The American Bahá’í/Volume 7/Issue 10/Text
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Youth make impressive gains in teaching[edit]
The Two-Year Youth Program launched in 1974 ended September 1 with eleven of thirteen assigned goals completed.
Despite a slow start on the program announced by the National Spiritual Assembly at the St. Louis Conference, and a discernible drop in activism by youth in recent years, impressive gains have been registered in recent months and Bahá’í youth easily surpassed assignments in seven areas before the program ended.
Goals were completed for domestic traveling teaching, international pioneering, international traveling teaching, formation of college and youth clubs, and three categories of homefront pioneering.
Several were completed in a decisive manner. The youth were asked to undertake 500 domestic traveling teaching trips; they completed over 900. They were asked to undertake 75 international traveling teaching trips; they completed 143. They settled twelve pioneers at posts designated in the Five Year Plan, seven more than their assignment. They provided 71 homefront pioneers to established communities, 16 more than called for in the program.
In addition, 104 homefront pioneers were Bahá’í youth, four more than were called for in the program. They fell short on goals in only one area of homefront pioneering: only 24 of the 104 settled in
continued on page 2
Failures in meeting Fund goals creating emergencies[edit]
In the first seven months of the Bahá’í year, a disappointing pattern of failure to meet Fund goals established at National Convention has developed. This difficulty has also plagued the community in years past.
“So far this year the National Assembly has been spending in accordance with the budget established at the start of the year,” said Comptroller Geoffrey Wilson.
continued on page 5
Statue of Indian genius presented to Cherokee people[edit]
An imposing redwood statue of Sequoyah, the Cherokee chief whose invention of a system for writing Cherokee unified his divided people, was presented to the Cherokee Nation September 4 by the National Spiritual Assembly. The presentation was made at a special ceremony at Tahlequah, Oklahoma, capital of the Cherokee Nation, at the start of the 24th annual Cherokee National Holiday. The statue was accepted for the Cherokee by Principal Chief Ross O. Swimmer.
Five members of the National Spiritual Assembly—Soo Fouts, Daniel Jordan, Franklin Kahn, Glenford Mitchell, and Dorothy Nelson—took part in the ceremony. Auxiliary Board member Nancy Phillips represented the Continental Board of Counsellors.
The activities associated with the presentation were an important facet of the celebration of the Cherokee National Holiday, which commemorates the forced removal of the Cherokee in 1838–1839 from their ancestral homelands in North Carolina and Georgia.
The Holiday was inaugurated on September 3 with a luncheon for 200 Cherokee dignitaries, and officials of the state and federal governments, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly. It was, according to tribal leaders, the largest such event in memory.
Each person attending received a copy of a booklet prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly, which provided information on Sequoyah, the Bahá’í Faith, selections from the Sacred Writings, background on the National Spiritual Assembly and representative Indian activities, and a listing of Indian tribes represented in the Bahá’í Faith.
The formal presentation was held September 4 following a State of the Nation address by Chief Swimmer.
Dr. Jordan spoke for the National
continued on page 6
Top left, a view of Sequoyah statue presented to Cherokee Nation September 4 by the National Assembly. The tablet shows the syllabary invented by Sequoyah, which made the Cherokee able to write their language and unified the scattered tribe. Above, Franklin Kahn and Daniel Jordan, members of the National Spiritual Assembly, present the statue to the Cherokee people in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Increase in enrollments studied by National Assembly at fifth meeting[edit]
The National Spiritual Assembly held its fifth regular meeting of the Bahá’í year September 10–12 in Wilmette. The meeting was characterized as “vigorous” by Glenford Mitchell, Secretary of the National Assembly.
Of principal interest was the stirring on the homefront that is now discernible, he said. For the first time in many months, enrollments have moved upwards.
“Individual believers are getting serious about their obligations to teach the Cause,” Mr. Mitchell said. “There is a persuasive spirit of teaching developing, and if we continue, we will have a great victory for the year.”
The Hand of the Cause ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan completed his six-week tour of the country in Wilmette that weekend and met with the National Assembly to convey his own perceptions of progress in the work of the Cause.
Mr. Furútan was greeted by enthusiastic Bahá’í audiences throughout the country, Mr. Mitchell reported. The largest was in Los Angeles, where more than 1,000 believers gathered to hear a presentation on the Bahá’í Administrative Order.
He said that Mr. Furútan was encouraged by the teaching work that he witnessed and by the efforts being made to teach the children. The Hand of the Cause urged the National Assembly to step up its efforts to develop a vigorous system of child education, Mr. Mitchell said.
He also reported that Mr. Furútan is completing a book of stories about Bahá’u’lláh, which, at the request of The Universal House of Justice, will soon be available for distribution.
The National Assembly has been closely studying the many teaching activities being launched around the country, Mr. Mitchell said.
Our challenge, he maintained, is how to take advantage of opportunities and yet deliver the essential information that Bahá’u’lláh is the Manifestation of God, that there are laws that must be adhered to, and institutions that must be obeyed.
