual Assembly as beneficiary on a life insurance policy. This can be accomplished in one of three ways:

1. Our National Spiritual Assembly may be named as a contingent beneficiary. It would then receive the material benefit if:

a. The primary beneficiary (usually a family member) disclaimed the gift.

b. The primary beneficiary was no longer living and the material benefit would automatically go to the contingent beneficiary.

2. Our National Spiritual Assembly may be named as one of the primary beneficiaries (a co-beneficiary) and designated a certain percentage of the benefit. 3. Our National Spiritual Assembly may be named as the sole primary beneficiary.

In each of the above scenarios the proper legal title and the EIN number should be used:

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation. EIN number: 36-3981492.

The EIN identifies our National Spiritual Assembly as a tax-exempt not-for-profit charitable religious organization. If asked for an address on the beneficiary form, the following may be used: Office of the Treasurer, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201-1611.

It would be helpful if the individual would inform the Office of the Treasurer that s/he is using this gift-planning tool and that action has been taken to name our National Spiritual Assembly as a beneficiary. The individual could send a letter providing his/her name and Bahá’í identification number to the Office of the Treasurer.

This way, when the time comes, the appropriate staff member can check the file with this information at his/her disposal, confirm that the individual was a Bahá’í, and generate a letter to the surviving family members acknowledging the foresight and gift-planning of the individual family member and thanking the family for the individual’s thoughtfulness and generosity.

Often, the family of a Bahá’í is not Bahá’í, and it would be helpful to have the name ‎an and‎ address of a family member to whom the acknowledgment could be sent. ◆

For more information, please contact the Gift and Estate Planning Program of the Office of the Treasurer (contact information is at left).

Charitable Gift Annuities

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

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

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

Examples (based on a $10,000 annuity): Age 60: Charitable deduction $3,782.30; annual lifetime annuity $660 Age 70: Charitable deduction $4,261.20; annual lifetime annuity $750 Age 80: Charitable deduction $4,907.40; annual lifetime annuity $920

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

The 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

8-page brochure from the Office of the Treasurer: The Writing of a Will Individual 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 giftplanning@usbnc.org
• Or, fill out the form with the Bahá’í Funds envelope attached to this paper.

[Page 29]

The importance of collaboration

INFORMATION FROM THE REGIONAL BAHÁ’Í COUNCIL FOR THE SOUTHERN STATES

Loving collaboration with a variety of Bahá’í institutions will help regional training institutes stimulate the healthy growth of the Bahá’í community, it was emphasized at the fourth annual Regional Training Institute Conference for the Southern States, held during early February in Houston, Texas.

Two members of the Continental Board of Counselors and a National Spiritual Assembly representative helped provide inspiration and information for the event, attended by board members from the 12 regional training institutes (RTIs) in the South, several representatives from the other U.S. regions, and a number of Auxiliary Board members. Five members of the sponsoring Regional Bahá’í Council for the Southern States also were there.

With sessions richly enhanced by prayer, music and fun activities, the gathering helped participants bring home a commitment to the Universal House of Justice’s vision of the system of training institutes as “an engine of the process of entry by troops” (from the Ridván 2000 message).

As the main conference presenter, Counselor Catherine Monajjem drew on her vast experience with training institutes.

She shared a tip given to her by a teacher years ago: “A mistake ... is a friendly invitation to try again.” Such an attitude of encouragement is very important for RTI tutors and facilitators, she said, so that the learning process feels safe to participants.

The work of the RTIs is sacred work, Jack McCants of the National Assembly asserted, referring to guidance from the Universal House of Justice championing training institutes as a means of vitalizing the Cause on every level.

With hearts connected to Bahá’u’lláh and minds trained in specific paths of service, he said, both new and veteran believers will be equipped to contribute to a Bahá’í community life that will bind hearts together and reduce the rate of “exodus after enrollment.”

Emphasized throughout the conference were relationships between RTIs and several institutions. For example:

• The Universal House of Justice created the concept of training institutes, and has referred to their role in several messages to the Bahá’ís.
• Each RTI is an agency of the Nation-

SEE INSTITUTES, PAGE 32

Training institute in Tongan

A recent Ruhi Institute course in Oakland, California, was the first such course in the Tongan language conducted outside Tonga. Facilitated by George Taufuli Halaholo of Hayward, the course was sponsored jointly by the Robert Turner Regional Training Institute and the Ocean of Light teaching group. Music, laughter and fellowship enhanced the study.

REGIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE CONTACTS

Southern States

Regional contact: Susan Nossa •

Training institutes:

• Aguila del Cielo Central Texas •
• Amatul’l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum Alabama, Georgia •
• Crimson Ark DC, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia •
• Jubilee Tennessee and Arkansas •
• Magdalene Carney Florida, ‎Lousiana Louisiana‎, Mississippi •
• Mathew Kaszab South Texas •
• North Texas •
• Oklahoma •
• Sam McClellan Kentucky •
• South Carolina •
• Supreme Talisman North Carolina •
• Tree of Life Houston, Texas •

Central States

Regional contact: Council secretary • e-mail

Training institutes:

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

Western States

Regional contact: Council secretary • e-mail

Training institutes:

• Arizona •
• Columbine Colorado •
• California Northeast •
• California Northwest •
• California South •
• IMWW Idaho, Montana, Washington, Wyoming •
• Native American Bahá’í Institute •
• Nevada South •
• Oregon •
• Rio Grande New Mexico •

Northeastern States

Regional contact: Chet Makoski • e-mail

Training institutes:

• Doris McKay Western New York state •
• New York Tri State Metro NYC, Northern NJ, Long Island •
• Sadie Oglesby Eastern New England •
• Thornton Chase ‎Connnecticut Connecticut‎ River Valley •
• William Sears Eastern Pennsylvania •

Wilmette Institute

Extended application period for Spiritual Foundations 2001

Applications for the 2001 Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization program will now be accepted through April 15, and a few may be accepted after that date if space is still available.

Principal themes of this year’s classes in Wilmette will be the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual development of the individual and marriage and family life. These themes relate closely to the Building the Kingdom conference to be held June 29–July 1 in Milwaukee.

Students will also study the mission of Bahá’u’lláh, the life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and His role as exemplar, and the Bahá’í writings on spiritual development (especially the Kitáb-i-Aqdas). They will attend workshops on creative writing, researching and teaching the Faith.

Distance-Learning Courses: Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh and more Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh Revealed after the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, May 15–Aug. 15

This course reviews all major works of Bahá’u’lláh after 1874 except the Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. These works elaborate on His laws, explore the nature of the mystical life, describe basic theological teachings, and expound on the principles necessary for transforming human society. It is one of six Wilmette Institute courses on the writings of Bahá’u’lláh.

The Bahá’í Faith: A Comprehensive Introduction, June 1–Aug. 31 Seekers, new believers or veteran Bahá’ís can study the Faith through this course with some academic rigor and neutrality. This course is also highly suitable for college students wishing to arrange credit through their own university.

Christianity for Deepening and Dialogue, June 15–Sept. 15 Explore Christianity’s origins, the life of its Founder, the composition of its scriptures, the systematization of its teachings, its subsequent split into many submovements, and the Bahá’í perspective on the religion that has more followers than any other in the world.

“The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh,” April 1–June 30 Registration will stay open during April as long as space is ‎avaiable available‎. In addition to covering many fundamental verities about the Central Figures and the Administrative Order, the course includes supplemental texts by the Universal House of Justice such as “Individual Rights and Freedoms in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.”

Upcoming courses Watch for information on a course on The Secret of Divine Civilization, July 1–Sept. 30.

Other future courses:

• ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Exemplar, Oct. 1–Dec. 31.
• The Writings of Bahá’u’lláh: A Comprehensive Introduction, Nov. 1–Feb. 28
• The Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Development of the Individual, Nov. 15–Feb. 15
• The Bible, Dec. 1–Feb. 28

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.

THE WILMETTE INSTITUTE 536 Sheridan Road Wilmette, IL 60091

Phone/fax: 877-WILMETTE (toll-free) E-mail: Web site: www.wilmetteinstitute.org The Web site is secure for accepting credit card payment of tuition.

More on regional training institutes at www.usbnc.org

Access the Administrative Web Site with your Bahá’í ID number, click on “Regional Councils,” then link to the Web site for the Council in your region of the country! [Page 30]

Travels keep you on your toes

BY JUDITH GRIFFIN

The following is one personal account of a frequent international traveling teacher. The needs and circumstances of the Faith around the world are wonderfully diverse and provide an opportunity for a wide spectrum of the talents and interests of the friends to be channeled in service.

One of the greatest joys of service to our Faith is international traveling teaching. However, it can be full of unexpected events and often requires a surprising adaptability and flexibility. This is what makes it all so very interesting.

In my experience, I have found it best to travel with no particular agenda in mind other than service to Bahá’u’lláh. Sometimes I travel with a companion, and sometimes alone. It should be noted that the only language I know is English.

Many stories come to mind. One time I was in a country with many wonderful Bahá’ís who were in love with Bahá’u’lláh, but whose knowledge of basic teachings of the Faith was very limited. My solution was to put together a series of study classes on the fundamental verities of the Faith.

Another time, my traveling companion and I traveled specifically to consolidate new believers in an area and found they were not interested in this. So instead, we went to a school where English was taught and talked to the students for several hours over the next few days. We also had firesides at the Bahá’í center, many of which were conducted in fractured English (but we seemed to understand each other). Yet another time a fireside was given to encourage youth to greater service.

Often the surprises truly define a trip. While attending the raising of the National Spiritual Assembly in a country previously visited, we discovered a United Nations conference in Istanbul that none of us knew about before. So off we went to Istanbul on a bus ride that lasted over 24 hours. For the next two weeks I worked a Bahá’í booth for about eight hours a day and had the joy of talking about Bahá’u’lláh and the Bahá’í Faith nearly all that time. What a glorious experience that was!

So many times I’ve been met at trains, planes and buses by someone holding a photo of the Shrine of the Báb, or with SEE TRAVELING, PAGE 32

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 35 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.

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

Northeastern States

When a statewide media committee began airing The Power of Race Unity last summer, the people of Waterbury, Connecticut, resoundingly replied, “please tell us more!” But a shortage of Bahá’ís in this city of 100,000 has delayed responses to 1-800-22-UNITE calls. A Ruhi-trained Bahá’í teacher from Africa and his family have moved here. This French- and English-speaking family has asked for help in organizing Feasts, firesides and public devotional gatherings. In turn, their presence has inspired an energetic intercommunity teaching effort. Please come and be a part of this process! In the picturesque Naugatuck River Valley, Waterbury is a richly diverse city of Gothic church steeples and a proud history as our nation’s brass capital. For information, contact Ruthie Gammons (phone , e-mail ).

Oyster Bay Town, New York, needs two adult Bahá’ís by Ridván to preserve the Spiritual Assembly. Syosset, Oyster Bay, Hicksville, Plainview, Farmingdale, Massapequa and other towns are in our district. C.W. Post, Hofstra, other universities and colleges, and four hospitals. Please contact Aroza, Gover or Rusi Sanjana (phone , e-mail ).

