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Hands Stress Home Front In Message to Australian Conference
The following is part of a letter from the Hands of the Faith residing in the Holy Land addressed to the Teaching Conference being held on the historic occasion of the Dedication of the Mother Temple of the Antipodes. Its emphasis upon the success of the home front campaigns in all parts of the world presents a challenge for our own deep and prayerful attention.
Beloved Friends:
On this unique occasion in the life of the Antipodes, this joyous, soul-stirring occasion, the crowning glory of four decades of devoted labor in that great area of the globe, when the doors of the Mother Temple will open to pour in abundance the light of God’s nascent Faith upon the expanse of the Pacific, our thoughts and our hearts turn to the architect of our world-redeeming victories. We turn to him, our most beloved Guardian, in humble gratitude, in wonderment, in eager anticipation of yet mightier things to come.
The harvest is mounting high. Goal after goal of the beloved’s plan is reached all the world over. What faithful Bahá’í heart can fail to be thrilled and to rejoice at this latest evidence of Bahá’u’lláh’s all-pervading power and sustaining grace. And the more will the faithful rejoice when the goal attained is the completion and the dedication of the Mother Temple of the Antipodes. But even yet more shall the faithful heart rejoice when the import of the majestic utterance of Bahá’u’lláh is seen in its full glory. He, the Supreme Manifestation of God, wrote that should He be eclipsed on the land, His light would break upon the world from the midmost heart of the ocean.
Our edifice of light was denied to our brethren in the Cradle of our Faith. The beloved redressed the wrong and decreed the erection of the Mother Temples of Africa and the Antipodes. The voice of our Faith was muted in the land of its birth. Its silent teacher arose clad in splendor in the heart of Africa and in the midst of the Pacific Ocean. . . .
The Counsel of the Guardian
The words which we wish to share with you during this vital teaching session upon which such a bright future depends, are the words of our beloved Guardian. If his blessed instructions become our watchword, every obstacle will be overcome, and every goal will be accomplished.
This challenge of teaching, he told us, “so insistent, and yet so glorious, faces . . . primarily the individual
believer, on whom, in the last resort, depends the fate of the entire community . . . Without his support, at once whole-hearted and generous, every measure adopted, and every plan formulated . . . is foredoomed to failure . . . the unseen legions, standing rank upon rank, and eager to pour forth from the Kingdom on high the full measure of their celestial strength on the individual participants of this incomparably glorious Crusade, are powerless unless -and until each potential Crusader decides for himself . . . to rush into the arena of service ready to sacrifice his all for the Cause he is called upon to champion.”
The beloved Guardian wrote in that same year, emphasizing the vital importance of the home fronts to the destiny of the entire Crusade. He said, “The Ten Year Plan, if the friends will study it, comprises not only glamorous goals far afield, but extremely important ones at hand. If these (home front goals) are not achieved, the Crusade will have failed.”
Upon the success of the home front campaigns, he warned us, would depend the mildness or the fierceness of the “contest that must be waged, sooner or later
. between the rising institutions of Bahá’u’lláh’s embryonic divinely-appointed Order, and the exponents of obsolescent doctrines and the defenders, both secular and religious, of a corrupt and fast declining society.”
Vital Home Fronts Again Stressed
The words in his final, loving, fate-laden Message to America, are surely directed to each one of the vital home fronts: “Once again . . . and this time more fervently than ever before . . . I direct my plea to every single member of this strenuously laboring, clear-visioned, stout-hearted, spiritually endowed community, every man and woman, on whose individual efforts, resolutions, self-sacrifice and perseverance the immediate destinies of the Faith of God . . . primarily depend, not to allow, through apathy, timidity, or complacency, this one remaining opportunity to be irretrievably lost. I would rather entreat each and every one of them to immortalize this approaching fateful hour in the evolution of a World Spiritual Crusade, by a fresh consecration to their God-given Mission, coupled with an instantaneous plan of action at once so dynamic and decisive as to wipe out . . . with one stroke the deficiencies which have . . . bogged down the operations of the Crusade on the Homefront . . .” This, he assured them, was “the need of the present hour.”
‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Tablets of the Divine Plan ap
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OCTOBER. 1961
pealed to us: “Let your exertions, henceforth, increase a thousandfold.” Then He promised us: “The wider its range the more striking will be the evidences of Divine Assistance.” “Exert yourselves,” He called to us, “your mission is unspeakably glorious.”
