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NSA Calls For A Personal, Dynamic, Decisive Plan of Action
To Insure Triumphant Close to Initial Epoch of Divine Plan
With this issue of BAHA’l NEWS epoch in the unfoldment of the Divine need deepening. Thus, in this same
every American believer will receive a letter calling upon him to join in a vigorous, united effort with the National Spiritual Assembly and all his fellow believers to meet the greatest challenge ever presented to the American Bahá’í community. Ours is the “God-given opportunity” to achieve the “spiritual reinvigoration” that will produce the “administrative expansion and material replenishment” which our beloved Guardian, in his last letter to the American believers, proclaimed as essential to the strengthening of the home front and the success of the World Crusade.
Each believer is asked to study and ponder on this letter and to set up for himself a personal “dynamic, decisive plan of action" for cooperation with his local and national Bahá’í community to insure “the triumphant termination” of this “initial
At the Fiftieth Annual Convention the delegates recommended that: “The National Spiritual Assembly contact Bahá’ís who knew ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in this country, urging them to write down or make tape recordings of their recollections of their visit with the Master so that they can be made available to the friends.”
The information can be furnished in two ways: (1) a written statement
Plan” and to safeguard the entire spiritual destiny of America.
Because Shoghi Effendi has made “spiritual reinvigoration” the keystone of our success, and regards lack of knowledge of the fundamentals of the Faith as one of the reasons for our lag on the homefront, we must set aside time, however full our daily lives, for prayer, for study, and for reading the Sacred Writings. Only as we learn to draw upon the inexhaustible Source for knowledge, spiritual strength and guidance can we overcome our present weakness and increase our ability to teach and to serve.
To aid in increasing our understanding of the fundamentals of the Faith, the National Spiritual Assembly will from time to time recommend, for individual and group study, subjects in which, from its observation and correspondence, the friends
Recollections of the Master
and (2) a tape recording. If a written statement is furnished it should be as accurate as possible, as to the time, place, date, and circumstances. It should be authenticated with the signature of the writer.
A tape recording is an easier method of furnishing the information and enables the listener to hear the story first hand. In using a tape recorder, first carefully write out your experience of your visit or contact with
issue of Bahá’í Nraws every believer will also receive an insert with the title For Spiritual Reinforcement, a study and group discussion outline on certain fundamentals which should be clearly understood by every Bahá’í. All local assemblies and Bahá’í groups are requested to make arrangements at the earliest possible moment for a one or two-session study group or seminar for discussion and consultation on the questions, inviting nearby isolated Bahá’ís to join them if they wish to do so.
Other suggestions and outlines will follow throughout the Bahá’í year. Each believer is urged to make up his own file of these materials which are designed to aid him not only in his own study and review but also in teaching students and confirming new believers.
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
the Master. This will give you a chance to correct and also recall some items you may have overlooked in the first writing.
When you have the statement finished, arrange a comfortable place for the recording so the statement will not sound too formal in presentation. You can do this by yourself, but better still have some one operate the tape recorder for you. Then invite in a few of your f1‘iends and
read the story into the microphone just as you would tell it, and be natural in doing so. To see that you get the right type of recording, experiment several times by recording part of your story and play it back to see that the volume and tone are as you wish it to be. This will let you know how far to speak from the microphone and how far to turn up the volume when recording.
When the recording is finished, authenticate it by making a short statement about who is making the recording and the time and place.
We who are blessed by being a part of the great spiritual drama of our Faith, are so close to the experience that we do not realize the importance of recording it for the future. It is not the self or the personality that is important, but the experience itself is valuable because of its direct connection with one of the three Central Figures of our beloved Faith. In the future it will be very much appreciated. Therefore, if you are one of those fortunate friends who have had the blessed privilege of being in the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, record your memory and impressions and send them to: Audio Visual Education Committee, 126 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, N.J.
Bahá’í Faith Discussed On Two-Hour listenerParticipation Radio Show
Mrs. Leonora Klein, chairman of the Minneapolis, Minn., Bahá’í Assembly, was recently the principle guest for two hours on the radio program “Night Beat,” broadcast by WDGY Monday through Friday each week from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
This program is one of listener participation, with people telephoning to talk directly with the guest, and the conversations are broadcast. The program, one of the most popular in the area, accepts all subjects.
