I I HA'r NEWS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES FOR BAHA'IS ONLY
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No. 476 BAHA:. YEAR 127 NOVEMBER 1970
Continental and Oceanic Conferences Promote Goals of Nine Year Plan
La Paz: Official group photograph of Continental Conference with Hand of the Cause RulJ,iyyih Khtinum, center
BIENYEIOOS AlA CONFEREICU - CONTINENTAL In front of the Conference Hall, Club La Paz. View of the platform in Conference Hall ... in star above: "The earth is one country and mankind its citizens."
The following reports have been received from the Continental Conference held in La Paz, Bolivia and the Oceanic Conference at Rose Hill, Mauritius from August 14 through August 17, 1970.
The unique and glorious historic Continental Confer gentina; Mr. Jamshid Arjomandi for Propagation in ence in La Paz, Bolivia was blessed with the presence Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana, Trinidad and Toba of Amatu'l-Baha Rul).iyyih Khanum, representative of go, and in the Amazon, North Brazil. Two other Auxil the Universal House of Justice, with five members of iary Board members were appointed during the Confer the Continental Boards of Counsellors in South and ence: Sr. Emilio Ramon Moreira, for Propagation in Central America and one Counsellor from Europe. The Uruguay and the beloved native Indian friend, Sr. 641 friends gathered for that occasion also included Rufino Gualavisi for Propagation in Ecuador. twelve Auxiliary Board members, thirty-nine National A great Unity Feast took place on the night of August Spiritual Assembly members and representatives of 13th. After prayers in many languages, Amatu'l-Baha nineteen countries including believers from the most ~reeted the friends: "We must remember, that tens of northerly territory of Keewatin in the Northwest Terri thousands of Baha'is are with us on this occasion". She tories, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth McCulloch, who have lovingly told the friends that she liked to think of the pioneered for thirteen years among the Eskimos. many souls who had passed on who were also with the The American Indian people, given the special prom friends at the Conference. "They see us ... truly, there ise by 'Abdu'l-Baha that they are destined to illumine is a great host with us tonight, both in this world and the entire world, shed a great light of spirituality, the next, in this Feast of Unity. I firmly believe that if love and unity throughout the conference. All present in our hearts we are truly united that a great force will felt the reality that "These souls are Thy heavenly be created to influence all South America ..." army". Among those valiant souls were members of the minority Negro race from the United States, Brazil, Conference opens Ecuador and Colombia; Guajibos from Venezuela; Cariiias from Venezuela; Guajiros from Colombia and The Inauguration of the Conference on August 14th, Venezuela; Matacos from Argentina; Quechuas from translated into two languages, Quechua and Spanish, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru; Aymaras from Bolivia and opened with the loving greetings from the Universal Peru; Mapuches from Chile; Choc6es from Colombia; House of Justice conveyed through their distinguished Motilones from Colombia; Kiriris from Brazil; Arawak.s representative, Amatu'l-Baha Rul).iyyih Khanum. In from Surinam and a Sioux pioneer from the United her opening remarks she said, "We are gathered to States. gether on the roof of the Western Hemisphere. To me this particular gathering is unique. We are here on the Altiplano ..."She spoke of the Teachings and Promises Receptions held of Baha'u'llah, then addressing the original inhabi Informal receptions were held on the two nights tants of the Americas, she said, "You have a very, very preceding the Conference. During this time the South great responsibility before God and Baha'u'llah. You American Continental Board of Counsellors announced are the ones who must teach your own people the the appointment of three additional Auxiliary Board Message of Baha'u'llah." And again, addressing the members: Miss Katharine Meyer for Protection in entire Congress, ''When people see a great gathering Chile; Mrs. Maralynn Dunbar for Propagation in Ar- like this, it is news all over the world. To have people of BAH1\-i NEWS 3 different backgrounds come together in real unity and The spirit of the Indian friends can best be expr essed love, this is unknown to the world outside." t hrough some of their own words at the Conference: A That night an illum inated (kerosene-lit) sign fl ared Bolivian Quechua said, "We are servants of God. All across t he range of mountains overlooking La Paz until my pains have disappeared in this great spiritual midnight announcing to the inhabitants of the city in assembly... "; a Colombian Guajira said, "We have to letters, about five kilom eters lon g, "CONFERENCIA share the Teachings that Baha'u'llah has brou ght BAHA'f." with all the peoples on earth . . . Many p eople are r eady, they listen and they weep when we bring them these New plans made Teachings."; a Venezuelan Guajira said, " Our people of my race don't know how to read and write. Only During the Conference period National Spiritual As through Baha'u'llah have I been able to know all of sembly m em bers present met in consultation to formu you." late n ew plans, and gathered the following statistics of A call for pioneers and traveling teachers resulted in m ass conversion victories: F rom August, 1969 to RiQ thirty-one pioneer offers and 113 offers for traveling van , 1970, 7000 new believers were enrolled in South teaching. Funds were contributed, including an amount America and from Ri9van, 1970 to August, 1970 (3 fo r the Panam a Temple, a generous contribution for months) there were 23 ,000 enrollments, thus the South the Continental Fund and the Persian friends in Brazil American community has increased by more than offered funds for a Teaching Institute in Sucre, Bolivia; 30,000 believers during this past year. fo r a Teaching Institute in Colombia and for a Colom bian Summer School. Official welcome extended The Conference officially closed as Amatu'l-Baha addressed the gathering with these words, "God bless The Minister of Education extended a welcome to the you all. .. as you go forth to conquer South America!" Conference in the name of the President of the Republic and of the Bolivian Government. He said that the Reception by the President government of Bolivia has considered the Conference of great importance. He then embraced many of the On the day after the closing of the Continental Con Indian campesino friends. After he left the Confer ference word was received through the Minister of ence Hall Ru.l:1iyyih Khanum said, " We can show Education that the President of the Republic would people that the Message of Baha'u'llah works. Others receive all the Baha'is in the Presidential Palace. can't do this. What the Minister of Education saw here About 350 beleivers, led by the beloved Hand of the he will never forget, for he never saw it before. He saw Cause, met with the President for a televised interview. not words, but the reality, and he will never forget it." The President said that he had been in Haifa and knew P ublic interest in the Conference was great and the the Baha'i Holy Places a nd knew the objectives of the Conference was a great proclamation event throughout Baha'is. He expressed the hope that the Baha'is would Bolivia, proclaimed on television and radio and by the continue working for the welfare of all the peoples of press and attractive posters. El Dario, the leading the world. He requested the delegates to take back his capital newspaper had a full-page article and follow-up personal greetings to each of their own countries. stories. La Presencia, which has a wide circulation, A touching incident at that interview was the impul featured a half-page and other stories. There was a full sive gesture of a Bolivian Quechua who took off a long hour's television program, as well as a televised pro woven scarf and put it around the President's neck gram of the Minister of Education's visit with the saying: "This is a remembrance of love from the Baha'is. Two radio stations interviewed the beloved Bolivian Bah a 'is and from all of us." The President Hand of the Cause, and the hall was filled for the public accepted it with appreciation, giving Julian Ugarte, the meeting where an estimated 200 people heard Ru}fiyyih believer, a big embrace as photographs were taken of Khanum speak. the two of them together.