“The National Assembly completely accepts the probability that we could have troop enrollment and that we could have it now,” he said. “If we do our teaching right, our efforts will take on the force of a hurricane.”
“As Americans, we have come to expect immediate gratification in everything that we do, but that is a sure way to dissolve the community,” he said. “The best approach is that the people know who Bahá’u’lláh is, what laws they are bound by, and what institutions they are obligated to obey.”
“If we cool down and do it right, our teaching will gather momentum. We don’t want to waste human souls because we bring them to the door and do not really let them see what is beyond,” he said.
The National Assembly met during the weekend with three national committees: Teaching, Information, and Publishing, to discuss aspects of their respective assignments.
The National Assembly will meet again in Wilmette October 8–10. In November, the National Spiritual Assembly will meet in San Francisco, where, on the weekend of November 10–12, it will participate in the dedication of a new Bahá’í Center.
The National Spiritual Assembly with Mr. Furútan.
Assistant Secretary for National Assembly elected[edit]
Mrs. Soo Fouts
Mrs. Soo Fouts, the newest member of the National Spiritual Assembly, has been elected Assistant Secretary. She will move to Wilmette from her home outside Washington, D.C., in October to take up the responsibilities of the position.
Mrs. Fouts, who is of Korean ancestry, was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly at Riḍván 1976.
She is only the second person to hold the position of Assistant Secretary of the National Assembly. For 22 years, the post was held by Miss Charlotte Linfoot, who has been seriously ill since suffering a stroke last December 17.
Mrs. Fouts has been a Bahá’í for 36 years. She was one of the first Bahá’í youth on the Hawaiian Islands. She was considered rebellious by her contemporaries because it was thought improper for Oriental girls to abandon their traditional religion and marry outside their race.
With her husband, Leroy, Mrs. Fouts has been a homefront pioneer in such places as Ogden, Utah; Chula Vista, California; and Fairfax County, Virginia.
Mrs. Fouts has been a member of the National Teaching Committee and served on the first Deep South Teaching Committee, the Northeast Oriental Teaching Committee, and the Asian American Teaching Committee.
Before resigning to serve in Wilmette, Mrs. Fouts spent 14 years as administrative assistant to the chairman of the board of Hamilton Landis, Inc., a major media brokerage firm in Washington, D.C.
Youth making gains
continued from page 1
unopened localities; 40 were to have done so.
The National Youth Office indicates that some of the goals may in fact have exceeded the present numbers listed above but were not reported. An effort was made to reach Local Spiritual Assemblies throughout the country by telephone to urge them to complete the remaining goals with all possible speed, the National Youth Office reported.
Meeting the goal of establishing 350 college clubs was a greater achievement than it may appear, the Youth Office said. At the start of the program, it was mistakenly believed that 250 such clubs already existed. A thorough survey revealed that only 175 were functioning. The distance to be covered was consequently much greater than expected.
In part, the slow progress in forming college and youth clubs has resulted from Bahá’í youth becoming 21 and being counted as adults in the communities. Members of these clubs are normally between 15 and 20 years old.
But David M. Clayborne, Secretary of the National Youth Committee, believes a part of the reason too is the changing national mood. In the late sixties, a period when youth enrollments burgeoned, Bahá’ís were swept along in the excitement and euphoria that were characteristic of the period.
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Homefront pioneering 95
100 homefront pioneers
19
40 to unopened localities
12
10 of 40 to unopened counties
71
55 to existing communities
5
5 to Indian reservations
Homefront teaching 900
500 domestic traveling teaching trips
11
10 lasting two months or more
International pioneering 26
25 international pioneers
12
5 filling specific Five Year Plan goals
International teaching 99
75 international traveling teaching trips
College clubs 350
350 Bahá’í college clubs
Youth clubs 102
100 local Bahá’í youth clubs
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New Canadian film available in U.S.[edit]
A new Bahá’í film from Canada is available for rental through the Publishing Trust. The film, “Invitation”, was made to commemorate ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Canada in 1912.
It features an interview with Rúḥíyyih Khánum on highlights of that historic visit by the Master and on the life and activities of her family in Montreal.
The rental cost is $20 for three days and three showings. The film may be purchased from the Canadian Bahá’í Information Committee, 7200 Leslie Street, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada L3T 2A1. The cost is $300.
Jobs available[edit]
Several positions will be opening at the Bahá’í National Center soon for friends who have skills in the following areas:
Executive secretary—required skills include fast, accurate typing; good shorthand; knowledge of filing systems; ability to compose letters; and administrative experience within the Faith.
Administrative support—requires extensive clerical skills, ability to handle dictation, good grasp of letter composition, and some administrative experience within the Faith. Experience with automatic typewriters would be helpful.