“No reader of these words, so vibrant with promises,” our beloved Guardian assured us, will be content to “rest upon” his “laurels.” It would, he said, “be tantamount to a betrayal of the trust placed” upon the followers of Bahá’u’lláh. “To cut short the chain of victories that must lead it on to that supreme triumph when ‘the whole earth may be stirred and shaken’ by the results of its achievements, would shatter His (the Master’s) hopes.”
Prompt Individual Action Needed
Therefore, beloved friends, we urge each one of you to follow our beloved Guardian’s counsel and “act, and act promptly and decisively.” From this very moment on, let each individual believer arise, and, with a measure of devotion and sacrifice never before attained, volunteer to pioneer to the goal cities established by your National Assembly. Those who are unable to go themselves, let them as Bahá’u’lláh Himself suggested deputize with their resources another to go in their place. Those who are unable to pioneer, let them arise and volunteer through the proper administrative body to become traveling teachers for a weekend, a week, a month, six months or whatever time they have available from now until the end of the Crusade. Those who cannot travel and teach, let them open their homes so that every single believer in this richly blessed land may become a teacher. Let no Bahá’í month pass without the bare minimum of at least one fireside devoted to reaching the multitudes. This was our beloved Guardian’s own instruction. Let every single believer, however humble his circumstances, pour out his resources on an unprecedented scale of sacrifice so that the means to properly sustain and courageously expand the work on the . . . home front may be provided for, and the efforts of the National Assembly vigorously increased. Let every isolated believer strive to become a group. Let every group concentrate on becoming an assembly. Let every assembly consolidate its strength and numbers so that it can become legally incorporated; then let all of the believers over the number of fifteen, in these strong communities, who can possibly do so, disperse and open new centers, thus setting in motion that process so highly prized by our beloved Guardian, by which every isolated believer becomes a group, every group an assembly, every assembly a thriving community, which again in turn disperses until we have generated a momentum which will lead to that mass conversion everywhere, and the land is filled with movement like the tributaries of a mighty river carrying the water of life to every corner of (the land).
"One Final Surge"
Such a plan of action is clearly envisioned by our beloved Guardian in his final Message to the Bahá’í world. The fourth phase of this glorious Crusade, he said, “must be immortalized . . . by an unprecedented increase in the number of avowed supporters of the Faith, in all the continents of the globe, of every race,
clime, creed and color, and from every stratum of present-day society, coupled with a corresponding increase in the number of Bahá’í centers.” This final phase of the Crusade, he told us, must “witness . . . an upsurge of enthusiasm, and consecration, before which every single as well as collective exploit, associated with any of the three previous phases, will pale.”
We have less than two years remaining of the beloved Guardian's Crusade. During every one of the hours remaining, let us keep before us, as our guide, these words of the one who sacrificed his life that we might have such “golden” victories:
“The opportunity that presents itself at this crucial hour is precious beyond expression. The blessings destined to flow from a victory so near at hand are rich beyond example. One
final surge of that indomitable spirit . . . is all that is required . . . to release the flow of these blessings.”
May Bahá’u’lláh watch over us, sustain us, guide us and make us worthy of so priceless and so great a privilege.
With warmest Bahá’í love.
In the service of the beloved Guardian, HANDS or THE CAUSE IN THE HOLY LAND
(Signed) A. FURUTAN PAUL HANEY
HASAN M. BALYUZI A. Q. FAIZI JALAL Ighiizizi-1 WILLIAM SEARS JOHN FERRABY ' Haifa, Israel August 27, 1961
Birthday of Bahá’u’lláh November 12. ‘1961
A Special Event for Proclaiming the Bahá’í Faifh fo the Public
Theme: The Lord of the New Age
Suggested Publicity Materials:
Press Release from Bahá’í Public Information Service
Lord of the New Age and
The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh from Bahá’í Publishing Trust
Reports: Newspaper clippings are to be sent immediately to Bahá’í Public Information Service.
Written reports and photographs for publication in Bahá’í N1-zws are to be sent immediately to the Bahá’í News Editorial Committee.
