Insert to The American Bahl'l published

~ational Assembly writes of BahB'ls and

le American Dana 1 ~ o m m u n i t y

Dear Bahi'i Friends:

Seven months from now the United States w11J observe its two hundredth year. The mighty achievements of the nation during the course of two centuries deserve to be celebrated; and yet a large number of its people are beset with doubts and uncertainties about the country's future. So frequent have been the setbacks suffered by the nation recently that many of its citizens tend toward a negative view of their country's prospects. Of all its citizens, the Bahi'is alone may be said to be confidently hopeful, because the destiny of America enjoys a brilliant forecast in the teachings of Bahit'u'llih. It would seem, then, that the Bicentennial presents to the Baha'i community a great challenge, namely: to inspire hope where doubt abounds.

We have only to refer to the Baha'i writings, especially the statements of 'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi, to discover the lines along which our attitudes toward the nation and its peoples should be guided. It is no Pollyanna view that the beloved Master and Guardian hold before us. We know, for instance, that the country is to play a primary role in shaping the "Lesser Peace"; nonetheless, Shoghi Effendi asserts that the "road leading to its destiny is long, thorny and tortuous" and that "Tribulations, on a scale unprecedented in its history, and calculated to purge its institutions, to purify the hearts of its people, to fuse its constituent ele- ments, and to weld it into one entity with its sister nations in both hemispheres, are inevitable."

What do we Bahi'is do at this significant juncture in the nation's life? We can demonstrate confidence in the country's future. Fully conscious of its strengths and weak- nesses and welcoming the challenge of its spiritual poten- tial, we can assist our non-Bahi'i acquaintances to ap- preciate a positive view of the current processes of life in the country.

With this in mind, the National Spiritual Assembly has taken steps to exploit the Bicentennial for proclaiming the Faith. It has placed an advertisement in Life magazine; sent representatives to various events marking the Bicentennial; approved the display of Bahi'i exhibits in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.; and authorized the publication of a Bicentennial issue of World Order

itenn rial

magazine. Local Spiritual Assemblies in turn can partici- pate in local Bicentennial events and send to important persons in their areas complimentary copies of the Bicen- tennial issue of World Order. The Baha'i individual can review the writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi which will assist him or her to develop a proper understand- ing of the destiny of America; such references as World Order of Baha'u'lla'h, pages 71 to 94; Citadel of Faith, pages 30 to 38; The Advent ofDivine Justice, pages 72 to 77 are helpful. The individual Bahi'i may also offer copies of the Bicentennial issue of World Order to friends and ac- quaintances as a means of teaching the Faith.

Whatever the actions of the friends might be, we know that their examples as a happy and assured people will proclaim the hope-bringing message of the Bahi'i Faith' to the American public and, more than that, uplift the spirits of their fellow citizens at a critical stage in their country's history.

With loving Bahi'i greetings,

NATIONAL SPIRITUA: MBLY OF THE BAHA'~S O F THE UNITED STATES

Glenford E. Mitchell, Secretary December 4, 1975

Helping Christiar lkers understand the Faith

- I see

The United States contains millions of Christian fun- damentalists, and United States Bahi'is should be famili with the Bahi'i concepts that translate fundamental thoug into spiritual awareness. And because many Christians ha\ abandoned a firm fundamentalist belief, Bahi'is must often re-affirm Christianity to the Christian seeker. We must often restore the Christian's faith in Christ.

When the Christian understands the truth of his own religion, he will have no difficulty accepting the Revelation of Bahi'u'llih, because the Blessed ~erfect ioh is the ful- fillment of the purpose and the promise of the Spirit of God, as He calls Jesus Christ.

In The Secret of Divine Civilization, p . 33-35, 'Abdu'l-Bahi points out the importance of a teacher know- ing more about his subject than the student: "The first

' ' National Baha~ Review

attribute to perfection ing and the cultural attain- ments of the mind . . .. a learned individual has no knowledge of the sacred Scriptures . . . he might prove unequal to an emergency . . . If for example a spiritually learned Muslim is conducting a debate with a Christian and he knows nothing of the glorious melodies of the Gospel, he will, no matter how much he imparts of the Qur'an and its truths, be unable to convince the Christian, and his words will fall on deaf ears."

Bahi'i teachers can begin to know more than their stu- dents through a prayerful receptivity to the illumination offered by Bahi'u'llah in His Writings.

