++ Contents Universl House of Justice Compilation on the Arts Sadness at the passing of Carl Card Department of the Secretariat - BWC SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES National Spiritual Assembly Institution of Huququ'llah Stories about Huququ'llah - EUROPEAN HOUSE OF WORSHIP - Phase I of Temple renovation work completed Baha'i Councils & Training Institutes Baha'i Council for Wales Baha'i Council for Northern Ireland Australian Recycled Teenage Duo visit Ballymena Training Institute for England TI courses for local Assemblies and Communities Baha'i Youth Task Force For England What is it? Who's on it? What's in it for you? COMMITTEES & DEPARTMENTS Community Schools Service The role of the school, the duty of the child and the station of the teacher Association for Baha'i Studies (English-Speaking Europe) Introduction to academic Baha'i scholarship and Religious Studies International Goals Committee South Africa needs pioneers Serve the Faith in Moldova Rumanian Speaking Baha'is Needed Calling performing artists! Four Year Plan goals still to reach Baha'i Information Office IMPORTANT NOTICE to teachers/tutors whose institutions are "On Line" External affairs strategy A cautionary tale Attention Press Officers Available from BIO Association of Baha'i Women ABW - Women's Retreat Women, development of Human Resources, and External Affairs Vital Voices - Belfast Conference: Women in Democracy Regional Women's seminar UK Community News Re-launch of Maxwell Baha'i School "Rose Garden" art competition in Sedgemoor Youth can move the world - 98 Centenary event's spectacular style! Youth move Llanelli with the Badi Teaching Project Strategically planned arts initiative "One Planet Rave" - Something to rave home about? Own a portrait of Abdu'l-Baha Stories about Baha'i Funds ... World News St Helena on parade at Commonwealth Games Yerrinbool distance learning Baha'i education European Baha'i Youth Council VACANCY Baha'i International News Service Maxwell School students meet Prince Charles Literacy classes in India Teaching in Haiti Holy Days The anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah The Day of the Covenant and the Passing of Abdu'l-Baha Articles First ever Universal Races Congress - July 1911, Judith George and Bahram Nadimi Abdu'l-Baha and Dr Varqa, Dhikru'llah Khadem, Notices Centenary Celebrations for the North West - in Liverpool Winter School 26 Dec - 2 Jan - Ernest Miller Centre - Liverpool Letters Is there still a place for me?, Jan Fussell Three-way meetings on the phone, Dorothy Brown Follow-up on food, Madeline Hellaby Prayerful support for Institutions, Hugh McKinley Children at the Feast, Kamyar Solhjoo ++ UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE + Compilation on the Arts Extract from a letter from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies, dated 19 August 1998 Dear Baha'i Friends, The reference in the Ridvan 153 BE message of the Universal House of Justice concerning the importance of the arts has encouraged the friends in many countries to initiate and pursue activities to use various forms of art in promoting the teaching work. A number of Spiritual Assemblies and friends also suggested that a compilation on the subject be prepared. This request was approved by the House of Justice and a compilation entitled "The Importance of the Arts in Promoting the Faith" has been completed by the Research Department, and a copy is enclosed herewith. Note from the National Spiritual Assembly: In view of the importance of this compilation the National Assembly wishes it to be freely available to the Friends. Individuals can obtain a copy by writing to the national office. A large (size C5 recommended) stamped self-addressed envelope is appreciated. Internet users can obtain a copy electronically either as plain text or attached .rtf file (specify which) by sending an e-mail to isp@iol.ie + Sadness at the passing of Carl Card The Universal House of Justice received your e-mail of 14th September 1998 and was saddened to learn of the passing of Carl Card, a long-standing, steadfast member of the Cardiff Baha'i community. His significant contributions in the teaching and administrative fields in Wales are fondly remembered. Be assured of the prayers of the House of Justice at the Sacred Threshold for the progress of his soul throughout the worlds of God. + Department of the Secretariat Baha'i World Centre SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES The institutions and agencies of the Baha'i World Centre require a broad range of skills and levels of experience to meet the needs of our growing international community. These skills include those required for: Archives Baha'i Administration Cleaning Maintenance Finance/Accounting Guard Duties Horticulture Information Systems Library Science Management Museum Science Personnel Services Purchasing Research Records Management Secretarial Services Skilled Building Trades Social & Economic Development Terms of service are for 12, 18 or 30 months, or of an indefinite duration, depending upon the requirements of the specific position. Please contact: Baha'i World Centre, Office of Personnel, PO Box 155, 31 001 Haifa, Israel. Fax: 972-4-835-8325 ++ National Spiritual Assembly + Institution of Huququ'llah Stories about Huququ'llah - The Joy of the Laws of Baha'u'llah As we were informed about the Huququ'llah, I wondered how to respond. A few days passed and I decided to send my first payment. Within a few days I felt such a joy as would be hard to describe. Following this, I realised that what we have is not ours but of God, and that giving is the greatest deed one can do. Now that the Holy Year is over I suddenly realise that it is urgent to make some quick calculations and send another payment. The feelings I experienced are such that I hope every Baha'i in the world can share the same joy. Perhaps others would join me in thanking Baha'u'llah for giving us this duty. Nothing else will ever give me a greater experience of servitude. From report by a Representative of Huququ'llah + EUROPEAN HOUSE OF WORSHIP Phase I of Temple renovation work completed The first phase of the most comprehensive renovation project to date has been completed on the European Mother Temple. After four months of intense work, the scaffolding, which had concealed the beauty of the Temple, disappeared. The atmosphere has been restored to that of peace and meditation. The European House of Worship belongs once again to its visitors. The Temple had been badly weathered, hence the first and most urgent priority was to renovate the 15-year-old concrete exterior. There had been much concern about the increasing number of cracks in the top of the dome. At the seams where the ribs of the Temple had been assembled, the deterioration of the insulation had seriously damaged the water-tightness of the building. An elastic sealant has been used and should provide an optimal protection of the construction for the next 10-15 years. The exterior covering the top of the dome was also completely renovated. This was greatly needed, as the cracking in this area had begun to leak in the rain. The renovation of the dome included an electronic window switch for airing the dome and a lightning-protection system. It became apparent during the work that serious hidden damage had been sustained in the interior of the building. Concrete slabs were renovated and in many areas the facade was replaced. Today the European House of Worship is clothed in white, from the outside in. It now looks more closely related to the Baha'i Houses of Worship in the rest of the world. The new white interior provides an atmosphere of light and transparency. This design concept encompasses all aspects of the new interior, including the furnishings. New, light transparent curtains have replaced the old heavy ones. The chairs have been newly finished and upholstered. The entrance and the profile of the glass windows have been freshly painted. It is not just in daylight hours that one can see the new look of the House of Worship. The old lighting system has been replaced and the dome is now lit and the Greatest Name mosaic installed in the top of the dome is illumined. In the next year, the second phase of the renovation will begin. The information display on the lower level of the Temple will be renewed. Also, the repair and partial replacement of the damaged floor will need to be carried out. Assistance will be needed to carry the weighty costs. ++ Baha'i Councils & Training Institutes + Baha'i Council for Wales In July the Council for Wales met in Llanberis. Our meetings always begin with a devotional and as the family is central to our vision we also study some paragraphs from the "Compilation on the Family" together. Upmost in our minds was the need for systematic planning and action and so the Council was delighted to hear of the teaching initiative on Anglesey, where members of the clergy are being individually approached and after an appropriate introduction and discussion, presented with a copy of "Christ and Baha'u'llah", by George Townshend. These presentations have been followed up on a later date with meetings to discuss their response to the book. The Council is excited to be sponsoring such a well planned process. From time to time the Council reviews "Undod": the newsletter for the Baha'is of Wales. This is necessary to keep it vital and in touch with the community. The purpose of Undod is threefold: the promotion of the Council s vision, promoting and advertising events, and to share inspirational ideas and examples of success. The Council would like to share Undod with our sister body the Baha'i Training Institute for Wales and we hope that they will take up this offer and use Undod to promote their work and advertise their events. Another concern was the restructuring of the Youth Action Force for Wales. The Youth Action Force was formed by the Council at the request of youth from Wales who attended the "Wetlands I" Conference in Carmarthen last winter and wanted to organise their own events. In future the Force will consist of four members: three youth and one adult. Their remit will be: to produce the youth page for Undod, or, to send out their own newsletter, just to the youth; and to gather the youth of Wales together at least once a year - to develop Baha'i identity, in every individual. The love and prayers of the Council for Wales go out to the Youth Action Force for their continued success. We had the privilege of travelling to Conwy on the Sunday morning to meet with the friends. It was a great joy to get to know them and hear of their on-going activities. The Council met again in early September. During the weekend they were present at an historic consultation, with Counsellor Patrick O Mara, Members of the National Spiritual Assembly: Rita Bartlett and Peter Hulme, Auxiliary Board Members: Viv Bartlett and Gawayne Mahboubian-Jones and members of the Training Institute for Wales, where plans were made based on Multiplying our Powers (letter