Baha'i News Baha'i Year 137 No. 599

Contents Counsellors 2 House of Justice revises zones, names 63 to serve 5-year terms ...... Women's Conference 4 Nearly 300 attend Latin American gathering at Brasilia, ......

Ton~ Teaching campaign honors the Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhajir ...... 6 Leonora Armstrong 7 'Spiritual Mother of ' dies after a long illness ...... Bermuda 8 Teaching Conference tackles remaining Seven Year Plan goals ...... Terah 1Q Some personal reminiscences from stalwart long-time believer ...... Around the world 13 News from Baha'i communities in every corner of the globe ......

Page 9 Cover

Nearly 300 women, Baha'fs and non-Baha'fs, from 14 countries in North and South America were present last October 16-19 at the historic first Latin American Baha'i Women's Conference held at the Palacio das Convenc;()es in Brasilia, Brazil. Among those attending was Dr. Sarah M. Pereira, a Continental Counsellor for the Americas who delivered the keynote address, 'The Challenge to Women for the Spiritual Education of Humanity,' in Portuguese. A complete re­ port of the conference begins on Page 4. Page 15

! Change of address should be reported directly to Office of Membership and Records, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL I 60091 , U.S.A. Please attach mailing label. Subscription rates: one year, U.S. $8; two years, U.S. $15. Second class postage paid at Wilmette, IL 60091. Copyright C 1981, National of the Bah a' is of the United States, World Rights Reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. Bahil'i News is published monthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, as a news organ (ISSN 0195-9212) reporting current activities of the Bahil'i world community. Manuscripts submitted should be typewritten and double spaced throughout; any footnotes should appear at the end . The contributor should keep a carbon copy. Send materials to: Baha'i (USPS 040-140) News Editorial Office, Baha'i National Center, Wilmette, IL 60091, U.S.A. COUNSELLORS

Universal House of Justice revises zones, names Counsellors to serve five-year terms

To the Baha'is of the World nent. In accordance with this decision, the zones of the Dearly-loved Friends, Continental Boards of Counsellors will, from the Day of the Covenant of the year 137 (26November1980), be One of the greatest sources of consolation for the as follows: Universal House of Justice amid the tribulations of the 1. Africa, comprising the areas of the four present past twelve years, has been the establishment and zones of that continent. growth of the Continental Boards of Counsellors, and 2. The Americas, comprising the present zones of the assistance that this institution has been rendering, North, Central and South America. in ever-increasing measure, to the sound develop­ 3. Asia, comprising the present zones of Western, ment of the worldwide Baha'i community. We cannot South Central and South-eastern Asia, together pay too high a tribute to the indefatigable labours of with the present zone of North-eastern Asia the devoted souls who have been called upon to without the Hawaiian Islands and Micronesia. shoulder this onerous responsibility, and who have 4. Australasia, comprising the present zone of Aus­ followed with such fidelity the path of self-sacrificing tralasia plus the Hawaiian Islands and Mic­ service that has been blazed for them by the beloved ronesia. of God. 5. Europe. In June 1979 we were moved to announce that the Those who are now appointed as Counsellors to duration of the terms of office of Continental Counsel­ serve on these Continental Boards for the next five lors would be five years, to start on the Day of the years are: Covenant of this year. As this date approaches, we Africa: Dr. Hushang Ahdieh (Trustee of the Conti­ have decided that the time is ripe for a further step in nental Fund), Mr. l:fusayn Ardekani, Mr. Friday the development of the institution itself that will, at Ekpe, Mr. Oloro Epyeru, Mr. Shidan Fat'he­ one and the same time, accord greater discretion and Aazam, Mr. Zekrollah Kazemi, Mr. Mul:iammad freedom of action to the Continental Boards of Coun­ Kebdani, Mrs. Thelma Khelghati, Mr. William sellors in the carrying out of their duties, and widen Masehla, Mr. Mul:iammad Mu$tafa, Mr. Kolonario the scope of each Board to embrace an entire conti- Oule, Mrs. Isobel Sabri, Mr. Mihdi Samandari, Mr.

2 February 1981/Baha'i News Peter Vuyiya, Mrs. Bahiyyih Winckler. As the Baha'i world experiences the manifold interac­ tions of these two vital and complementary arms of the The Americas: Dr. Hidayatu'llah Al)madiyyih, Dr. Administrative Order of Baha'u'llah, the unique bene­ Farzam Arbab, Mrs. Carmen de Burafato, Mr. fits of this divinely ordained System become ever more Athos Costas, Mr. Angus Cowan, Mr. Lloyd Gard­ apparent. The harmonious interaction and the proper ner (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Mr. Mas'ud discharge of the duties of these institutions repre­ ,Khamsi, Mrs. Lauretta King, Mr. Artemus Lamb, senting the rulers and the learned among the people of Mr. Peter McLaren, Mr. Raul Pavon, Dr. Sarah Baha is the essential basis at this time for the protection Pereira, Mrs. Ruth Pringle, Mr. Fred Schechter, of the Cause of Baha'u'llah and the fulfilment of its Mrs. Velma Sherrill, Mr. Donald Witzel. God-given mandate.