Ecuadorian, Peruvian and Bolivian Quechua friends together. In center : Andres Jachakollo, first campesino Boliv ian believer. A t far r i ght: Rufino Gualavisi, newly appointed Auxiliary Quechua and Aymara Boliv ian friends entertain with typical Board member, Ecuador. music and dances. 4 NOVEMBER 1970
Hand of the Cause Amatu'l-Bahci Rul;iyyih Khcinum arrives at airport on Altiplano, La Paz.
The President of the Republic of Bolivia General Alfredo Baha'i from Bolivia presents gift for the Universal House of Ovando Candia receives The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah from Justice to Rul;iyyih Khcinum. Amatu'l-Bahci Rul).iyyih Khcinum.
Ocean At the airport there were signs and placards herald Over 1,000 Baha'is attended the first Indian Oceanic ing the event, and the atmosphere was festive. News Conference. They were uplifted to new heights of dedi reel pictures of the arrival of various parties including cation by the presence of three Hands of the Cause, Mr. Hands of the Cause, nine members of the Continental William Sears, representative of the Universal House of Boards of Counsellors, ten Auxiliary Board members Justice, Dr. Ral:imatu'llah Muhajir and Mr. Jalal Kha and 104 official delegates representing twenty countries zeh. appeared on television before the Conference opened. BAHA'i NEWS 5
Mauritius: Left to right: Hands of the Cause Mr. Jalcil Mauritius: left to right: Mrs. Shirin Boman, member Co.nti Khcizeh, Mr. William Sears, representative of the Universal nental Board of Counsellors in Western Asia; Sir Seewoosagar House of Justice, Dr. Ral).matu' ll "The official reception held the night before the During special evening sessions the Hands of the registration", said Mr. Sears, "was an unqualified Cause, Counsellors, Auxiliary Board members and Na success, surely unique of its kind ... in the history of tional Spiritual Assembly representatives worked out the Oceanic and Continental Conferences". Among the practical plans for the accomplishment of the remain 250 guests present at the reception were the Prime ing goals of the Nine Year Plan. Minister, every member of the Diplomatic Corps in One special evening was devoted to consultation on cluding the French Ambassador, four members of the the needs of deputization, and the Continental and Cabinet, two Mayors, also the UN Representative, the Panama Temple Funds. A total of 350,000 Rupees Head of the Peace Corps and leading businessmen in (approximately $67,000 U.S.) was pledged or contrib the Island. uted. The believers at the opening session of the Confer ence were inspired by Mr. Sears who presented the Call for pioneers message of the Universal House of Justice which estab lished the direction and goals of the Conference and the The final day was devoted to the most important victories already won in the Nine Year Plan. need, that of pioneers. Twenty-seven former and pre sent pioneers to Africa were called to the stage. Indige Conference opens nous African believers made a stirring appeal for as many as possible to arise to offer their assistance to the The Saturday session was opened with an address by pioneers already assembled on the stage. The response the Minister of Education of Mauritius. He had obvious was beyond all expectations. Two-hundred and nine ly studied the Baha'i Writings carefully and expressed teen Baha'is, mostly young Mauritians, offered to pio his own ideal of education through the Words of the neer in the African and Indian Ocean countries! Sixty beloved Master. of them enrolled in a two-month training school. The public meeting was attended by 1,500 people, including the Mayor of Rose Hill, the host City, by other Devotions at Temple site government figures, press, radio and television. The public Conference Hall was filled, and people stood in On that day, grateful friends held devotions at the the corridors and outside the hall as Mr. Sears gave a newly-acquired Indian Ocean Temple site which nestles light-hearted and most delightful introduction to the beneath one of the Island's beautiful mountains and Faith. rests upon a 16-acre plateau overlooking the vast emer Total press coverage thus far included television ald Indian Ocean and the city of Port-Louis. interviews (three in English and one in Hindi), two At sundown, Mr. Sears closed the session addressing preview announcements in the press, one press inter an audience which was ablaze by the fire of love, eyes view with Mr. Sears and coverage of the arrival of the glittering with tears of joy and sadness, for the Confer delegates, plus a full-page story in the Mauritius ence had reached an apex, yielded its fruit and now the Times. harvest was to begin. 6 OCTOBER 1970 Hands of the Cause Welcomed Around the World Hand of the Cause That afternoon an audience of over one hundred friends, the majority of whom were either Indians or Ru~lyyih Khanum youth, gathered to hear stories of her travels and At the close of the National Baha'i Youth Conference experiences in the Faith. in June, Hand of the Cause of God RUJ:iiyyih Khanum hurried to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There, more than five In Montreal hundred believers gathered to hear her speak. The In Montreal many eager Baha'is pressed forward at Milwaukee Sentinel, one of the largest newspapers in the airport for a glimpse of Amatu'l-Baha. "Perhaps," the area, published an illustrated report which dom reported the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada, inated the entire religious section of the paper. "the way in which she has endeared herself to the believers in every clime was seen best in her immedi Visits United States ate response to the knowledge that an early believer From Milwaukee the beloved Hand of the Cause who could not walk very well had come to the· interna journeyed south to Fort Valley, Georgia, to participate tional section (downstairs, and at the other end of the in the Southeastern Baha'i Summer School. The follow airport). Immediately, the long trek commenced-and ing is extracted from the cable sent by the School, July ended in a warm embrace for .the grateful, happy 7, to The Universal House of Justice : believer." The audience of about 450 which gathered in Montreal "THE SUN OF BAHA CONTINUES RiSE SOUTHERN STATES FULFILLMENT GUARDIAN'S PROMISE stood as Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts GRATEFUL RESPONSE SPIRIT RELEASED PRES escorted RU.l).iyyih Khanum to the platform. Mr. Ro ENCE