from the National Spiritual Assembly to the Baha'is of the United Kingdom, August 1998). The Council plans to support the Local Spiritual Assemblies in their three tasks, help to develop long-term teaching activities regionally, and collaborate closely with the Training Institutes. + Baha'i Council for Northern Ireland Australian Recycled Teenage Duo visit Ballymena Our dear Baha'i friends Margo Bates and May Olsen from Queensland visited Ballymena Baha'i community and some of their friends, for three days in September. Margo, who is aged 88 and May, 82, brought bundles of laughter for everyone they met. They gave two fireside in Ballymena and performed at the Deefin Fold, entertaining some of the local senior citizens, most of whom were younger than them! They also had a two hour interview with the Ballymena Guardian, the local newspaper, in their full glitzy costumes and managed a large article and photograph in the next issue. The next day they spent an hour with the Mayor of Ballymena and had him in stitches with laughter. They both received commemorative plaques and an invitation to attend a special dinner hosted by the Mayor next time they visit Ballymena. Margo and May inspired everyone they met. With their positive and relaxed approach to whatever they do, nothing seems too difficult to handle. They emphasised that as much as they like making people happy, they travel the world as a community service in order to share and spread the Teachings of the Baha'i Faith. Margo started her all-dancing-all-singing world tours at the ripe age of 76 and then she went off the deep end at 87 years young to take up competitive swimming and strike triple Gold at the Australian Masters Games in Canberra last Year. Amy on the other hand, took up tap dancing lessons in her late seventies. This Summer Margo took part in The World Masters games in USA and managed 5 Gold medals and a record in her class! Well done and thanks to you both, from the Baha'i Council + Training Institute for England TI courses for local Assemblies and Communities Making consultation magical What are the pre-requisites set by Abdu'l-Baha for them that take counsel together ? How do we arrive at decisions and what should we do once they have been made? What distinguishes Baha'i consultation from other forms of decision making? The basic aim of this course is to raise the level of consultation skills within local Spiritual Assemblies. The course is an ongoing one and is structured so that the Assembly will spend an evening with the facilitator and will then be left with some "homework", come back with the facilitator approximately six months later for a further evening and so on. The idea is that the practice of improved consultation skills takes place within the Assembly meetings themselves so that good habits can be formed which should lead to good decision making. Building communities others want to join The aim of the course is to help local Assemblies take a fresh look at themselves and the process of community building. Have you ever wondered: what makes the Baha'i community different? how your Assembly can become more dynamic? what talents, skills and interests lie hidden in your community? how to evaluate your Assembly's success? what community building really means? If so, by doing this course some, if not all, your questions will be answered and you can begin to plan for future successes. This is a day course and it is hoped that by the end of it you will be filled with enthusiasm and optimism. Your best Nineteen-Day Feast ever! Do you feel there should be more to a Feast than a quick round of prayers, a secretary's report and a cup of tea? Have your Feasts got into a bit of a rut? Have you wondered how they can be perked up? Learn how to turn your Feasts into "symphonies in three movements" and give them a "power which is not of this world" to restore the friends. The course covers all aspects of Nineteen-Day Feasts from the planning and preparation, through the three parts and includes the use of music and other arts. It can be run as a weekend course, over two different days or delivered over a series of evenings to suit the circumstances of your community. Appointment of Training Co-ordinator for England Joyce Spath has recently appointed to act as Co-ordinator for the Training Institute for England. As well as keeping statistics for the Training Institute, Joyce has been asked to give out information and guidance about the courses. If you are interested in taking a Training Institute course or need more information about them, get in touch with Joyce and she will send you our flyers and put you in touch with your nearest facilitator. She will give guidance on how to host a course and for certain courses she will be able to tell you if one of your neighbouring communities has requested the same course so that you can pool resources. You can contact Joyce at: 7 Barnfield, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 7BN Tel: 01483 274979. + Baha'i Youth Task Force For England What is it? Who's on it? What's in it for you? And some of my perspectives on it, too "Blessed is he who in the prime of his youth and the heyday of his life will arise to serve the Cause of the Lord of the beginning and of the end, and adorn his heart with His love. The manifestation of such a grace is greater than the creation of the heavens and of the earth. Blessed are the steadfast and well is it with those who are firm." (Baha'u'llah: Compilation on Youth, p415) As youth we play a huge part in the Four Year Plan by constantly and prayerfully supporting the plans of the National Spiritual Assembly and creating our own, personal, teaching plans. Here's how the Youth task Force for England hopes to help. The Council for England appointed a new Youth Task Force this August. The Task Force's goals for this year are to assist and encourage individual Baha'i Youth and their activities, helping to connect souls with Baha'u'llah and developing teaching activities. To do this in practise, the Task Force has been asked to encourage at least 225 youth to attend the Youth "Get Connected" Training Institute and the Teaching Institute (when it is ready). Also, our goal is that every youth will be able to attend special events in their region, organised mainly by the youth there, which will help us to connect to Baha'u'llah. Hopefully, youth will feel that the activities in their area are relevant to them and be involved in organising them and participating in them. Regional activities are very important in the Four Year Plan. To attract greater numbers to the Faith, it is vital to create local communities that people want to join. To help with all these things, the Task Force has decided to continue asking certain people to act as youth co-ordinators. These Baha'i's are not a better "class" of youth, or anything like that, but people you can call to find out what is going on in your town or region. The contact details of the Task Force members are listed opposite. Each member loosely covers a region, drawn out on the basis of convenience. Even so, you are welcome to contact any member of the Task Force, if you want to know who the youth co-ordinator in your area is, tell us what is (or isn't) going on in your town, or you have some advice or help to offer us. Or any other reason! We'll also publish a list of the youth co-ordinators as soon as we can. The Youth Task Force has great faith in what we all, the youth, can achieve by transforming our lives and teaching the Cause. There has been a hugely encouraging increase in teaching activities and deepening programmes organised by youth. We have a great degree of conviction that we can all live up to the enormous challenges of the next 18 months! "The Four-Year Plan aims at one major accomplishment: a significant advance in the process of entry by troops." (Universal House of Justice to the Baha'i's of the world, Ridvan 153 BE) Jonneke Koomen (Midlands) Guildown House, Burcot nr Abingdon OX14 3DW Tel: 01865 407887 (year round) e-mail: jonneke@koomen.demon.co.uk e-mail: pousv@csv.warwick.ac.uk (year round) John Clough (North) Secretary Contact Council For England Tel: 01282 859843 (office hours) or via Poppy Villiers-Stuart (see below) Nina Arora (South East) Treasurer e-mail: nina.arora@uk.origin-it.com Poppy Villiers-Stuart (North) Assistant Secretary Burnlaw, Whitfield, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 8HF Tel: 01434 345359 Elisa Tidswell (E.Midlands/Anglia) Vice Chair 16 Mayberry Walk, Colchester CO2 8PS Tel:01206 513773 e-mail: angela@bahai.cix.co.uk Pejman Hafezi (S West, Bristol) Chair Tel: 0117 949 7875 mobile: 0411 624 987 e-mail: p.hafezi@bristol.ac.uk Erfan Yeganeh-Arani (South East) Hertford 2, North Hampshire Hospital, Aldermason Rd, Basingstoke, RG24 9NA Tel: 07887 56997, 01256 473020 ext 5542 (work) Jonneke Koomen (Midlands) Guildown House, Burcot nr Abingdon OX14 3DW Tel: 01865 407887 (year round) e-mail:jonneke@koomen.demon.co.uk e-mail: pousv@csv.warwick.ac.uk (year round) ++ COMMITTEES & DEPARTMENTS + Community Schools Service The role of the school, the duty of the child and the station of the teacher Every child is potentially the light of the world - and at the same time its darkness; wherefore must the question of education be accounted as of primary importance. (1) The quotation above highlights clearly the potential of every child. The Bah ­ teachings place great importance on the role of parents, especially mothers as the first educators. Once the child is ready for formal education the role that schools have to fulfill is laid out by Adbu'l-Baha. Of all the arts and sciences, set the children to studying those which will result in advantage to man, will ensure his progress and elevate his rank. Thus the noisome odours of lawlessness will be dispelled, and thus through the high endeavours of the nation's leaders, all will live cradled, secure and in peace. (2) With regard to activities in connection with the training and education of Baha'i children; needless to tell you what a vital importance the Guardian attached to such activities, on which so much of the strength, welfare and growth of the Community must necessarily depend. What a more sacred privilege and also what a weightier responsibility than the task of rearing up the new generation of believers. (3) The children themselves should be aware that they too have responsibilities. They must favour character and conduct above sciences and arts. Good behaviour and high moral character must come first, for unless the character be trained, acquiring knowledge will prove injurious. Knowledge is praiseworthy when it is coupled with ethical conduct and a virtuous character; otherwise it is a deadly poison, a frightful danger. (4) O ye illumined youth, strive by night and by day to unravel the mysteries of the mind and spirit, and to grasp evidences that the Most Great Name hath dawned. (5) You Baha'i children and young people have both great privileges and great obligations ahead of you, for your generation will be the ones to help build up a new, better and more beautiful world You should prepare yourselves for this great task by trying to grasp the true meaning of the teachings and not just merely accepting them as something you are taught. They are like a wonderful new world of thought just beginning to be explored. (6) Finally, the station of the teacher is an exalted one and the act of teaching children is elevated to great heights according to the Writings. The education and training of children is among the most meritorious acts of humankind and draweth down the grace and favour of the All-Merciful, for education is the indispensable foundation of all human excellence and alloweth man to work his way to the heights of abiding glory. (7) It is manifest from the writings that the spiritual education of children is crucial to the development and well-being of Baha'i communities and to the world as a whole. The responsibilities placed upon parents, children, teachers and the institutions of the Faith require spiritual qualities as well as academic growth. The ultimate goal is spiritual transformation. 