Asia: Mr. Burhani' d -Din Afshin, Mrs. Shirin Events of the most profound significance are taking Boman, Dr. Masi]) Farhangi, Dr. John Fozdar, Mr. place in the world. The river of human history is flow­ Zabil)u'llah Gulmul)ammadi, Mr. Aydin Giiney, ing at a bewildering speed. Age-old institutions are Mr. Dipchand Khianra, Mr. Rul)u'llah Mumtazi, collapsing. Traditional ways are being forgotten, and Mr. S. Nagaratnam, Mr. Khudaral)m Payman newly-born ideologies which were fondly expected to (Trustee of the Continental Fund), Mr. Manuchihr take their place, are withering and decaying before the Salmanpur, Mr. Vicente Samaniego, Mrs. Zena eyes of their disillusioned adherents. Amidst this Sorabjee, Dr. Chellie Sundram, Mr. Hideya decay and disruption, assailed from every side by the Suzuki, Mr. Yan Kee Leong. turmoil of the age, the Order of Baha'u'llah, unshake­ ably founded on the Word of God, protected by the Australasia: Mr. Suhayl 'Ala'!, Mr. Ben Ayala, Mr. shield of the divine Covenant and assisted by the hosts Owen Battrick (Trustee of the Continental Fund), of the Concourse on High, is rising in every part of the Mr. Richard Benson, Mrs. Tinai Hancock, Dr. Peter world. Khan, Mr. Lisiata Maka. Every institution of this divinely created Order is Europe: Mr. Erik Blumenthal, Mrs. Dorothy Fer­ one more refuge for a distraught populace; every soul raby, Dr. Agnes Ghaznavi, Mr. Hartmut illumined by the light of the sacred Message is one Grossmann, Mr. Louis Henuzet (Trustee of the more link in the oneness of mankind, one more ser­ Continental Fund), Mrs. Ursula Miihlschlegel, Dr. vant ministering to the needs of an ailing world. Even Leo Niederreiter, Mrs. Betty Reed, Mr. Adib Taher­ should the Baha'i communities, in the years im­ zadeh. mediately ahead, be cut off from the World Centre or from one another-as some already have been-the A number of friends who have rendered highly Baha'is will neither halt nor hesitate; they will con­ valued services as Counsellors are not being reap­ tinue to pursue their objectives, guided by their pointed for the corning term, and we wish to express Spiritual Assemblies and led by the Counsellors, the here our profound gratitude for the devoted labours members of the Auxiliary Boards and their assistants. they have rendered and are rendering in the path of It is our prayer at the Sacred Threshold that the new the Cause. These dearly-loved believers are: and challenging development now taking place in the evolution of the institution of the Counsellors will Mr. Seewoosumbur-Jeehoba Appa, Dr. Iraj release great energies for the advancement of the Ayman, Mr. Rowland Estall, Mr. Howard Har­ Cause of God in every land. wood, Miss Violet Hoehnke, Mrs. Salisa Kermani, Mr. Paul Lucas, Miss Elena Marsella, Mr. Alfred The Universal House of Justice Osborne, Miss Thelma Perks, Mr. Hadi Ral)mani, November 3, 1980 Mr. 'Imad Sabiran, Miss Edna True.

Henceforth the Board of Counsellors in each conti­ nent will have wider discretion to decide such matters as whether to divide its area into zones, and what the boundaries of such zones should be, the number and location of the Board's offices, and the manner in which the members of the Auxiliary Boards will report to and operate under the Counsellors. The principles and policies governing the operation of the Continen­ tal Boards of Counsellors, however, and their relation­ ships with the National and Local Spiritual Assemblies and the individual believers will remain unchanged.

Baha'i News/February 1981 3 '•

16A19 DE. OUTUBRO 80

BRAZIL

Nearly 300 attend historic Baha'i Women's Conference

Nearly 300 women, Baha'is and where she taught Spanish and Por­ non-Baha'is, from 14 countries in tuguese. Dr. Pereira spoke on "The North and South America partici­ Challenge to Women for the pated last October 16-19 in the first Spiritual Education of Humanity." Latin American Baha'i Women's Among the other speakers and Conference held at the Palacio das panelists were Mrs. Gol Aidun of Convenc;:oes in Brasilia, Brazil. Manitoba, Canada, and Mrs. The historic conference was Elizabeth Thomas of Manhasset, sponsored by the National New York. Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Panel discussions, in which Brazil. Its general theme was the Baha'is and non-Baha'is partici­ development of the Baha'i family pated, were on the following and the unity of the Baha'i home, themes: with special emphasis on harmony • "Woman, Light of the Family" and cooperation between parents • "Woman, Light of Education" and children. • "Woman, Light of the Future The featured speaker was Conti­ Generation" nen ta! Counsellor Sarah Martin Baha'i themes, treated in morn­ Pereira, an outstanding educator ing sessions that were for Baha'is who retired recently after 22 years only, were "The Gr.eatest Holy as a professor in the Department of Leaf, Inspiration of Baha'i Women: Foreign Languages at the Univer­ Her Life and Influence," and "The sity of the District of Columbia Baha'i Woman and Her True Role

