The Homefront Pioneer/Text

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NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE NTC

The Homefront Pioneer

The need of the Hour is Teaching on the Home Front. Its goals can only be won, by a new spirit of dedication and consecration on the part of the friends, each in his own country, in his own home.

The Individual and Teaching, page 35. [Page 1]TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I e Steps for Homefront Pioneers

Part IT e Spiritual Prerequisites

Part IIT e Goals of the Homefront Pioneer Program

Part IV e Questions and Answers [Page 2]STEPS FOR HOMEFRONT PIONEERS

If you are considering being a Homefront

Pioneer:

1. Please do not leave your present Local Spiritual Assembly in jeopardy.

2. Contact the National Teaching Committee to request a Homefront Pioneer Information Form to complete.

3. Return your completed Homefront Pioneer Information Form to the National Teaching Committee. You will be con tacted soon.

4. Keep the National Teaching Committee informed of your progress and needs as you investigate pioneer posts.

5. Notify the National Teaching Committee when you have arrived at your homefront

pioneer post! [Page 3]SPIRITUAL PREREQUISITES

“Whoso ariseth among you to teach the Cause of His Lord, let him, before all else, teach his own self, that his speech may attract the heart of them that hear him. Unless he teacheth his own self, the words of his mouth will not influence the heart of the seeker. . -”

Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 335

“Whoso ariseth, in this Day, to aid our Cause, and summoneth to his assistance the hosts of a praiseworthy character and upright conduct, the influence flowing from such an action will, most certainly, be diffused throughout the whole world.”

Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 287

“Whoso ariseth to teach our Cause must needs detach himself from all earthly things, and regard, at all times, the triumph of Our Faith as his supreme objective. This hath, verily, been decreed in the Guarded Tablet. And when he determineth to leave his home, for the sake of the Cause of his Lord, let him put his whole trust in God, as the best provision for his journey, and array himself with the robe of virtue. Thus hath it been decreed by God, the Almighty, the All-Praised.”

Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 334

“The beloved Guardian has stressed over and over again, that to effectively teach the Faith, the individual must study deeply the Divine Word, imbibe Its life-giving waters, and feast upon Its glorious teachings. He should then meditate on the import of the Word, and finding its spiritual depths pray for guidance and assistance. But most important, after prayer is action. After one has prayed and meditated, he must arise, relying fully on the guidance and confirmation of Baha’u’llah to teach his Faith. Perserverance in action is essential, just as wisdom and audacity are necessary for effective teaching. The individual must sacrifice all things to this great goal, and then the victories will be won.’ (emphasis added)

Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Baha’i News, January 1957, pp. 1-2 [Page 4]SPIRITUAL PREREQUISITES (continued)

“Perhaps the reason why you have not accomplished so much in the field of teaching, is the extent you looked upon your own weaknesses and inabilities to spread the Message. Baha’u’llah and the Master have both urged us repeatedly to disregard our own handicaps and lay our whole reliance upon God. He will come to our help if we only arise and become an active channel for God’s grace. Do you think it is the teachers who make converts and change human hearts? No, surely not. They are only pure souls who take the first step, and then let the spirit of Baha’u’ll4h move them and make use of them. ... Stop to be conscious of your frailties, therefore; have a perfect reliance upon God; let your heart burn with the desire to serve His Mission and proclaim His call; and you will observe how eloquence and the power to change human hearts will come as a matter of course.”

From a letter dated 31 March 1932 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer

“The assemblies of the North American continent, constituting the base for the gigantic operations destined to warm and illuminate, under American Baha’i auspices, the five continents of the globe, must, at no time and under no circumstances, be allowed to diminish in number or decline in strength and in influence. The movement of pioneers, whether settlers or itinerant teachers, which in fields so distant from this base, has exhibited so marvelous a vitality, must, within the limits of the homeland itself, be neither interrupted nor suffer a decline. The groups and isolated centers so painstakingly formed and established must, conjointly with this highly commendable and essential duty, be maintained, fostered and if possible multiplied.”