HANDS CAUSE GOD AMATU'L-BAHA barts quoted the words of 'Abdu'l-Baha, spoken about Rill:JiYYIH KHANUM AND DHIKRU'LLAH !UlA her when he stayed at her home in Montreal in 1912: "I DEM. BELIEVERS ATTENDING SOUTHEASTERN BAHA'i SUMMER SCHOOL UTILIZED LAST beg of God that this little child may become radiant TWENTY-FOUR HOURS SCHOOL MASS TEACHING and wonderful in the Divine Kingdom." He also spoke NEARBY TOWNS. RESULT PERRY (GEORGIA) SIXTY about her service on the first youth committee in the FOUR NEW BELIEVERS FORT VALLEY FIFTY entire Baha'i world. The finest tribute was paid when THREE MARSHALLVILLE EIGHTY-ONE. TOTAL TWELVE NEW CENTERS OPENED. TWO HUNDRED the words of the Guardian were read wherein he THIRTY NEW BELIEVERS. SIX PIONEERS AROSE referred to her as his "helpmate" and his "indefatig EXPAND CONSOLIDATE VICTORIES. OVER FOUR able collaborator." TEEN HUNDRED D 0 LL A R S CONTRIBUTED FUND ..." Amatu'l-Baha then visited the Canadian Baha'i com To South America munity. After she participated in a conference in Van Ru.l).iyyih Khanum left Canada, stopping briefly in couver, she traveled eastward to meet the friends at the Peru en route to the Continental Conference in La Paz, Baha'i Institute at Fort Qu'Appelle in Saskatchewan, Bolivia, where she represented the Universal House of and continued on to Montreal for a third meeting. Justice. She now plans to return to Africa to resume her "Ru.l).iyyih Khanum's title 'Amatu'l-Baha'," the Ca interrupted journey in that continent. Mrs. Violette nadian National Spiritual Assembly informed the Na.IQijavani, of the World Center, has been her travel friends, "means 'Maidservant of God.' When we realize ing companion during these extensive journeys. that she traveled 18,000 miles prior to her visit to Canada, and that she will spend a year traveling to South America and in Africa before returning to her Hand of the Cause home in Haifa, we must surely agree that her title is most appropriate." Alf-Akbar Furutan In Vancouver 800 Baha'is and guests heard her speak On April 23, Hand of the Cause of God 'Ali Akbar at the three-day conference. The believers gathered Furutan departed from the Holy Land to visit Europe from 144 communities as far distant as Samoa and an Baha'i communities. He participated in the National Hawaii, in the south, and Alaska and the Northwest Convention for Germany and attended their summer Territories, in the north. school, remaining in that country approximately two On her way to Fort Qu' Appelle, Ru.l).iyyih Khanum months. stopped briefly in Regina for a reception in her honor. At a gathering in the Hotel Saskatchewan, her talk Visits Europe created a warm and gracious atmosphere. She was welcomed to the city by the Mayor, who presented her Press coverage of Mr. Furutan's visit was excellent. with a brooch as a symbol of the city's respect. From March 21 to mid-May, sixty-two newspapers At Fort Qu'Appelle the Indians honored her with a carried sixty-nine articles on the Baha'i Faith. These special ceremony called a "Welcome Song and Dance." same newspapers have a total circulation of about three •• BAHA'I NEWS 7 and a-half million; possibly ten percent of the West activity in the communities visited to assure comple German population read about the Faith during this tion of the Nine Year Plan goals, and also to spark the period. techniques and processes of mass conversion. In mid-June Mr. Furutan visited Austria to attend a Seminar there, and following his stay in Germany he In East Africa took part in the Baha'i Summer Schools in Finland, Going forth again in July, he visited Persia for an Denmark, and the Netherlands. He returned to the intensive week prior to consultations in the Holy Land. Holy Land on July 29. Proceeding through Africa to teach and to confer with National Assemblies and Continental Boards of Coun sellors, he met with the National Spiritual Assemblies Hand of the Cause of Kenya and Tanzania prior to a long stay in Uganda Abu'l-Qasim Faizf where, in the village of Tilling, he further intensified an ongoing first mass conversion in that area and activat Hand of the Cause of God A. Q. Faizi, before visiting ed a special conference of pioneers and teachers. Europe, spent some time traveling in Africa immedi Flying to Rwanda and Burundi, to Zambia, ately following RiQ.van. He had scheduled visits with Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland, to Mozambique, the believers in deepening classes, but was also able to Rhodesia and Malawi, to Tanzania, Comoro Island and assist with proclamation of the Faith in the places he Madagascar, Dr. Muhajir conferred with the adminis visited. trative and teaching bodies and participated in a wide The newly formed National Spiritual Assembly of range of teaching activities. Ghana reported that the highlight of a simultaneous At the Oceanic Conference in Rose Hill, Mauritius, he visit of Hands of the Cause Mr. Faizi and Mr. Jalcil conducted the vital discussions on mass conversion in Khazeh was a fifteen minute television interview in Africa and the Islands, and shared in the many special which they appeared together, presenting for the first consultations which made that conference an historic time on television the universal nature of the Faith. and high-point event for long years to come. Returning "Most important," reported the National Spiritual through Africa to the Holy Land, Dr. Muhajir will teach Assembly, "was Mr. Faizi's kindness toward the pio in Iran before returning home to India. neers. He spent much of his time speaking to them and answered their questions and inspired them to new heights of dedication and work." Hand of the Cause In West Africa Enoch Olinga The Cameroon Republic reported that Mr. Faizi spent A successful proclamation program had been inaugu three days in Victoria where he stressed the necessity rated in Chile prior to the arrival of Hand of the Cause of having firm foundations in the Faith, strengthening of God Enoch Olinga on May 21. In addition, a news the Cause so it can support great growth in the future. reporter from Radio P. Balmaceda (which broadcasts While in Victoria he was interviewed by a West Came in long wave, two short waves, and frequency modula· roon newspaper thus providing excellent publicity for tion), together with thirty-four radio stations through the Faith. out the country, broadcast his arrival directly from the Mr. Faizi then went to Douala, in East Cameroon, airport. and spoke to the friends