4 February 1981/Bahil'i News in the Establishment of the Baha'i Ana Amelia Lemos, a journalist television. The resulting publicity World Order." from the South Brazilian network included three newspaper, three Of special interest to the Baha'is of 0 Clabo newspapers; Sra. Ana television and six radio reports was the panel discussion on Maria Dantas Boim of the Federal about the conference. Bahiyyih Khanum, the Greatest Secretariat of Education and Cul­ Holy Leaf, led by Dr. Pereira and ture; Mrs. Lena Castelo Branco, After the conference, the friends Mrs. Guitty Milani. Added to their professor of human sciences at the who participated were taken in observations about the outstand­ University of the State of Goiaz; omnibuses on a tour of the capital ing woman of the Baha'i dispensa­ and Sra. Anesia Ferreira Galieta, city of Brasilia including a visit to tion were reminiscences by Sra. an attorney representing the the Temple of Dom Bosco, an in­ Lagheieh Kahrobai who had the Women's Movement of Goiania. terdenominational cathedral, privilege of spending nine years in The conference was preceded by where some 200 Baha'is offered the home of'Abdu'l-Baha, after His a reception for local news media prayers and lifted their voices in passing, where her husband had that was attended by representa­ singing "Allah'u' Abha." -Muriel the contract for establishing its tives of newspapers, radio and Miessler electricity, and where she came to know intimately the beloved Bahiyyih Khanum. Another interesting though un­ scheduled session was that presented by Dr. Edris Rice-Wray, who consented to speak from her long experience as a doctor and professor on the subject of family planning. Messages expressing love, encouragement and gratitude were received from the Universal House of Justice, the Baha'i International Community, Dr. and Mrs. David Ruhe, and from Mrs. Duke de Figuereiro, wife of the President of • - Brazil. Above: Nearly 300 women, Baha'is and Women 's Conference were (left to right) One of the most touching and non-Baha'is, from 14 countries in North Continental Counsellor Sarah M. memorable moments came with America and South America attended Pereira from the United States; Mrs. Gal the presentation of a lovely and in­ the first Latin American Baha'i Women 's Aidun from Canada; Dr. Zlmarian spiring taped message from Coun­ Conference last October 16-19 at Stoakley Walker, an American pioneer to sellor Leonora Armstrong of Brazil, Brasilia, Brazil. Below: Among the Brazil; and Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas from the "Spiritual Mother of South speakers at the Latin American Baha'i the United States . America," who was too ill to attend the conference. It was to be the final message from Mrs. Armstrong, who died while the conference was in session. The par­ ticipants, their eyes wet and throats burning, resolved to follow more closely than ever the path of service that Mrs. Armstrong blazed during her 60 years of teaching and sacrifice as a pioneer to Brazil. Another thrilling moment came at the close of the conference when one of the non-Baha'i speakers and two other guests declared their de­ sire to become Baha'is. Among the non-Baha'i speakers who participated in the afternoon and evening sessions were Mrs.

Baha'i News/February 1981 5 TONGA

Highly successful teaching campaign honors memory of the Hand of the Cause Dr. Muhajir

Last May the National Spiritual Assembly of Tonga inity of Nuku'alofa, Tonga's capital city, to actively called for a direct teaching project in memory of the adopt extension goal localities. Believers in these three Hand of the Cause of God Ra}:lmatu'llah Muhajir, who communities, often using the van purchased by the in 1977 had inaugurated direct teaching in Tonga that National Spiritual Assembly, visit their extension goal soon doubled the number of Tongan believers. communities each week. Responding to the National Spiritual Assembly's Each Friday night scores of young people attend call, the Area Teaching Committee of the island of youth firesides at the National Center. Many are Tongatapu in August began a two-month mass transported in the van from their villages to the teaching and consolidation project to spread the firesides that have consistently attracted 60 to 75 Teachings of Baha'u'llah to all parts of Tongatapu, the youth, half of whom are not believers. This initial largest of the 36 inhabited Tongan islands where 65 per activity has spread to many other areas of the teaching cent of the Kingdom's population of 100,000 resides. and consolidation work in Tonga. At the time the teaching and consolidation project Contributions to the National Fund have increased began, a believer from another country who had been dramatically as the friends, spurred on by their own living in Tonga had to sell a van and return home. activity and news of untold suffering by the believers Acting quickly and decisively, the National Spiritual in Iran, attain to a new degree of sacrifice. Assembly of Tonga bought the van. Each member of the National Spiritual Assembly has volunteered to spend time in one of the other Night after night Baha'i teachers traveled the many island groups where the teaching and consolidation miles over coral roads to outlying villages to meet with work has often not kept pace with that of the larger receptive souls. It was not uncommon for 30 people to islands. attend these meetings. More than 75 prominent women including the At the end of two months the project was expanded mother of the queen attended a luncheon during a to include deepening evenings in villages with estab­ women's conference October 10-12 that was spon­ lished Local Spiritual Assemblies. These sessions, sored by the Baha'i National Women's Committee. each attended by at least one member of the National This conference was possibly the most outstanding Spiritual Assembly, h~ve attracted many believers and proclamation in the history of the Faith in Tonga. The those not yet Baha'is who are sincerely interested in conference received extensive media coverage. learning more about the Faith. The Area Teaching Committee of Ha'apai held a The purpose of the project is to deepen existing teaching conference during which plans were made Spiritual Assemblies and bring Groups to Assembly for a direct teaching project in that island group. status by Riqvan 1981 to meet and hopefully surpass A believer has rented a small shop in downtown Tonga's goals for the first phase of the Seven Year Nuku'alofa that has been turned into a Baha'i informa­ Plan. tion center. The center is open daily and offers Baha'i The success of the mass teaching and consolidation literature for sale as well as answers to questions from project has encouraged three communities in the vie- visitors to the center.