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U.S. SUPPLEMENT
Challenge on the Financial Front
In full recognition of the magnitude of the task, and with deep awareness of the urgency of the need, the delegates at the National Convention unanimously adopted an enlarged budget of $550,000 as the minimum amount required to fulfill our remaining tasks in the World Crusade. The National Spiritual Assembly had, and still has, complete confidence that the American Bahá’í community will arise and meet this challenge once it is fully understood.
However, an analysis of the income figures for the first four months of our fiscal year, May through August, discloses some very disquieting trends. Apparently the full extent of our financial needs has not yet been fully grasped by the friends. In the interest of deepening this understanding, the following figures are presented showing total contributions from assemblies, groups and individuals including special large, non-recurring gifts for each of the first four months of this year and last, and relating them to the budget for each year. The 1960 figures include American contributions to the Joint Deputization Fund. The figures for 1960 have been increased by an annual rate of $100,000, our contribution to that Fund, to make the figures comparable with this year, when the Joint Deputization Fund is a part of our budget.
1961 1960 Contri— % of Contri— % of butions Budget butions Budget
May $ 33,988 72% $ 44,503 112% June 26,224 57 36,528 92 July 34,193 72 20,337 51 August 26,472 57 43,885 111 Four Months 120,877 66 145,253 92 Monthly Budget 45,833 39,583
Four Months Budget 183,333 158,333
Four Months Deficit 62,456 13,080
Our total budget this year is $75,000 larger than last year, after the latter is increased $100,000 for the Joint Deputization Fund. In only one month to date, July, have the income figures for this year shown a favorable comparison. For the entire period our contributions are almost $25,000 less than last year, and the deficit is almost $50,000 larger. Total receipts have been only two-thirds what they should be to meet the budget.
This trend, if it continues, will soon lead to a condition of crisis. The Fund.‘is the underpinning of all the activities of the Bahá’í community. No matter how effective the plans and how inspired and strenuous the efforts to achieve them, if they cannot be properly financed they must inevitably fail.
We believe that once this is appreciated there will be an immediate and heartwarming response. Please study, ponder and consult on these needs at all Feasts and assembly meetings. Enough time still remains to make up the current deficit and meet the monthly commitment for the rest of the Bahá’í year. If we fall behind much more, we will truly be in a serious position.
The fate of the World Crusade hangs in the balance. The outcome is in your hands.
-—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
State Conventions To Be Held December 3
At its Labor Day week-end meeting the National Spiritual Assembly appointed the State Convention Committees who will make the necessary local arrangements for the annual state conventions which will take place on Sunday, December 3. Every adult believer is requested to make plans now to attend, but if impossible to be present to make sure that he votes for the number of delegates to the 1962 National Convention apportioned to his state.
The Convention Call, ballots and voting lists will be sent directly to each believer about the middle of November. In the meantime, please watch the area teaching committee bulletins for announcements as to the city in the state where the convention will take place.
May every state show a larger attendance and a larger number of believers voting than in any past year.
Audio-Visual Materials Still Available
At the request of the National Assembly, the AudioVisual Education Committee is not preparing any new materials this year, but is making every effort to reduce its present inventory. The following items are offered until present supplies are depleted, and orders will be filled in the sequence in which they are received.
Phonograph Records: “Words for the World”—two 10" records, four sides, each side with four
4-minute recordings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$ 5.00 “The Meaning of the Riḍván Feast”10” record, 45 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2.00
Tape Recordings: Write directly to the committee for a list of available recordings, indicating speed and make of your
recorder. Color Slides: Packet 1A—40 slides of Haifa, Acca, Bahjí, etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$12.00 Packet 1B—20 slides as above . . . . . . . . . . .. 6.00 Packet 2A—40 slides, Bahá’í House of Worship in the U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12.00 Packet 2B —20 slides as above . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6.00
The views in these slide packets will
vary according to the current inventory
at the time order is received. _ Three-Wing Display Poster: Three views of
the Mother Temple of the West, and in scription, “The Earth Is One Country and
Mankind Its Citizens.” Suitable for win dow displays, as exhibit and book-display
background, etc. Postpaid in U.S.A. . . . . . . ..$ 4.00
Address: Audio-Visual Education Committee 126 Evergreen Place West Englewood, N.J.
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OCTOBER 1961
Bahá’í Membership Revolied
The following persons who have expressed opposition to and rejection of the institutions of the Hands of the Cause of God and the National Spiritual Assembly have been removed from the membership rolls and in the case of the adults their voting rights have been revoked:Mrs. Janet Bloom — Danville, I11.