1. Abdu'l-Baha. Compilation of Baha'i Education. Universal House of Justice. August 1976. 2. Baha'u'llah. Ibid. 3. Shoghi Effendi. Foundations For a Spiritual Education, NSA of the Baha'is of the USA, 1995 4. Abdu'l-Baha. Ibid. 5. Ibid 6. Shoghi Effendi. Foundations For a Spiritual Education, NSA of the Bah ­s of the USA, 1995 7. Abdu'l-Baha. Compilation of Baha'i Education. Universal House of Justice. August 1976. + Association for Baha'i Studies (English-Speaking Europe) Introduction to academic Baha'i scholarship and Religious Studies (SIG) A two day Introduction to academic Baha'i scholarship will be run by Moojan Momen, Stephen Lambden and Lil Abdo at the Baha'i Centre 30 Victoria Square, Jesmond Newcastle upon Tyne, from Wed 30th December until Fri 1st January. The orientation of this event will be largely on religious studies lines. All persons wishing to embark upon such systematic study are welcome to attend; formal qualifications are not necessary though an openness to modern academic approaches will be expected. There is no age restriction or cost involved. Consultative instruction over the two days will include informal presentations about the field, history and current state of Babi-Baha'i scholarship; various academic methodologies; primary and secondary source materials and access to them; the study of the various scriptural languages; research needing to be done; computing, cyberspace and Baha'i scholarship. It might prove useful for persons attending to read, Booth, W et. al. "The Craft of Scholarship" Chicago Univ. Press. 19XX., ISBN 0-226-06584-7 + "Doing Baha'i Scholarship in the1990s, A Religious Studies Perspective", plus other articles in Baha'i Studies Review (UK) 3/1 (1994). Opportunity will exist for feedback on a brief essay. After the course, the bi-annual ABS-ESE Religious Studies (SIG) seminar will take place - Fri 1st, 7pm - Sun 3rd January. Contact: Stephen Lambden, 44 Queens Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2PQ, Tel/Fax: 0191-2818597, e-mail: SLamb53037@aol.com or Moojan Momen, Tel/Fax: 01767627626 e-mail: momen@northill.demon.co.uk + International Goals Committee South Africa needs pioneers If you ever wanted to experience the love and spirituality of the African friends then please pioneer to South Africa now! To fulfill the goals of its Four Year Plan the National Teaching and Consolidation Committee of the Baha'is of South Africa urgently needs the sacrificial services of mature and dedicated Baha'is who are willing to leave their homes and serve the cause of Baha'u'llah in a foreign land as a long term travel teacher (for a period of at least 5 months) or as an international pioneer. Friends are needed to settle both in rural as well as in small urban communities. Financial independence is necessary, though small assistance may be available. There are several beautiful small towns that are virgin lands and time is extremly crucial. If interested please contact: Dr. Fariba Aghdasi, PO Box 30169, Kyalami, Midrand, South Africa. Tel: (011)468-1058, Fax: (011)468-1058 1684, Cell: (083)441-1506, e-mail:aghdasi@enet.co.za Serve the Faith in Moldova Travel teachers and pioneers are required in Moldova. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Moldova's address is: Moldova, MD-2068, Chisinau, c/p nr. 8704. Tel/fax: (3732-2) 43-83-59. e-mail: Bahai@nsa.moldova.su Please contact the IGC at the address in the box in the first instance as they can share full information with you. Rumanian Speaking Baha'is Needed Romanian speaking pioneers with a good knowledge of the Faith, might be able to take up the position of custodian of the National Baha'i Centre and serve on the Baha'i Office of Public Information. Turkish speaking pioneers are also needed. Calling performing artists! One of the most enjoyable ways of serving the Faith for Baha'i youth has been to join together on a tour using the performing arts as a way of teaching and proclaiming the Faith. All those who have been on such projects would acknowledge how easy it is to attract people and what an unforgettable experience it is for all those taking part. The International Goals Committee would wholeheartedly encourage and support youth wishing to form and take part in performing arts projects in any of the goal areas abroad and look forward to hearing from any of the many talented youth in the UK with such a venture in mind. Four Year Plan goals still to reach "Travel ye to the East and to the West of the World and summon the people to the Kingdom of God. Hence the mercy of God must encompass all humanity" (Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p31 1977 Edition) The International Goals Committee send their heartfelt thanks to all the friends who have risen to pioneer or travel teach. Yet the call to the field of service is possibly even greater than before. During the remaining few months of the Four Year Plan there is a need for yet another great effort to win those goals which so far have eluded the friends. It is not easy to pioneer because of the difficulties of obtaining a work permit and for this reason we need a lot of travel teachers. Maybe some friends would like to "adopt a country" and keep returning to it for travel teaching. Frequently the mail brings a fresh call for pioneers or travel teachers from a National Assembly - these you will read about in Baha'i Journal UK and we await your call in response. The countries in need of help are too numerous to list BUT if you feel the urge to help then please contact us and discuss your desires; be they for pioneering or travel teaching, now or in the future. We will endeavour to allay any fears you may have and find you a suitable goal area where the Faith is in great need. You may have an opportunity to visit another country through your work or education. Let us know! We will endeavour to arrange some activity for you. Go on, pick up the phone and talk to us... it's good to talk! You could end up forming or saving a Local or even a National Spiritual Assembly. Do check the October issue of Baha'i Journal UK, and see if you can help at any time in Greece or Cyprus. Act, act now and keep on acting. International Goals Committee contact: Edgar Boyett 12 Lapwing Grove, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7DZ. Tel: 01483-568926 e-mail: 106131.1062@compuserve.com http://www.warble.com/Bahai/YearOfService + Baha'i Information Office 27 Rutland Gate, London SW7 1PD tel: 0171 584 2566 e-mail: isp@iol.ie + IMPORTANT NOTICE to teachers/tutors whose institutions are "On Line" We have learned that some schools subscribe to a vetting service (for example "NetPartners") to prevent access to unsavoury sites on the World Wide Web. Given the concerns about some very undesirable Websites out there, this is understandable. Unfortunately, at least one such service categorises the Faith in a way that prevents access to Baha'i sites. This service has a list of religions to which users can gain access. Anyone not on the list is classed as a cult and access is blocked. So far they have not included the Baha'i Faith on their list of "proper religions" though this is being addressed with them. Obviously if this is a common situation it raises a major issue. Teachers and students, people we want to learn about the Faith, will be stopped from doing so via the Internet, in fact they will come away with the idea that the Faith is an undesirable cult and therefore something to be avoided. We are trying to find out the extent of the problem. To help us do this we would be grateful if you could attempt to access http://www.bahai.org from your school/college network. If you are successful, no further action is required. If however this site is blocked or a message appears indicating that it is not recommended, then please inform the Baha'i Information Office as soon as possible giving all available information on the vetting service. DO NOT complain or take any other action yourself as we wish to co-ordinate our response. If you are not in a position to do this yourself but have a friend who can - please ask him or her. Your assistance in this important matter is much appreciated. + External affairs strategy What is it? How does it affect us? What role do local communities have to play? The answers to these and other questions are contained in the challenging and exciting External Affairs Strategy documents of the Universal House of Justice (letter of October 1994, accompanying document of September 1994). We have printed information from these before and offered copies of the full text but a number of communities still do not seem to know about them. An understanding of what the Universal House of Justice means by "external affairs", and how the process works, is vital to our outreach to the general public, whether at international, national, regional, or local levels. These documents are a MUST READ. If you do not have a copy please contact BIO. + A cautionary tale We, as Baha'is, know the importance of what we are trying to say, the message we are trying to get across. Sometimes other people can seem slow on the uptake, which is frustrating. This can be true when dealing with the media as well as in teaching. But in all cases we have to take care not to let our own enthusiasm actually cause trouble. What follows is a true story... A community had, over the years and with sustained effort, built up good relations with their local newspaper. At first the editor had not wanted to know anything about the Faith, far less print it. But regular press releases coupled with contact from the local Baha's press officer persuaded him that he should do so. He began to print most of the items sent to him by the local Baha'i community but, for reasons of space, not all. A believer who arrived in the community from elsewhere and who did not know the history was moved to write to the newspaper on a local issue, and put forward Baha'i points on them. The paper did not