6 February 1981 /Baha'i News LEONORA ARMSTRONG

South America's 'Spiritual Mother' ends earthly life after 60 years of devoted service to Cause of God

HEARTS SADDENED PASSING DISTINGUISHED COUNSELLOR LEONORA STIRLING ARM­ STRONG HERALD OF THE KINGDOM BELOVED HANDMAIDEN 'ABDU'L-BAHA SPIRITUAL MOTHER SOUTH AMERICA. HER SIXTY YEARS VALIANT DEVOTED SERVICES CAUSE BRAZIL SHEDS LUSTRE ANNALS FAITH THAT PROMIS­ Era in Spanish and Portuguese, languages she had ING LAND. REQUESTING MEMORIAL SERVICES committed herself to learn upon reaching Brazil. MASHRIQU'L-ADHKARS WILMETTE PANAMA. Hers was a selfless and unflagging spirit, one that URGE ALL COMMUNITIES BRAZIL LIKEWISE was deeply touched by the sufferings of her fellow HOLD SERVICES. OFFERING ARDENT SUPPLI­ creatures. Perhaps Mrs. Armstrong will be best re­ CATIONS MOST HOLY SHRINE PROGRESS HER membered for the sort of devotion to others that RADIANT SPIRIT ABHA KINGDOM. prompted her to write, in a letter. published in The UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE Baha'i World, Vol. III (1928- 1930): " ... that which October 21, 1980 most impresses one in the streets of Ceara is the mul­ titude of beggars, decrepit old men and women, blind, Counsellor Leonora Armstrong, the "Spiritual diseased; hundreds of lepers; and the many other ap­ Mother of South America," died last October after a parently desperately poor and wretched, but perhaps long illness, thus ending 60 years of devoted and too proud to beg; and the naked children wallowing in exemplary service to the Cause of God. the sand. Following 's historic journey through " ... there are still malaria, cholera and typhoid. that region, Mrs. Armstrong-who was then Miss Serious epidemics of the two latter broke out during Holsapple-arose in 1920 in answer to 'Abdu'l-Baha's my stay there, and I was able to offer my services in summons, in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, to "become carrying medicine, food, and clothing to many of the angels of heaven and travel and teach throughout all sick. these regions." "It was a thrilling experience to visit them in their Noting the Master's special men ti on of Bahia, Brazil, homes .. . and to try to prove to them by deeds the she settled there and made it her home for the next 60 Baha'i' s faith in the oneness of humanity. There were years, although she traveled to every part of Brazil to black and white among them, and all the intervening teach the Cause. shades, and many who showed clearly the mixture of Among the many services she rendered that have, Indian blood with the Negro or Portuguese. in the words of the Universal House of Justice, shed "But all were poor, suffering, in need of human "lustre upon the annals of the Faith" were her early help, and all were grateful to have it given, freely, for translations and publication of Baha'u'llah and the New the love of humanity."

Baha'i News/February 1981 7 BERMUDA

First Teaching Conference of Seven Year Plan takes on challenge of winning every goal before RiQvan election of National Spiritual Assembly

With the first National Spiritual Assembly of Bermuda due to be formed during Riqvan 1981, the first Bermuda Teaching Confer­ ence of the Seven Year Plan was held September 19-21 in Hamil­ ton, the capital of Bermuda. Participants included believers from 11 Parishes in Bermuda, local pioneers, and visitors from the United States including the key­ note speaker, Mrs. Soo Fouts, a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. and its repre­ sentative to the conference, and William Roberts, an assistant to the Auxiliary Board. The conference, sponsored by the Bermuda Teaching Committee, was designed to stimulate a new level of awareness for the im­ mediate challenge facing the Ber­ mudian Baha'i community of con­ Sao Fouts, a member of the National tion goals in Bermuda in preparation solidating the existing Baha'i in­ Spiritual Assembly of the U.S ., dis­ for the election of Bermuda's first Na­ stitutions and expanding the cusses the important role of women in tional Spiritual Assembly during Ricj­ number of believers on the island. winning the teaching and consolida- van 1981. The secretary of the Bermuda