George Rice, the moderator, is a cultured and highly-respected citizen. He has had representatives of religious and social groups and others from all walks of life on his program. On one of his programs a listener called in and stated that Bahá’ís do not believe in God. A local Bahá’í, who was listening, tele phoned Mr. Rice immediately to say that Bahá’ís most certainly do believe in God.
Another listener, who had never heard of the Bahá’í Faith, requested that the Bahá’ís be given an opportunity to speak on the program, and the invitation was graciously extended. Mrs. Klein executed this radio interview with such radiant, scholarly dignity and clarity that the comments were overwhelming from friends and strangers alike.
Mr. Rice had only questioned her for about twenty minutes when the telephone lines to the station became so blocked with incoming calls about the Faith that many people had to wait until the succeeding days to ask their questions.
During the broadcast there were some people sincerely seeking information, some reflecting antagonism, and several calls were made by fanatical adherents to other faiths. Mr. Rice handled all calls in a patient and kindly attitude, and callers complimented Mrs. Klein on keeping her poise despite the baseless criticisms made by one listener.
Later in the program the woman who had made the original statement that Bahá’ís do not believe in God telephoned to apologize, and stated that she had learned much from Mrs. Klein’s presentation of the Faith.
Mrs. Klein later received many calls at her home asking for more information about the Faith. Many were impressed with the Bahá’í teachings on heaven, hell, and the Trinity.
It is most unusual that the Bahá’í Faith was accorded more than two hours of free radio time on this prominent station, and it afforded a unique and rewarding opportunity for proclamation of the Teachings.
Baha'|s Will Marlc Tenth Anniversary
of Declaration of Human Rights
Heretofore the United Nations Committee has urged local communities and groups to observe United Nations Day on October 24 and, if possible, Human Rights Day on December 10 as well. This year, December 10 will mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Human Rights. We are therefore recommending a change of emphasis. If your unit can celebrate only
AUGUST ‘1958
one of these days, please choose Human Rights Day. (See story in Bahá’í NEWS for May).
Early in September the United Nations Committee will mail out packages of suggestions and samples similar to those sent out in 1956 and 1957. If Human Rights Day program material is available then it will be included. Otherwise a separate mailing will be made.
These packages will be mailed to the local assembly secretaries whose names are listed in the new Directory. Area committees will be asked to mail them to the group correspondents and interested isolated believers within their respective areas. Local assembly secretaries are urge to contact their chairmen immediately upon receiving the package in order that a planning meeting may be called promptly.
—UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE
List Requirements for Teaching On Indian Reservation
Many Bahá’ís wishing to pioneer on Indian reservations will find the door opened by a growing need for school teachers, in addition to the ever-present need for doctors and nurses. Because of the few secondary schools on reservations there are more opportunities for elementary than secondary school teachers. However, those having a secondary certificate may change to a provisional elementary certificate.
A Bahá’í with a B.A. degree from any accredited college and with a feeling of affinity towards children may take the necessary methods courses during the summer session at a college or university and gain the credits necessary for that state’s certification requirements. This condition, of course, presupposes the candidate would do his practice teaching at the school where a teaching contract may be signed and is contingent upon his successful completion of whatever state requirements exist for that area. These special provisions open the door to those having no regular teacher’s certificate at present and no previous teaching experience.
Husband and wife teams for teaching on the reservation will often be accorded special consideration due to the few living accommodations for
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U.S. SUPPLEMENT
ever—expanding reservation school
systems.
It would greatly facilitate all pioneering efforts as well as the work of the American Indian Service Committee if applicants for teaching positions would take the following steps:
1. Members of Bahá’í communities, especially where membership is near the minimum for maintenance of an assembly, should correlate their plans with their local assembly and then with this Committee.
2. Those who are considering qualifying for certification should write to the State Board of Education, sending in a photostatic copy of his or her degree and requesting a signed evaluation for the necessary courses needed for certification. Most college placement services give information about available teaching positions upon request. Regular U.S. employment service is usually informed of teaching positions also.