publish the letter. Instead of accepting that it was up to the editor what he put in, the Baha'i phoned up the newspaper office and spoke to him in a forceful manner, demanding to know why he had not published this letter, did he not realise how important the Baha'i Faith was? The editor was, understandably, annoyed at being told what to put in his paper, and decided that these Baha'is were not as tolerant or pleasant as they seemed. Why should they assume he had a duty to give them all the space they wanted? Perhaps he should stop giving them any at all, if this was what they were really like. It looked as though a few minutes had undone years of work for the Faith. Fortunately he spoke to his usual local Baha'i contact, who explained that the new member's enthusiasm was not matched by his awareness of the background, or his understanding that editors get to decide what goes into their newspapers. A problem was averted. We have to remember that as far as the media are concerned we do not have a divine right to publication of all our material. We know how important it is, but they have to see in it something that will be newsworthy or otherwise of interest to their readers. Regular submission of suitable material and personal contact will win the day, and if we have a 100 per cent publication rate - that is a bonus. + Attention Press Officers ...or Local Information Officers as we are now calling you. Do you have the press/information officers' pack? It contains much useful information to help you in your work, and was previously sent out to all Spiritual Assemblies. However with community changes it might not have reached you or have gone missing, and we do want to make sure groups have it as well because they also have a role to play in informing the public about the Faith. If you do not have the pack yet please contact the Baha'i Information Office, at the address above. + Available from BIO - LSA statement to University The University of Ulster has been carrying out a review of its working and how successful it has been, something it has to do every seven years according to its charter. As part of this review it invited views and comments from interested groups and individuals. The Spiritual Assembly of Londonderry (whose city contains one of the university's constituent colleges) felt this was a good opportunity to put forward appropriate Baha'i views as part of the Faith's wider outreach. A statement was prepared and submitted setting out some aspects of what Baha'is see as the need for true education, drawing upon material from the Baha'i International Community. If anyone would like a copy of this they should contact the Baha'i Information Office, 27 Rutland Gate, London, SW7 1PD. (SAE appreciated as always). + Association of Baha'i Women ABW - Women's Retreat A retreat for women took place in the beautiful surroundings of Mount Saint Bernard's Abbey in Leicestershire. On Sunday 20th September eight women from Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, including a non-Baha'i friend, spent the day together. The day started with a moving devotional prepared by Minou Cortazzi and Jeanette McDonald with candles in atmospheric surroundings. This was followed by a presentation on the life of Munirih Khanum and her devotion and sacrifice. The focus was on service and the education of women. The session ended with love and closeness created by the presentations. After a picnic lunch in the lovely, tranquil grounds of the Abbey, the afternoon included another moving devotional presented by Mina and Fiona Beint. Fiona then gave a dramatic presentation on the life of Lua Getsinger. Lua, a devoted servant of Baha'u'llah, travelled constantly to spread the Baha'i message and passed away in Egypt at the age of forty five. Abdu'l-Baha bestowed upon her the station of martyr. In a prayer in her honour Abdu'l-Baha wrote, "she arose in the promotion of Thy Word, suffered every thirsty one to drink from the goblet of Thy Guidance and healed every sick one with the antidote of Thy Knowledge. "( The Flame by Bill Sears and Robert Quigley p139). + Women, development of Human Resources, and External Affairs or ... Breaking free of the shackles and doing what we do best Scene 1 I receive a request from the NSA to go to a conference in Landegg on "The Family in a Global Society". For two minutes, I feel really pleased and honoured. Then "reality" sets in and it dawns on me. I don't have a clue. I've never done anything like this before in my life. There will be several Chinese people there and I certainly don't know anything about Chinese culture besides the two novels I've read - what am I going to say to them? How will I relate to other people there? What if I do a bad job representing my adopted country and more importantly, my beloved Faith? At this point, I'm starting to feel sick! Terrific. Finally, in desperation, I turn to my daughter, who has had six years experience in External Affairs. "Relax!" she says. "Don't worry! Be yourself!" Armed with self doubt, I reply, "You must be kidding!" "No," she replies calmly. "Oh, and rely on Baha'u'llah. That's important." Well, I guess the next generation has this more in hand than I do, and I m really grateful for that. She was right, I went to Landegg and experienced two days of awakened joy at the discovery that this Cause of God is so huge, so all- encompassing, that yes, it will proceed just fine without me, but praise be to God I am able to be a part of it. Landegg is a delightful spot (shimmering lakes, high hills, fresh clean air, cows with bells on) and combining that with the presence of a 30 strong Chinese delegation, 12 speakers from Europe, Malta, and China including governmental and non governmental, Baha'i and non Baha'i, discussing the fundamental importance of the family unit in a united global society ... for me this was a uniquely and richly rewarding experience. I'm sure that I have received much more than I have put in, but maybe that's the bounty of it all. Back home. Time for reflection. Amazed that before I went, I really was afraid - of many things - but basically that I didn't have the necessary "skills" required for the job. One resource, The Public Information and External Affairs Manual, a hefty compilation of talks given by our experts in the field, was helpful. One talk in particular, by Christine Samandari from the Baha'i International Community office in Paris, stated the qualities and talents necessary for External Affairs: willingness to serve openness sociability hospitality courtesy courage audacity flexibility adaptability ability to communicate willingness to learn moderation modesty wisdom tact balance experience determination perseverance ability to grasp opportunities and react promptly confidence in the Will of God We have these qualities - don't be too modest As I reflected on this list, I realised I don't know any woman alive who hasn't had to develop over the course of her life, at least fourteen of these twenty-one qualities listed! At home or in the workplace, at the Feast, Thomas Breakwell school or summer school, at our children's school or at a coffee morning; these are the skills we have acquired. And it may even be that one of these qualities, modesty, has kept us from realising our potential for "exerting a positive influence on the affairs of the entire human race" - a much nicer, but longer phrase for "external affairs". So... what's the point? Two, actually. Firstly, the NSA has indicated that all women in the UK can exert a positive influence on the affairs of the entire human race. We are urged to connect with as many women's organisations as we possibly can, using the effective label of representing the Association of Baha'i Women. It s our ticket into the vast network of women who share the same concerns as we do and who need to have available to them Baha'u'llah's prescriptions for peace - in the home, community, country and world. We already have examples of this process working in the UK. Northern Ireland offers pure inspiration. Picture Vida Lake, from Omagh shaking hands on one day with Hillary Clinton at the Vital Voices: Women in Democracy Conference (see article on facing page), and the next day shaking hands with President Clinton (she had assisted the wounded in Omagh with St John Ambulance). Or picture Hazel Holmlund reading a prayer at the Omagh Memorial Service - her presence possible because the ABW played a major role in the Ballymena Women s Festival and several subtle connections were made. Secondly, not only can we do this, WE'RE GOOD AT IT! Sally Dacey Association of Baha'i Women, Secretary: Sally Dacey, 1 Lansdown Place West, Bath, BA1 5EZ Tel: 01225 338851 e-mail: sally@compassmaps.com Jan Fixsen, Tel: 01491 613200 Valerie Henry, Tel: 0171 221 3859 Two excellent website addresses for Women are: The Baha'i International Community UN Office Statement Library with a page on the Advancement of Women: http://www/bic-un.bahai.org/i-e-wom.htm. The UN has a page called Women Watch where you can find out what the UN is doing on behalf of women world wide and also exchange ideas: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/ + Vital Voices - Belfast Conference: Women in Democracy Baha'i delegates present "the Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah" to Hillary Clinton "On the occasion of your participation in the Vital Voices - Belfast Conference, the Association of Baha'i Women and the Northern Ireland Baha'i Council wish to express their gratitude to your Government for its support of the persecuted Baha'is in Iran" - reads the inscription on the Hidden Words presented to First Lady Hillary Clinton. This three-day Conference (Belfast, 31st Aug 2 - Sept), was hosted by the US Government and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in conjunction with the First and Deputy First Ministers of the NI Assembly to encourage full participation of women in political, social and economic life. This was the second such conference to be held. The initiative enjoys the full support of the First Lady of the United States Hillary Rodham Clinton who was the keynote speaker at the final session. Two Baha'i women were delegates - Mrs Vida Lake represented the Omagh Women's Network and Mrs Hazel Holmlund represented the European Women's Lobby. A group of Baha'is were also able to attend Hillary Clinton's presentation. The speakers at the plenary session and the workshop facilitators were drawn from the ranks of those women who have achieved standards of excellence in their chosen fields. Contributions were inspirational and clearly influenced by the Spirit of the Age. Many spoke of the importance of advancing the principle of the equality of women and the vitally important role which they play in taking forward the cause of peace and participating as equal partners in the world's social and economic development. (We would add "spiritual development" and in fact discussed it with individuals at the conference). From Madelaine Albright - US Secretary of State: "You (the women