U.S. Supplement/Issue 45/Text

On Remaining at One’: Post

Rarely does one see a house in the process of erection which has been deserted before it is completed. The builders know that rains and storms can enter and swiftly ruin all that has been carefully put together if at least the exterior of the house has not been finished. And the purpose of the exterior being to house a dwelling place for human activity and development, the builders press on to provide an attractive interior, that the house may fulfill its purpose as a unit in a growing area.

Bahá’í pioneers and settlers are building unique houses—Houses of Justice—in communities where only Bahá’ís know how to build these Houses, and where the need is great because no such House is as yet there. For a Bahá’í to give up before the House is completed is to endanger it and thus risk weakening the superstructure of the Administrative Order, for whose national and world-wide communities the local Bahá’í community is the base.

We know that the administrative structure of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is “a channel through which His promised blessings may flow” (WOB, p. 9). It is the “instrument" through which the Spirit can function. It is “to be regarded not only as the nucleus but the very pattern of the New World Order destined to embrace in the fullness of time the whole of mankind" (WOB, p. 144).

To remain at one’s post, therefore, is first to understand the need for building a strong administrative base, lest the coming of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh be delayed; and, second, to wish to have a part in this unique opportunity and to accept this part as a Godgiven responsibility of greater importance than any other interest in one’s life.

Surely no one would think of leaving his post if he felt that by remaining something could be accomplished. What, then, could give one the idea that something is not being accomplished? Perhaps a temptation to go to other fields, where the grass looks greener? But that may change immediately upon our arrival! If we examine our motives with “iron sight,” is not our restlessness to go elsewhere often basically and subconsciously a wish for release from the “prison of self”? If we feel we are “useless,” are we not evaluating ourselves according to the standards of the world, or of ambition?

Does it not, therefore, behoove us first to clear our own channel? How better can this be done than through patient, dedicated service, and thankfulness to be alive in this day of service and enabled to become a pioneer?

The importance of the individual believer in the

erection of the administrative framework of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh was repeatedly emphasized by Shoghi Effendi. “He it is,” he wrote in his letter of July 28, 1954, “who serves as one of the multitude of bricks which support the structure and insure the stability of the administrative edifice now being raised in every part of the world.’’

“Immortal heroine” is what Shoghi Effendi called Marion Jack, who chose to remain at her post in Bulgaria when war came; “shining example to pioneers of present and future generations of East and West, surpassed in constancy, dedication, self-abnegation and fearlessness by none except the incomparable Martha Root” (BW XII, p. 674).

Another who remained at her post and was praised by the beloved Guardian was Johanna Schubarth, whom he called “the mother of the Norwegian Bahá’í Community.” At this time, 1961, when in a few months the first National Spiritual Assembly of Norway will be elected, we may gratefully recall the devotion of this heroic soul who for many years worked alone in her native land, through war and severe deprivations.

We may feel insignificant, and that we are failing to “succeed” as we would wish in spreading our glorious Faith, but perhaps we are measuring success by worldly standards. Bahá’u’lláh gives us a different viewpoint. He assures us:

“Should a man, all alone, arise in the name of Baha, and put on the armor of His love, him will the Almighty cause to be victorious, though the forces of earth and heaven be arrayed against him.” (ADJ, p. 47)

And where is the armor of His love?

“My love is in thee, know it, that thou mayest find Me near unto thee.” (HW, p. 6)

“If thou lovest Me, turn away from thyself; and if thou seekest My pleasure, regard not thine own; that thou mayest die in Me and I may eternally live in thee." (HW, p. 5)

As channels, however imperfect, of His Love and His Will in the world, can we give up so easily? Can we measure success?

If it should appear necessary, for reasons beyond our control, to leave our post, we can, as mature, responsible Bahá’ís—after earnest prayer—consult with the area teaching committee and seek its advice before making our decision.

Let us remember that the Houses we are building are not man-made but are ordained by God. The failure of a single brick weakens the structure.