Data entry clerk—basic duties would include key entry and verification. Experience with keypunch, keytape, key disk, or floppy disk is desirable.
continued on page 3
Hand of Cause Mr. Furutan sees great improvements since last visit[edit]
The Hand of the Cause of God ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan completed a six-week tour of the United States to help with deepening of Local Spiritual Assemblies and returned to the Holy Land September 12.
Mr. Furútan, who served on the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran for 24 years, was invited to America by the National Spiritual Assembly to discuss the Administrative Order with believers at summer schools and several major cities.
Mr. Furútan completed his journey in Wilmette, where he met with the National Assembly on Saturday, September 11, to report to them his impressions of the country.
At a public meeting in Foundation Hall the same evening he told some 400 believers that a great difference in the Bahá’í community was evident since his visit seven years before.
One difference was the number of new believers that had been enrolled, he said. During his visit he met many new Bahá’ís, which showed that the Cause was growing.
Another reason was that the friends were paying more attention to the education of children, Mr. Furútan explained. “That is a happy symptom, a sign of vitality.”
The two processes, Mr. Furútan said, are like wings that the Faith must develop in order to fly.
As regards the education of children, he said three factors must generally be controlled for children to get the most out of education: family life, educational institutions, and the environment.
At present we have control over only one of the factors: family life. And in many cases, he said, where an entire family is not Bahá’í, we have only tenuous control of that factor too.
As yet there are no Bahá’í educational institutions, he said, and there is no Bahá’í environment that is reinforced by the powerful media of television, radio, and periodicals.
We must not wait until our children grow up before we begin to convince them of the truth of the Bahá’í Teachings, he said.
In our own lives we have realized the truth of the Teachings, he said. We have investigated and found that Bahá’u’lláh is the Supreme Manifestation for this day. We are even going to the masses with news of the Faith, and we have determined to sacrifice our money, our very lives, because the Writings say it is our obligation to teach.
“In light of this is it logical that we should do all of this and leave our families and our children alone without guidance?” Mr. Furútan asked. “We must help them now to find the truth.”
The Hand of the Cause Mr. Furútan spent six weeks in the United States meeting with the friends to speak of the Administrative Order. Above, he addresses more than 400 people in Foundation Hall. At left, he gestures to emphasize a point. Below left and right, he greets the friends. Mr. Furútan made special efforts after each appearance to speak with the friends individually and to make each one happy.
Mrs. King receives tribute in Atlanta[edit]
Coretta Scott King at a recent press conference.
A week of proclamation activities were held in Atlanta between August 30–September 6, organized by the Spiritual Assembly of Atlanta and the National Teaching Committee.
Maynard Jackson, Mayor of Atlanta, obligingly proclaimed the period Bahá’í Unity Week, urging Atlantans to “recognize the need for the immediate establishment of world unity and emphasize the role that America is destined to play in this realization.”
Seals and Crofts helped to get things under way with a concert in Atlanta a week before. At least 4,000 fireside listings were distributed, along with 800 copies of The Bahá’í Faith, by Gloria Faizi. Four hundred people attended the post-concert fireside.
One of the principal events of the week itself was a luncheon given September 4 by the Atlanta Spiritual Assembly, to pay tribute to the work of Coretta Scott King, widow of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, in promoting the oneness of mankind.
Sixty-seven persons attended the luncheon at the Martin Luther King Community Center in Atlanta, 37 of them Bahá’ís. Auxiliary Board member Jane Faily made the presentation to Mrs. King, and explained the basic principles of the Faith to the guests. Mrs. King said she felt challenged by the Bahá’ís to live up to the cause of unity in her work.
A free public concert was given that afternoon at the Chastain Park Amphitheatre by a group of local and visiting musicians, which included England Dan and John Ford Coley.
More than a dozen interviews on radio and television were given during the week. At least six new enrollments were reported.
staff participates in National Center cleanup[edit]
Most offices at the Bahá’í National Center were closed on July 16 to provide an opportunity for staff members to participate in the second annual Work Projects Day.
Employees donned old clothes and accomplished such chores as cutting weeds and washing windows. Weeds along the Lake Michigan shore of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and along the canal bank at the House of Worship were eliminated. Windows in the House of Worship and in the National Center offices were cleaned.
Employees paused at mid-day to enjoy a picnic on the rear lawn of the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
Grass and brush loaded for disposal.
Jobs available
continued from page 2
If you feel that you qualify for any of these areas and are, or, in the near future, will be available to serve at the Bahá’í National Center, send your resume and a letter of recommendation from your Local Spiritual Assembly, Bahá’í Group, or District Teaching Committee to: Personnel Affairs Assistant, Bahá’í National Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091.
Mail services assistant—duties would include the preparation of mass mailings and the distribution of mail throughout the offices at the National Center. Must be in good health and capable of strenuous physical activity. Knowledge of postal regulations and experience with mailing machines are preferred.