Citadel of Faith, page 75.

“A far greater proportion of the avowed supporters of the Faith must arise, ere the Crusade suffers any setback, for the fourfold purpose of winning over an infinitely greater number of recruits to the army of Baha’u’llah fighting on the home front, of swelling to an unprecedented degree the isolated centers now scattered within its confines, of converting an increasing number of them into firmly founded groups, and of accelerating the formation of local assemblies, while safeguarding those already in existence.”

Citadel of Faith, page 148 [Page 5]GOALS OF THE HOMEFRONT PIONEER PROGRAM

The Homefront Pioneer goals are established by the National Teaching Committee according to the current Plan and the needs of the country. These are:

1. Move to mass-taught areas and consolidate

2. Save or form local Spiritual Assemblies

3. Move to states with low Baha’i population

4. Strengthen groups and open localities [Page 6]GOALS OF THE HOMEFRONT PIONEER PROGRAM

Priority One: MOVING TO A MASS-TAUGHT AREA TO TEACH AND CONSOLIDATE

By moving to a mass-taught area you will have the opportunity to work with people who have become Bahda’is, but have not been deepened in the Faith. Your presence there will stimulate activity.

For many places in the country, a homefront pioneer is the only answer to developing a mass-taught Assembly, as many of the people may be semiilliterate or have little access to information on the Baha’i Faith.

It will-take patience and love to bring a mass-taught Assembly through the steps of learning what a meeting is, learning how to meet, what to meet about, and fostering the Baha’i atmosphere of care and interest that is necessary. Many mass-taught Assemblies can be developed through working with the children since the children of many of the early mass-taught believers are now active Baha’is and show an increasing interest in the progress of the Faith.

In all districts where mass teaching was done, the District Teaching Committees are well developed and skilled at handling problems posed by the numerous mass-taught Assemblies. These District Teaching Committees lack manpower to accomplish all they wish. A homefront pioneer, who is deepened in all aspects of the Faith, can offer invaluable assistance to the growth of that area.

Mass-taught Assemblies are our first priority because of the potential that is there. It is a fertile ground for continued teaching, besides having the potential for an immediate Baha’i community. As those believers who were “mass-taught” begin to speak out in the Faith, and offer their unique and valuable perspective, the diversity of voice and interest in the Faith is assured and our national community becomes enriched.

The mass teaching of a decade ago was often done with a spirit of service and love, and we are still reaping the benefits derived from the efforts of many of these dedicated teachers. [Page 7]GOALS OF THE HOMEFRONT PIONEER PROGRAM

Priority Two: SAVE OR FORM LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES

A jeopardized local Spiritual Assembly is an Assembly that has. fewer than nine believers. It must be saved at all costs.

Reasons that an Assembly becomes jeopardized are many, and Baha’is should not feel badly when their Assembly has dropped below nine. Many local Spiritual Assemblies have had exciting, well-planned teaching activities in their area and no enrollments.

As a Homefront Pioneer to a jeopardized local Spiritual Assembly, you will be saving that Assembly from being lost. A Homefront Pioneer moving to one of these Assemblies can be a spark that leads to increased teaching and further growth for the Faith.

A local Spiritual Assembly must be formed when the number of believers in a Baha’i group reaches 9. Therefore, preferred goal groups are a prime target for Homefront Pioneers. A pioneer to a preferred goal group will be privileged to be part of the formation of a local Spiritual Assembly. [Page 8]GOALS OF THE HOMEFRONT PIONEER PROGRAM

Priority Three: MOVE TO STATES WITH LOW BAHA'I POPULATION

“Endeavor to increase the number of Assemblies and localities in those states where their number is relatively small, thus achieving a more balanced distribution;”

Naw-Ruz 1981 Message from the Universal House of Justice to the Baha’is of the United States

The following twenty states have been identified as having a low percentage of Local Spiritual Assemblies and localities in proportion to the population:

Alabama Kentucky New Jersey Rhode Island Connecticut Louisiana New York Tennessee Delaware Michigan North Dakota Utah

Iowa Mississippi Ohio West Virginia Kansas Missouri Pennsylvania Wyoming

In many of these states traveling distances present a problem. One will find that the friends are very close in spirit, often traveling hours, even overnight, to attend Baha’i events. The District Teaching Committees often labor against almost impossible odds as they plan and organize teaching events in the remote towns and valleys.