“For everything there is a sign. The sign of love is fortitude under My decree and patience under My trials.” (HW, p. 15) —BEA'1‘RICE ASHTON

[Page 2]NOVEMBER 1961

More Bahá’í Teachers Needed

The American National Teaching Committee is in need of additional Bahá’í teachers of circuitteacher caliber. If you are not already on the list of such teachers approved by the National Spiritual Assembly, and if you can make yourself available for periodic two- to four-week intervals to assist in attaining home front goals, either in your vicinity or elsewhere, please write promptly for an application.

Address: Mrs. Velma Sherrill, Secretary American National Teaching Committee 534 South Elm, Suite E Webster Groves, Missouri

Dates Set for Winter Conference

at Penn Community Center

The Area Teaching Committee for the South Atlantic States has made arrangements for a Bahá’í winter conference over the New Year week end, December 30 January 1, for youth and adults at Penn Community Center, Frogmore, S.C. An excellent program is being planned and the committee urges all the friends who wish to attend to send their reservations in early. The rates are $12.25 for adults and youth over twelve years of age and $8.50 for children from two to twelve years. Reservations should be sent to: Miss Martha Fettig, 218 East Park Ave., Greenville, S.C.

Marriages

_Los Angeles, Calif.: Mrs. Elizabeth Greene to S. Lloyd

Haynes on August 5, 1961

San Francisco, Calif.: Miss Amy Habegger Konishi to Richard Grundgeiger on August 12, 1961

Denver, Colorado: Miss Pamela M. Nathan to John Grant Wood on Sept. 1, 1961

Detroit, Michigan: Miss Sara Faith Higgins to Lt. Joseph H. Smith on Sept. 10, 1961

WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET Ninth Year: |96I-62

Annual Budget . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . ..$550,000.00

Total Requirements: May 1 to Sept. 30 . . . . .. 229,170.00

Total Contributions: May 1 to Sept. 30 . . . . . .. 125,730.00

Requirements for September 1961 . . . . . . . . . . . . 45,834.00

Received for September 1961 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 21,300.00

Special non-recurring gifts received during

present Bahá’í year (not included above) .. 24,997.00

—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Bahá’í State Conventions Sunday. December 3, 1961

See Your Convention Call

A New Aid for Teaching the American Indians

Copies of “The Bahá’í Story,” a new publication of the American. Indian Service Committee, are available without charge to Indian believers, Bahá’ís teaching among the Indians, and pioneers on or adjacent to Indian reservations. A limited number of copies are available to other interested believers at $1.00 each.

“The Bahá’í Story,” prepared by pioneers serving on the Navajo Indian reservation, is primarily designed for Indian friends whose knowledge of English is limited. In simple language it deals with a comprehensive range of subjects including the Central Figures of the Faith, the laws and spiritual teachings, Bahá’í administration, qualifications of a believer, and how to enroll.

Orders may be sent to:

American Indian Service Committee Mrs. Nancy Phillips, Secretary

736 Encanto Drive, S.E.

Phoenix 7, Arizona

BAHA'I DIRECTORY CHANGES ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Northern California Sonoma Jud. Dist.: (new secretary to be reported) Sunnyvale: Miss Diane Downing, 621 Templeton Court (to

correct error in street name)

Southern California Pasadena: Mrs. Jean Villasenor, 372 E. California Blvd. Santa Ana: Mrs. Dorothy M. Cornell, 1413 Spurgcon, Apt. 7 Twentynine Palms J. D.: Mrs. Viola Moulton, 6145 Mojave

Ave., Twentynine Palms

Iowa Davenport: Mr. Michael P. Ward, c/o 718 E. 15th St. Waterloo: Mrs. Virginia Finch, 2001/2 Western

Montana Great Falls: Mrs. Donna Hines, 2525 - 7th Ave., N.

Texas

Austin: Mrs. Catherine Gent, 2802 Rae Dell, Z. 4 (to correct error in address)

El Paso: Mrs. Catherine Arenas, 425 W. Sunset Rd.

ADDITION TO COMMITTEE

Temple Guides Mr. James Gray

RESIGNATIONS FROM COMMITTEES

Area Teaching Committee—North Atlantic States Mrs. Emmalu Mccandless

Area Teaching Committee—East Central States Mr. Edward Rivers