Bahá’í Books and Materials[edit]
Materials for Mass Teaching[edit]
Part One of a Two-Part Series
Shown here are some of the materials recommended for use in mass teaching. At left are six “Short Giveaways”—inexpensive pamphlets and teaching cards which can be given to anyone who wishes to receive literature on the Bahá’í Faith. The “More Detailed Giveaways,” shown above, can be presented to those who would like more detailed information. The selections of Bahá’í prayers at right can be presented to seekers and new believers. For more information, see below.
A Guide to Mass Teaching Materials*[edit]
- Short Giveaways
- Basic Facts of the Bahá’í Faith
- One Universal Faith
- One World, One Family
- Wilmette Temple teaching card
- Bahá’ís in Unity teaching card
- More Detailed Giveaways
- Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith
- Bahá’í Answers
- Prophecy Fulfilled
- I Am a Bahá’í
- Above All Barriers
- God’s Great Plan
- Bahá’í Prayers
- The Mention of God
- In Praise of God: Prayers for Bahá’ís
- Materials to Show While Teaching
- Bahá’í: A Way of Life for Millions
- The Message of Bahá’u’lláh
- Why Bahá’u’lláh?
- Postcards
- Literature for the Immediate Deepening of New Declarants
- God’s New Age
- To Be a Bahá’í
* Please note: To facilitate the mass teaching work, the Publishing Trust recently reduced the quantity prices of most of the items listed here.
Short Giveaways[edit]
The following pamphlets and cards are excellent for use in mass teaching areas. They are inexpensive and can be given to anyone who expresses a willingness to receive literature on the Bahá’í Faith.
Basic Facts of the Bahá’í Faith
(English and Spanish)
An introductory pamphlet which clearly presents the basic teachings and historical background of the Bahá’í Faith. The brochure lists some of the principal works of Bahá’u’lláh. 3½ x 6½ inches. Frenchfold. Also available in Spanish with the title La Fe Mundial Bahá’í: Datos y Principios Básicos de la Fe Bahá’í. 3⅝ x 4¼ inches.
7-40-14 English | 25/$1.00; 100/$2.50; 500/$10.00; 1000/$15.00 |
7-93-70 Spanish | 25/$1.25; 100/$3.00; 500/$12.50 |
One Universal Faith
This introductory pamphlet offers a challenge to Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Zoroastrians, stating that Bahá’u’lláh is the promised one of each of these religions. A helpful two-color chart illustrates the concept of Progressive Revelation. Recommended for direct teaching. 3½ x 6¼ inches. Frenchfold.
7-40-37........25/$1.00; 100/$2.50; 500/$10.00; 1000/$15.00
One World, One Family
This brief statement by the National Spiritual Assembly explains how the Bahá’í world community strives to live by the principle of the “oneness of mankind.” It includes short quotations from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and from the writings of Shoghi Effendi. 3½ x 6¼ inches. Frenchfold.
7-40-38........25/$1.00; 100/$2.50; 500/$10.00; 1000/$15.00
Wilmette Temple teaching card
An inexpensive teaching aid featuring a color photograph of the Wilmette House of Worship. On the reverse side is a list of eleven principles of the Bahá’í Faith. Space is provided for notes or addresses. 4½ x 2½ inches. An excellent attention getter for direct teaching.
6-40-00........100/$3.00; 500/$12.50; 1000/$20.00
Bahá’ís in Unity teaching card
This teaching card illustrates the diversity of the Bahá’í community. On one side is a color photograph of smiling Bahá’ís of several races and nationalities and the words “Bahá’ís Believe Mankind is One.” On the reverse side is the statement “Bahá’ís are followers of Bahá’u’lláh, God’s Messenger for this Day.” Space is provided for notes or addresses. 4½ x 2½ inches.
6-46-02........100/$3.00; 500/$12.50; 1000/$20.00
More Detailed Giveaways[edit]
The following materials can be given to the person who would like more detailed information on the Bahá’í Faith.
Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith
Bahá’í Teachings for a World Faith is a basic pamphlet introducing the Bahá’í Faith through quotations from Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi. Concludes with a brief history of the Faith. Excellent for seekers. 3¼ x 5¼ inches. 24 pp.
7-40-07........10/$1.00; 100/$8.00
Bahá’í Answers
Briefly and clearly, Bahá’í Answers addresses many of the questions most frequently asked about the Bahá’í Faith. Includes eight photographs. 3¼ x 5¼ inches. 23 pp.
7-40-02........10/$1.00; 100/$8.00
Prophecy Fulfilled
by Elisabeth H. Cheney
A popular pamphlet explaining how the Bahá’í Faith fulfills biblical prophecies. Includes explanations of the “time of the end” and the significance of the new name of the Messenger of God in this Day. 3¼ x 5¼ inches. 21 pp.
7-40-43........10/$1.00; 50/$4.00
I Am a Bahá’í
by Guy Murchie
An illustrated article from the Chicago Sunday Tribune magazine section by a well-known American writer who became a Bahá’í. Includes a summary of the Bahá’í Teachings and a moving account of the Heroic Age of the Faith. Recommended for seekers and new believers. 8½ x 11 inches. 4 pp.