Some of these states are more industrialized and are in need of deepened Baha’is who can teach and effectively build the administrative order. A homefront pioneer can assist with these valuable responsibilities. [Page 9]GOALS OF THE HOMEFRONT PIONEER PROGRAM

Priority Four: STRENGTHEN GROUPS AND OPEN LOCALITIES

Baha’i groups are the “solid foundation” upon which future local Spiritual Assemblies will be built. Baha’i groups should elect officers and register with the National Teaching Committee as an organized group. The Bahai group can:

1. Hold regular community firesides 2. Observe Feasts and Holy Days 3. Hold public meetings and proclamation events 4. Contribute to the Fund as a group 5. Work closely with its sponsoring local Spiritual Assembly and with its District Teaching Committee.

As a pioneer to a locality with less than nine believers, you can assist with the organization of a registered Baha’i group and speed its journey toward becoming a Divine Institution.

There are many localities where the Faith of Baha’u’llah should be established. A Homefront Pioneer who moves to an area where no other Baha’is reside will fulfill the goal of opening a new locality. [Page 10]QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

I. What is the Homefront Pioneer

Program?

The Homefront Pioneer Program established by the National Teaching Committee is a system for advertising, recruiting, and directing pioneers. The National Teaching Committee has established priorities for

Homefront Pioneers.

2. Why do we have a Homefront

Pioneer Program?

This program has been established to help win the goals of the current plan. Homefront Pioneers do not replace bringing in new believers. They add maturity and experience to a

goal area.

3. What is a Homefront Pioneer?

A Homefront Pioneer is any Baha’i who moves to another locality and fills a National

Teaching Committee goal.

4. What are the priorities for Homefront Pioneers?

1) Move to mass-taught areas

to teach and consolidate

2) Move to save or form a Local

Spiritual Assembly

3) Move to states with low

Baha’i population

4) Move to strengthen a group

or open a locality

5. What isa “goal” locality?

A “goal” locality is one that has been chosen by the National Teaching Committee for special assistance and focus.

Is International Pioneering more important than Homefront Pioneering?

International Pioneering is stressed not because Homefront Pioneering is any less important, but because it is so much more difficult to find people who are in a position to go abroad.

Is there a training program for Homefront Pioneers?

The National Teaching Committee is producing booklets such as this one to help train Homefront Pioneers. We hope to conduct training programs in the future. At present, the National Teaching Committee has a Homefront Pioneer Coordinator to consult with and give advice to potential Homefront Pioneers.

Is financial assistance available for Homefront Pioneers?

In the past the National Teaching Committee has had a Homefront Pioneer Deputization Fund. At present, no money is available. [Page 11]QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

9. How long a commitment must

I make as a pioneer?

Commitments vary. As a general policy Homefront Pioneers are encouraged to stay at their post for at least two years. This is a Subject you should discuss with the Homefront Pioneer Coordinator at the National

Teaching Office.

10. What kind of person should be

a Homefront Pioneer?

Any Baha’i with the desire to serve the Faith can be a poten tial Homefront Pioneer.

ll. How do 1 know if Homefront Pioneering is right for me?

First, request a Homefront Pioneer application from the National Teaching Committee. Second, read the Tablets of the Divine Plan. Third, consult with your Local Spiritual Assembly, District Teaching Committee or the National Teaching Com mittee.

12. What sacrifices or changes

must I make to be a Homefront

Pioneer?

All service to the Faith demands some elements of sacrifice. A Homefront Pioneer must consider all aspects of relocation, such as employment,

schools, housing, etc.