8 February 1981/Bahll'i News Teaching Committee, Mrs. Valerie representatives to the teaching Richmond, welcomed members of conference. Each representative the local community and guests made a presentation, and all from the U.S. Music was offered by pledged to support the over-all two local believers, and the motion teaching effort in Bermuda. picture "Baha'i Jubilee Samoa" was The importance of consolidation shown at the conference's opening was discussed, and frank and lov­ session. ing consultation was held on this Bermuda's present Baha'i status, subject. accomplishments, remaining goals The friends were urged to trans­ and immediate needs were de­ late the sacrifices of the friends in scribed by two members of the Iran into action. Mr. Roberts asked Bermuda Teaching Committee. the friends at the conference not to During the consultation that fol­ let the suffering of our brothers and lowed, the responsibilities of the sisters in Iran be in vain. individual emerged as all­ Speaking about the goal of William Roberts, an assistant to Auxiliary important. forming Bermuda' s National Board member Katherine McLaughlin, who Referring to how the Seven Year Spiritual Assembly, Mrs. Fouts was a guest speaker at the first Bermuda Plan relates to the development of reminded her audience that every Teaching Conference held last September Baha'i communities and As­ believer has something to contrib­ 19-21, registers for the conference with (left semblies, Mrs. Fouts stressed the ute and that each individual must to right) Carol Basden of Bermuda and Plan's call for Baha'i women to rise to the station of giving his Elizabeth Thomas of the U.S . exercise to the fullest their uniqueness which is our contribu­ privileges and responsibilities in tion to the altar of Bah a' u'llah . the community. Birth, she said, always requires Mrs. Fouts also spoke of the duty struggle, yet that birth is glorious. of the Baha'i institutions as well as the individual to aid in the spiritual education of children. She ac­ knowledged the difficulties and challenges facing Baha'i youth in present day society. Bermuda's Spiritual Assemblies and Groups were invited to send

Children and adults participate in th e Spiritual Assembly of the United States first Bermuda Teaching Conference held (standing third from right) was one of the September 19-21 in Hamilton, Bermuda . conference speakers . Soo Fouts, a member of the National

Participants in the first Bermuda Teaching Conference held September 19-21 in Hamilton, Bermuda, gathered George Symonds and Lloyd Williams, two on the steps of the Baha'i Center for this local Baha'i musicians, entertain partici­ photograph. Among the American be­ pants at the first Bermuda Teaching Confer­ lievers present for the conference was Soo ence last September 19-21 in Hamilton , Fouts (top row far right), a member of the Bermuda. National Spiritual Assembly of the United States .

Baha'i News/February 1981 9 TE RAH

Personal reminiscences of teaching, traveling, loving by a long-time believer

The following article is excerpted In early January 1954 the plane from the book Terah, by Mrs. Terah aboard which the Hand of the Cowart-Smith of Greensboro, North Cause of God Dorothy Baker was Carolina. Mrs. Cowart-Smith, a na­ returning home from an Interna­ tive of Georgia, has traveled exten­ tional Baha'i Conference in Asia sively as a Baha'i teacher and lecturer crashed near the island of Elba in in the U.S., Canada and several Euro­ the Mediterranean Sea. All a board pean countries. In 1947 she became a were lost. This rare, lovely, re­ charter member of the United Nation s markably gifted and distinguished Speakers' Research Committee, estab­ servant of the Cause was my lished by the Baha'i Department of closest friend. Public Information, and served on that During the first 18 months of my committee for 10 years. pioneering days in Atlanta, before

10 February 1981 /Bahll'i News the first confirmation of a member Spiritual Assembly informed me of my class of investigators of the of Dorothy's plight and asked me Teachings, she was my mainstay. to take her assignment. I was willing, but had no one to take The governor of Georgia at that care of the children, and would time ranked first in racism among have had to take a midnight train southern governors. The only to reach Charleston in time for the place I could talk to a black friend meeting. Also, it was Sunday and in public was on the outside steps I didn't have enough cash on hand of the Post Office. An official, ob­ to make the trip. My only recourse serving the quality of our conver­ was the "Remover of Difficulties." sation, said, "You can't talk here." Soon I learned that neither of Although its capital city was con­ the women who sometimes cared sidered cosmopolitan by outsid­ for my two hopefuls was available. ers, the general attitude of Geor­ As I prayed for guidance, the gia's citizens was insular and tradi­ feeling of assurance began to regis­ tional . .. especially in feeling. ter, though I had no clues as to how either of the problems would A lonely time be resolved. I was careful to keep For instance, my next door my focus on the "Remover of neighbor, a college graduate Difficulties." whose little girl was a first-grader About 10 o'clock another phone in school with my Ginny, came to call. I recognized the voice, but it call after six months. She ex­ had such an unusual quality that I The Hand of the Cause of God Dorothy plained her delay by saying, asked, "Dorothy, where are you?" Baker, who was killed in an airplane crash "Well, the van that brought your What a relief when she replied, in 1954, was one of Mrs. Cowart-Smith's household goods was from New "Just south of Chattanooga." closest friends. Yol'k and so you're a foreigner. But I informed her about the Na­ I decided there must be something tional Spiritual Assembly's call good about you because you have and my situation regarding the such nice children." My reply that trip. Quickly, in her usual cheery, I was born in Georgia didn't seem vibrant voice, she said, " Oh, to register. Gradually, through Terah, I'll take care of it myself. I'll carefully developed effort on my just delay my arrival in Florida." part, we became friends . Only a When we met later, she told me person of such penetrating vision as Margaret Mitchell would have dared to categorize the prewar cul­ ture as "Gone With the Wind." On every level my tests were fre­ quent and severe, and I craved an understanding heart in the flesh. It was a difficult and lonely time, but Dorothy always knew when my ebb tide was lowest, and a surprise visit when en route to Florida to see her son, or a phone call would give the needed boost. In one instance she was sched­ uled to speak at a public meeting in Charleston, South Carolina. Not far from her home in Ohio, icy road conditions caused an accident. Dorothy wasn't injured but her car was damaged, so she canceled The author (second from left) at a fireside where she has lived for more than 24 the engagement. About 7 p .m. , after making her fina l move as a Baha'f years. while I was washing the dishes, a teacher, to Greensboro, North Carolina, phone call from the National