Southern States

The Regional Council has placed top priority for homefront pioneering on localities where Local Spiritual Assemblies are in numerical or functional jeopardy (in italics), or cities with populations of 50,000 or more and no Local Spiritual Assembly.

• 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 County, 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
• North Carolina: Concord, Gastonia, Kernersville, Thomasville
• Oklahoma: Broken Arrow, Delaware County, Lawton, Mayes County, Midwest City, Moore, Shawnee, Vinita
• South Carolina: Adams Run, Chester, Georgetown County, Kingstree, Lydia, Mt. Pleasant, North Charleston, Oconee County, Orangeburg, Pendleton
• Tennessee: Clarksville, Jackson
• Texas: Addison, Baytown, Bedford, Benbrook, Beaumont, Brazoria County, Bryan, Corpus Christi, Edinburg, Galveston, Highland Village, Killeen, Laredo, Longview, McAllen, Mesquite, Odessa, San Angelo, Tyler
• Virginia: Danville, Lynchburg, Portsmouth, Suffolk
• West Virginia: Huntington

Oconee County, South Carolina, has a population of 65,000 in an area of mountains and lakes and an active, loving Bahá’í community of seven adults and eight children. Over 20 industries, from textiles to auto parts; safe environment, good school system, unemployment rate below 1.5%. Clemson and other universities nearby.

Paducah, Kentucky, is a thriving market center for its region, with medical centers, a strong community college system and growing employment possibilities in a city of 30,000. Five adult Bahá’ís live here, with two moving out soon. An intercommunity network actively cooperates in teaching and race unity work.

Please contact the Southern Regional Traveling Teaching and Homefront Pioneering Coordinators listed at right.

Western States

The Regional Council has three main criteria for Assembly 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 Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Goal localities include the following (complete list on www.usbnc.org).

For communities on Indian reservations (marked with *), contact the American Indian regional traveling teaching-homefront pioneering coordinator listed at right:

• Arizona: Apache Junction, Bapchule District*, Buckeye, Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Cochise Co. SW, Cottonwood, Eloy, Goodyear, Kibito Chapter*, Kingman, Surprise, Tolleson, Whiteriver; Assembly community seeking support: Houck Chapter*.
• Idaho: Caldwell, Fort Hall Indian Reservation*, Kootenai Co., Meridian, Twin Falls; Assembly community seeking support: Ada County.
• Montana: Blackfeet Reservation*, Crow Agency*, Flathead Reservation*, Great Falls, Havre, Kalispell, Lewis and Clark Co., Northern Cheyenne Reservation*, St. Ignatius, Yellowstone Co.; Assembly communities seeking support: Billings, Bozeman, Butte-Silver Bow, Helena, Missoula Co., Ravalli Co.
• Nevada: Boulder City, Churchill Co., Lyon Co., Pahrump, Winchester Township
• New Mexico: Artesia, Deming, Grants, Jicarilla Apache Reservation*, Lovington, Luna Co., Mountainair, Rio Arriba Co., Shiprock Chapter*, Socorro; Assembly community seeking support: Doña Ana Co. Central
• Utah: Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, La Verkin, Layton, Midvale, Ogden, Roy, Uintah-Ouray Reservation*; Assembly community seeking support: West Valley City
• Wyoming: Casper, Cody, Laramie Co., Newcastle, Rock Springs, Weston Co., Wind River Reservation*; Assembly communities seeking support: Cheyenne, Laramie
• California: 77 goal communities, including 15 Assembly communities seeking support.
• Colorado: 16 goal communities, including 9 Assembly communities seeking support.
• Oregon: 23 goal communities, including 11 Assembly communities seeking support.
• Washington: 44 goal communities, including 16 Assembly communities seeking support.

The Bahá’ís of Aztec, New Mexico, need homefront pioneers to strengthen a community of nine adults, all of whom serve on our first-year Assembly. Our city of 6,000 in the Four Corners area is in an active area in the oil and gas industry, and 14 miles from Farmington, the regional shopping/business center and home to San Juan Community College. The Navajo and other American Indian reservations are nearby. Please contact the New Mexico Traveling Teaching-Homefront Pioneering coordinator, (e-mail ).

Regional Contacts

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

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

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

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

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

Traveling teaching: Jan Saeed, (phone , e-mail ).

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

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

Southern States To inquire about locating as a homefront pioneer, please contact regional coordinating team member Susan Crossley (phone , e-mail ).

To inquire about traveling teaching, please contact regional coordinating team member Kitty Schmitz (phone , e-mail ). [Page 31]Green Acre Bahá’í School 188 Main Street • Eliot, ME 03903 207-439-7200 www.greenacre.org

Lights out at retreat

BY NANCY TANCREDI

The formal dinner for the Saturday evening of the Married Couples Retreat at Green Acre Bahá’í School had been planned in exquisite detail—from a long-stemmed red rose in a milk-glass vase next to a candle in the center of each white-clothed table; from the roast chicken breast, stuffed squash, beef tips with mushroom sauce, carrots with ginger, to romaine with red onion and oranges dressed with the cook’s vinaigrette; from the tiny cheesecakes and chocolate confections on a bed of raspberry sauce to the dancing that would conclude the evening.

The facilitators, staff and volunteers felt confident in the warmth of the Sarah Farmer Inn perched high on the hill overlooking the Piscataqua River.

The February day shone gloriously without a cloud. A bit of a wind blew from the west. Yet with the temperate air, the snow melting, and the couples laughing together, giving much thought to the wind seemed unnecessary.

In the kitchen, lunch dishes were washed, stacked and stored. The cook and youth workers went on break, and two volunteers hauled carrots from the walk-in refrigerator. After checking the squash slowly baking, they chatted as they scraped carrots free of their thin skins, readying them for slicing into julienne strips.

They had just finished putting the strips into large plastic containers when the lights went out!

The kitchen has an eight-burner gas stove, a four-rack electric oven and a stacked set of two ‎six-racked six-rack‎ electric ovens. The cook and her assistant leaned against the stainless steel table that runs almost the length of the kitchen, discussing how they would cook the carefully planned dinner without a working oven. Surely a challenge. The assistant went in search of candles while the cook looked for a flashlight. The kitchen had no windows.

When each had succeeded in their quests, they conferred in the dim candlelight. The cook’s husband finally managed to light the pilot in the oven of the seldom-used gas range. While it had only two racks, it would have to suffice with careful timing.

The youths returned from their break and immediately began setting up the dining room with tablecloths, the roses tucked into vases with a sprig of baby’s breath and candles.

In flickering candlelight the meal was prepared while the married couples went to their rooms in the fading daylight to change into evening clothes for a romantic dinner.

Only 15 minutes beyond the appointed dinner hour, the guests began filling their plates. The room filled with quiet talk, gentle laughter, contentment and the spirit of Green Acre.

The wind continued to blow hard. Finally, the lights came back on just in time for an evening of dancing.

When you next receive a brochure from Green Acre, do not just consider coming for a program, come. The ‘Akká of the West welcomes you. ♦

Complete list of Green Acre sessions appears in Calendar, back page

Couples at the Married Couples Retreat, during February at Green Acre Bahá’í School, enjoy some dancing after power was restored from an outage that made candlelight necessary for their dinner.

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

Skill development

BY LIZ DONALDSON

Two sessions focusing on the development of skills to serve humanity graced the campus of Louhelen Bahá’í School Jan. 12–15.

The 30 participants in the Health for Humanity conference were mostly physicians or other health care professionals deeply involved in social and economic development programs across the globe.

“My trip to Louhelen was extremely helpful in illuminating ways that Beyond Boundaries Foundation Inc. can collaborate with Health for Humanity to the benefit of both organizations and more especially to be of more benefit to the peoples served,” said Ray Rudolph, a physician and surgeon from Savannah, Georgia.

He added, “The quiet, secluded atmosphere of Louhelen allows for deep spiritual consultation and study. Consultation ran nonstop from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and I must say I never heard a raised voice or the slightest intrusion of ego from any participant. To me that is part of what Louhelen is for.”

“I have a better grasp of what Health for Humanity stands for and thus I can comfortably explain its vision and goals to people of similar interests and in the process can be able to attract new members,” said Rolando Maddela, who has been in the public health field in Texas.

At the same time, Louhelen hosted 11 people being trained in Core Curriculum teacher training, which readied participants to teach others in their regions how to conduct systematic outreach to Bahá’í children and young friends of the Faith. These dedicated trainees come to Louhelen twice to complete their training—the first time for three days, and a few months later for two days.

Jeanine Taylor, Desiree Duell and Judy Moe get a few smiles out of the Core Curriculum teacher training session in January at Louhelen. Photo by Jim Cheek

Star Stone, a longtime educator, summarized her experience this way: “The Core Curriculum provides an avenue for each member of the community to demonstrate his or her appreciation for each other and love of the Faith. This is only one avenue. It is not ‘the only way’ to do things, but it certainly provides some concrete methods for developing unity and love in the community. Teachers are charged with imparting facts and ideas, but without the connection to the heart, the facts and figures produce little results.”

As the home of the National Teacher Training Center, Louhelen offers the Teacher Trainer Training three times per year. Other Core Curriculum offerings include:

• Marriage and Family Life Trainer Training.
• Youth Facilitator Training.
• Parent Facilitator Training.
• Race Unity Trainer Training.
• Equality Trainer Training.

Materials associated with each of these are distributed at a modest cost through Louhelen.

Upcoming sessions

Two future sessions at Louhelen will benefit young people even more directly:

April 13–15: Youth Eagle Institute for youth ages 15 and up, with Anita Jefferson and Bart Shull. Offering a chance to peruse a selected Bahá’í topic through serious study, devotion and fellowship, this session will seek to mobilize the power of youth to shine as “emblems of a better future.”

April 20–22: Spiritual Empowerment for Junior Youth ages 12–15. Interactive workshops, fellowship and fun will foster self-confidence, reliance upon God, profound love for humanity and abundant joy. Prayer, study, consultation and recreation will round out the weekend.

Also upcoming:

April 6–8: Ethics and Spirituality in Medicine with Dr. David Ruhe, Margaret Ruhe, Dr. Beth Bowen and Lucinda Fitch Huttling.

April 13–15: Teaching Christians through the Proofs of the Holy Books with Dr. Michael Penn.

April 13–15: Blueprint for the Kingdom with David Freeman.

April 27–29: Islam and the Bahá’í Faith with Dr. Todd Lawson.

April 27–29: A Time to Serve with Dr. Beth Bowen and Jeannette Taborn. ♦

Complete list of Louhelen sessions appears in Calendar, back page [Page 32]

Academy of Religion invites papers, presentations

Papers and presentations related to the Bahá’í Faith are invited for the American Academy of Religion annual meeting, Nov. 17–20 in Denver, Colorado.