at length in French, answering questions in both French and English. "This was a In Chile very, very special treat for the friends to have the That same evening, the national television network bounty of a Hand of the Cause and to be able to listen gave a five-minute survey of the Baha'i Faith during and ask questions about their beloved Faith in their the most popular news program. While explaining the own language." spiritual requisites which a Prophet must fulfill, a picture of 'Abdu'l-Baha was kept on the screen. A Hand of the Cause picture of the Kampala House of Worship was also Ra~matu'llah shown. Muhajir In Valparaiso, Chile's major port and second city, an Hand of the Cause of God Ral_lmatu'llah Muhajir has interview with the Hand of the Cause was broadcast continued his meteoric travel teaching in Asia, the twice by one of the two local television channels. He Pacific, and Africa. He recently completed two exten also spoke on the radio, and an interview was published sive journeys, the first centering about the RiQ.van in the evening newspaper. "Baha'u'llah," "The Ba Conventions, the second focusing upon the mid-August ha'i Faith," and the principle of the unity of mankind Conference of the South Indian Ocean in Mauritius. were heard repeatedly. In late April, in company with Hand of the Cause of When Mr. Olinga descended from the plane in Temu God Collis Featherstone, Dr. Muhajir galvanized the co, the heart of the Mapuche area, the news of his nascent national community of the Fiji Islands at its arrival was directly transmitted by the most powerful first Annual Convention. Then, flying to Japan, he radio station of the South Radio Cooperativa Vitalicia. provided a great stimulus to the Annual Convention for There, the Governor of the Province received Mr. Northeast Asia. Next, he flew on to confer with the Olinga. He was so impressed that he called a press newly elected National Spiritual Assembly of Korea, conference and expressed his appreciation of the great and finally, to the Annual Convention of the Philippines honor of receiving such a distinguished guest. Several before returning to India. articles regarding the visit appeared in newspapers. Dr. Muhajir's particular mission has been to heighten Finally, a crowd of 350 people, most of whom were 8 NOVEMBER 1970 young, filled the theater of Nueva Imperial, a town next they were inspired by his tribute to the press and its to the Indian reservations, to hear Mr. Olinga speak. responsibilities as a new instrument for a New Age. As Our beloved Hand of the Cause was surrounded by the members of one family, as long-time and cherished people following his talk. friends, they partook of the sumptuous material feast As a result of his visit, of Chile's ten million inhabi which had been prepared for them. The fruits of this tants, nearly a million must have heard the name of luncheon were widespread newspaper and television Baha'u'llah. publicity of the event and, particularly, of Mr. Olinga as a Hand of the Cause of God. Valuable friendships At Temple Site in Panama were made, and promises of greater services for the Initial news releases and public invitations for Mr. Faith through these media were assured. Olinga's visit to Panama were prepared, delivered to A warm and cordial interview with the Governor of the press, and publication began July 4 and continued the Canal Zone increased the prestige of Mr. Olinga's through July 14. A total of twenty stories, announce visit. But perhaps the most exciting moment of all was ments, and numerous pictures appeared in the major the reception accorded to him by the Provisional Presi Panama dailies. dent of the Republic of Panama, His Excellency Deme On the morning of July 5, approximately sixty Ba trio Lacas. ha'is and friends gathered at the Temple site for The President confessed his ignorance of the funda prayers. The excitement aroused by the progress on the mental teachings and precepts of the Faith. He listened Temple's construction, combined with a particularly most attentively; his excitement increased each time hot sun, and the anticipation of the pending arrival of "Baha" was mentioned; and, finally, with great emo our beloved Hand were almost unbearable. Most of the tion he inquired. "What is the meaning of Baha?" As friends joined the official welcoming party in the air Mr. Olinga explained it to him, the President fumbled port's diplomatic room. At that time, Mr. Olinga was in his pocket, pulled forth his wallet, exposed his interviewed and photographed for television transmis identification card, and exclaimed, "Look at this! My sion. mother's maiden name is 'Baha.' I have often won Mr. Olinga was visibly touched by the warmth and dered about its origin and meaning." grandeur of his welcome at the airport, but when he Mr. Olinga thrilled him with an exposition of the arrived at his hotel and glanced up at the marquee, he Baha'i teachings in regard to the special positions of was quite overcome with emotion. Below the inscrip Panama and the prophecies of its spiritual importance. tion, Hotel Ejecutivo, appeared the following: "BIEN "The eyes of millions of people around the world are VENIDA AL SENOR ENOCH OLINGA DIRIGENTE focused on Panama. The Baha'is of the world are DE LA FE BAHAI." building a House of Worship in Panama. Contributions Tuesday, a press conference and luncheon were held. come from Baha'is all over the world. They have a Representatives of the local press and television, as vested interest in Panama, and so they pray for the well as the International News Service in Panama, welfare and progress of your country." were present. An amazing thing occurred. The magic Then Mr. Olinga told the story of a certain Baha'i enchantment of the spiritual love for which Mr. Olinga community in Biafra which had suffered the depriva is a channel immediately subdued and humbled these tions and starvation of that tragic country and how, guests. In a spirit of respect, sympathy, and agreement upon their first contact with visiting Baha'is after the Group of Bahci'is attending National Conference held in Bogota during the visit to Colombia of Hand of the Cause of God, Enoch Olinga. July 4 and 5, 1970 BAHA'i NEWS 9 cessation of hostilities, their first request was, "Tell us Hand, beaming but weary." about the progress of the Panama Temple." They had Radio broadcasts that day, from the only radio sta lost everything; they had nothing. They were suffering tion in