Baha'i News/February 1981 11 'Some time later ... there seemed to be two hands pressing on her shoulders, and the voice was emphatic: "Call Terah now!" '

that a little before 8 p.m. that eve­ classes twice each week, and up interest, and then leave before ning an inner voice had said, "Call cooperated with the Canadian Na­ the results are known. The Terah." But she thought it not tional Assembly in holding two Guardian hopes more teachers necessary to do so before she got seminars. This was one of the may be able to remain in a city to Atlanta, as she was staying happiest experiences of my Baha'i until the fruit is garnered. overnight. So she continued driv­ life. I shared our headquarters "The Guardian is happy also ing. Several times the thought to with two young ladies. We had a that you are to devote time now in 1 call me had recurred, but she dis­ / small quaint cottage with a flower the southern states ... he hopes a missed it as before. Some time garden that always reminded me new movement may take place in later, she said, there seemed to be of those in the countryside near the teaching work in the South two hands pressing her shoulders, London and Cambridge, England. which has lagged so badly of late." and the voice was emphatic: "Call The study classes, firesides and Terah now!" Frequently we didn't conferences kept us very busy. This was my last teaching need more than intuition. Our monthly conferences were directive from the Guardian. well attended and the enthusiasm In the fall of 1956 I moved to Teaching in Canada was unmatched. Greensboro, North Carolina, In January 1956 once again At this time the majority of the where my Baha'i sister, Elah, and I changed residences in order to Canadian Baha'i population lived established our home that served serve the Faith in a more crucial in Ontario, so they had the re­ as a center for activities of the Faith territory. From Rochester, New sponsibility for the largest number until she responded to a call to York, to Dundas, Ontario, was my of new units of the administrative help save the Spiritual Assembly fourth move. system. This concentrated work of Fort Myers, Florida. yielded six new Assemblies. No In the early '40s, when I made one had to move more than 50 my first teaching trip to the miles to achieve this goal. Province, I had discovered that the My last letter from Shoghi Ef­ Canadian Baha'is have a plus­ fendi concerned my teaching work indefinable, but a plus. I joined in Dundas. My good friend, the five believers. Our purpose was to Hand of the Cause of God Leroy establish an Assembly and serve Ioas, who had been his close assis­ as a center for special teaching tant for several years, wrote on the projects to help meet Canada's Guardian's behalf: goals of the Ten Year Crusade. "The Guardian has been fol­ Dundas is a small town near the lowing your teaching activities in industrial city of Hamilton. This Canada with interest, through re­ metropolitan area was destined to ports being received. It is most play an important part in the Ten encouraging to get your word on Year Crusade launched by Shoghi the confirmation of six souls and Effendi in 1953. Canada's goal was great interest on the part of others a large increase in new As­ who may also become Baha'is. semblies, and Dundas was an "This indicates the wisdom of ideal location for an intensified visiting teachers who will settle for teaching campaign, for there were a time in a goal city, or area, so the many Baha'is within a radius of 75 fruits of their labors are devel­ miles. oped. Too often our teachers enter For three months we had study a ci ty, assist the local friends, stir

12 February 1981/Bahfl'I News Around the world

Sri Lanka

About 100 believers including three lands, and two international traveling Baha'i summer school at the Regional members of the Auxiliary Board, a teachers from the United Kingdom Baha'i Centre in Kandy, Sri Lanka. representative from the Maldive Is- participated September 20-23 in the

Several people declared their be­ lief in Baha'u'llah during a recent nine-day public proclamation at the National J:Ia?:iratu'l-Quds in Colombo, Sri Lanka, that drew a steady stream of several hundred visitors of Christian, Hindu, Mus­ lim and Zoroastrian backgrounds.

The open house at the Baha'i Center that included displays of Baha'i literature and posters as well as talks by believers was opened with remarks by the chairman and secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Sri Lanka. Speakers at the proclamation's opening cere­ mony included the permanent sec­ retary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

The week-long event that was extended for two additional days received wide publicity in news­ papers and on the radio. Several visitors to the Baha'i Center at­ tended meetings as a result of the proclamation effort. Jamshed Fozdar (left), chairman of the Assembly's plan to inaugurate the ob­ National Spiritual Assembly of Sri servance of World Religion Day in Sri Lanka, presents a copy of The Procla- Lanka and to establish a close relation­ mation of Baha'u'llah to His Emi- ship with the heads of the other princi­ nence, Thomas Cardinal Cooray, the pal religions in that country. leading prelate of the Roman Catholic Church in Sri Lanka. The presentation was a part of the National Spiritual