The Bahá’í Faith has maintained a presence at the Academy since about 1985. Bahá’í papers are presented at a Bahá’í Studies Colloquy, and ‎Bahá’í’s Bahá’ís‎ are also encouraged to submit papers dealing with aspects of the Faith to other Academy panels.

At this year’s meeting, the Bahá’í Studies Colloquy will host one or two sessions of talks on the Bahá’í Faith as they relate to themes and interests of the American Academy of Religion, a professional gathering of 8,000 university professors and graduate students of religion and the Bible.

Presentations should be 30 minutes long. Talks will be selected based on 250-word abstracts. Please submit abstracts by April 30 to Robert Stockman, Institute for Bahá’í Studies, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (e-mail rstockman@usbnc.org).

INSTITUTES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

al Spiritual Assembly and is supervised by its Regional Bahá’í Council.

• The institutes collaborate closely with Counselors and Auxiliary Boards to help promote the expansion and consolidation of the Bahá’í community.
• Local Spiritual Assemblies know they can call on the resources and talents of the trained believers as they design teaching plans and create a framework of Bahá’í community life.

Counselor Eugene Andrews pointed out that the institute process can be disrupted if some believers start their own institute and offer courses without proper understanding and training in the process and materials. In this case, individual initiative can best work within the framework of the Administrative Order, he said.

A focused consultation among RTI board members, facilitated by Monajjem and aided by guidance from the World Center, raised awareness of a number of points.

For one thing, a training institute’s mission goes beyond deepening—it is designed to develop capacities for service in the fields of consolidation and expansion.

Also, rather than starting out with an elaborate curriculum, an institute should begin with some basic courses using available materials. As capacity is built it should then grow organically and develop new materials.

Training of tutors and facilitators is also crucial, especially in forming and maintaining study circles.

Other presentations shed light on training resources, including Core Curriculum Teacher Training and Youth Empowerment programs, Assembly Development courses, and social and economic development training available through Mottahedeh Development Services.

News was shared about the number of people responding to the national media campaign, and about seeker follow-up training offered by RTIs to help Bahá’í communities respond effectively to these inquiries.

The Magdalene Carney Training Institute in Florida was spotlighted, with its services including area coordinators for study circles, junior youth groups, youth service and children’s education. ♦

TRAVELING, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

the Greatest Name, or sometimes only by finding the Bahá’í in the crowd. We have been to places where Bahá’ís of many years had limited knowledge of the Teachings but boundless love for the Faith—and made such an effort to have us meet all the Bahá’ís in the country. At other times, nothing was planned for us and we were left pretty much on our own.

Here are some things I’ve learned about being a traveling teacher:

Be prepared to speak on whatever is asked of you. Often traveling teachers are expected to speak at summer and winter schools as well as give firesides. A team approach is often used for teaching, and to be a part of the team is very exciting.

Never underestimate the power of prayer. When you pray, the fragrances of Bahá’u’lláh are spread wherever you are.

Look around you, observe your surroundings, and absorb the culture. Sometimes someone will take the time to show you around, or at least point the way to tours.

Always remember that you represent the Bahá’í Faith. Actions and attitudes speak loudly.

If you are invited to stay with a host family, be prepared to buy and cook your own food sometimes, and to contribute financially to host families. They usually will not ask, but leave something anyway. I also try to bring a small gift for my hosts, usually something from the United States that relates to the Bahá’í Faith—perhaps a cassette or photos.

The comforts of home are at times only a memory. It is not unusual to sleep on a floor or couch. One time two of us shared a three-quarter-size bed. Sometimes there is no heat, hot water or even electricity.

But all the discomforts and challenges are very much offset by the warm love that envelopes you as you visit different parts of the world. Lifelong friends are made, and as Bahá’ís we all know we will meet each other again sometime, if not in this world then in the next.

I do not feel a trip is complete until I have sent copies of my photos to friends I met on my travels, and to acknowledge kindnesses bestowed with a handwritten note of appreciation and thanks.

Just as I consult with the Office of Pioneering, all National Spiritual Assemblies involved and relevant Counselors before I leave on a trip, I also send them a report of my travels upon my return home. Then and only then do I feel I have completed my trip.

Although I have circled the globe in the Northern Hemisphere as a traveling teacher, I am drawn back time and again to Eastern Europe, particularly the former Soviet Union. I am a seasoned Bahá’í who is young at heart, and as long as my health is good, I hope to keep traveling. Indeed, this fall I hope to return to Eastern Europe.

As I travel, the words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá from the Tablets of the Divine Plan are always with me: “O that I could travel, even though on foot and in the utmost poverty, to these regions, and, raising the call of Yá Bahá’u’l-Abhá in cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, promote the divine teachings! This, alas, I cannot do. How intensely I deplore it! Please God, ye may achieve it.” ♦

Traveling teacher Soraya Jamshidi (left) poses with Sami residents of northern Norway, as well as a member of the Regional Bahá’í Council of Lapland, during a visit by teachers last May. Photo by Judith Griffin

International opportunities

The following needs for international traveling teachers and opportunities to attend gatherings overseas are summarized from letters recently received from Bahá’í institutions overseas. A list of other opportunities for traveling teachers from the Bahá’í World Center is available through the Office of Pioneering.

Teaching Projects

• West Leeward Islands: Spring Break 2001 service project, Basseterre, St. Kitts. Mature youth age 18 and above invited to help the complete inside-out painting of the national Hazíratu’l-Quds. Accommodations and food provided.
• St. Lucia: Grandma Snyder Project Revisited, June–August. Major goals are to establish systematic study circles with trained tutors; to establish children and youth classes; and to start and establish local devotional meetings.
• Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland: Kalinka-Baltics 21st Century Summer Teaching Campaign. Participants needed for five strong, devoted youth performing arts groups. Preparation phase at Bahá’í Summer Residence near Minsk, Belarus, July 19–29. Teaching July 30–Aug. 24, ending with two conferences-firesides in Belarus and the Baltics.
• South Africa: “Beyond Words” Performing Arts and Youth Empowerment Project, July 19, 2001–May 19, 2002 (part-time membership is possible). Dance, acting, speech and interaction as a catalyst in advancing the process of entry by troops by reaching hearts.

Conferences, Schools and Events

• Iceland: “The Unfoldment of Divine Civilization,” teacher training course for ages 17–35, April 6–15, presented by the Hólmfríður Árnadóttir [National Training] Institute. In Skógar by Eyjafjöll Mountains, with Dr. Sepideh Taheri and Dr. Korosh Taheri, pioneers in the Faroe Islands. Music and drama, audiovisual presentations, interactive sessions. Open to Bahá’ís and others interested.
• Brazil: Four simultaneous Regional Youth Conferences, April 13–15: Northeast—Natal, Rio Grande do Norte; North—Belem, Para; Southeast—Mogi Mirim, São Paulo; fourth to be determined. Traveling teachers invited for service before or after conferences.
• Hawaii: “Fire in the Pacific” Centenary Conference in Honolulu, Dec. 20–23. Commemorating 100 years of the spread and progress of the Faith in the Pacific, “the celebration will weave a rich tapestry whose threads will be drawn from Bahá’í history, music and the visual arts.” Two heroines of the Heroic and Formative Ages will be showcased: the Hands of the Cause of God Agnes Baldwin Alexander and Martha Louise Root.

Please contact the Office of Pioneering for detailed information about these and other international opportunities. Office of Pioneering, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 (phone 847-733-3508, fax 847-733-3509, e-mail rstockman@usbnc.org) [Page 33]

Quartz quest leads to new sources of matching stone

When plans took shape for replacement of many concrete components of the Bahá’í House of Worship, the availability of one material—quartz—dictated the cost and the progress of the effort.

In fact, a few years ago the Temple Conservation Team knew of no source of white quartz pure enough.

The quartz needed to be of a color that, when crushed into gravel and sand, would match the Temple’s original decorative concrete.

The exception was quartz that was refined for use in semiconductors or jewelry, which would be impossibly high in price.

The quest took three years and virtually spanned the hemisphere.

More than 50 industry contacts were checked out. They ranged from individual quarry owners to national and international brokers and distributors.

The answers started coming together in spring 1999, according to Dennis Davis, the Temple’s conservation director.

Within months, three sources came to light with the right white quartz at the right price:

• A quarry in Canada that contained a deposit that was too far underground to be accessible—until another customer decided it needed large amounts of the nearby lower-quality material.
• A deposit in South Dakota that is miles from any road but could be mined in the long run.
• A quarry near Casper, Wyoming, that is in the business of producing feldspar—but unearths high-quality white quartz as a by-product.

Not only did these discoveries come just in time to allow the Temple projects to proceed on schedule, they can supply quartz to repair the Temple concrete for generations to come, Davis said.

Projects in 2001 at the Bahá’í House of Worship:

Last summer and fall, workers tore down two sections of the concrete terrace outside the monumental stairs of the Temple, in order to repair deteriorating retaining walls and install new plumbing systems in the adjacent gardens. Weather and other factors stalled the work.

Here are goals for this year’s work, weather permitting, according to Dennis Davis, Temple conservation director:

• Finish the demolition process on the two northern sections of the terrace, and carry out similar demolition on an adjacent section.
• Excavate the affected gardens, install new irrigation and fountain plumbing, and supply fresh topsoil before resodding and replanting. Since the gardens were first installed in the 1950s, nature has deposited about a foot of extra soil into the gardens, in some cases even burying the bottom step leading from a garden up to the terrace.
• Rebuild the demolished terraces with concrete matching the Temple and monumental stairs, plus new railing that more closely conforms with the original designs.
• Cast and install replacement pieces for the concrete monumental stairs that lead from the terraces up to the doorways, in the three affected sections.

CONCRETE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Raul Millan, the principal concrete conservator, is in charge of refining the methods that will allow his crews in the coming summers to renew several components of the Temple.

Those methods generally have to do with getting the right mix of crushed quartz and cement, chemically treating the molds, handling the panels when it’s time to take them out of the molds, and so forth.

This winter he has continued to use a specific project—producing white concrete “coping stones” to encircle the fountains in the Temple gardens—to carry out those refinements.

“We already have 150 coping stones cast” out of 243 required, he said. “We’ll be casting about 100 more, to make sure we have some spares.”

Lessons learned from making those 150-pound pieces will do a lot to ensure mistake-free operations this summer when the crew starts casting steps for the monumental stairs: 102 pieces in each of the nine sections, weighing close to a ton per piece.

That work, though, won’t start until the deck below each section is rebuilt, largely with slightly curved precast concrete tiles, about a square foot each.

Still more experimentation is required before the most exacting work of all can begin: applying fresh concrete to the outer walls, arches, pillars and dome to correct erosion and make the ornamentation look as sharp as the unweathered pieces inside the House of Worship.

Sadly, the original molds were destroyed. To get a start on creating new molds, some foam rubber castings have been taken on a few outer surfaces, to help artisans figure out ways of creating molds for a seamless restoration.