the country, gave first place in the news to the from hunger, but they offered two coconuts to the story of his arrival, and a list of his scheduled appear visiting Baha'is. "Please send these to the Universal ances was broadcast. The press had also given his visit House of Justice as our contribution to the Temple in excellent coverage. Panama. We have nothing else to give." "Incredible," That night, Mr. Olinga spoke to an audience of about the President responded, in a barely audible whisper. one hundred. Attentive and captivated, the audience The activities of the week, and especially of this day, listened carefully and heard the clear message of the reached a climax at noon with the Commemoration of Faith. At the close, Mr. Olinga was questioned further the Martyrdom of the Bab. On this high note of spiritu about Baha'u'llah. · ality, Mr. Olinga departed on the next lap of his journey On Monday morning Mr. Olinga was cordially re around the world. ceived by the Premier. Radio and press featured his * * * visit. The Minister of Internal Affairs was met outside From Ecuador, where there were 11,000 believers at the Premier's office and, in a short chat with Mr. Ric;lvan 1970, a cable dated July 2 was received at the Olinga, spoke admiringly of the Baha'is. World Center: At Liberty Hall that evening, Mr. Olinga held "Open "TOTAL BELIEVERS NOW 13,000 UNDER INSPIRA- House for Youth." The following evening, at another TION HAND OLINGA. " public meeting in that same hall, it was noted that * * * several of the youth had returned to hear the Hand speak again. Visit to Belize On the date of his departure the friends bade "a In Belize, on Sunday, July 19, friends from Burrel reluctant farewell to the beloved Hand whose radiant Boom, from the Capital Site, and from Belize City and magnetic spirit, all-embracing love and inner spiri were still gathered at the airport to meet Mr. Olinga tual power, so keenly felt by us all, had done so much despite the fact that his flight was thr ee hours late. in a short time . . . (and) watched his jet roar into the "The only passenger to disembark in Belize," report clouds, then turned away to face the task of consolida ed the National Spiritual.Assembly, "was our beloved ting all he had won for us." Uganda First Youth Institute The first National Baha'i Youth Institute of Uganda was held at Kikaaya Hill, Kampala, from August 6 to August 6-12, 1970 12, with Hand of the Cause of God William Sears in attendance on August 8. The Institute opened with a beautiful service at the House of Worship, and classes were held in the I:Ia?iratu'l-Quds. The Thursday morning session reached its climax with the timely appearance of Continental Board of Counsellors members Oloro Epyeru and Kolonario Oule, who addressed the youth and provided much inspiration. In the late afternoon, after the lesson on the Covenant of Baha'u'llah, Susan Lawson suggested each student commit himself to an individual goal, which could be enlarged upon as the week progressed. The stu dents responded, exchanged ideas, and availed them selves of the books in the library. The evening was ior recreation, with Donna Taylor leading the youth in song. On F r iday there were many lively sessions, with the students benefiting from the variety of teachers (who became available on rather short notice): Christopher Kabale, Max Kanierezy, and Zylpha Mapp carried the bulk of the courses, ably assisted by Nina Scott, Susan Lawson, Maurine Kraus, Mary Swan, S. Isimai, Moses Senoga (National Spiritual Assembly representative), First Nationai Baha'i Youth Institute heLd at Kikaaya Hm, Okello, and Catherine Kabali. For the evening, Mr. KampaLa, Uganda August 6-12, 1970. Shown are the youth with: Senoga presented slides of scenes around Uganda, and Moses Senoga, member of National Spiritual Assembly of Zylpha Mapp showed slides of Haifa and 'Akka. Uganda, seated second from left; ZyLpha Mapp, American pioneer and National Education Committee of Uganda, Secre Mr. Sears, his wife Marguerite, and Bob Quigley tary, seated fourth from Left. HoLding the Greatest Name is arrived at the Institute on Saturday en route to the Justine Serunjogi, the first girl to attend the institute. (con. page 12) 10 NOVEMBER 1970 Mauritius: Group photograph of the Continental Conference with Hands of the Cause Jalcil Khcizeh, WiHiam Sears, and Rah matu'Ucih Muhcijir, Left center. BAHA'I NEWS 11 - 12 NOVEMBER 1970 (con. from page 9) Mauritius Conference. Mr. Sears compared the Colom bian Youth Conference with our Institute, encouraging us to arise and achieve even greater victories. Three carloads carried the entire group from Kikaaya Hill to the home of the beloved H and of the Cause of God Musa Banani for a meeting of Mr. Sears with the Kampala Baha'is late Saturday afternoon. It was a joyous occasion, with everyone joining in prayers, songs, and laughter. The evening was spent by the students studying the Writings of Baha'u'llah in prepa ration for the Youth Worship Service in the House of Worship on Sunday. After the morning worship service, classes continued with "Local Spiritual Assembly Elections" and work shops creating much interest, and ably conducted by Mr. Senoga, Max Kanierezy, and Christopher Kabale. A very stimulating talk on the Baha'i Faith in Uganda was given by Mr. S. Isimai during the closing Sunday session. Nina Scott was leader for Monday morning, August 10, and gave an interesting session on Laws and Teach First National Baha'i Youth Steering Committee of Uganda. ings. Max and Christopher completed the morning Left to right, seated: Toby Epyeru, chairman; Alfred Aisu, v. classes and, after lunch, accompanied us on our half chairman; B en Ekoot, secretary; standing: A. Tesot, V. Ollang, S. Ejaba, David Nyende, treasurer; Zylpha Mapp, secretary day outing and practice-teaching in the Kampala area. nnd youth advisor. This was the day that over one hundred students from Ngora High School visited the House of Worship. At night there were slides from the London Congress and other memorable events, with many guests from Ki kaaya Hill and environs joining in the festivity. Tuesday's sessions included a great exchange of sessions ended with the election of the first National experiences in individual teaching, a question session Baha'i Youth Steering Committee: Toby Epyeru, chair on pioneering, and a wonderful learning session on man; Alfred Aisu, vice-chairman; Ben Ekoot, secre Bible proofs. Catherine Kabali led the