7-40-26........10/$1.00; 50/$4.00
Above All Barriers: The Story of Louis G. Gregory
by Elsie Austin
The inspiring story of Louis G. Gregory, the outstanding black American Bahá’í whose life was changed by the Bahá’í Teachings and by his meeting with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Holy Land. 3¼ x 5¼ inches. 18 pp.
7-40-00........10/$1.60; 100/$14.00
God’s Great Plan
by Henry Ginn
The story of the coming of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh told in very simple language and based upon the theme of the “return.” Useful for teaching Bible-oriented seekers. Illustrated. 4½ x 7½ inches. 26 pp.
7-40-23........10/$1.60; 100/$14.00
Bahá’í Prayers[edit]
Of these two selections of prayers, the first can be presented to seekers and the second to new Bahá’ís.
The Mention of God
A selection of nine prayers revealed by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. An excellent gift for seekers interested in prayer. Inexpensively priced. 3⅛ x 5¼ inches. 11 pp.
7-15-25........50/$2.25; 350/$12.50; 3500/$87.50
In Praise of God: Prayers for Bahá’ís
A pocket-size compilation of prayers of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Contains fourteen prayers, including the short obligatory prayer, a prayer for teaching, and a marriage prayer. A thoughtful gift for new believers. 3¼ x 5¼ inches. 11 pp.
7-15-10........25/$1.50; 100/$5.00; 500/$22.50
Coming Next Month[edit]
Part Two of Materials for Mass Teaching will be featured in next month’s American Bahá’í. It will include photos, descriptions, and prices of “Materials to Show While Teaching” and “Literature for the Immediate Deepening of New Declarants.” Don’t miss it!
Assistants for Treasurer’s Office trained in Wilmette[edit]
The Office of the Treasurer held a weekend workshop in Wilmette September 3-5 to train 75 representatives to work with local treasurers around the country.
Treasurer’s representatives selected from different regions attended an intensive series of lectures, workshops, and seminars that lasted almost ten hours each day. Among those assisting with the training were Continental Counsellor Edna True, National Assembly members Glenford Mitchell and Dorothy Nelson, and Auxiliary Board members Eunice Braun and Thelma Jackson.
The new Treasurer’s representatives will conduct a series of regional workshops for community treasurers beginning in October.
At left, Dorothy Nelson, Treasurer of the National Assembly, addresses treasurer’s assistants. Above, a small group discussion during one of the conference sessions.
Using a new publication, Accounting Procedures for Bahá’í Treasurers, they will show local treasurers how to plan and administer a budget and how to keep a simplified set of books.
“We realize that the local treasurers are trying to conduct the financial business of the communities as best they can,” said Steve Jackson, Assistant to the Treasurer. “But often their ability to plan the budget and keep track of the money is weak. The procedures developed for this training program are intended to strengthen the ability of the treasurers to acquaint themselves well in the position to which they have been entrusted.”
The regional workshops will also explore ways of educating the community about the Fund. The local treasurers will receive instruction on making informative reports to the Spiritual Assembly and stimulating presentations to the community at Feast.
The Treasurer’s representatives will give reports on the state of the Fund at District Conventions around the country, where they will also announce the locations for the regional workshops.
Fund Goals unmet
continued from page 1
“However, income from contributions has been much less than expected and it is resulting in a monthly deficit of almost $50,000.”
The additional funds needed to operate at the budgeted levels have come from bank loans and from loans given by individual believers around the country.
“Unless the present trend in contributions is reversed immediately, the National Assembly will have to make major cuts in teaching and consolidation programs that are already hampered by insufficient funding.”
“It has been natural in our experience that contributions fall off during the summer months,” he explained. “Treasurers and other community members go on vacations and regularity in giving suffers.”
“It shows that we must have more education on the importance of giving regularly,” he said. “Bills come in regularly, so we need regular, sustained income to meet expenses. Ideally, individuals, groups, and Assemblies will give consistently regardless of the time of year and condition of the world around them.”
Teachers needed for Gregory Institute[edit]
The Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute needs help in meeting the growing demand in the region for Bahá’í education for children. Intensified teaching activities throughout the State have stimulated interest among parents in Bahá’í instruction for the children.
Teachers are now needed for weekend programs. The Gregory Institute suggests that Bahá’ís may wish to spend time at the Institute working with teaching and consolidation projects during the week, and with children’s programs on the weekend.
Interested Bahá’ís should contact Ann McCrory, Indigo Hall, Apt. 66, Georgetown, South Carolina 29440.
Traveling teaching will coincide with International Teaching Conferences[edit]
International traveling teaching is being planned to coincide with the Merida Conference.
Students on Winter break are being encouraged by the International Goals Committee to join a teaching project in Mexico between December 17 and January 4. The cost is estimated to be approximately $250 per person.
Details are available from the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091.
In addition, a program for international traveling teaching is being prepared for Australasia in the Winter.