—AMERICAN INDIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE
Indian Service Committee Requests Information on Indian Enrollments
The American Indian Service Committee would like to hear from local assemblies and area teaching committees upon the enrollment of every new Bahá’í who is American Indian, either in his own right or because he has a parent or grandparent who is Indian. This is important information in marking progress towards the fulfillment of a special Homefront Goal and in recognition of the honor conferred upon the American Bahá’í Community as more of our Indian brothers and sisters join the ranks of the Faith.
Address Nancy Phillips, secretary; 736 Encanto Drive, S.E.; Phoenix, Ariz.
First Southwestern Bahá’í School
Scheduled for Late August
The first Southwestern Bahá’í Summer School will be held August 23-30, 1958, at the Y.M.C.A. Kiwanis Camp located on beautiful Bachmans Lake within the city limits of Dallas, Texas. All Bahá’ís and their entire families are invited to attend, as well as deeply interested contacts.
Dormitory accommodations are available, and a few small cabins for family groups. There is a dining hall and large meeting hall for public meetings and class sessions. A large swimming pool is available at the Camp for our use, and many out-ofdoor play areas with swings, etc. are set aside for the youngsters. This is a beautiful little camp with clean and up-to-date facilities. Younger Bahá’í children’s activities will be under the supervision of a staff member.
The Summer School Committee has scheduled a dynamic program covering such vital topics as: The World Crusade and Its Relationship to the Divine Plan; Administration and Institutions of the Faith; The Covenant and Covenant Breaking; How to Introduce and Teach the Faith to Individuals Having a Christian Background; Know Your Bahá’í Literature. Public meetings have been scheduled with outstanding Bahá’í speakers.
The rates are $31.00 per person, for adults, for the entire session (this includes meals, housing and tuition); $19.00 for children under age 12. for the entire session.
Full Program Scheduled for Davison School Homecoming
As in previous years, the annual Homecoming at Davison School will be held over Labor Day Weekend, August 30, 31, and September 1. This event terminates the Summer Session at the school and has proved to be one of the high points of each season.
This year another special program has been planned, and those in attendance for the entire weekend will be able to share in a variety of events. Opening at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, a morning of devotions with readings and meditations from the sacred writings has been planned. “Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,” a program prepared by Senior Youth, will be presented on Saturday afternoon, and that same evening, classical music and poetry will provide quiet entertainment.
Sunday morning Curtis Kelsey will speak, and at 3 p.m. on the same day a public talk will be given by Winston Evans. Bahá’ís are urged to bring their friends and remain for an after-dinner presentation of “Tem 3
ples of All Faiths”—slides and an accompanying talk by Ona Koppe describing the various noteable religious buildings of the world.
Changes in the programming are sometimes necessary as friends with special messages from far places often attend “Davison Homecoming" and when this happens, the scheduling is re-arranged so all may hear these Pioneer Reports.
In addition to fellowship and the opportunity to greet old friends and meet new ones, the program should provide an inspiration for all to begin the fall and winter work in a spirit of joyous re-dedication to fulfilling the goals of the current crusade.
Reservations for the weekend, if not already arranged, should be made without delay. Write: Registrar, Davison Bahá’í School; 3208 S. State Road; Davison, Mich.
Agriculture Teacher Needed
In Pacific Islands
A good possibility for pioneering in the United States Trust Territory of the Pacific exists for a trained agriculturalist qualified to teach and train the native islanders in agriculture. He should be single, under forty-five years of age, and an American citizen, but one with a small family might receive consideration. The job involves about halftime travel among the islands.
Any believer who can qualify is requested to write immediately to: The Asia Teaching Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Ill.
San Antonio's Race Amity Teaching Program Attracts Public
A well—planned, year—round race amity teaching and publicity program, undertaken by the San Antonio, Texas, Bahá’ís last winter, is already producing good results, the Local Spiritual Assembly reports.
In February the San Antonio Register, a large Negro newspaper, published as its “Negro History Week Feature” much of the pamphlet, The Story of Louis G. Gregory under the title: “Beauty, Quality of Life of Louis G. Gregory Recalled.” In the same
week the Local Assembly placed a paid advertisement in the same paper announcing a public meeting to be addressed by Miss Mary Mickens, R.N., of Houston. An accompanying news item gave further details about the meeting and the speaker.