Then there are the materials, another story entirely (see box). Several years’ diligent search has assured that 2,700 tons of white quartz is readily available for Temple conservation, while 25,000 tons more is being acquired—enough to last for decades, Davis said.

Those efforts and more comprise the investigation. And the consultation?

The Conservation Team is still drawing on principles established in a 1983 meeting of Bahá’í building professionals that convened to help plan repairs in the late 1980s, which corrected far more immediate dangers to the structure of the Temple.

Even more knowledge was added to the store last summer after dozens of Bahá’í architects, engineers, contractors, materials specialists and other professionals were invited by the Treasurer’s Office to gain an overview of the Kingdom Project, particularly efforts for the Temple.

That meeting brought a fresh wave of suggestions, offers of help and other encouraging feedback from the visitors.

“It was very rewarding, and I don’t think we’ve seen all the benefits we’ll reap from that,” Davis noted.

Gathering ideas from professionals outside the Bahá’í community takes very little effort. After all, our House of Worship is the premier showpiece of the American ornamental concrete industry. The original structure won award after award, as have the restoration and research projects of the past two decades.

Amoz Eckerson sometimes calls prominent building professionals in and around Chicago for advice. “When I say I’m from the Bahá’í Temple, they stop and put me on the speakerphone, and bring people in from the other offices. We have two-hour conversations,” he said.

It should be mentioned that Eckerson, 21, joined the year-round Conservation staff a few months ago after his second summer as a youth member of the Temple Conservation Team.

What other building confers such high-level credibility?

Properties workers Jose Rubio and Antonio Vega move a wooden mold for one of the monumental stairs ringing the House of Worship. Photo by James Humphrey

Why concrete and not solid stone?

The unique design of the House of Worship’s exterior structure, as drawn up by architect Louis Bourgeois, demanded a material that could hold its delicate, filigreed ornamentation amid the punishing climate of Lake Michigan’s shoreline.

The Bahá’í Temple Unity, a committee organized to oversee the Temple’s construction (and a precursor to the National Spiritual Assembly), arranged for several years’ study during the 1920s to see how a variety of stones and stone-based materials held up in that weather.

According to The Dawning Place, a book by Bruce Whitmore that details the planning and construction of the House of Worship, a test section of concrete provided by John Earley Studio weathered as well as or better than granite, terra cotta, tile—even marble or several metals.

Concrete has two other clear advantages over carved stone: At the thickness used for the Temple’s ornamentation, concrete is more flexible and thus less likely to crack under stress. And—highly important in the long-term care of the House of Worship—the substance is less expensive to repair when damage does occur. [Page 34]

Shahpur Sohaili made mark in three continents

INFORMATION FROM L.A. BAHÁ’Í JOURNAL

Shahpur Sohaili, a longtime pioneer to New Caledonia and Australia, passed away December 22, 2000, in Santa Monica, California. He was 70.

A member of the Santa Monica Spiritual Assembly for eight years, Sohaili was widely known and loved in the local Bahá’í community.

Sohaili was born July 4, 1930, in Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan in present-day Pakistan. His parents, Rustom and Delbar, later moved the family to Bombay (present-day Mumbai), where his father became a successful merchant.

One piece of family history relates how Sohaili’s father had a pair of shoes made for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, personally presented them to Him as a gift, and received the Master’s old shoes in return.

Sohaili graduated from high school at age 15, then earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bombay University.

In 1953, he married Monira Yaganagi. Her parents and Sohaili’s were among the three families that helped establish Bahá’í New Era School in Panchgani, India, in 1945.

With his wife and a 1-year old son, Sohaili pioneered to New Caledonia in 1956. Shoghi Effendi had encouraged them to move there in hopes they could eventually open the Loyalty Islands to the Faith; however, they were refused entry to the Loyalty Islands.

In 1957, the family received a letter from the Guardian praising their service there. On the basis of that, they decided to stay there for several more years even though Mrs. Sohaili was suffering from illness.

While they were there in 1959, a Regional Spiritual Assembly was established encompassing 10 South Pacific island groups. That was the precursor to, among others, the present-day National Spiritual Assembly of New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands.

Now a family of three, the Sohailis moved in 1961 to Australia, where their youngest child was born. They stayed for nearly 13 years, helping form Assemblies in two localities.

While working for Australian General Electric, Sohaili helped design one of the first computer systems in the country.

In 1973 the family moved to the United States, where Sohaili worked in data processing at the Bahá’í National Center.

They moved again in 1987, this time to Southern California, where Sohaili continued to serve the Faith speaking at firesides and other Bahá’í events.

In addition to his wife, Sohaili is survived by two sons, Hushmand and Masood; two daughters, Samira and Farah; a brother, Enayat; a sister, Bahiya; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

Message from the Universal House of Justice to the family of Shahpur Sohaili:

GRIEVED NEWS PASSING YOUR BELOVED HUSBAND, SHAHPUR ‎SOHALILI SOHAILI‎. HIS GENTLE AND RADIANT SPIRIT, DEVOTED SERVICES AS LONG-STANDING PIONEER AND PROMOTER OF THE CAUSE OF GOD HAVE LEFT SHINING EXAMPLE. PRAYING HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS SOUL IN THE ABHÁ KINGDOM. KINDLY CONVEY OUR LOVING SYMPATHY HIS DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

Archie Evans Jr. was a dynamic presence in Denver

Bahá’ís in the Denver, Colorado, area are mourning the sudden passing of longtime Bahá’í Archie Evans Jr. on January 20, 2001.

Archie became a Bahá’í in 1964 and brought many souls into the Faith. For the past two years he served as chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of Denver. A tireless teacher, he organized weekly classes based on the Teaching Christians videotapes.

In addition to being a successful businessman, he was a singer and songwriter with several decades’ experience in music and theater, and managed the successful career of one of Denver’s best-known entertainers.

He was a founding member and vice-chair of Global Visions Arts Alliance, and an ardent supporter of its best-known project, Women of One World (WOW!). He sang a duet with Ává during that troupe’s performances at the Grand Canyon Bahá’í Conference in 1999.

An upcoming performance by WOW! in Denver will be dedicated to his memory, and Global Visions is making plans to record some of his Bahá’í hymns and songs for a compilation album of Denver-area artists.

Mamie Johnson helped found NC Assembly

Mamie Drayton Johnson, 76, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, died on December 19, 2000, of complications from stomach cancer.

Two of Johnson’s brothers are preachers, so her 1968 declaration of faith in Bahá’u’lláh initially caused a “bit of a strain,” says her son, Eric W. Johnson.

But at her Dec. 22 funeral service, one of those brothers, a prominent Baptist minister in Winston-Salem, rose to comment on the positive impact the Bahá’í Faith made on her life.

Johnson was born May 17, 1924, in Savannah, Georgia, the daughter of Solomon and Marie Cross Drayton.

She was a retired public health nurse and served at hospitals in Winston-Salem and Durham, North Carolina; New York City; California; and Japan.

Johnson embraced the Bahá’í Faith after her return from abroad. She had lived among humanity’s diversity. But in this society black and white people went to separate churches, and she started asking questions her clergy brothers couldn’t answer to her satisfaction.

Then came along Ellen Parmalee, who invited Johnson to a fireside. What Johnson heard there was what she had always believed.

Johnson’s enrollment enabled the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Winston-Salem to be formed, and she served on that Assembly until nearly the end of her life.

As a Bahá’í, she went on pilgrimage in 1970 and later attended the dedication of the Temple in India.

She often spoke of the Faith at work and it once cost her a job, her son said.

Johnson spent her last years volunteering at Human Services Alliance providing hospice care for the terminally ill. She often shared with patients the Faith’s perspective on life after death.

After her own diagnosis with cancer, she was able to stay in her home through the loving attention of Bahá’ís, a blessing her brother noted at the funeral.

Survivors include her son; daughter-in-law Gayle Gonzalez-Johnson; three grandchildren; brothers the Rev. Jerry Drayton of Winston-Salem, the Rev. Paul Drayton of Willingboro, New Jersey, Robert Cross of Jackson, Alabama, and Jesse Drayton of ‎Moutrie Moultrie‎, Georgia; and sister Josephine White of Burlington, New Jersey.

Harriet Cruver was energetic teacher

INFORMATION FROM CAREY JORDAN

Harriet Cruver, a self-professed “old maid schoolteacher,” entered the Abhá Kingdom on December 17, 2000, after spending her last months in a nursing home.

Cruver was born Oct. 7, 1904, in Eagle, Wisconsin. After graduation from Waukesha High School in 1922 as valedictorian, she attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison and Milwaukee, Carroll College, Marquette University and Northwestern University.

She was a schoolteacher in the Waukesha area for 39 years and served as a supervisor for six years in the Waukesha County Public School System.

In 1954, at age 49, Cruver discovered the Bahá’í Faith and immediately became a dedicated believer and teacher.

She wrote, “It seems that I have done little in return for the great bounties that I have received from Bahá’u’lláh. How would I have made the acquaintance of all these loving souls had I not received the glorious Message, and that from a seeker who invited me to a seminar conducted by dear Ruthie Moffett.”

Cruver served on Spiritual Assemblies in Waukesha and Delafield before retirement afforded the opportunity to

SEE CRUVER, PAGE 35

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 IS-membership@usbnc.org).

Paul L. Blote San Jose, CA January 11, 2001	Willie Hanna White Oak, SC 1995	James B. Khavari Warren, OH December 18, 2000
James E. Brodie Raleigh, NC December 31, 2000	Lottie H. Houston Dade County, FL December 25, 2000	Jason Perez Bellevue, NE December 23, 2000
Pearl Bronson Winlock, WA December 3, 2000	Mamie D. Johnson Winston-Salem, NC December 19, 2000	Barakatullah Ramsharran Hartford, CT February 7, 2001
Nayer B. Bushrui Bayonne, NJ December 7, 2000	Mariana R. Kelley Lubbock, TX December 5, 2000	Mohammad H. Setareh Boulder, CO December 10, 2000
Archie Evans Jr. Denver, CO January 19, 2001		Juanita Vance Bloomfield, CT January 26, 2001
Soghra N. Fallah Ardekani Scottsdale, AZ December 27, 1988		Del Wells Burbank, CA December 14, 2000

[Page 35]

Bahá’í Subscriber Service • 800-999-9019

World Order

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

Now available: Summer 2000 issue Honoring the 150th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Báb

• Editorial: The Báb (1817–50): Remembering the Co-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith
• Muhammad Afnan on the Bayán, the Báb’s most significant work
• Howard Garey translates Gobineau’s firsthand account of the birth of a new religion
• Kevin A. Morrison reviews The Cure’s latest album, Bloodflowers

Available soon: Fall 2000 issue

• Gwendolyn Etter-Lewis on African-American women writers
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CRUVER,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

expand her horizons in service.

She was a traveling teacher in the Caribbean for eight months, visiting St. Kitts, Antigua and Puerto Rico. The trip culminated in attendance at the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Virgin, Windward and Leeward Islands in 1967.