of NI) have stood up and made your voices heard for peace and reconciliation in your communities and on your streets, for equality in public life and economic affairs and for politics that look to the future rather than live in the past... Already you have done a great deal to advance the status of women and the cause for peace." Dr Marjorie Mowlam, Secretary of State for NI: "To the women in this room, you know where you are and what your contribution to peace has been... The women of Northern Ireland have held the democratic fabric of Northern Ireland together, you have built across the divide. There is more that unites us than divides us. Unity is important because it is when we work together that makes the difference." Hillary Rodham Clinton, First Lady of the US: "The road to peace is not easy, but nothing will turn you back. Tomorrow we will pay homage in Omagh where most of the victims were women and children. The terrorists targeted the people of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland responded, We have resolved to live in peace, we will not go back. The dream will finally become a reality for the children of Northern Ireland and this would not have been possible without the women." Vida and Hazel were able to meet and thank Mrs Clinton for coming to N Ireland and for all her government's efforts on behalf of the Baha'is in Iran. "Yes, and we will go on doing it," she replied. It is not possible to mention all the teaching and proclamation opportunities which arose during and around the conference. Many contacts with the N Ireland leaders will be followed up in the days and weeks to come. It cannot be emphasised enough, how important it is for the Baha'is to join organisations which are compatible with the Faith. This ensures participation in events where networking is of the essence. Through their membership of women's organisations, Baha'i women were delegates to the Vital Voices Conference, four more attended the final session and two were invited to attend functions organised for President Clinton's visit. For more information contact Hazel Holmlund: 01266 40287 + Regional Women's seminar The European Task force for Women was set up by the International Teaching Centre in the early 90's to encourage women in the teaching field. They have held several seminars in Acuto, Italy, inviting women from all over Europe to attend. The latest were entitled "O My handmaids.." and "Immerse yourself in the ocean of My words" and took place over four days in June. Forty-five women from over twenty countries attended. They were grouped together in regions either geographically or by language. During our stay in Acuto in the beautiful Baha'i owned Hotel Panoramica we were priviledged to meet with Counsellor Youssefian. He spoke about the important role that women will play in teaching in Europe and said that Women and youth will bring about a breakthrough in entry by troops . He explained that Europeans hide their spirituality behind a mask of materialism and that women have the ability to be more intimate with people and break down these barriers. The participants were encouraged to return and organise regional seminars for their areas. The first in the UK took place in Liverpool on 12th-13th September. Sixteen women from the UK, Ireland and Flemish Belgium attended. An atmosphere of love and unity pervaded the whole weekend. Flowers, candles and beautifully perfumed rooms contributed to the spiritual environment as we studied the writings on the station and role of women in the Baha'i Faith. On the second day we learned techniques of study and analysis of Baha'i Writings using the Ridvan message as an example. It is hoped that the women who attended will go back home and arrange to hold seminars for the Baha'i women of their area. We were also encouraged to try and start local women's groups for Baha'is and non-Baha'is alike. If you would like more information please contact the Association of Baha'i Women. Kathy Hadfield ++ UK COMMUNITY NEWS + Re-launch of Maxwell Baha'i School The Maxwell Baha'i Community School in Edinburgh was successfully re-launched at the beginning of the new term in September. The Edinburgh Haziratu'l-Quds was the focus of great bounty, as adults, youth and children from a number of communities in Central Scotland and the Borders listened to stories of the early growth of the Scottish community, from honoured guests Mr Hassan and Mrs Betty Sabri. We also heard amusing anecdotes of Mr Sabri s childhood experiences at Baha'i Children's Classes in Cairo. June and Nick Sanders, founders of the Maxwell Baha'i Community School in 1988 were welcomed on a visit from their pioneer post in Bornholm, Denmark. After the devotional and welcoming address the children went off to their classes with great enthusiasm. At the end of the session everyone gathered for more prayers, followed by a shared lunch. It was a good start to the new term. "Express Freedom" Youth move South Hams! As part of their plan to attract youth to the benefits of the Faith, the South Hams community came up trumps when it invited the "Express Freedom" dance troop from the North East to star in a month-long "Reaching and Teaching" project, (see dancers and friends in photo). Fresh from Sidcot Summer School they played three performances for special needs children, an evening at the Totnes Pavilion and street performances. They also notched up one television appearance, two live radio interviews and local press coverage. Wherever "Express Freedom" took their dances they drew crowds of people, many of whom were moved to tears and rapturous applause and stayed on to talk to the youth afterwards on the issues raised, such as racism, sexual equality and drugs. + "Rose Garden" art competition in Sedgemoor The Baha'is of Sedgemoor organised an art competition for children aged 5-11 years. Entry forms were circulated to schools throughout the district. The subject was "Rose Garden". The photograph (sorry electronic readers) shows the outright winner, young Rhys Howard who is aged five, on his mother's knee. Also pictured are the Art Co-ordinator of Penrose Special School, Bridgwater and some members of the Sedgemoor Spiritual Assembly. The Assembly gave a cash prize to Rhys and a donation to the School funds. + Youth can move the world - 98 "Don't you think we are a bit old for this?" said one of the helpers as I bumped into him after falling off "Nessy" in Monmouth swimming pool, yet again. (Or was I pushed?) "No", I said, "you are as young as you feel". The Greek saying is: "Those whom the Gods love best, die young at heart". Helping at Biblins certainly made me feel young at heart. Twenty-two Baha'i youth, six of their friends and a dozen adults played hard, worked hard and left uplifted. We were there to work through six steps to spirituality: The recital each day of one of the Obligatory Prayers with pure- hearted devotion. The regular reading of the Sacred Scriptures, specifically at least each morning and evening, with reverence, attention and thought. Prayerful meditation on the teachings, so that we may understand them more deeply, fulfill them more faithfully, and convey them more accurately to others. Striving every day to bring our behaviour more into accordance with the high standards that are set forth in the teachings. Teaching the Cause of God. Selfless service in the work of the Cause and in carrying on of our trade or profession. Sounds heavy going? Not a bit of it. No chance to sit back with Fidelma Meehan, Bill Jenkins and Viv Bartlett keeping the youth literally on their toes in their sessions. The sun seemed to shine constantly as Tim Melville kept the programme running smoothly for all the activities. Mountain biking was energetic, and the bikes were useful for that half mile trip to the ablutions! Lots of fun in drama, and good chats around the campfire. On Saturday, by the time climbers finished it was dark, and they had been squeezing through potholes before that, so the excellent supper by the campfire provided by Richard and Sheila Swann and Steve was more than welcome. Thanks to Carmarthenshire LSA for their organisation. They found an answer for bad language - offenders had to carry a few gallons of water about 30 yards from the tap to the kitchen as a penance! + Centenary event's spectacular style! Northamptonshire Teaching Group, consisting of five regular members from Northampton and Daventry, managed to celebrate the UK Baha'i Centenary in spectacular style. The group had organised several projects and in spring decided to plan for a centenary concert. Advice was sought from non-Baha'i experts and gradually a programme of international music was put together. It was decided to charge for the event and donate the ticket receipts to Imperial Cancer Research and St John Ambulance. The Nat West Bank was persuaded to cover the costs of the event so that there would be a guaranteed pay-out for the charities. The group worked hard to publicise the event through gaining newspaper articles, local radio interview, in-house Health Service newsletter article, posters across town, contacting neighbouring Baha'i communities and personal contacts. Around three hundred people, including the Mayor and Mayoress, attended the concert and over œ1000 was raised for the charities. Nat West provided jumbo cheques to present on the night. The programme, compered by Rob Weinberg, was of the highest quality and included the Swans and One World Rhythm, a Persian ensemble, a world music group from the Northamptonshire Music Service, Irish dance and ballet and two professional musicians, a Maltese flautist and a Chinese harp player who played brilliantly. The size of the audience and the receipts fulfilled the groups highest hopes for the evening and they were most grateful to the Baha'is from both near and far who supported the event and brought their friends along with them. . + Youth move Llanelli with the Badi Teaching Project This emotional letter was sent to Counsellor Patrick O'Mara, the Baha'i Council for Wales and the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Carmarthenshire on 17th August: Dearly Beloved Friends, We are writing to you from the Badi Teaching Project in Llanelli, South Wales, 1998. We wish to express a note of thanks for the funding supplied by the Continental Counsellors Fund, the Baha'i Council for Wales and the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Carmarthenshire for this project. The Universal House of Justice has been quoted as saying that the youth are the spearhead of teaching today. However, the spear must be thrown in order to reach its target and must have a strong a sturdy shaft. The loving, supportive atmosphere and the spirit of unity and friendship among the participants of the project could not have been created without your help and the support of adult members of the project. It was under these conditions; along with a strong passion for teaching, souls full of courage, determination and frequent divine assistance that the project goals were achieved. As well as this, it can be said that a thoroughly great time was had by all. Many thanks, all the participants of the Badi Teaching Project The Project was greatly enhanced with the presence of two Auxiliary Board members, Gawayne Mahboubian-Jones and Viv Bartlett. We will never forget the buzz we all got after our first performance in Llanelli Town centre where 250 cheered and asked for more, we hugged, the audience hugged. Things continue to happen with a full colour photograph in the local paper with a second report on the project and our new friend has registered for "Youth Can Move the World" camp. Extracts from a diary on the Badi Teaching Project kept by Katrin Kalami 24th July Today was the first day of the Badi teaching project 1998. Everyone had been looking forward to it for a long time. As more and more people arrived everyone became very excited. All barriers were broken down and the group became close very quickly. Before bed we had a spiritually uplifting devotional. 