Baha'i News/February 1981 13 Brazil

Last January the Baha'i commu­ Additionally, a motion of con­ universal belief, which manifests in nity of , Brazil, began gratulations to the Baha'i commu­ an incomparable way the longing distributing 420 copies of the book nity was approved by the state's for peace and brotherhood, inher­ Call to the Nations, extracts from the legislative body and published in ent to all mankind, among the writings of , to the official government journal. peoples of the world. prominent citizens of the state as The following is a translation of Rio de Janeiro, 31 July 1980. part of a proclamation effort that that motion: signed, Deputy Atila Nunes." included publicity in Brazil's "Deputy Atila Nunes proposes: As a result of this successful ef­ largest daily newspaper. I ask the Board to transmit to the fort, the National Spiritual Assem­ The books were accompanied by Baha'i Community of Rio de bly of Brazil has decided to expand a letter requesting comments on Janeiro a motion of congratulations the proclamation campaign to the the book. A remarkable number of for releasing the exceptional book entire country. The book will be letters has been received by the Call to the Nations, written by the sent to 3,000 prominent people in Spiritual Assembly of Rio de distinguished thinker Shoghi Ef­ all areas of human endeavor. Janeiro. fendi, a genuine masterpiece of Botswana Ethiopia More than 150 people from seven countries attended an inter­ national Baha'i summer school August 23-29 in Mahalapye, Botswana, that was planned by the Continental Board of Coun­ sellors for Southern Africa. Participants including 115 adults and 41 children came from Zam­ bia, Malawi, Lesotho, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Swaziland. Registration fees paid by par­ ticipants not only defrayed all costs of the summer school but also resulted in a generous contri­ Speakers at the UN Day obseroance last Kingsly Dube, chief of the Information bution to the Fund from those at October 24 at the Baha'i Center in Office at the UN Economic Commis­ the school. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, included sion for Africa, and Ato Eshetu Hap­ Many participants spoke of the (standing at left) Belete Worku, treas- temariam, chairman of the Spiritual unity at the summer school as its urer of the National Spiritual Assem- Assembly of Addis Ababa and master of most striking aspect. bly of Ethiopia and the Assembly's UN ceremonies for the UN Day obseroance. liaison officer; and (seated left to right) Iceland Members of the Addis Ababa The subject was the "United Na­ More than 50 believers, includ­ Baha'i community and approx­ tions and World Peace." ing Eskil Lundberg, a Knight of imately 70 invited guests attended The representative of the UN Baha'u'llah, and three other guests the October 24 observance of Economic Commission for Africa from the Faroe Islands, attended United Nations Day that was spon­ praised the efforts of the UN' s Iceland's Baha'i Winter School dur­ sored by the National Spiritual As­ non-governmental organizations ing the last week of December. sembly of Ethiopia and hosted by such as the Baha'i International the Spiritual Assembly of Addis Community for their constant and The school was held at Ababa. progressive support of the UN and Olfusborgir, an hour's drive The meeting in the Addis Ababa world peace. "The work of the southeast of Reykjavik. Class Baha'i Center was opened by the Baha'is is commendable," he said. topics included Baha'u'llah's life, chairman of the Spiritual Assembly The UN representative an­ His purpose for mankind and the of Addis Ababa. Other speakers swered questions from the audi­ changes He has brought to man, as were the National Spiritual As­ ence, and the program was con­ well as the Will and Testament of sembly's treasurer and liaison offi­ cluded with a Baha'i prayer for 'Abdu'l-Bahti . cer, and the chief of the Informa­ mankind read by the chairman of tion Office at the United Nations the Spiritual Assembly of Addis Economic Commission for Africa. Ababa.

14 February 1981/Bahil'l News United States

Louhelen Baha'i School Davison. Mi< higan An artist's conception of the proposed 'arc' formed by several new buildings original school that was closed in 1974 Louhelen Baha'i School in Davison, soon to be constructed on the site of the for reasons of safety. Michigan, showing the concept of an

The National Spiritual Assembly preservation of a few of the original the sale of the promissory notes is of the U.S. has approved plans for buildings and the construction of registered in compliance with state the reconstruction of the Louhelen new buildings to serve the present law. Approval by most of the states Baha'i School in Davison, Michi­ and future needs of the commu­ in the eastern half of the country gan, that was first opened in 1931 nity. was given last October. and closed in 1974 for reasons of The National Spiritual Assembly Bids were opened October 28 on safety. has approved the sale of prom­ the first phase of the project that The beloved Guardian, Shoghi issory notes to Baha'is to expe­ includes preliminary site work, Effendi, commented about the im­ dite raising the funds needed to underground utilities, foundations portance of this Baha'i school in no support the project. The National for four buildings and the less than 50 of his letters. Treasurer's Office has selected in­ superstructure of the School Cen­ The $1.8 million reconstruction dividuals to act as its agents in the ter building. project calls for the restoration and approximately 26 states in which

Kenya

Two members of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Central and East Af­ rica, Peter Vuyiya (third from left) and Isobel Sabri (far right) were among members of a delegation presenting Baha'i books to the speaker of the Ken­ yan Parliament (fourth from left). Other believers at the meeting are John Huddleston, a traveling teacher from the U.S. (far left); Mr. Sobheil, a member of the National Spiritual As­ sembly of Kenya (second from left); and Katherine Mboya, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of Nairobi (fifth from left) .