final session, the tary; David Nyende, treasurer. A National Youth Fund subject being "Nutrition ," and this was of special was launched, slides of the Palermo Conference and interest to the young girls present. Bahji were presented, and the session closed with On the seventh day, after breakfast, the students held prayers read in many languages. an inspirational service in the House of Worship, dis (This report is based on information prepared by Zyl cussed the Nine Year Plan goals, and consulted on pha 0. Mapp of the National Education Committee for recommendations the youth had presented. The day's Uganda). Baha'i Children's Day School in Panama The following report has been received from Baha'is of One of the outstanding contributions was by Mr. Fred Panama. Crosdale who obtained a bus and brought forty-three It is an honor to be able to tell others about an event children from Rio Abajo. Another was thirteen-year-old like the one we experienced with the Children's Baha'i pioneer, Teri Rutan, who voluntarily assumed the re Day School, August 29, in Panama. Most of us there sponsibility of organizing the kitchen and preparing the must have felt all those things a Baha'i experiences food. when one has the opportunity to be a part of an effort One of the interesting events of the day was that four which was surely blessed by and pleasing to God. of the children from the school accompanied pioneer The purpose of the Children's Baha'i Day School in Mr. Ken Rutan on a teaching trip to open a new village, Panama on August 29 was for the education of children Monte Oscuro, to the Faith. He reported that the chil in the knowledge of God and His Messengers. It dren received a warm response from the villagers, was a one day event at Villa Virginia, this Baha'i making it easier for him to meet and talk with the property about thirty-five miles from Panama City people. providing a perfect setting. The day was filled with Perhaps, most important of all, it was a gathering of prayers, songs, classes, arts and crafts, games and children, youth and adults from diverse backgrounds plenty of food. There were sixty-three children in all, working together in unity, harmony and happiness to the majority of whom were from non-Baha'i families promote the Word of God. It was a brief step into that and represented a variety of backgrounds. Fifteen higher level of civilization that God is instructing man youth and adults also were present. The entire school to create. It makes one spiritually hungry and thirsty was conducted in Spanish and taught by Baha'i from for the opportunity to return to such a beautiful en Panama. vironment. , , BAHA'I NEWS 13 FIRST NATIONAL BAHA'I CONVENTION OF THE BAHA'iS OF GUYANA, SURINAM AND FRENCH GUIANA The first National Convention was graced with the jomandi, chairman; Mr. Henry Dolphin, vice-chair presence of Hand of the Cause Amatu'l-Baha RuJ:iiyyih man; Mr. August Holland, treasurer; Miss Cheryl Khanum, Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani, Continental Board Pierre, recording secretary; Mrs. Ellen Widmer, cor of Counsellors members: Mr. Hooper Dunbar, Mr. Don responding secretary; Mr. Rivadavia da Silva, Mrs. ald Witzel, and Mrs. Betty Reed, Auxiliary Board Eileen Hill, Mr. Ivan Fraser, and Mrs. Daisy Hahnfeld. member Mr. Anthony Worley, friends from Trinidad, This was truely a time of spiritual dedication and all and delegates and friends from Surinam, French were overcome with emotion. Guiana and Guyana totalling fifty-four. Assembled in Georgetown, Guyana this historic occa That evening a wonderful gathering was held at the sion was opened with a message from the Universal I:Ia'.?iratu'l Quds, 220 Charlotte Street, Georgetown. House of Justice to the Baha'i World brought to us by Amatu'l-Baha RU.J:iiyyih Khanum, the Counsellors and Amatu'l-Baha. And in another message from that Auxiliary Board member and all the friends made exalted Body addressed to our community, we learned presentations to the National Spiritual Assembly. There of our goals assigned for the Nine Year Plan. In it we were beautiful photographs elegantly framed for the were asked to achieve fifty localities; with local spirit National Center, a wall calendar from Africa showing ual assemblies totalling 10 in Guyana, three in Surinam the House of Worship in Kampala, Uganda; many and three in French Guiana, in addition to property telegrams and hundreds of letters from spiritual as and legal goals. With feelings of pride and joy we semblies and Baha'is around the world. Our National learned that most of these goals had not only been Archives was initiated with a most precious momento: achieved but exceeded. Indeed these victories were a ring belonged to 'Abdu'l-Baha was presented from another proof to all of us of the inspired guidance and the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the tireless assistance given for so many years by the British Isles. Indeed the great love and warmth con three national spiritual assemblies, the Continental veyed through all these gifts brought joy and courage Board of Counsellor~ and their Auxiliary Board mem to all of us. The newly-elected National Spiritual As bers. sembly another pillar to the Universal House of Justice As the delegates performed their sacred functions of was inspired and uplifted to press ever forward on th~ electing our first National Spiritual Assembly we were road of service to Baha'u'llah. all assembled in silence and prayer. Then our Conven -National Spiritual Assembly tion Chairman announced the new Assembly, whose Baha'is of Guyana Surinam officers were subsequently elected: Mr. Jamshid Ar- and French Guiana 14 NOVEMBER 1970 Baha'i Singing Group Visits Swiss Summer School A highlight of the Baha'i Summer School held during the second week in August at Cret-Berard Center of Vand Reformed Church near Lausanne was the visit of the "Dawn Breakers of Europe" group of singers. This is a group of forty young Baha'is from fourteen nations which has traveled extensively in Europe during the past several months. After the close of the summer school the group presented its musical "Plea for One World" to some 2,000 people in four Swiss cities. Also present at the school was Miss Linda Marshall of the United States who had just completed an extensive teaching circuit throughout Switzerland resulting in much publicity in Swiss newspapers and over the Italian-speaking television program in Switzerland. The school program