Publicity for World Youth Day and for a public lecture by Winston G. Evans also appeared in this same paper.
As follow-up of its public meetings, the San Antonio Assembly sponsors a Monday evening public discussion group through which good contacts have been established with five Negroes. Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era is used as the chief reference work at the meetings.
A copy of Christ and Bahá’u’lláh has been presented to the two local Negro colleges and a mailing project is under way, focussing specially on a list of prominent Negroes and members of Negro organizations.
Public Response is Strong to
Green Bay's Selective Display
The Bahá’ís of Green Bay, Wisc., have reported the success of their literature distribution project, which they consider an improvement on the general self-service dispenser type of box generally placed in bus and railway stations.
Their project includes a display of ten different pieces of literature which the interested individual can examine, and from which he can select the particular piece he wishes to take from the rack. It was found that because of the greater number of booklets displayed, much more literature is selected, and the selection is by topic, which assures greater possibility of it being read.
Of the ten months in which this
WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET
Sixth Year: 1958-59
Annual Budget: . . . . . . ..$450,000.00 Total Requirements:
May 1 to June 30 75,000.00 Total Contributions:
May 1 to June 30 42,000.00
—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
distribution has been made, the display device has been in operation six months, and during the entire ten months, 2,160 pamphlets have been taken, an increase of four-to-one as compared to the old conventional literature box. A mailing card is inserted within each booklet for the use of individuals wishing more information about the Faith, and up to the time of the report twenty-four cards had been mailed in.
The Green Bay Spiritual Assembly reports that events of national and world importance have a bearing on the quantity and the subjects of the booklets taken from the ‘rack, the greatest amount of literature having been taken during the first announcement of the Russian Sputnik. However, this upsurge of interest lasted only ten days, and then it turned to more general matters.
Long Beach, Calif., Schools
Recognize Bahá’í Holy Days
In a letter written to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Long Beach, Calif., dated May 1, 1958, the Superintendent of Schools stated the policy of the Board of Education as authorizing students to observe religious holidays of their faith. With the written consent of their parents, school students in Long Beach can
AUGUST 1958
be excused from attendance on the Holy Days of the Bahá’í Faith.
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
"Chilcl's Way" Baclt lssues
Packets of Chilcl’s Way Magazine for the past two years are now available at the special price of $2.35 (including postage). The supply is very limited. A set of last year’s issues only are available at $1.35.
Order from: Child’s Way, Box 245, Wilmette, Ill.
Correction
During the recent Convention it was stated that the National Spiritual Assembly had been unable to verify Mrs. Ruth Moffett’s description of the five steps of prayer which the Guardian had explained to her during her pilgrimage in Haifa.
That Convention statement was made in error. The records show that Mrs. Moffett accurately reported Shoghi Effendi‘s words about the five steps of prayer.
—U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Marriages
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Miss Lorelei J. Moellendorf to Mr. George Neuzil on June 7. 1958
New York, N.Y.: Miss Jeanette Florence Zachman to Mr. Mansoor Rafaat on June 19, 1958
In Memoriam
Mrs. Edna McGeoch Portland, Maine June 2, 1958
Miss Laura Watkin Philadelphia, Pa. June 10, 1958
Mr. Leslie W. Ames
Tacoma, Wash. Incorrectly listed in March as Mrs. Ames.
Southern California
National City: Mrs. Truella Hicks, 1604 Wilson Ave. San Diego: Mrs. Shirley Krowitz, 5020 Arroyo Lindo Ave..
Z 17 Colorado
Jefferson County: Mrs. Doris Kirkham, Acting Secty., 1355
Brentwood St., Lakewood 15 Michigan
Muskegon: Mrs. Katherine Schoot, 1685 Roberts St.
BAHA'I DIRECTORY CHANGES ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES
Virginia Arlington: North
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Texas
Mr. James Rice. Acting Secty., 5925-14th St..
Green Bay: Miss Florence Delaney, pro-tem, 1013 Cherry St.
Casper: Mrs. Sue Foreman, 423 Conwell ADDRESS CHANGES
Dallas: Mrs. Wanda Walls, 5415 Lindsley