25th July After early morning prayers it was off to find our hired hall. Off we ran clutching maps running in all directions. Most of us had a nice jog around the block only to find ourselves back where we started. We finally found the hall; we began with a devotional. This really stirred the emotions. We were then told the project goals and we discussed how we were going to achieve them. We started our studies of the Writings in groups. After lunch it was time for team building games where we learned how important our ways of communication are especially in teaching. After a wild game of footie, dinner and half an hour of what the adults called "silent reflection" and we called "solitary confinement" we played more team building games which involved escaping from the troll king wearing a blindfold and neutralising a bottle of radioactive waste. 26th July After studying the Writings we did role play on teaching and had a session where we drew inspiration from the Martyrs. The youth did the devotionals themselves and experimented with different methods eg. use of music. We had an artistic session where we were introduced to dance and different movements. After dinner and solitary confinement we were told about the wonderful events that have taken place in the Hackney, North East and Llanelli teaching projects. + Strategically planned arts initiative At the 1997 Unit Convention in Norfolk it was decided to set up an Arts group to initiate and plan ongoing arts events which might further the teachings of the Faith. This group, as well as being drawn from Norfolk, included representation from a neighbouring Suffolk district, Waveney. The first event, held at Ridvan, was a lively concert given by Suzanne and Kingsley Swan and the London based Baha'i Choir, in the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, to which nearly two hundred people came, the majority of whom were not Baha'is. The sheer professionalism and style of this event certainly attracted a lot of admiration from people who knew little or nothing of the Faith before. The Arts group reports directly to their respective Local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups. The next venture they are planning is an intricate presentation using triple slide projectors, the spoken voice and a dancer. This is to celebrate the Faith's Centenary in the UK and the event is planned for Naw Ruz. An exhibition of art created by Baha'is may also be set up at a later date and presented in a suitably meditative environment. Excellence and quality are key principles for the group and it is already apparent that such a creative focus attracts people to the Faith as well as deepening the friends from all those communities involved. Other communities might like to try the same approach! + "One Planet Rave" - Something to rave home about? If you want to raise the adult community's interest just connect two words "Baha'i and rave". Links of the Faith to drugs and other such possibilities are endless. The community gave its full support and the youth ventured on with great care to ensure this would be a dry event. Initially the idea had sparked at the Carmarthenshire Youth Committee from a bright youth (Owen Swann) wanting to organise an after exam celebration. Sounded cool at the time but five weeks before the event only the DJ Simon Huxtable had been secured, err, no venue, no equipment, no bouncers and no publicity, the committee had a little wobbly. Prayers stabilised us and we decided to press forward. Within 48 hours the premier night spot in the dashing town of Llanelli (please note sarcasm) had been secured with bouncers and pretty hefty looking kit. The cost: free, prayers do work occasionally! Full steam ahead, printing 4,000 fliers, 500 posters and press articles to advertise the "One Planet Rave". 4,000 is a lot of fliers but many inventive ways of distributing were thought up. The twin goals of the "One Planet Rave" were to publisize the word "Baha'i", just prior to the Badi Teaching Project, and show youth that a good time can be had without being drunk or stoned. All goals achieved, mission successful? Yes but we had wanted to fill the nightclub and got only 65 punters. But that's the biggest number of contacts we have had to a Baha'i event and the nightclub owner confessed that was all he was able to get on a Wednesday night when alcohol was on sale. Our goals achieved and the next time we'll fill the place! It all would not have been possible with out Simon Huxstable (alias DJ Worm) travelling a 440 mile round trip, and prayers said to assist the event from every community in Wales. Carmarthenshire Baha'i Youth Committee + Own a portrait of Abdu'l-Baha Artist Belinda Darrington, who produces beautiful portraits of Abdu'l-Baha from photographs, has found a wonderful way to use her talents for the benefit of the friends and the Baha'i Fund. Belinda will donate twenty-five percent of the proceeds of sales of her work to the National Fund. Tel: 01434 688812. + Stories about Baha'i Funds ... " To give and to be generous are attributes of Mine; well it is with him that adorneth himself with My virtues." Baha'u'llah The following are the true stories of three dear friends who adorned themselves with His virtues. Put the Fund first Kate and Ivan had been saving money to have much needed repairs done in the old house where they lived in Canada. The garage door was to be replaced, the roof needed new shingles and the old chimney had to be rebuilt. Before they could do the repairs, however, they received a message from their National Spiritual Assembly, informing all the Baha'is in the country of a severe deficit in the funds, and calling upon them to help in meeting the crisis. Kate and Ivan's response was immediate. They gave the money they had saved for repairs. Shortly after they had made their generous gift, the worst hurricane in many years hit the town Kate and Ivan lived in. It blew through their house, breaking down the garage door, blowing off all the shingles from the top of the roof and demolishing the old chimney. Their insurance company, of course, paid for most of the repairs. "Put the Fund first", said Kate, "and God will take care of the rest." Receipts When the Bolsheviks came to power in Russia, all religions were banned in the country. The Baha'i Faith was no exception. The first Baha'i House of Worship to be built in the world, which had been constructed in Ishqabad, was confiscated. Many Baha'is who were Russian citizens were banished to Siberia and those who held Persian passports were sent back to Iran. These Persian Baha'is, many of them well-to-do people who had settled in Russia, were now forced to leave behind everything they had and make their way back to their country with nothing but the clothes they wore. Among those thus treated was a man who was going to Iran with a sad group of fellow believers. But this man showed no signs of unhappiness. He had with him a bunch of papers that seemed to be the source of his contentment. Several times during that difficult journey he was seen to take the papers out of his pocket, kiss them, place them on his forehead as a sign of reverence, and then put them back into his pocket. His friends became curious about that bunch of papers and he had to explain what it was. "This", he said, "is the only wealth I now possess. Though I have lost all my worldly riches, here is a capital no one can take away from me. These papers are receipts for donations to Baha'i funds, and the benefit derived from these contributions which I have made will last forever." Interest is just more money Kamran was only thirteen years old when he showed signs of becoming a good businessman. Whereas other boys his age would spend their money on toys, chocolate and ice cream, Kamran diligently saved every penny he had. Nor would he keep his money in the house, knowing that he could earn interest on it if he put it in a bank. When Kamran was fifteen, his parents turned over to him the money they had put in a bank in his name on each of his birthdays. The accumulated sum was a sizeable amount, and Kamran often discussed with his parents what he could do with the money later on in life. In the meantime he had found out all about the different accounts one could open at a bank and made sure he got maximum profit out of his money. Sometimes he would take his capital out of one bank and put it into another, explaining to his parents that the second bank paid better interest. Then one day Kamran made a startling announcement. "I have decided" he said, "to take my money out of the bank and put it into the Baha'i Fund." His parents looked at each other in disbelief. Kamran explained: "I have thought a lot about it. If I leave the money in a bank, the interest I get on is just more money, but if I give it to the fund it will be put to proper use. It will serve Baha'u'llah and benefit all of us. This is a bank which gives better interest than all the others". These true stories have been taken from "Stories about Baha'i Funds" by Gloria Faizi. ++ WORLD NEWS + St Helena on parade at Commonwealth Games The millions watching the imposing display of colours of the national costumes at the Commonwealth Games parade in Malaysia will have seen one single competitor from St Helena. All those young Baha'iswho participated in the St Helena Lighthouse Project will have recognised the dynamic figure of a fellow Baha'i. She is none other than Tara George, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of St Helena whose enterprising nature is well known on the island. Her determination has been an inspiration to all those on the project. Year of Service opportunity The St Helena community would like to hear from youth who are interested in doing short periods of service of up to six months. With the help of a wonderful team of youth from various parts of the world, the small local community recently launched the Lighthouse Project. This included the building of an excellent centre (previously reported in Baha'i Journal UK) and an impressive