She helped in preparations for the dedication of the House of Worship and International Conference of Panama in 1972.

As Cruver grew older, she continued to teach in any way she could by bringing Bahá’í literature with her wherever she went and by corresponding with friends all over the world.

One friend described Cruver as “all Bahá’í all the time.” She shared the Bahá’í Faith with everyone on staff in the nursing home.

Harriet once wrote, “I was raised in a family of eight children, being the second oldest, and am the only one who did not marry. I am an old maid schoolteacher. Ha, ha! But having found the Bahá’í Faith, I have found my home.” ◆

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?

Use a separate copy of this form for each subscription

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Special information (please include dates if reporting international teaching trip): ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ [Page 36]

مآخذ اشعار در آثار بهائی

مآخذ اشعار در آثار بهائی تألیف دکتر وحید رأفتی، جلد سوم این کتاب حاوی مآخذ اشعار فارسی از حرف ج تا ز به تازگی در ۴۳۷ صفحه چاپ شده است.

ریاض اللغات

ریاض اللغات مجلد پنجم این مجموعه تألیف دکتر ریاض قدیمی شامل حروف "س و ش و ص" در ۱۳۳۶ صفحه با جلد مقوائی به تازگی منتشر شده است. مؤلف محترم در مقدمه کتاب ذکر نموده که برای تألیف لغت‌نامه مذکور از بیش از ۵۰ فرهنگ و دستور زبان استفاده شده است. خرید مجلدات این کتاب برای کسانی که بخواهند یک فرهنگ جامع عربی به فارسی داشته باشند، مفید خواهد بود.

سال‌های سکوت

سال‌های سکوت این کتاب داستان سرگردانی و تبعید به سیبری و شکنجه و شهادت احباء و مهاجران عشق آباد در اوائل انقلاب شوروی است. کتاب مذکور به نیت انتشار نوشته نشده بلکه در واقع گزارشی است از آن همه وقایع هولناک که به قلم جناب اسدالله علیزاد برای حفظ در آرشیو وقایع امری نوشته شده است. جناب علیزاد در سال ۱۹۳۸ بازداشت شد و سال بعد با بقیه احباء به سیبری تبعید گردید و پس از ۸ سال سال تبعید رهائی یافت.

حضرت طاهره

زندگی جناب طاهره مشحون از حوادث بی‌شمار و کم‌نظیر تاریخی است. تولد و پرورش وی در یک شهر بسیار قدیمی و در خانواده‌ای متدین ولی بنیادگرا داستانی جامع و کوتاه از اوضاع زنان در قرن نوزدهم است. در این کتاب با روح تحول و تغییر در نهاد بانوی هوشیار و آگاهی چون طاهره آشنا می‌شوید که در بطن یک جامعۀ متحجر و کوتاه بین رشد نمود و مانند ستونی از نور از چاه قیودات کهنه به آسمان وسیع و رفیع پرتو افکند. او در بحبوحۀ مذلت و خواری اکثریت همجنسان خود، سیمای حقیقی استعدادهای نهفته یک زن پرده‌نشین را در محافل و مجالس مردان فاضل و دانشمند زمان به منصۀ ظهور رساند.

دانشمند و نویسندۀ پرکار دکتر نصرت‌الله محمد حسینی به مناسب یکصد و پنجاهمین سال انعاد اجتماع بدشت، جزئیات حیات پر تلاطم طاهره و سوابق خانوادگی و آثار و نوشته‌های منظوم و منثور و حتی اوضاع و احوال زادگاه او را نگاشته است. این کتاب حاصل تحقیق دقیق در صدها نوشته و اثر، خواه موافق یا مخالف است.

مؤسسه معارف بهائی خوشوقت است که انتشار چنین اثر مهم تاریخی را عهده‌دار گردیده و این کتاب نفیس را در بیش از ۵۵۰ صفحه در اختیار خوانندگان ارجمند قرار داده است.

رسالۀ روحانی خانم بی بی روحانی بشروئی

مساعی و خدماتش در تبلیغ امرالله و تعلیم و تربیت نسوان و به خصوص نگارش رسالۀ استدلالیه‌اش مورد تحسین و تمجید قلم اعلی قرار گرفته است، گرچه در تواریخ امری و دفاتر خاطرات نویسندگان بهائی از او یاد شده است ولی به طور کلی آنطور که شایستۀ مقام و منزل آنان بوده است، معرفی نشده‌اند.

سرکار بی بی روحانی بشروئی که بی شک جایگاه بلندی در بین خادمان امر حضرت یزدان دارد، در خانواده‌ای متولد شد و نشو و نما نمود که داشتن سواد را برای دختران ممنوع می‌داشته است. خود او می‌گوید: "... وقتی مرا هم با خودشان بردند دیدم صبیّه آنها که نامش بی بی سلطان بود، مشق می‌کند. معدومه هم قدری ذغال سابیده در قاشق کرده با سیخی بر پارۀ چوبی می‌نوشتم تا چندی بعد کاغذ پیدا کردم و قلمی از نی درست کردم و چند نوحه صورت نویسی کردم. وقتی ابوی دیدند گفتند انگشت‌های تو را خواهم شکست اگر دیگر قلم دست بگیری چرا که پیغمبر منع فرموده ...."

کتاب رسالۀ روحانی که به اهتمام دکتر وحید رأفتی تهیه و تدوین شده، شامل مقدمه‌ای در شرح حال خانم روحانی و آثار مبارکۀ نازله به افتخار ایشان و رسالۀ استدلالیه و توضیحات مفصلی است که در بیش از ۱۷۰ صفحه به همت مؤسسۀ معارف بهائی چاپ و منتشر شده است.

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند کتاب‌ها و جزوه‌های بالا را از طریق مؤسسۀ معارف بهائی در کانادا خریداری فرمایند. شماره تلفن: ۹۰۵-۶۲۸-۳۰۴۰

یادی از جناب شاهپور سهیلی

REMEMBERING SHAHPUR SOHAILI

جناب شاهپور سهیلی در چهارم جولای سال ۱۹۳۰ در کوتا Quetta مرکز بلوچستان در پاکستان امروز به جهان آمد.

پدرش جناب رستم و مادرش دلبر خانم پس از چندی به بمبئی رفتند و به کار آزاد پرداختند. از جمله داستان‌های خانوادگی آنان یکی این است که جناب رستم یک جفت کفش برای حضرت عبدالبهاء دوخت و آن را به هیکل مبارک تقدیم کرد و کفش‌های کهنۀ مبارک را در عوض دریافت کرد!

جناب شاهپور سهیلی شاگرد باهوش و با پشتکاری بود و بدین قرار در ۱۵ سالگی از دبیرستان دیپلم گرفت و پس از آن به اخذ درجۀ لیسانس در رشتۀ شیمی از دانشگاه بمبئی موفق گردید.

در سال ۱۹۵۳ با خانم منیره یگانگی ازدواج کرد. پدر و مادر منیره خانم از جمله سه خانواده‌ای بودند که در سال ۱۹۴۵ مدرسۀ بهائی عصر جدید هندوستان را در پنچ‌گنی احداث کردند.

در سال ۱۹۵۶ جناب سهیلی با همسر و پسر یکساله‌شان به New Caledonia مهاجرت کردند. حضرت ولی عزیز امرالله آنان را تشویق فرموده بودند که به آن نقطه مهاجرت کنند و مآلاً به فتح روحانی Loyalty Islands نائل شوند. اما خانوادۀ سهیلی متأسفانه اجازۀ ورود به Loyalty Islands را نیافتند.

در سال ۱۹۵۷ حضرت ولی امرالله در طی مرقومه‌ای از خدمات خانوادۀ سهیلی قدردانی فرمودند. به همین جهت آنان چندین سال در آنجا ماندند، هر چند منیره خانم بیمار شده بودند. در سال ۱۹۵۹ هنگامی که در New Caledonia بودند، محفل روحانی منطقه‌ای تأسیس شد که ۱۰ مجموعه جزایر در جنوب اقیانوس آرام را تحت اشراف خود داشت. محفل مذکور طلایه تأسیس محفل روحانی ملی نیوکالدونیا و لویالتی آیلندز بود.

در سال ۱۹۶۱ خانوادۀ سهیلی به استرالیا سفر کرد. در آنجا صاحب یک پسر دیگر شدند. ۱۳ سالی که در استرالیا بودند، در تأسیس دو محفل روحانی مساعدت کردند.

در سال ۱۹۷۳ جناب سهیلی و خانواده به ایالات متحده آمدند و مدتی در دفتر محفل ملی به کار و خدمت اشتغال داشتند. در سال ۱۹۸۷ به جنوب کالیفرنیا رفتند و همچنان به خدمت از طریق عضویت در محفل روحانی و ادارۀ جلسات تبلیغی مشغول بودند.

جناب سهیلی در ۲۲ دسامبر سال ۲۰۰۰ در سانتامانیکا واقع در ایالت کالیفرنیا در ۷۰ سالگی به ملکوت ابهی صعود کردند. بیت العدل اعظم الهی در دستخطی که به مناسبت صعود جناب شاهپور سهیلی صادر شد، از خدمات فداکارانه ایشان به عنوان مهاجر و مبلغ امر مبارک یاد فرمودند. یاد و نامش را گرامی می‌داریم.

مدرسه بهائی لوهلن

LOUHELEN BAHÁ’Í SCHOOL

از ۱۲ تا ۱۵ ژانویه دو دوره کوتاه دربارۀ ایجاد و استفاده از مهارت‌های لازم برای کمک به عالم انسانی در مدرسۀ بهائی لوهلن تشکیل شد.

بیشتر شرکت کنندگان در کنفرانس "بهداشت برای عالم بشری" را پزشکان و دیگر اهل فن در رشتۀ بهداشت تشکیل می‌دادند، یعنی افرادی که در برنامه‌های گوناگون عمران و توسعۀ اقتصادی و اجتماعی حضور و فعالیت دارند.

دکتر روی رودولف Roy Rudolph از ایالت جورجیا که یکی از شرکت کنندگان در دورۀ مذکور بود، چنین می‌گفت: "سفر من به لوهلن بسیار مفید بود چون که سازمان "در ورای مرزها" Beyond Boundaries Foundation می‌تواند با سازمان بهداشت برای عالم انسانی همکاری داشته باشد و این همکاری به سود هر دو سازمان خواهد بود." او در ادامه سخنانش اظهار داشت: "محیط آرام دور از شلوغی مدرسۀ لوهلن فضای مناسبی برای مشورت و مطالعه ایجاد می‌کند. جلسات شور هر روز از ساعت ۸ صبح تا ۱۱ شب بدون وقفه ادامه داشت. و باید اذعان کنم که در این مدت حتی یکبار هم صدای احدی بلند نشد و نشانی از انانیت و خودخواهی دیده نمی‌شد."

مدرسه بهائی لوهلن همواره برنامه‌های مفید و جالبی دارد. صورتی از موضوع‌های مربوطه و زمان دوره‌های مختلف را می‌توان در صفحات انگلیسی سراغ گرفت.