Mrs. Effie Lambert — Danville, Ill.
Miss Judith Lambert (youth) — Danville, 111.
Mrs. Caroline Morgan — Omaha, Nebraska
Mr. Charles Morgan — Omaha, Nebraska
Mr. Howard Roszell—Lincoln, Nebraska
Miss Brenda Yogus (youth) — Wyandotte, Mich.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Braille Printing of Kita'b-i-lqén Is Available
Due to the increasing demand in recent months for Braille copies of The Kitdb-i-iqdn, it became necessary for the Bahá’í Service for the Blind to have the third edition printed. This book was first published in Braille in 1935 at the request of Shoghi Effendi who referred to it as the “book of unsurpassed preeminence among the writings of the Author of the Bahá’í Revelation.”
The 1961 Braille edition is limited to a few copies. Each copy consists of two volumes and is priced at $11.00 per set. Please send remittance with order to: Bahá’í Service for the Blind, 842 North Hayworth Ave., Los Angeles 46, Calif.
Marriages
Phoenix, Arizona: Miss Brenda Williams to Olen Maxwell on August 12, 1961
Berkeley, Calif.: Miss Carol A. Stanley to Peter McHenry on August 8, 1961
Los Angeles, Calif.: Miss Linda J. Rossomme to Roger Hendricsen on July 15, 1961
Sacramento, Calif.: Miss Bessie Olive Hart to Irvin C. Somerhalder on June 23, 1961
Elmhurst, Illinois: Miss Lois Ann Brown to Zahrl Schoeny on July 1. 1961
Billings, Montana: Mrs. Edith E. Fryer to John J. Hartpence on June 10, 1961
Reno, Nevada: Miss Sue Robertson to Amir Badiei on June 7. 1961
Santa Fe, New Mexico: Miss Sandra Lee Smith to Thomas Breneiser on July 14, 1961
Hamburg Twp., N.Y.: Miss Gloria J. MacGregor to Richard Jensen on May 27, 1961
Austin, Texas: Mrs. Henrietta Clark Buder to Philip S. Trutza on July 13, 1961
Seattle, Wash.: Miss Irma Claros to B0 Peedo on March 2, 1961
BAHA'I DIRECTORY CHANGES
ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES Ohio . Cleveland: Mrs. Mae McClinton, 13702 Corby Rd., Z 20
Oregon
Pendleton: Mrs. Barbara Bothwell, 716‘/2 S. Main St. (new address)
Texas San Antonio: Mrs. Mary Louise Rucker, 1614 Alhambra, Z 1
Washington
Spokane County Second Comm. Dist.: Mrs. Juanita Fleming, 417 N. Burns Rd., Spokane 67
CORRECTIONS
Bahá’í Publishing Trust (To correct error in title published in Directory) Mrs. Eunice Braun, Managing Director 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette. Illinois
Bahá’í News Editorial
Mr. P. R. Meinhard, Managing Editor
Mrs. Susanna Meinhard, Managing Editor Mrs. Eunice Braun, International Editor Miss D. Thelma Jackson, National Editor Miss Charlotte Linfoot, N.S.A. Representative
Editorial Office: 110 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois
RESIGNATIONS FROM COMMITTEES
Area Teaching Committee — South Central States Mr. Erwin Schawacker
REMOVED FROM COMMITTEE
Davison Bahá’í School Maintenance Mr. Robert Hammond
In Memoriam
Mrs. Anna Moore Oakland, Calif. July 17, 1961
Mrs. Mary Haggard Ft. Lauderdale, Florida August 12, 1961
Mrs. Kate Isabel Hawley San Francisco, Calif. March 6, 1961
Frank G. Keith , Phoenix, Arizona July 17, 1961
Mrs. Annie Dotti Miller Whitehall, Montana July 19, 1961
Mrs. Helen Monk Osseo, Minnesota June 21, 1961
Miss Johannah N. Quinnell Champlin, Minnesota No date
Frank Schlechter Milwaukee, Wisconsin July 18, 1961
Miss L. Carol Sharland Hayward, Calif. May 25, 1961
Mrs. Dorothy L. Trutza Austin, Texas March 30, 1961
Miss Mary Ellen Wall Grand Rapids, Michigan July 19, 1961