Baha'i News/February 1981 15 Cameroon Republic Participants in the second Baha'i Summer School in English-speaking Cameroon, held last September 6-12 at Buea, assembled for this group photo­ graph. Continental Counsellor Mihdf Samandari is in the second row at the far left.

Approximately 40 people guest speaker. riage on the last day of the school, attended the second Baha'i sum­ Baha'i books were presented to a Baha'i wedding took place be­ mer school in the English­ summer school students who suc­ tween a Persian pioneer to Chad speaking area of the Cameroon cessfully completed a simple and a Canadian pioneer. Non­ Republic last September 6-12 at examination that followed classes Baha'i guests expressed their Buea, Cameroon. Dr. Mihdi and a series of workshops on appreciation for the simple cere­ Samandari, a Continental Coun­ Baha'i administration. mony and joyous atmosphere. sellor for Western Africa, was a Following a talk on Baha'i mar-

This well-attended Baha'i children's class is held daily in the small village of Mfaitok, Cameroon Republic. The classes are held at the local I:f~iratu ' l-Quds that was constructed by the friends in Mfaitok .

Children join the adults in working to care for the grounds of the district I:fa?iratu'l-Quds in Mamfe Town, Cameroon Republic.

16 February 1981 /Baha'i News Mexico Finland Progress is being made in meet­ ing Mexico's Seven Year Plan goal of translating Baha'i literature into a number of indigenous languages. The short Obligatory Prayer has recently been translated into 25 in­ digenous languages spoken in the State of Oaxaca where approx­ imately 60 mutually unintelligible Indian languages are spoken. Translations of the short Oblig­ atory Prayer have been made into nine Zapotec languages, five Mix­ tec languages, four Chinantec lan­ Continental Counsellor Betty Reed Finland. She is shown here with the guages, and two Mixe languages as (front row center holding purse) par- nearly 40 believers from all parts of well as the Zoque, Huave, ticipated in a National Teaching Con- Finland who attended the conference. Amuzgo, Mazatec and Cuicatec erence last August 30-31 in Tampere, languages. Alaska El Salvador Fifty-six believers from 16 Alas­ One hundred-fifty believers from ences. kan communities attended the all parts of El Salvador, some of Progress on the goals of the June 30-July 5 Chilkat Valley Baha'i Persian or American descent, Seven Year Plan was discussed, Summer School in Haines, Alaska. attended a National Teaching Con­ along with the recent sacrifices of gress August 24 that was held in a Iranian believers and the recent Program speakers included home on the outskirts of San Sal­ loss of the four Hands of the Cause Robert Putnam, treasurer of the vador. of God. National Spiritual Assembly of Members of the National Music by children and the con­ Alaska, and Auxiliary Board mem­ Spiritual Assembly of El Salvador ference host and hostess were bers Ray Hudson and Raye Mullin. and assistants to Auxiliary Board presented during breaks in the con­ Classes were presented on Baha'i members shared teaching experi- ference. history, the Kitab-i-Aqdas and the Book of Revelation in the Bible. Argentina Separate classes were conducted for children and youth. Evening entertainment included square dancing and the presenta­ tion of skits. Those at the summer school enjoyed a Persian dinner that was prepared by Zarin Malmiri, a traveling teacher from Luxembourg.

Pakistan

Approximately 180 people in­ cluding a large number of youth from 25 localities in Pakistan attended a Baha'i summer school held August 1-5 at Baha'i House in Rawalpindi. Members of the Regional Teaching Committees of Sind, Some of the believers at the Baha'i a Continental Counsellor for South Punjab and Baluchistan met dur­ Winter School held Jul11 12-13 in America, (far right), was one of the ing the summer school to lay out a Saenz Pena, Argentina, gathered for participants. program for the futherance of the this group photograph. Athas Costas, Cause in the northern part of the country.

Baha'i News/February 1981 17 The Secret in the Garden tells the story of an old woman who sets out Available from to bring happiness to a troubled village-and of the young girl Baha'i Publishing Trust who discovers the secret, wins the villagers' attention by her deeds, 523 Green Bay Road and then helps show, through a multicolored and diversified garden, how unity is achieved. Wilmette, IL 60091

The warm illustrations, half in color, half in black and white, add layers of WINIFRED BARNUM NEWMAN, an artist, meaning and hours of enjoyment to the story. The author's wit and writer, and designer, is an instructor in the program humor touch the text as well as the tiniest details on each page, for the gifted at Trinity University. Her drawings, paintings, sculptures, and murals can be found delighting not only children but the young of every age. Can you find the in private collections throughout the sleeping cat who comes awake as the villagers learn about living United States and Canada. together and appreciating differences?

The Secret in the Garden is also available as a cassette recording, narrated by Susan Engle, who sings a special song created for the book. The musical background and sound effects are by Collins Trier and Susan Engle . .

Ages 5- 1 O years. 32 pages 51/4 x 81/4 inches ISBN 0-87743-151 -5 Cloth 7-53-13 $5.00 Cassette 6·32-05 $3.00 Book/ Cassette 7-Q3-15 $7.50