International Teaching Conferences[edit]
Hong Kong: Nov. 19-Dec. 5
| 11/19 | Leave Los Angeles |
| 21 | Cross International Date Line and arrive Hong Kong (includes transfers to and from Hyatt House hotel; Continental breakfast daily; dinner first and last evenings in Hong Kong) |
| 22 | Half-day sightseeing tour of city |
| 23 | Free day |
| 24 | Full-day excursion to Macau (includes lunch) |
| 25-26 | Free days |
| 27-30 | International Teaching Conference |
| 12/1-4 | Leave for Taiwan (includes transfers to and from Hotel President; three nights at hotel; full breakfast daily; half-day sightseeing tour of Taipei) |
| 4 | Leave for Hong Kong |
| 5 | Leave for United States |
| Cost per person: | |
| $1,075 (includes all of above and round trip air fare from Los Angeles) | |
| Note: Air fare from home town, or requested gateway, to Los Angeles and return will cost extra. | |
| Bahia: Jan. 25-Feb. 5 | |
| 1/25 | Leave for Bahia (Salvador) |
| 26 | Arrive in Bahia |
| 27 | Half-day sightseeing tour of city |
| 28-30 | International Teaching Conference |
| 31 | Leave for Rio de Janeiro |
| 2/1 | Half-day sightseeing tour of Rio de Janeiro |
| 2 | Tour of Corcovado and Tijuca Forest (rain forest) |
| 3-4 | Free days |
| 5 | Return to United States |
| 6 | Arrive United States |
| Cost per person: | |
| Land portion only—(includes baggage handling; all transfers; accommodations 10 nights; Brazilian breakfast daily; tours; all taxes and gratuities) | |
| Four Star: single, $478; double, $344; triple, $324 | |
| Three Star: single, $409; double, $289; triple, $269 | |
| Merida: Two packages available | |
| Package A—Merida only. Feb. 3-9: | |
| 2/3 | Leave from gateway for flight to Merida |
| 4-6 | International Teaching Conference |
| 7 | Full-day excursion Chichen-Itza (includes lunch) |
| 8 | Full-day excursion Uxmal-Kabah (includes lunch) |
| 9 | Return to United States |
| Cost per person: | |
| Land portion—(includes baggage handling; all transfers; accommodations 6 nights; Continental breakfast daily; tours; all taxes and gratuities) | |
| Four Star: single, $194; double, $145; triple, $125 | |
| Three Star: single, $167; double, $123; triple, $103 | |
| Please note: 1 child under 12, $48; 1 infant (2 years), free; more than 1 child or infant necessitates rate change. | |
| Round trip air fare—from Miami, $154; Los Angeles, $195; New Orleans, $142; New York, $267; Dallas (subject to minimum of 40), $203.50; Chicago, $322. | |
| Each child under 12, half fare; each infant (2 years), $16 | |
| Package B—Merida and Mexico City: Feb. 9-12 | |
| Includes complete itinerary in “A” above, through Feb. 8 | |
| 2/9 | Leave for Mexico City |
| 10 | Full-day sightseeing tour Mexico City, including Pyramids |
| 11 | Half-day sightseeing tour Floating Gardens of Xochimilco; evening performance Folklorico Ballet |
| 12 | Return to United States |
| Cost per person: | |
| Land portion and air fare between Merida and Mexico City only (includes baggage handling; all transfers; accommodations 9 nights; Continental breakfast daily; tours; all taxes and gratuities) | |
| Four Star: single, $386; double, $290; triple, $270 | |
| Three Star: single, $329; double, $256; triple, $235 | |
| Note: Additional air fare from United States gateway and return | |
| Auckland: Jan 13-29 | |
| 1/13 | Leave Los Angeles |
| 14 | Arrive Fiji Islands |
| 17 | Leave for Auckland |
| 19-22 | International Teaching Conference |
| 26 | Leave for Tahiti |
| 29 | Return to United States |
| Final plans being firmed: | |
| Land arrangements and air fares to be announced next issue of The American Bahá’í | |
Bankers Trust Travel Planning Service has been engaged by the National Spiritual Assembly to provide travel arrangements for you. They have assisted us in preparing itineraries that will allow us to include stops in some of those countries assigned to the United States in the International Travel Teaching Program.
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THE AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Second class postage paid at Wilmette, IL. Articles and news written in a clear and concise manner are welcomed from individuals as well as the various institutions of the Cause. Black and white glossy photographs should be included whenever possible. Material must be received by the first of the month prior to publication. Address American Bahá’í Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. |
We sincerely hope that all who wish to attend these important conferences will find the means to do so. Please notify Bankers Trust immediately of your plans as many of the host areas need an estimate of the number attending in order to finalize their arrangements.
The friends are reminded that all of those planning to attend the International Teaching Conferences must request international credentials from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. Mr. Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. This would be true even if making your own travel arrangements.
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Sequoyah statue presented
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Assembly. “We have come to pay tribute to the Cherokee Nation and to one of the great servants of mankind,” he told hundreds of Cherokee gathered for the occasion, “and to present a statue of this great servant as a token of our gratitude for his contribution to our country.”