included courses by Hand of the Cause of God Dr. A. Mi.ihlschlegel (Prayer and Medita tion), Dr. H. A. Kamran (Shaykism and the Book of Certitude), Mrs. A. Ghaznavi (Islam), Mrs. U. Miihl schlegel (Iqan), Mr. B. Ghaznavi, Auxiliary Board Miss Linda Marshall, si...:nding at left in the bac::k row, visited member, and Mrs. U. Namdar (Baha'i Life), Mrs. the children's class at the Bah1'i School at Cri!t-Berard, Marion Little (Prayer), Miss Sh. Abrary and Mr. M. Switzerland. Berdjis (Expanson of the Cause) given both in French and German. Spain One of the most difficult and most important goals of the Nine Year Plan is achieved. Mrs. Maria Camacho Martinez, a Gypsy, became a Baha'i in Sabadell. National Spiritual Assembly of Bahd'is of Spain, elected Ri(l vcin 127. Left to right, standing: Antonio Jimenez, Lopez Monge, Emilio Egea, Fernando Sanz, chairman; R. Mehrab khani, Dj. Forghani; front: Isidro Torrella, Miguel Medina, Deyhim Foronghi. Delegates and friends attending the ninth National Convention of the Bahci'is of Spain, April 25-6, 1970 in Madrid. Eighteen of the nineteen delegates were able to attend and there were also in attendance two members of the Auxiliary Board. BAHA'i NEWS 15 Spiritual Assembly of Bahci'is of Schaerbeek, Belgium, Ri<;i v cin 127. Left to right, standing: Rajabollah Vahdat, v. chair National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahci'is of Sweden, Ri Sweden Belgium New Zealand Conference First Continental Board of Counsellors Conference to be held in the South Island of New Zealand took place August 29 , 1970 in Christchurch, N.Z. and was attended by p eopl e of many ethnic groups. Conti nental Board Counsellor Howard Harwood is shown, standing, back at left. Left to right, front: Anna Chuda, Australia; Jan and Ron Pratt, pioneers from Hawaii; Singam Rajah, student in N ew Zealand from Fuji; second row: Bill Seddon, a Maori, holding the Greatest Name; Hanh, the only South Vietnamese thus far to jpin the Faith in New Zealand; National Spiritual Assembly member Mylton Grigor, third from the right. 16 NOVEMBER 1970 Malaysia " At one of the estates", said twenty-two year old Muttiah , an ex-tin mine worker, " three youths con fronted me. One burned the pamphlet I gave, the other started to tear it and the third threw it in my face and ordered me to go home. Today they are all Baha'is." Muttiah is one of those simple and unassuming Ba ha'is instrumental in bringing about mass conversion in Kedah during the early months of this year. The success of Kedah may be attributed to the fact that the believers there r ecently held an "Operation Light", a proclamation campaign aimed at teaching as many people as possible. In Sarawak the Baha'i message goes on the air on "Radio Sarawak" as a regular feature every fifth Sun day, in !ban, Chinese, and English. The Baha'is at first only requested that they share radio time with other religious programs, with a regular feature in the !ban language. The Government appeared not too willing to oblige. Later, it was learned that the only reason for hesitation was that they wanted the feature in three Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Brazzaville (Congo) languages : English, Chinese, and Iban, to be in keeping for med at Ric;lxan 127. L eft to right, front: Sommere Marie with the policy of fairness in religion, as the Christians Joseph, Fran~ois Mbemba, Mme. Madeleine A zemikhah, Rigo all broadcast in three languages. bert Oulouon, Anselm Nkouka; rear: Edouard Bitsikou, A zem ikhah Ghodrato!lah. Rafael Ntsiete, Ebenezer Kpotiako. Now the fifteen minute feature is broadcast every fifth Sunday and is received loud and clear in all the scattered and isolated long-houses, as well as in Brunei. Congo- Brazzaville It is very inspiring to hear the prayers of Baha'u'llah coming over the air with full acknowledgment that this is a Baha'i program. The Sarawak Gazette lists all Baha'i Holy Days, and n ext year's Almanac will carry all of the nine days in its calendar. The Education Department has given permission for all Baha'i children to stay away from school on Baha'i Holy Days. Cocos Island The National Spiritual Assembly of Australia reports accomplishment of a Nine Year Plan goal in the resettlement of Cocos Island recently by Mr. Keith Malawi Brown, pioneer from Australia. The first National Convention of the Baha'is of Malawi, May 1-3 1970. Hand of the Cause Paul Haney (second row center) represented the Univer sa l House of Justice, Mrs. H elen Hope r epresented the Mother National Spiritual Assembly (South Central Africa) and Mr. Enayat Sohaili the Continental Board Counsellors. Delegates and friends at the first National Convention of the Baha'is of Rhodesia held April 25-26, 1970 in Salisbury, Rhodesia. Mrs. Bahiyyih Ford, member of the Board of Counsellors for Southern Africa, and Board Member William Masehla represented the Universal House of Justice and the Continental Board of Counsellors respectively. Rhodesia India Japan Mr. Philip A. Marangella, a pioneer for many years When the National Spiritual Assembly of India held in Japan, has just completed an around-the-world inter its June meeting in Bangalore, the Assembly members national travel teaching tour. During the past six were invited to meet with the Municipal Council of months he has given some twenty-five lectures, twenty Kanakapura. The following extract is from the "Civic nine fireside talks, had three radio interviews, and four Address" given to the Assembly on behalf of the people television interviews in centers throughout nine coun of Kanakapura: tries as well as in Hong Kong and Okinawa. "The Baha'i Faith has come to Kanakapura for the past one year. . . . There are twenty-five local spiritual assemblies in Kanakapura Taluk . . . The Philippine Islands Part of Mr. Marangella's tour included a 45-minute "We have found that the Baha'i Faith is a noble interview on 'Roger's Patrol,' a popular radio program Faith, which is trying to bring about the unity ... of in the Philippine Islands, as well as on 'Swing In,' a mankind, which is the main aim of the . . . Faith. popular television program (both programs claim an Baha'u'llah, the Author of the Baha'i Faith h as shown us in many of His teachings the means by which to audience of a million or more). achieve this goal . . . * * * At the first legal Baha'i marriage last May 17, held in "We, the Municipal Council, and the people of Kana La Castellana, Negros Occidental, about