[Page 37]نشست تا کنون مثبت بوده. روز بعد از این رویداد، گزارش آن در رادیوی صدای ایران منتشر شد و از این اقدام بهائیان تقدیر به عمل آمد و صلای دوستی و محبت میان همه ایرانیان از هر مسلک و عقیده‌ای بلند شد. هفته‌نامه "تهران" در گزارش خود به این نکته تاکید نمود که در این میهمانی شام گروه‌هائی از مسؤولین رسانه‌های فارسی زبان دعوت شده بودند که در شرایط دیگری با یکدیگر نشست نمیداشتند، و اینان مشاهده نمودند که در این میهمانی جوّ حاکم دوستی و محبتی بود که همگی آرزوی تحققش را در میان ایرانیان دارند.

اعضای هیأت ارتباط با رسانه‌های فارسی‌زبان نیز تا چندی بعد از این واقعه پیام‌های تلفنی تبریک و سپاسگزاری دریافت نمودند.

روز بعد، در غروب یکشنبه ۱۸ ‎فوریوری فوریه‎، هیأت ملی و جناب دکتر مک کنتز با بهائیان ایرانی لُس آنجلس و نواحی اطراف در حظیرة القدس آن شهر ملاقات نمودند. در این جلسه، منویات هیأت ملی درباره ارتباط با رسانه‌های فارسی‌زبان به اطلاع همگی رسید.

دکتر مک کنتز در سخنرانی خود مراتب محبت محفل روحانی ملی را نسبت به احبای ایرانی مقیم امریکا بیان داشتند و فرمودند که امر جمال مبارک در این مرحله تازه از تطور جامعه بهائی امریکا نیازی بس شدیدتر از گذشته به یاری و همکاری احبای ایرانی تبار دارد. ایشان فرمودند که آنچه تاکنون کوشیده ایم که بذر محبت‌الله را در قلوب بکاریم، حال وقت ترقی و نموّ آن فرا رسیده است و نیازمند آبیاری و مراقبتی است که در تخصص احبای ایرانی است. همکاری همه عناصر متنوع جامعه بهائیان امریکا طبقاً به فرموده حضرت بهاءالله جاذب تأییدات الهی و تحقق‌بخش آرمانهای امر مبارک خواهد بود.

مجمع عرفان

تقویم سال ۲۰۰۱ IRFAN COLLOQUIUM

نهمین سال مجمع عرفان در ماه می سال ۲۰۰۱ آغاز می‌گردد. مجمع عرفان در سال ۲۰۰۱ شش دوره خواهد داشت. موضوع اصلی جلسات مجمع عرفان "عرفان و امر بهائی" و "اصول و مبانی معتقدات بهائی" خواهد بود. در سمینار مجمع عرفان در سال ۲۰۰۱ آثار قلم اعلی که در عکا نازل شده است، مطرح خواهد شد. تقویم مجمع عرفان در سال ۲۰۰۱ به شرح زیر است:

• دوره سی‌وسوم و سی‌وچهارم (به فارسی و انگلیسی) از ۱۸ تا ۲۰ می در مدرسه بهائی بوش
• دوره سی‌وپنجم (به فارسی) از ۲۹ جون تا ۵ جولای در مرکز مطالعات بهائی اکوتو در ایتالیا
• دوره سی‌وششم (به انگلیسی) از ۱۳ تا ۱۵ جولای در لندن انگلستان
• دوره سی‌وهفتم و سی‌وهشتم (به فارسی و انگلیسی) از ۵ تا ۸ اکتبر در مدرسه بهائی لوهلن

علاقه‌مندان می‌توانند برای دریافت کردن اطلاعات بیشتر با دفتر مجمع عرفان تماس حاصل نمایند: شماره تلفن: ۳۵۰۱-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷) شماره فکس: ۳۵۰۲-۷۳۳ (۸۴۷) پست الکترونیکی:

مؤسسه ویلمت

WILMETTE INSTITUTE

مهلت تکمیل تقاضانامه جهت نام‌نویسی برای برنامه Spiritual Foundations for a Global Civilization تا ۱۵ اپریل سال جاری تمدید گردیده است.

موضوع‌های اصلی کلاس‌های امسال "رشد جسمانی و عاطفی و ذهنی و روحانی افراد" و "ازدواج و حیات خانواده" خواهد بود. این موضوع‌ها رابطه نزدیکی دارد با کنفرانس "استقرار ملکوت" که قرار است از ۲۹ جون تا اول جولای سال جاری در میلواکی تشکیل شود.

از جمله موضوع‌های دیگری که دانشجویان مؤسسه به آموزش آن خواهند پرداخت عبارت است از: رسالت حضرت بهاءالله، حیات حضرت عبدالبهاء، و نقش ایشان به‌عنوان مثل اعلی، آثار بهائی درباره رشد روحانی افراد با تاکید بر مطالعه کتاب مستطاب اقدس.

کلاس‌های مکاتبه‌ای

مطالعه الواح حضرت بهاءالله که بعد از نزول کتاب اقدس نازل شده است. این کلاس از ۱۵ می تا ۱۵ آگست ادامه خواهد داشت و همه آثار مهمی را که در عکا بعد از سال ۱۸۷۳ نازل شده است - به استثنای لوح ابن الذئب - در بر خواهد گرفت.

معرفی مشروح امر بهائی (اول جون تا ۳۱ آگست) مبتدیان و تازه‌تصدیقان و حتی احبای باتجربه هم خواهند توانست با روش منظم و بی‌طرفانه مدرسی به مطالعه امر بهائی بپردازند. این کلاس به‌ویژه برای دانشجویان دانشگاهها مفید خواهد بود.

مطالعه مسیحیت برای تزید معلومات و مباحثه (۱۵ جون تا ۱۵ سپتامبر) در این کلاس مبدأ، تاریخی مسیحیت و حیات حضرت مسیح و ترکیب عهد جدید و ترتیب تعالیم و چگونگی حدوث انشعابات در آن آئین و نیز نظرگاه بهائی درباره مسیحیت بررسی خواهد شد.

"دور بهائی" (اول اپریل تا ۳۰ جون) در این کلاس اصول و مبانی امر مبارک و طلعات قدسیه آن و نیز نظم اداری بهائی که در توقیع حضرت ولی‌ امرالله مورخ ۸ فبروری ۱۹۳۲ (۹۰ تاریخ بدیع) تشریح و تبیین گردیده است، و همچنین مرقومه بیت‌العدل اعظم الهی درباره حقوق و آزادی فردی در نظم بدیع حضرت بهاءالله مطالعه خواهد شد.

نشریات جدید

NEW PUBLICATIONS

آیات بینات مجموعه‌ای است حاوی ۱۸۸ لوح از حضرت بهاءالله و ۲۰۵ لوح از حضرت عبدالبهاء، که به افتخار خاندان جناب سمندر و نبیل ابن نبیل قزوینی نازل شده است. این مجموعه دارای ۹ عکس تذهیب شده از الواح جمال مبارک به خط اصل است که به اهتمام جناب روح‌الله سمندری در ۵۹۰ صفحه با جلد طلاکوب تهیه گردیده است.

مجموعه مناجات‌های حضرت عبدالبهاء چاپ دوم این مجموعه با تغییراتی منتشر شده است. در چاپ دوم این مجموعه ۲۴ مناجات که قبلاً در مجموعه مناجات‌های حضرت عبدالبهاء، نشر نشده، درج گردیده و به همین تعداد از مناجات‌هائی که قبلاً در مجموعه‌های دیگر چاپ شده، حذف گردیده است. سرآغاز این مجموعه با عکس رنگی دو مناجات حضرت عبدالبهاء، و مناجات‌ لقا که خطاطی شده مزین گردیده است. در آخر مجموعه فهرست مطالع مناجات‌ها و فهرست موضوعی و منابع برای کمک به خواننده اضافه شده است. این مجموعه نفیس در ۵۴۴ صفحه به قطع جیبی به خط هنرمند ارجمند جناب امان‌الله موقن با شیوۀ نستعلیق خطاطی شده و با چاپ و تجلید نفیس روی کاغذ نازک به همت مؤسسه ملی مطبوعات امری آلمان انتشار یافته است.

مجموعه مناجات‌های حضرت ولی امرالله چاپ سوم این مجموعه به تازگی منتشر گردیده است. سرآغاز مجموعه حاضر با عکسی از خط حضرت ولی امرالله که یکی از مناجات‌های مبارک را با خط شکسته مرقوم فرموده‌اند مزین شده است. این مجموعه حاوی معنی لغات مشکل در ۶۷ صفحه به قطع جیبی با چاپ و تجلید نفیس به همت مؤسسه ملی مطبوعات امری آلمان منتشر شده است.

ارمغانی به حضور حضرت امة‌البهاء روحیه خانم در ۱۹ ژانویه سال ۲۰۰۰ خانمی بی‌همتا از جهان خاک رحلت فرمود و با صعودش به ملکوت ابهی برگی از کتاب تاریخ امر ورق خورد و فصلی به پایان رسید.

زندگی ایادی امرالله امة‌البهاء روحیه خانم در این سرای فانی هر چند در ۱۹ ژانویه سال ۲۰۰۰ پایان یافت اما خاطره مجاهدات و خدمات و فداکاری‌های فراوانش که از دوران کودکی آغاز شده بود و تا واپسین سال‌های زندگی پربار امة‌البهاء ادامه داشت، هرگز از صفحات قلوب احباء و اوراق تاریخ امر بهائی زدوده نخواهد شد.

سرکار خانم ویولت نخجوانی که مدت چهل سال با حضرت امة‌البهاء روحیه خانم محشور و در اغلب قریب به اتفاق مسافرت‌های بی‌شمارشان همراه بوده‌اند، تاریخچه مختصری از حیات پرتحرک ایشان را نگاشته‌اند.

این کتاب به قلم خانم ویولت نخجوانی و ترجمه خانم شفیقه فتح اعظم در ۱۴۰ صفحه با بیش از ۷۷ تصویر به همت مؤسسه معارف بهائی چاپ شده و در [Page 38]به اطلاع احبّای عزیز میرساند: ترجمه پیام بیت العدل اعظم مورّخ ۹ جنیوری ۲۰۰۱ خطاب به کنفرانس هیأت‌های مشاورین قاره‌ای که در ارض اقدس گرد آمده بودند و در تاریخ ۱۶ جنیوری ۲۰۰۱ به وسیلۀ دارالانشاء معهد اعلی به عموم محافل روحانی ملّی ابلاغ گردیده است در شمارۀ آینده درج خواهد شد.