Chief Swimmer accepted the gift and spoke warmly of the Bahá’í Faith. He said the statue would be cherished by the Cherokee for generations.
The theme of the National Holiday was “Reunion,” he pointed out. It was fitting that Sequoyah should be honored on this occasion, as his life’s work had been aimed at reuniting branches of the Cherokee Nation separated by the greed and intolerance of the non-Indian majority, he said.
John Crow, Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee who now reside in North Carolina, attended the Cherokee National Holiday and each of the events in which the National Assembly played a role.
Relations between the Eastern and Western Cherokee have been reportedly strained for more than a century. The Cherokee who remained on their land in North Carolina and Georgia were disappointed that the majority did not resist the removal to Oklahoma.
Thousands perished on the poorly organized trek West. The forced march, directed by the U.S. Army, has come to be known as the “Trail of Tears.”
It was reported that Chief Swimmer would soon reciprocate and visit the Eastern Band of the Cherokee in North Carolina in the interest of keeping the contact alive.
Chief Swimmer presented the National Assembly with a special volume of the history of the Cherokee Nation and a silver medallion engraved with an image of Sequoyah.
David Villaseñor, the Bahá’í artist who carved the statue, was named “Goodwill Ambassador” for the Cherokee Nation and given a certificate of appointment. This recognition is the highest conferred on an individual who is not a member of the tribe.
Mr. Villaseñor was born in Mexico of Indian and Spanish parents. He became a U.S. citizen in 1942 and has devoted his life and his art to the promotion of the oneness of mankind. He is acclaimed an international authority on sandpainting.
Sequoyah, he said, was one of his childhood heroes and a figure he has attempted to emulate throughout his career. He carved the statue from a sequoia redwood tree felled by lightning in Pasadena in 1963.
He worked on the statue nine years, completing it shortly before it was given to the National Spiritual Assembly on August 22 during an Indian art exhibit at Century City in Los Angeles, California. The statue was one of the featured works of the show.
The statue is 10-feet tall and weighs more than 700 lbs. It depicts the moment in 1821 when Sequoyah, with his daughter Ah-Yo-Ka, following years of painstaking efforts, faced a skeptical audience of Cherokee leaders to prove the merit of the syllabary he had devised to write the Cherokee language.
The National Assembly received extensive press and radio coverage during its visit to Oklahoma. On Saturday evening, a reception was held for Oklahoma Bahá’ís on the campus of a college in Tahlequah.
1. The unveiling of the statue during presentation to the Cherokee Nation. Artist David Villaseñor stands at left with microphone in hand. 2. Franklin Kahn addresses Cherokee people. 3. Members of National Assembly during a press conference in Tahlequah. 4. Dorothy Nelson with interviewer at radio station in Pryor, near Tahlequah. 5. Daniel Jordan and Glenford Mitchell during radio interview in Wagoner. In all, members of the National Assembly held four radio and two television interviews during their visit to Oklahoma. 6. Spectators view statue after luncheon for Cherokee dignitaries given by the National Assembly. 7. Judge James Nelson with Margaret Swimmer, wife of the Cherokee Chief. 8. Mrs. Beth McKenty with John Swimmer, left, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. 9. Bahá’ís during a tour of Cherokee museum.
Artist dreams of uniting Cherokee people[edit]
David Villaseñor at lectern during National Spiritual Assembly luncheon.
There could be no doubt that the presence of artist David Villaseñor, and his warm, witty comments during the whole weekend, endeared him to his Cherokee brothers. From the time the statue of Sequoyah was unveiled, it attracted viewers, individually and in groups, many of them standing a long time in silence, studying intently this powerful work of art.
“As a child, I always tried to find the best subjects for my drawings,” Mr. Villaseñor said in one of his talks. “I wanted to draw people who had qualities I admired—I have always studied the lives of those I draw or carve and try to emulate their good qualities. For nine years now Sequoyah has been in my life. When I wanted to go fishing, I stayed home to work on this statue. Now it is finished, and I hope it will be an instrument for my dream of bringing all the Cherokee people together, both the Eastern tribes and the Western tribes. Sequoyah represents all Cherokee, and much of what is best in humankind.”
Perhaps the words of Jean Villaseñor best express the significance of this statue to the artist, and the dedication which brought Sequoyah to life from a redwood log. They are taken from a letter written after the Villaseñors returned to California, following the events at Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Labor Day weekend.
“As we look upon the great vacant space left by Sequoyah in our back patio, it is immediately filled, in the inner eye, by the vision of his journey back ‘home’: serving as a channel for the healing of Indian Nations, and for Bahá’u’lláh’s healing message.”
Destiny of Indian peoples still unfulfilled, friends told[edit]
Local Assemblies, Bahá’í characteristics, and the education of children were subjects discussed with Oklahoma believers in Tahlequah September 4 by members of the National Spiritual Assembly and by Auxiliary Board member Nancy Phillips, representing the Board of Counsellors.