range of activities including firesides, dance workshops, walks and radio programmes. This call is for youth to come to St Helena and help keep up the momentum. Basic board and lodging will be provided, otherwise volunteers should be self-financing. Please contact YOSDesk for further details. YOSDesk Team - Sylvia Miley, 97 Waterloo Road, Southport PR8 4QN. Tel/fax: 01704 551514. Esmyr Koomen, tel: 01865 407887 e-mail: yosdesk@koomen.demon.co.uk http://www.warble.com/Bahai/YearOfService + Yerrinbool distance learning Baha'i education Yerrinbool Baha'i Centre of Learning, NSW, Australia invites applicants from the Baha'i Community worldwide for the following courses which will commence in January 1999: Three year Certificate Programme in Baha'i Studies, combined residential and distance education, for 18+. Education for Peace Programme - combined residential and distance education. For junior youth 13-15 years old. Advanced Education For Peace - combined residential and distance education. Designed for youth 16-18 years old. Foundation Course on the Baha'i Faith - distance education. For youth and adults 15+. The Advent of Divine Justice - distance education. For youth and adults 15+. The Dispensation of Baha'u'llah, distance education. For youth and adults 15+. For more details on each course and on-line enrolment please visit our home page at: /www.bahai.org.au/nsw/yerrinbool/ or contact: Shohreh Tala i, Programs Administrator, 32 Gasnier Road, Barrack Heights, NSW 2528, Australia, Tel: 02 4297 0215 Fax: 02 4297 0296 e-mail: shohreht@bahai.org.au + European Baha'i Youth Council VACANCY Volunteer Secretarial Assistant, part-time This position runs to Sept 1999 for an individual who has a desire to serve the Cause and support the teaching efforts of the youth throughout Europe. Applicants should be aged 18+, be organised, independent and capable of using their own initiative. A knowledge of computers and a good standard of English will be expected. Information/applications: the European Baha'i Youth Council, c/o Mr Varqa Khadem, Secretary, 27 Hampstead Hill Gardens, London NW3 2PJ e-mail: ebyc@dawn.joensuu.fi + Baha'i International News Service + Maxwell School students meet Prince Charles His Royal Highness Prince Charles accompanied by Princes William and Harry, were at the Vancouver Convention Centre in March to participate in an unveiling ceremony of new land contributions made to the Pacific Marine Heritage Legacy. Among the 300 invited guests were twenty-five students and staff of the Maxwell Baha'i International School. They had been invited because of their "outstanding contribution to British Columbia Parks in their services to the environment over the past seven years". Maxwell was the only school invited. The closing remarks of the event acclaimed the ongoing work of the students at Maxwell. The school was also acknowledged for its continuing commitment to protecting flora and fauna on Portland Island. Several Maxwell students spoke personally with Prince Charles, who encouraged them in their work. Baha'i International News Service, no 417, Aug 98 + Literacy classes in India Rabbani School's Department for Rural Community Development held an institute course for women, based on Book 1 of the Ruhi Institute, in the village of Rudrapura, in the region of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, in March. Ten women who, though illiterate, had attended the course, wanted to learn to read, and so classes begun in April based on the Baha'i literacy Programme Series. The classes were regularly attended by 16 women for one hour each evening. The facilitators devoted some time every session for chanting and learning prayers and to general discussion of problems and the solutions to them given by Baha'u'llah. The course concluded with an impressive closing ceremony. The participants were very excited about their ability to read and write. After consultation, it was decided that the second book of the Ruhi Institute would be introduced the following month and at a later date, further work on the Literacy Programme. Baha'i International News Service, no 417, Aug 98 + Teaching in Haiti A well-planned teaching and consolidation campaign has been going on since mid-July in Haiti. Developed through harmonious collaboration between the National Teaching, Statistics, and Institute committees, the campaign's objective is to re-visit 500 Baha'i's enrolled during a 1995 Artibonite campaign, to accompany them in teaching family and neighbours, to stimulate community activities, and to begin study circles. Nine new tutors were trained by Co-ordinator Gabi Seriphim and earlier trainees, with support from Auxiliary Board members, in the use of materials developed at the Ruhi Institute in Columbia. Twenty-five participants in the project spent two weeks preparing to use the deepening and teaching materials effectively. A four-day local Training Institute for new enrollees was held. By the beginning of August, the team had visited about half the homes in the plan and enrolled sixty-four new believers. The team was composed entirely of Haitian friends, who managed the logistics and oriented the teaching work. They were sleeping on woven mats in a dingy school, enduring extremely hot temperatures, daily torrential rains, mosquitoes and illness with patience and good spirits. Some of the most active team members were local youth and child participants in the 1995 campaign. Baha'i International News Service, no 417, Aug 98 ++ HOLY DAYS + The anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah 12th November 1817 "God is My witness, O people! I am come to you with a revelation from the Lord, your God, the Lord of your fathers of old" (1) Baha'u'llah was surrounded from birth by riches, comfort and elegance. His clothes were of the finest silk, his food the best that wealth and position could provide. His family owned fine houses. In common with his young noble contemporaries, Baha'u'llah received instruction in the main teachings of Islam, the literature and poetry of Iran and was taught calligraphy. (He] ... possessed an extraordinary knowledge that was not gained from a teacher or from any books. Men marvelled at the breadth and depth of his knowledge and at his exceptional powers of logic and reasoning. At the age of seven he represented his father in a property dispute at the court of the Shah and won the case for which he argued ... He was modest and genial, sympathetic and very kind ... He loved the countryside, birds, trees, flowers and animals and preferred to spend his time in the country rather than at court." (2) Stephen Maund 1. The Proofs of Baha'u'llah's Mission pii, Baha'u'llah. 2. The Baha'i Faith , Mary Perkins and Philip Hainsworth, Ward Lock 1980; pp20- 21. + The Day of the Covenant and the Passing of Abdu'l-Baha Celebration of the Day of the Covenant begins at sunset, 25th November. Commemoration of the Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha is at 1am, 28th November. Before the death of Baha'u'llah He repeatedly put in writing a Covenant appointing His eldest son Abdu'l-Baha, Whom He often refers to as "The Branch," or "The Most Great Branch", as the authorised interpreter of the teachings, and declaring that any explanations or interpretations given by Him are to be accepted as of equal validity with the words of Baha'u'llah Himself. In His Will and Testament He says: "Consider that which We revealed in Our Most Holy Book: When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root. The object of this sacred verse is none other except the Most Mighty Branch (Abdu'l-Baha)." (1) Abdu'l-Baha passed away on 28th November 1921, in Haifa. Thousands of mourners; men, women and children; representatives from many religions, races and tongues slowly wended their way up Mount Carmel, the Vineyard of God. After two hours walking they reached the garden of the Tomb of the Bab where the Centre of the Covenant was laid to rest. (2) Anne Maund 1. Baha'u'llah and the New Era, pp136-7 2. Information from Baha'u'llah and the New Era, pp77-78 ++ Articles + First ever Universal Races Congress - July 1911 A significant event in the Baha'i community The British Baha'i community celebrates its one hundredth anniversary this year, marking a century since the Baha'i Faith was established in the United Kingdom. When one reflects on the dawn of the Faith in Persia and the many attempts to extinguish its brilliant light in the East, one realises that this is an occasion truly worth celebrating. Over the past one hundred years, the Baha'is of the United Kingdom have no doubt participated in a great number of trend-setting events and a wide range of activities. Of these, one of the most significant was the first ever Universal Races Congress in July of 1911. At the time, it was an unprecedented and remarkable gathering of people of capacity exchanging views on race, culture and religion. Some Baha'is of that time felt that Baha'i participation in this and other events in 1911 brought with it confirmations that set the stage for the historic visit of Abdu'l-Baha to the United Kingdom. The Congress was motivated by a strong sense of urgency to abolish ignorance and prejudice, and to kindle the light of unity between different races of East and West. It attracted support from no less than fifty countries, some thirty heads of state from all over the world, delegates from the second Hague conference, British governors, members of the clergy, and academics. Scholars from many parts of the world such as the African-American Scholar, WEB Du Bois, and Dr LL Zamenhof, the originator of the international language Esperanto, journeyed to London to take part in this historic gathering. This Congress provided a unique opportunity for the tenents of the Baha'i Faith to get a wide airing. Many Baha'is from around the world attended this Congress and participated in various other programmes which enabled them to further discuss the principles of the Baha'i Faith. The uniqueness of this Congress prompted Abdu'l-Baha to send an encouraging letter which was read in His absence. The letter was published with the other papers submitted by the leading intellectuals of that time. Abdu'l-Baha's letter, though brief compared to other papers presented, set the tone of the Congress with these inspiring words: "This Congress is one of the greatest of events. It will be for ever to the Glory of England that it was established at her Capital. It is easy to accept a truth but difficult to be steadfast in it; for the tests are many and heavy...." His letter transcended the boundaries of any presentations and encapsulated the very substance of the nature of racism and how to eradicate it: " ...Rivalry between different races of mankind was first caused by the struggle for existence among wild animals. This struggle is no longer necessary: nay, rather! interdependence and co-operation are seen to produce the highest welfare in nations. The struggle that now continues is caused by prejudice and bigotry. Today nothing but the power