ترجمه پیام هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای آمریکا

خطاب به محفل روحانی ملّی ایالات متحده مورّخ ۲۵ ژانویه ۲۰۰۱ MESSAGE OF THE COUNSELORS, 1/25/01

دوستان عزیز، هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای در جلسۀ اخیرش که در دارالتبلیغ بین‌المللی تحت ارشاد و در ظلّ حمایت معهد اعلی در حیفا انعقاد یافت، دربارۀ مرحلۀ بعدی جریان تحقق وعدۀ "يدخلون في دين الله افواجاً" و چگونگی پاسخگوئی به مقتضیات نقشۀ پنجسالۀ آتی که نخستین نقشه از نقشه‌های آینده تا صدمین سال افتتاح عصر تکوین خواهد بود، به مشورت پرداخت.

بیت العدل اعظم الهی فرموده‌اند "یکی از وظائف اصلی مشاورین وقوف به این موضوع است که جمیع اعضای هیئت مشاورین مسؤولیت امور قارۀ خود را بر عهده دارند و باید تا آنجا که ممکن باشد، خود را با اوضاع امر مبارک در ممالکی که در آن قاره واقع شده، آشنا سازند."

بنا به تصمیم هیئت مشاورین، افراد زیر مشاورین آن محفل مقدس خواهند بود: خانم‌ها آنجلیکا هوئرتا Angelica Huerta و ربکا مرفی Rebecca Murphy و آقایان ستیون برکلند Stephen Birkland و دکتر یوجین اندروز Eugene Andrews. هدایت امور هیئت معاونت در آن کشور و همچنین مشورت دربارۀ برنامه‌ها یا نیازهایی که مستلزم استفاده از وجوه تبرعات باشد، به مشاورین مذکور راجع خواهد بود.

از طریق محفل روحانی ملّی از جمیع یاران این ناحیه دعوت می‌کنیم که متفقاً متحداً با شور و شوق قیامی عاشقانه فرمایند تا تشکیلات و جوامع و افراد بهائی مانند رشتۀ زنجیری متشکل از حلقات متکی بر یکگر درآیند و مبلغان و مدافعان امر مبارک در مرحلۀ کنونی تحقق نقشۀ الهی گردند.

با تحیات ابدع ابهی هیئت مشاورین قاره‌ای قارّۀ آمریکا

خانۀ سالمندان بهائی

Bahá’í HOME

اولین ساختمان از سلسله متفرعات مشرق‌الاذکار خانۀ سالمندان بهائی است که از سال ۱۹۵۸ دائر بوده است.

از زمانی که حضرت ولی امرالله محفل روحانی ملّی را مأمور به تأسیس این خانه فرمودند این محل به نگهداری از سالمندانی که در آن زندگی می‌کنند اختصاص داشته است.

در حال حاضر ۲۰ نفر از سالمندان در این خانه سکونت دارند و ۱۷ نفر کارمند تمام وقت و نیمه وقت از آنان نگهداری می‌کنند.

گرچه انتظار می‌رود که در آینده خانۀ سالمندان تغییر و توسعۀ اساسی و کلی یابد، عجالةً محفل روحانی ملّی تصمیم گرفته است که به‌عنوان بخشی از "پروژۀ استقرار ملکوت" اجرای برنامۀ نوسازی و ترمیم آن را آغاز کند تا ساکنان آن از امنیت و راحت بیشتری برخوردار گردند. برنامۀ مذکور در ماه مارچ آغاز شد، و از ۶ تا ۸ هفته به طول خواهد انجامید. از جمله تغییراتی که در خانۀ سالمندان آغاز شده است، تعویض اثاث و مبلمان آن است که به تدریج جایگزین اثاث قدیمی می‌گردد.

همچنین زمین اطراف خانه که از پنجره‌های بزرگ قسمت عمومی آن پیداست، محوطه‌سازی و باغچه بندی خواهد شد که منظرۀ رنگین‌تری ایجاد شود و امکانات بیشتری برای برنامه‌های تفریحی و سرگرمی مانند باغبانی و گل‌کاری و نقاشی و غیره فراهم گردد. مجموعۀ این گسترش و تغییرات در محیط خانۀ سالمندان فضایی ایجاد خواهد کرد که ساکنان کنونی احساس کنند که نشئۀ امر مبارک ایشان را شامل گشته است. همچنین این تغییرات راه جلب افراد بیشتری را برای سکونت گزیدن در خانۀ سالمندان هموار خواهد کرد.

نوروزتان مبارک باد

Happy Naw-Rúz آغاز سال نو را به دوستان عزیز تبریک می‌گوئیم

متفرعات مشرق‌الاذکار

A DEPENDENCY OF THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP

حضرت ولی امرالله بیانی به این مضمون فرموده‌اند که متفرعات مشرق‌الاذکار باید محنت کشیدگان را آرامش بخشد و فقیران را اطعام کند و بی‌پناهان را مأمن باشد و محرومان را تسلی دهد و جاهلان را تربیت کند. هیکل مبارک در ادامۀ بیان خود اشاره فرموده‌اند که متفرعات مذکور صورت‌های گوناگونی ممکن است داشته باشد، از جمله محلی برای ایتام و بیمارستان و محلی برای فقراء و مهمان‌خانه‌ای برای مسافران و کالجی برای مطالعۀ علوم و فنون.

حضرت ولی امرالله فرموده‌اند که هر چند مشرق‌الاذکار محور و مرکز هر جامعۀ امری است، متفرعاتش باید به امور راجع به ترقی اجتماعی و انسانی و آموزشی و علمی اختصاص یابد.

بیت العدل اعظم الهی می‌فرمایند که متفرعات مشرق‌الاذکار جلوۀ ظاهری و بیرونی آن روح باطنی و درونی است و حکایت از این دارد که امور روحانی مقدم بر امور جسمانی است.

گزارشی از هیأت ملّی امور احبّای ایرانی-آمریکایی

NATIONAL TASK FORCE REPORT

در عصر روز شنبه ۱۷ ‎فوریوری فوریه‎ ۲۰۰۱ میهمانی شامى برای آشنائی با سردبیران، مدیران، گویندگان، هنرمندان و اهل قلم در رسانه‌های گروهی در ناحیۀ لس آنجلس برگزار گردید.

میزبان این جلسه هیأت ملّی امور احبّای ایرانی-آمریکایی با همکاری هیأت ملّی ارتباط با رسانه‌های گروهی فارسی زبان بود.

از مسؤولین رسانه‌های گروهی دعوت شده بود که با شرکت در این میهمانی با هیأت‌های ملّی بهائیان ایرانی مقیم آمریکا آشنا شوند و با استماع سخنرانی جناب دکتر فیروز کاظم زاده با دیدگاه بهائیان نسبت به کشور مقدس ایران آشنا گردند.

از نود نفر حاضران در جلسه در حدود ۶۰ نفر از این دوستان دست‌اندرکار رسانه‌های فارسی‌زبان بودند و بیشتر آنان با همسرانشان که دعوت شده بودند تشریف آورده بودند.

این میهمانی در هتل دبلیو در بورلی هیلز برگزار شد. جنابان چک مک کنتز Dr. Jack McCants و رندالف دابز Mr. Randolph Dobbs به ترتیب از طرف محفل روحانی ملّی بهائیان آمریکا و محفل روحانی بهائیان لس آنجلس به حضار خوش‌آمد گفتند. همچنین خانم دکتر فرشته پتل نماینده شورای منطقه‌ای غرب آمریکا در این میهمانی شرکت داشتند. سپس جناب دکتر فیروز کاظم زاده دربارۀ سابقۀ دیانت بهائی در ایران و محدودیت‌هایی که بر آن در آن کشور تحمیل شده صحبت کردند و به احترامی که بهائیان عالم نسبت به کشور مقدس ایران دارند اشاره نمودند. ناظم جلسه، خانم گیتی صداقت اجتماعی، از حضار دعوت نمود که پرسش‌ها و نظرات خود را مطرح کنند. چند نفر از ایشان پرسش‌هایی مطرح نمودند و در ضمن پاسخ همکارانشان نیز در صحبت شرکت کردند و در نتیجه در یک جوّ دوستانه موضوع‌های مطرح شده مورد مذاره قرار گرفت.

خانم اجتماعی نزدیک به پایان جلسه از میهمانان برای پذیرفتن دعوت هیأت ملّی سپاسگزاری کرده اظهار داشت که چشم انتظار تماس‌های آینده است، و چنانچه مسؤولین رسانه‌ها خواهان اطلاعات بیشتری باشند می‌توانند در محل با جناب دکتر امین بنانی، که در جلسه حضور داشت، و اعضای هیأت ملّی میکنند (خانم دکتر شکوه مجذوب و آقای علاءالدین قدس) تماس بگیرند.

در این میهمانی هنرمند ارجمند آقای منوچهر صادقی با نواختن سنتور با روخوانی دو اثر از آثار مبارکه دربارۀ آیندۀ پرشکوه ایران توسط خانم‌ها شکوه رضائی و گیتی اجتماعی همراهی نمود.

این میهمانی پیش از ساعت ۱۱ شب با خوشنودی همۀ شرکت کنندگان پایان پذیرفت.

عکس‌العمل مسؤولین رسانه‌های گروهی به این [Page 39]

Major Australian film draws on Bahá’í passage for inspiration

BAHÁ’Í WORLD NEWS SERVICE

• Perth, Australia: A tale of love and spiritual oppression, with a theme inspired by the writings of Bahá’u’lláh and a setting in Australia’s Outback in the 1890s, had its world premiere Feb. 5 at the Perth International Arts Festival.

The full-length feature film, Serenades, was written and directed by Mojgan Khadem, a Bahá’í from Adelaide. It focuses on the story of an Aboriginal girl and a group of Lutheran missionaries.

The film received a glowing review ahead of its release in an industry publication, Screen International, where critic Frank Hatherley described it as “an international gem.”

“Sandra Levy’s production is a small miracle, with exquisite landscape cinematography by Russell Boyd and a moving cross-ethnic soundtrack,” Hatherley wrote.

Khadem’s first feature film, Serenades stars Alice Haines and Aden Young. Producer Sandra Levy and director of photography Russell Boyd both have a long list of major films to their credit.

The story is set in the 1890s when German Lutheran missionaries were trying to bring Christianity to South Australia’s Aboriginal people. It tells the story of a young woman who has an Afghan father and an Aboriginal mother.

“It’s basically a journey of one woman through very diverse cultures and religions,” Khadem said. “And it’s a journey where she is desperately searching for identity, for a sense of love.”

Khadem said she found her inspiration for the story in the Bahá’í writings.

“One day when I was reading the Book of Certitude, I came across a quote from Bahá’u’lláh, which made it very clear what my film needed to be about. It needed to be about oppression, and what that oppression meant,” she said.

“At the center of that idea was an Aboriginal girl who felt this grave oppression that Bahá’u’lláh speaks about, where she looks everywhere for God, but she can’t find Him,” Khadem said.

The passage that inspired her was this: “What ‘oppression’ is greater than that which hath been recounted? What ‘oppression’ is more grievous than that a soul seeking the truth, and wishing to attain unto the knowledge of God, should know not where to go for it and from whom to seek it?