The friends gathered on the campus of the Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Tahlequah to attend a reception given by the National Assembly. The National Assembly was in Oklahoma to present a statue of Sequoyah to the Cherokee Nation.
The success of Local Assemblies, Mrs. Phillips told approximately 100 Bahá’ís gathered for the occasion, will depend on the unity of our efforts. We must love our Assemblies because of what they stand for, she said.
Authority and direction flows from the Spiritual Assemblies, but the power to fulfill tasks assigned rests solely with individual believers, she said.
The National Assembly’s effort to reach the Cherokee people through the presentation of the Sequoyah statue was “full of promise,” she said. “The Indian people have a destiny in our Faith which is as yet unfulfilled.”
Her feeling that day as she watched the statue being given to the Cherokee was that our communities would deepen their spiritual capacity when they had represented on their councils members of a race praised so highly by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself, she said.
Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, reviewed some of the disappointing statistics of recent years and said the strengthening of Local Assemblies was vital to the progress of the Cause.
“I am speaking not to scold,” he said, “but the reality is, that at a time when humanity must know of the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh, we must do better.”
Sixteen years remain before the 100th anniversary of the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, he noted. “We owe Bahá’u’lláh a fantastically great success,” he said.
A meeting of Oklahoma friends with members of the National Assembly and Auxiliary Board member Nancy Phillips, who represented the Board of Counsellors at the presentation of the Sequoyah statue.
He exhorted the friends to participate in and cooperate with the Local Assembly Development Program. It was launched not only for the benefit of the Bahá’í community, but for the benefit of all humanity.
“The strengthening of Local Assemblies is the greatest service humanity can receive from us,” he said. “The question is whether we will respond with the spirit of dedication required by The Universal House of Justice in its Five Year Plan Message.”
In addition, he urged the friends to make a start with the education of children in their communities.
“Make a beginning,” he said. “The children must begin to imbibe the spirit of the Faith now. Our teachers must begin to make the Faith full of life for the children.”
“Do something, friends,” he urged. “The children will be lost to us if we don’t do something now.”
He quoted the moving passage of Bahá’u’lláh:
“When the victory arriveth, every man shall profess himself as a believer and shall hasten to the shelter of God’s Faith. Happy are they who in the days of world-encompassing trials have stood fast in the Cause and refused to swerve from its truth.”
“Let the hailstorms come,” Mr. Mitchell said, “let anything come, but stand firm now and teach the Cause of God. Can you imagine then how you will be embraced in the ‘Abhá Kingdom?”
Dr. Daniel Jordan, speaking next, said all things would be possible for us if in our lives we developed distinctive Bahá’í characteristics.
The question we must ask ourselves, he said, is: “What am I going to do with my energy to serve God and attract people to His Cause?”
It requires the expenditure of energy to criticize, complain, nag, or be a wet blanket, he explained. “What would happen if we all woke up one morning and decided not to spend one calorie for anything that did not help us develop distinctive characteristics?” he asked. The answer: “We would have mass conversion before 5:00 p.m.”
Gallup LSA plans October conference[edit]
The Spiritual Assembly of Gallup will be host to Bahá’ís from Northern New Mexico at a “Gateway to Victories” conference Oct. 23-24. The conference, which will take place at the mid-point of the Five Year Plan, was arranged by Auxiliary Board member Nancy Phillips.
Bahá’í booth placed at Choctaw fair[edit]
A booth at the Choctaw Indian Fair at Philadelphia, Mississippi, July 14-17, was sponsored jointly by the Madison County Assembly and the Mississippi District Teaching Committee.
The fair is an annual event and is increasing in popularity. It is very colorful with crafts, dancing, stick ball competition, music, and selection of the Choctaw princess. The fair attracts not only the Choctaw but the Seminole and other tribes as well as visitors from all over the United States.
The Bahá’í booth featured a slide program on Indian prophecies. Literature of particular interest to Indians was provided.
The fair was opened daily at 2 p.m. and continued until midnight. Miss Helen Henry, a Choctaw Bahá’í, was at the booth each afternoon and evening. Bahá’ís from Canton, Meridian, Madison, Bay St. Louis, and Jackson participated.
Miss Henry and her sister are isolated believers. The nearest Bahá’ís are 40 miles away. Their home has always been open for firesides and for fellowship. The Madison County Assembly initiated the idea of the booth to assist them in proclaiming and propagating the Faith among the Choctaw.
Many who visited the booth had heard of the Faith, some knew a Bahá’í or had visited the Temple. Some were interested in receiving more information and left their names and addresses.
This was the first year religions had been allowed to participate in the fair. Besides the Bahá’ís, only the Mormons had a booth at the event.
Bahá’í literature was placed in the Meditation Room of the Reservation health center.
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| Hand of Cause Mr. Furútan sees great improvements | Statue of Indian genius presented to Cherokee people | Assistants for Treasurer’s Office trained in Wilmette |
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