one hundred kapura, request the ... Assembly ... to enlighten us and fifty attended the reception. Following the recep further as to how we could co-operate with the Baha'is tion, an open discussion took place. Newspaper report in achieving this noble goal. ers attended and there was a radio broadcast commem "We feel proud ... that ... Baha'is are spreading the orating the occasion. This proved to be an excellent Faith not only in Kanakapura Taluk but also in Ban means of proclaiming the Faith in La Castellana. galore District. We are sure if they are encouraged On June 26, the first recognition of the Baha'i Holy properly, they can spread the cause throughout South Days in the Philippines was obtained in Mindanao State India." University through the efforts of Mr. Farzbod Taefi. Nigeria The Baha'is of Akure, Nigeria, are shown here with Mrs. Eulalia Bobo, center, during her travel teaching trip through Africa. Mrs. Bobo spent a week with this Community and had a meeting with the Paramount Chief. Twenty-five declarations were re ceived during the week. 18 NOVEMBER 1970 First Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Palmer, Alaska The first Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Pasadena, Texas. formed at Ric;ivan 1970. Left to right: f r ont: Monte Smith, Left to right: (seated) Mrs. Patricia Campbell, secretary; Mrs. treasurer; Beverly Kolstoe, secr etar y; Betty Lee Summers (on Betty Powers; Mrs. Rouhieh Ahmadi; Mrs. Lorelie Bradshaw, f loor), Imogene Hagen, Douglas Hunt, Marzieh Miller; r ear: treasurer; (standing) Robert Carpenter, vice-chairman; L uther Richard J . Miller, Jr., chairman; Robert Summers, J ohn Powers; Sohrab Noorian; Richard McConnell; Darrell Brad Kolstoe, v. chairman. shaw, chairman. New Local Assemblies The first local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Willingboro, New Jersey. Left to right: Mrs. Nancy Rieman, Gary Hurdlow, Lois Hurdlow, John McCall, Dale McCall, Eric Berndt, Edith Berndt, Christine Holfelder, Robert Holfelder. Alaska Holds Summer School Some of those at the Thirteenth Annual Alaska Baha'i Summer School at Douglas-Juneau, July 18-22, 1970. The school stressed the theme of love and devotion with courses on: The Fire of God, Hidden Words, the Cov enant and Teaching. The eighty who attended were inspired t o greater teaching activity and t o dedication of their lives to Baha'u'llah. 19 Brazil Mass teaching has been started in Fortaleza, Brazil, where it was possible to train nine Baha'is, five adults and four youth. Four teams were formed, which opened two "campesino" areas and enrolled forty-one new believers during a Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. The "campesinos" around Fortaleza are so pure hearted that the experience was memorable for all who took part. The teams plan more such expansion work. Peru Counsellor Mas'ud Khamsi reported that he r ecently invited Mr. Pedro Pablo, a Baha'i and the Governor of Chinchero, to accompany him to Najchi, a neighboring community. National Spiritual Assembly of Bahci'is of Colombia elected Ric;lv cin 127. Left to right: Domingo Rojas, Olavo Novaes, Luis " We arrived", he reported, "at the house of teniente Montenegro, Galo Vanegas, Luis Sanchez, Teresa Alarcon, Betty governor, who immediately called the people and at Toomes, Farsam Arbab, Leonor Porras. 8:00 a.m. we had a meeting with about eight-five adults and children. At 11 :00 a.m. when we left, thirty-five adults had enrolled." National Spiritual Assembly After Mr. Khamsi found that Mr. Pablo's translations into Quechua were beautifully done, he invited him to of Colombia accompany him to other communities. They have en rolled many more believers. Surinam Counsellor Donald R. Witzel conducted a teaching institute on July 18 which was attended by fifteen Baha'is who were learning how to teach the Bush Negroes, a unique cultural group of that country, and other rural area people. They used visual aids, specifi cally a set of fourteen drawings, for initial enrollment. On the following day five teams of three Baha'is each set out to teach the Faith. Fifteen new believers were Teachers in Bolivia enrolled in Osembo, and two new localities were opened to the Faith: Paranam with five adults and Lafechilan sha with nine adults and two youth. The teachers are to continue this work of expansion and consolidation. Institute Held in Guatemala Fifteen very new and enthusiastic Baha'is partici pated in the first teacher training Institute held under the Victory Plan of the Baha'is of Guatemala. The sessions were held Sept. 5 and 6 at the Dorothy B. Baker Institute in Chichicastanango and included a visual aids workshop and classes in Baha'i laws, ad ministration, and history. A very successful public meeting was held featuring the film "A New Wind" with discussion groups following. The joyous gathering concluded with the singing of Baha'i songs. An evaluation test at the end of the two day institute demonstrated how much the students had learned and all expressed willingness to travel and teach. Auxiliary Board member Edith McLaren was pre sent to encourage and inspire the students. Also present was a visitor from the. United States, Nancy Kappus, Volunteer teachers in Bolivia (see October Baha'i News p . 2) who was returning from the Conference in Bolivia. left: Ancelmo Heredia; right: Valenti Heredia. NOVEMBER 1970 New Hampshire's Governor Walter Peterson receives a copy of The Proclamation of Baha'u'llah from well-known Bahci.'is. Left to right: Donald R. Jacobs, Mrs. Marzieh Gail, Governor Peterson, Mrs. Nancy Bowditch, and Alfred B. Reed. ,, / BAHA'I PUBLISHING TRUST First Spiritual Assembly of the Bahci.'£s of Bristol, New Hamp shire, Ri BAHA'i NEWS is published for circulation among Baha'is only by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, as a news organ r eporting current activities of the Baha'i world community. BAHA'i NEWS is edited by an annually appointed Editorial Committee: Mr. Aaron Bowen, Managing Editor; Miss Charlotte Lin foot, National Spiritual Assembly Representative; Mr. R exford C. Parmelee, Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee. Material must be received by the twenty-fifth of the second month preceding date of issue. Address: Baha'i News Editorial Office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, U.S.A. Change of address should be reported directly to National Baha'i Center. 112 Linden Avenue. Wilmette. Illinois, U.S.A. 60091.