For opinions have surely differed, and the ways unto the attainment of God have multiplied.”

Born in Iran, Khadem left the country with her family in 1978, and they settled in Spain as refugees before migrating to Australia three years later.

Her interest in film developed from a passion for theater and, later, photography. She graduated from the prestigious Australian Film, Television and Radio School in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1991.

The film cost $3.7 million (Australian) to make. More than half the funding came from Australian government’s Film Finance Corporation. The rest came from the private Southern Star company and the South Australian Film Corporation. Palace Films has purchased the Australian distribution rights.

After screening for two weeks at the Perth Festival, the film is expected to open across Australia in April. ◆

Reported by Susan Couhbor

Mojgan Khadem (right), writer and director of the film Serenades, on set with Alice Haines, who plays the central character, Jila. Bahá’í World News Service photo

‘Lotus Temple’ in India continues to draw accolades

BAHÁ’Í WORLD NEWS SERVICE

• New Delhi: The Bahá’í House of Worship here, long recognized as an architectural triumph and one of India’s most visited sites, has received several more popular and professional recognitions and awards in recent months.

In China, the House of Worship, known as the Lotus Temple due to its distinctive lotus-shaped design, was recognized by the Architectural Society of China as one of 100 canonical works of the 20th century in the recently published World Architecture 1900–2000: A Critical Mosaic, Volume Eight, South Asia.

According to the editor, Rahul Mehrotra, the book is intended to “reflect and document architectural achievements in a multicultural world background, as represented by 100 canonical works of this century.”

The House of Worship, which appears as the book’s cover illustration, is described as “a powerful icon of great beauty that goes beyond its pure function of serving as a congregation space to become an important architectural symbol of the city.”

In the United Kingdom, the 2001 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records dedicated the largest section of its two-page coverage of religion to an image of the Temple as part of an entry on the Bahá’í Faith titled “Biggest religion without rites.”

In France, the magazine ‎Actualite Actualité‎ des Religions published a four-page article on the Lotus Temple in the fall of 2000 in a special edition called “Les religions et leurs chef-d’œuvres” (Religions and Their Masterpieces).

In Spain, the Centro Andaluz de Fotografia published Arquitectos de Unidad, a coffee table book featuring photographs of the House of Worship.

In India, national newspapers recently carried a two-page advertisement for India Times with an image of the Lotus Temple and the legend: “One of the most visited sites in India. The Bahá’í Temple, an architectural landmark. Through these gates millions of people enter, and find what they are looking for.”

The House of Worship was dedicated to public worship in 1986 and has since become one of the most visited buildings in the world, with an average of more than 3 million visitors each year. In the first few years of its existence, the House of Worship won numerous architectural and engineering awards, including a special award from the Institution of Structural Engineers of the UK in 1987; the Excellence in Religious Art and Architecture 1987 First Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects; and an award in 1990 from the American Concrete Institute recognizing it as one of the finest concrete structures of the world. ◆

The Bahá’í House of Worship near New Delhi, known as the Lotus Temple, was named as one of 100 canonical works of the 20th century in the recently published “World Architecture 1900-2000: A Critical Mosaic, Volume Eight, South Asia.”

‘Irfán sessions to be held in three countries

The ninth year of the ‘Irfán Colloquium starts in May and will have the following six sessions. The main themes of the Colloquium will be “Mysticism and the Bahá’í Faith” and “Fundamental Principles of the Bahá’í Belief System.” The seminar will be devoted to the revelation of Bahá’u’lláh during the ‘Akká period.

• May 18–20: 33rd session (in Persian) and 34th session (in English), Bosch Bahá’í School, Santa Cruz, California
• June 29–July 5: 35th session (in Persian), Center for Bahá’í Studies, Acuto, Italy
• July 13–15: 36th session (in English), London School of Economics, London, England
• Oct. 5–8: 37th session (in Persian) and 38th session (in English), Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan

For further information, please contact ‘Irfán Colloquium, Bahá’í National Center, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201-1611 (phone 847-733-3501, fax 847-733-3502, e-mail ).

For more international news on the Bahá’í Faith, see the Bahá’í World News Service Web site: www.bahaiworldnews.org

FIRE IN THE PACIFIC

Ke ahi i Ka Pākīpika December 20–23, 2001 Hawai‘i Convention Center An International Gathering Focusing on the Pacific Sponsored by the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands

Aloha Friends,

You are invited to a historic conference focusing on the Pacific— “an area... endowed with unimaginable potentialities,” as the Universal House of Justice said in its Ridván 153 message. The convocation will celebrate 100 years of the Bahá’í Faith in the Pacific and look to building its illumined future.

It will showcase two Hands of the Cause of God whose resting places are in Honolulu: Agnes Baldwin Alexander (left) and Martha Root.

Registration information: www.fireinthepacific.org

Or: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Hawaiian Islands 3264 Allan Place, Honolulu, HI 96817 [Page 40]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly or its agencies at the Bahá’í National Center, please phone 847-869-9039 and ask for the relevant department. Numbers and e-mail addresses for the permanent Bahá’í schools and institutes are: Bosch Bahá’í School, phone 831-423-3387; fax 831-423-7564; e-mail __________; Green Acre Bahá’í School, phone 207-439-7200; fax 207-438-9940; e-mail __________; Louhelen Bahá’í School, phone 810-653-5033; fax 810-653-7181; e-mail __________; Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute, phone 843-558-5093; fax 843-558-9136; e-mail __________; Native American Bahá’í Institute, phone 520-587-7599; fax 520-521-1063; e-mail __________.

APRIL

11–16: Pioneer Training Institute at Louis Gregory Institute. Contact the Office of Pioneering (phone 847-733-3508, e-mail __________).

13–15: Four programs at Bosch: “The Dawn-Breakers, Part 2”; Seekers and New Believers Weekend; Ruhi Book 2 training (Book 1 training is a prerequisite); Core Curriculum Parenting Workshop (continues April 27–29).

13–15: Two programs at Louhelen: Youth Eagle Institute; “Blueprint for the Kingdom.”

13–15: “Epistle to the Son of the Wolf” at Green Acre.

13–15: Texas A&M Youth and Adult Conference, College Station, TX; “Greater Understanding of Unity” with Erica Toussaint. Registrar: phone __________, e-mail __________.

20–22: Spiritual Empowerment Institute for Junior Youth at Louhelen.

20–22: Two programs at Bosch: Mothers’ Retreat; “Managing with the Wisdom of Love.”

27–29: Three programs at Bosch: Mysticism Conference; Ruhi Tutors Course (Book 1 training is prerequisite); Core Curriculum Parenting training.

27–29: Two programs at Green Acre: “A True Pattern in Action”; “Created Rich: Achieving True Prosperity.”

27–29: Two programs at Louhelen: “Islam and the Bahá’í Faith”; “A Time to Serve.”

MAY

4–6: “Strengthening Unity in the Community” at Louhelen.

4–6: “Appreciating Diversity” at Bosch.

4–6: Kansas Bahá’í School, “Establishing New Bases for Human Happiness”; Rock Springs 4-H Camp near Herington, KS. With David Freeman and Lynn Wieties. Registrar: Gray Bishop, __________ (phone __________, e-mail __________). Pre-register by April 28.

4–6: Oklahoma Bahá’í School, “Establishing New Bases for Human Happiness”; Saints Grove Campground near Stillwater, OK. Registrar: Cathy Turner, __________ (phone __________, e-mail __________).

10–14: Conference on AIDS, Sexuality, Addiction and Abuse at Louhelen.

11–13: Two programs at Bosch: Core Curriculum training for children’s and youth teachers (continues June 1–3); Assembly Development Modules.

11–13: Parent Child Weekend: “Raising Biracial Children” and “Persian Language Training” at Louhelen.

18–20: ’Irfán Colloquium and Seminar at Bosch (English and Persian).

18–20: Bahá’í Justice Society 15th annual conference, Bahá’í National Center, Evanston, IL. Need not be a BJS member or a Bahá’í to participate; see Web site for details (www.bahaijustice.org).

18–20: “Reaching Christian Hearts with Bahá’u’lláh’s Good News” at Green Acre.

25–27: “Managing with the Wisdom of Love” at Louhelen.

25–27: Two programs at Bosch: “Bahá’í Marriage and Family Life”; “Young at Heart.”

25–27: Latin American Weekend at Green Acre.

25–27: Conference of Núr, Elizabethtown, PA; “Consecration, Love of God and Teaching.” Registrar: Mark Dunmire (phone __________, e-mail __________). All participants must pre-register by May 1. Sponsored by Spiritual Assembly of Harrisburg, PA.

25–28: Utah Bahá’í School, “Establishing New Bases for Human Happiness”; Clear Creek Family Ranch near Zion National Park, UT. With Moeen Afnani. Registrar: Shokouh Imani, __________ (phone __________). Pre-register by May 15.

25–28: Georgia Bahá’í School, “Establishing New Bases for Human Happiness”; Calvin Conference Center, Hampton, GA. Registrar: C. Lavont Steele, __________ (phone __________, e-mail __________). Pre-register by May 1 to avoid additional $10 fee.

JUNE

1–3: Local Spiritual Assembly Team Development at Bosch.

1–3: Maiden of Heaven Young Women’s Institute at Louhelen.

1–3: Regional Media Conference at Green Acre.

1–3: Mississippi Bahá’í School, “Establishing New Bases for Human Happiness”; at Duncan Gray Episcopal Ctr., Canton, MS. Registrar: Lorean Hubbard, __________ (phone __________). Pre-register by May 18.

8–10: “From Race Amity Conferences to Race Unity Dialogues” at Green Acre.

8–10: Southeast Asian Roundtable Conference at Bosch.

15–17: Hemlock Haven Bahá’í School, “Establishing New Bases for Human Happiness”; Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, VA. Registrar: Sarah Jane Lee, P.O. Box 2156, Lebanon, VA 24266 (phone __________, e-mail __________). Pre-register by June 4.

The Priceless Pearl back in print see page 9

Members of the Bahá’í House of Worship Choir (left) perform in February with Peter Terry, a soloist who has been appearing in several places across the country. Photos by Vladimir Shilov

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 Street Address _________________________________________________ Apartment # (if applicable) ____________________________________ City ___________________________________________________________ State __________________________ Zip code ______________________

C. NEW MAILING ADDRESS Street Address _________________________________________________ Apartment # (if applicable) ____________________________________ City ___________________________________________________________ State __________________________ Zip code ______________________

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

E. HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER Area Code Phone Number ____________________ Name __________________

F. WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER(S) Area Code Phone Number ____________________ Name __________________ Area Code Phone Number ____________________ Name __________________

G. WE RECEIVE EXTRA COPIES BECAUSE: [ ] 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.

H. I WOULD LIKE A COPY [ ] Our household receives only one copy of The American Bahá’í. I wish to receive my own copy. I have listed my name, ID number and address above.

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

MARCH 21–APRIL 27, 2001 BAHÁ/JALÁL • B.E. 158

THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í