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My ultimate goal is to be an International Pioneer but it is not feasible for me to leave the country now. Should I consider Homefront Pioneering?

Yes!

My spouse is not a Baha’. Can I still be a Homefront Pioneer?

Yes. As long as your spouse supports the idea.

Tama youth. Can I bea Homefront Pioneer?

Definitely. Youth 15 to 20 years of age can be Homefront Pioneers. A youth can be a valuable asset to a Baha’i community. You should contact the National Teaching Committee or the National Youth Committee.

Ifl ama student can I also be a Homefront Pioneer?

Every student should consider Homefront pioneering. Most college towns are either Homefront Pioneer goals or have goal towns near by. You may wish to consider Homefront Pioneering opportunities as part of your criteria for selecting the college that you will attend. [Page 12]QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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A job transfer has forced me to move to a specific location. Can I still be a Homefront Pioneer?

If your location falls within those categories mentioned in the National Teaching Com -mittee priorities you can be

counted as a Pioneer.

T have just moved to this country. Can I be a Homefront Pioneer?

Yes! The National Teaching Committee encourages new United States’ residents to contact our office for a Homefront Pioneer goal.

Can I be a Homefront Pioneer during my year of patience?

The National Teaching Committee advises potential pioneers observing a year of patience to complete the year before pioneering.

Can anyone be a Homefront Pioneer?

Not everyone is suited to the Homefront Pioneer life. Potential pioneers should consult with the Homefront Pioneer Coordinator at the National Teaching Committee Office.

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I would like to go Homefront Pioneering but I am afraid I would not be able to stay as long as I would like. Would I be a disappointment if I had to leave my pioneer post?

No. A Homefront Pioneer for any length of time would be of service to the Faith. However, we encourage Homefront Pioneers to make their pioneer post a long term commitment.

Iam thinking about moving sometime within the year. When should I contact the National Teaching Committee?

Contact the National Teaching Committee immediately.

Our community has less than 12 members. Should I consider Homefront Pioneering?

Not at this time. One of the purposes of Homefront Pioneering is to strengthen Local Spiritual Assemblies. Once your Assembly is securely established you can consider Homefront Pioneering to fill a goal.

How can I prepare myself to be an effective Homefront Pioneer? [Page 13]QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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The best way to prepare for Homefront Pioneering is to be of the greatest service you can in your present community. The potential Homefront Pioneer is encouraged to read the Tablets of the Divine Plan, The Advent of Divine Justice, Citadel of Faith p. 122-132, 142-149 and Wellspring of Guidance p. 124-129.

I want to be a Homefront Pioneer. Where do I begin?

You may wish to begin by consulting with your Local Spiritual Assembly, District Teaching Committee or your Auxiliary Board member. Then complete a Homefront Pioneer application from the National Teaching Committee. Feel free to call the National Teaching Committee.

Once I have contacted the National Teaching Committee how long does it take for my request to be processed?

Upon receipt of your Homefront Pioneer application, you will be immediately contacted by the Homefront Pioneer Coordinator who will consult with you and help you select a locali ty.

How can I choose where to settle?

You should consider economics, climate, physical health, and personal interests. Find a goal that meets your needs.

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Which do I obtain first: A job or a pioneer post?

This depends upon you. Consider your needs and resources. It is vital that you be able to support yourself.

What professions are most frequently in demand in Homefront Pioneer goal localities?

Employment opportunities vary. Some of the more common needs are for educators and people in the health fields. You may wish to contact the Chamber of Commerce and local newspapers in your prospective pioneer posts. The National Teaching Committee, at present, is unable to assist with job placement.

I have recently moved but never contacted the National Teaching Committee. Can I still be counted as a Homefront Pioneer?

If you have moved to a goal locality you can be counted. Call us and let us know where you are.

What are some of the responsibilities of a Homefront Pioneer?

The responsibilities of a Homefront Pioneer will vary according to his post. At all posts, however, a Baha’i should live the life and teach! [Page 14]

Produced by the National Teaching Committee Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091 April 1984

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