of the Divine Word, which embraces the reality of all things, can draw together the minds, hearts and spirits of the world under the shadow of the heavenly Tree of Unity..." Abdu'l-Baha continues to say, "...The call to arbitration, to peace, to love, and to loyalty is the call of Baha'u'llah. His standard floats since fifty years, summoning all of whatever race and creed..." Abdu'l-Baha summoned the participants to the call of Baha'u'llah: "O ye friends of God! Acknowledge this pure light; direct the people who are in ignorance, chanting the melodies of the Kingdom of God, until the dead body of mankind quickens with a new life... O friends of God! Strive to dissipate the darkness and reveal the hidden meanings of things, until their reality becomes clear and established in the sight of all." It has now been eighty-seven years since the world's first Congress on racial unity, and the work ahead to dispel racism and prejudice from our midst is still plenteous. Will it not be wonderful if we included the accomplishments of the Baha'is in the Universal Races Congress as part of the Centenary celebrations? At this point in time, with the approaching new century, it would be advantageous for all of us to set concrete and far-reaching goals to promote the Baha'i teachings on racial unity, and most of all to remember the words of Abdu'l-Baha when he says: "O ye People! Cause this thing to be not a thing of words, but of deeds." May Baha'u'llah also assist us to strive passionately to bring directly the universal message of Baha'u'llah to every household and citizen in the United Kingdom. Judith George and Bahram Nadimi All quotes are taken from "Star of The West", Vol 1, March 1910 - September 1911 (20th August 1911) + Abdu'l-Baha and Dr Varqa Let me tell you something about Dr Varqa, who is at this conference, and his beloved father, Valiyu'llah Varqa, the late Varqa about whom the beloved Shoghi Effendi said, "In the company of the Hands, he is chosen." You know Mirza Ali-Muhammad-i-Varqa, Dr Varqa's grandfather, was one of the greatest, most prominent martyrs. He gave his life and that of one of his sons, 12-year-old Ruh'u'llah, for Baha'u'llah. (1) One of his other sons, Valiyu'llah Varqa, the father of our Hand Dr Varqa was in the entourage of Abdu'l-Baha in 1912, in the west, in America. Dr Varqa's uncle sent a photograph to America showing Dr Varqa (who was only four months old) sitting on his uncle's lap and said, "Baha'u'llah has given us this child." When anybody received mail from Persia Abdu'l-Baha asked, "What was the news?" Mr Varqa bowed and said he had received a letter including a photograph of his son sitting on the lap of his uncle. Abdu'l-Baha asked to see it. When the photograph was offered to Abdu'l-Baha, he kissed it and wrote on one of the baby's hands, "Hand" and on the other he wrote "Confirmed." And on his brow "Ya Baha'u'l-Abha" or "Allah'u'Abha". This photograph remained in the family and nobody knew the significance for so many years until the beloved Shoghi Effendi appointed Dr Varqa as a Hand of the Cause of God. Later, when the photograph was reported to the Guardian, who had never been told, out of his great modesty he said, "Seemingly, I wasn't aware," but he knew. They know everything. They speak to us according to our capacity and our shortcomings, because how else can we be in their presence? If the beloved Guardian revealed his knowledge to those close to him, if he showed his power, none could stand it. So this is one of the wisdoms. Dhikru'llah Khadem, from "The Vision of Shoghi Effendi , The Beloved of All Hearts", p121 1. Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By , p296 + Centenary Celebrations for the North West - in Liverpool A massive centenary celebration has been planned for the North-West. The most prestigious venue in Liverpool - St George s Hall - has been booked for Saturday 3rd July 1999. This magnificent building will host an all-day fair followed by a wonderful evening presentation. Lots of time for get-together and chat. Single room b&b University accommodation opposite the Hall may be had for þ12.50 per night if we take more than 200 rooms. Choose to stay either Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd July, or both nights. Friends are invited from all over the North-West to celebrate this lovely occasion. As the University needs firm bookings, please consult in your community and inform: The Organisers, NW Centenary Celebrations, Ernest Miller Centre, 3 Langdale Road, Liverpool L15 3LA, the approximate number wishing to attend, and accommodation needed. Please treat this as a serious request and get back to us by 15th December. Then we will make firm bookings. Requests for deposits and other details will then be sent to all participants. Memorise this date now and start the countdown for this momentous celebration and proclamation event! + Winter School 26 Dec - 2 Jan - Ernest Miller Centre - Liverpool Contact: Isaac DeCruz, Ernest Miller Centre, 3 Langdale Rd, Liverpool L15 3LA Tel: 0151 733 8614. ++ LETTERS Letters may be edited for reasons of brevity or clarity. Opinions expressed in these columns are not necessarily those of the National Spiritual Assembly or the Editor. + Is there still a place for me? Uncertainty is all around us, not least amongst the believers in the Cause of Baha'u'llah. And why? Because the Faith is growing and expanding. We are venturing into new areas of society as the teaching work pushes ahead and sometimes we are not sure whether we, personally, can cope. These are challenging times and we need to be flexible in our attitudes if, like a young tree, we are to withstand the winds of change. If we remain fixed in the old, established ways of doing things, believing that we are right, then, like the branch that is too rigid, we will suffer damage. The perception of our own worth is unique to each of us, but there can be no doubt whatsoever that everyone belongs within this divinely ordained Faith and is necessary for its growth. Therefore, we must constantly refer to the Writings in times of doubt, for only then can we find assurance that the Faith is unerringly on course; healthy, flourishing and burgeoning with growth. In its message to the Baha'is of the World in 1984, the Universal House of Justice tells us that: "There can be no doubt that the progress of the cause from this time onward will be characterised by an ever-increasing relationship to the agencies, activities, institutions and leading individuals of the non-Baha'i world. It is up to us to be prepared. The Faith is no longer on the periphery of local and international affairs: it is an influential, vibrant, living organism and, as with all organic growth, change is its hallmark. Without change, the acorn could not become a mighty oak." The Faith is poised on the brink of a tremendous sea-change, a change that will sweep away some of our old ideas, old concepts and old ways of doing things. To discover our own role within the scheme of things we must view the Faith from a wider standpoint. At best we can only begin to catch a glimpse of what the New World Order will mean to mankind. Not until we trust completely in Baha'u'llah as our Guide, and put aside our fears, can we hope to view the horizon and see what a glorious future lies ahead, for all of us. Jan Fussell + Three-way meetings on the phone Our newly re-formed group, the Suffolk Coastal District, are very happy to report that we are now holding regular Feasts and Holy Day celebrations. There have been a few challenges getting together for other meetings because we are widely scattered and transport is sparse. However, with the technological wonders of three-way telephone calls we have had a group meeting, so successful that we would like to share the idea with other rural Baha'is or friends who are isolated. It was almost like being together in the same room! Beginning with a prayer, we worked through the agenda without a hitch, consulted, arrived at decisions, arranged our future programme, a little parochial care and sent love to each other. We didn't even miss that cup of tea! Dorothy Brown Editor's note: To set up a 3-way telephone call with BT you could try this: person (a) rings person (b), then person (b) presses recall , waits for dial tone and dials person (c). Then press 3 for everyone to join in. If this fails to work or for details of the charges involved ring 150 - free enquiry service. + Follow-up on food In response to Joan Niblett's appeal in the October issue of Baha'i Journal UK, there is a prayer in the "Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha" Volume I, pp167-168, which seems to fulfil what she is asking for: It may be said before meals: "O my Lord, my Hope! Praise be unto Thee, for Thou has sent down unto us this spiritual table, supreme benefit and heavenly blessing. O our Lord! Strengthen us to partake of this heavenly food, so that its fine essence may run through the pillars of our spiritual being and that we may thereby obtain a celestial power for serving Thy Cause, promulgating Thy signs and adorning Thy vineyards with lofty trees, the fruits whereof shall be near (together) and of perfuming fragrances. Verily, Thou art the Possessor of great bounty! Verily, Thou art the Clement, the Merciful." Madeline Hellaby + Prayerful support for Institutions "Without the spirit of real love for Baha'u'llah, for His Faith and its Institutions, and the believers for each other, the Cause can never really bring in large numbers of people"... (on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, Entry by Troops, n15). May one offer some specific support aimed at the Institutions of the Faith and their contribution to both our unity and our teaching work in the fleeting months remaining of the Four Year Plan? Our Group, Babergh, has adopted the action of praying at each Nineteen-day Feast, for the Institutions, the Community and the Universal House of Justice. Hugh McKinley + Children at the Feast I enjoyed reading the comment on this topic in the October issue of Baha'i Journal UK. It is so rewarding to see children participate in the Feast. However, the House of Justice has instructed us that "children should be trained to understand the spiritual significance of the gatherings of the follower of the Blessed Beauty, and to appreciate the honour and bounty of being able to take part in them, whatever their outward form maybe. It is realised that some Baha'i observances are lengthy and it is difficult for very small children to remain quiet for so long. In such cases one or other of the parents may have to miss part of the meeting in order to care for the child. The Spiritual Assembly can also perhaps help the parents by providing for children's observance, suited to their capacities, in a separate room during the community's observance. Attendance at the whole of the adult celebration thus becomes a sign of growing maturity and a distinction to be earned by good behaviour." (1) Kamyar Solhjoo 1. The 19-Day Feast Compilation, p29 ++ End of document