The beloved Guardian tells us that The ~itab-i- jqan stands "foremost in the billowing ocean of the Revelation of Bahl'u'llih." This book developes the holy and glorious theme of progressive revelation, and boldly exposes the mighty Plan of God which has prepared us for His Kingdom on earth; surely, it is no accident that the title of this Book means The Book of Certitude. Meditation on this mighty outpouring of spiritual reality offers a constant strengthen- ing of the believer's conviction. This strong conviction is an irresistible magnet to searchers after truth.

"Thus with steadfast steps we may tread the Path of Certitude, that perchance the breeze that bloweth from the meads of the good-pleasure of God may waft upon us the sweet savours of divine acceptance . . ." (The ~itab-i- lqan, p. 32-33)

The Baha'i Writings are based on a boundless love for humanity. This love is especially evident in the words of 'Abdu'l-Bah6. His radiance is an integral part of His mes- sage.

In the collection of 'Abdu'l-Baha's discourses called Some Answered Questions, He gives lucid and rational commentaries on a variety of subjects, many of which are relevant to the Christian seeker. One remarkable chapter, "Outward Forms and Symbols Must be Used to Convey Intellectual Conceptions" is recommended for special con- sideration. These few pages, when closely studied, enable one to unveil the symbolism of The Holy Bible.

Many other chapters in Some Answered Questions deal with Christian subjects, and these are available in a small booklet called Christ's Promise Fulfilled.

Although their works are on a level below that of Au- thoritative Interpretation, some Baha'is have concentrated upon and developed their understanding of progressive re- velation and have written about the relationship of Christ- ianity and the Baha'iFaith. Their books are a great contribu- tion to the Cause.

Outstanding among these authors is the Hand of the Cause of God George Townshend. Mr. Townshend was a noted clergyman. He served his church for 40 years, and finally became a Canon of St. Patricks Cathedral in Dublin. He resigned his position to be a Bahi'i.

Mr. Townshend steeped himself in the Writings of the

Bib, Bahi'u'llih, and 'Abdu'l-Baha. l d his deep understanding of the traditional Christid11 publure into his books, Christ and Baha'u'llah, The Heart of the Gospel, and The Promise of All Ages. Mr. Townsend shows how the Christian anticipation of the Kingdom of God on earth must inevitably flow into an acceptance of the present day fulfillment of the Promise. He shows how such a develop- ment is supported by promises in The Old Testament and The New Testament; how the exclusivity which gradually enveloped Christian understanding caused them to miss the Revelation of Muhammed and thus to misinterpret vital parts of The Bible; and how, "to any spiritually expectant soul, the Bib's declaration would have indicated that the Kingdom of God had indeed come." (Christ and Bahh'u'llhh, p. 65)

Recognizing the importance' of dealing with outward symbols of Christianity which have been substituted for inner truth, and of separating them from the reality of Christ, another Hand of the Cause of God, William Sears, wrote The Wine of Astonishment and Thief in the Night.

In The Wine of Astonishment, Mr. Sears uses passages from the Baha'i Writings to offer stimulating thought on vital Christian subjects, such as, the end of the world, the Day of Judgment, baptism, the Trinity, confession and penance, the Son of God, heaven and hell.

Thief in the Night contains an astonishing collection of biblical prophecies, and links their fulfillment to the lives of the Bab and Bahi'u'llih. A thought-provoking presentation of overwhelming evidence, Thief in the Night is subtitled "The Case of the Missing Millennium" and it is written like a deiective story, moving with lightning-like speed through a multitude of Christian questions.

All these books are available through the Bahi'i Publish- ing Trust, and are listed in the literature catalog which is available from the trust or from Baha'i community lib- rarians. The catalog also lists pamphlets which are interest- ing to Christian seekers, such as "The Books of God are Open," "Prophecy Fulfilled," "Power to Renew the World - A Challenge to Christians," and "Manifestation Not Incarnation."

The Bah6'is are well-supplied with materials that can make them more knowledgeable than their students, and that can furnish those students with sufficient facts to allow them to search into and follow the Faith of Baha'u'llah.

Norwegian-Americans needed in Norway

Because so many people have emigrated to Norway, the country has now closed its borders for a year, and perhaps longer. How can Bahi'i pioneers settle in Norway?

There is a key for every locked door, and the key to

January 1916 3

pioneering in Norway is to have a Norwegian background. A Baha'i of Norwegian descent could get a work-permit in Norway without difficulty.

Baha'is whose ancestors left their home because it could not give them the gifts needed for happy life, can now return to that home with the Greatest Gift.

Prospective pioneers of Norwegian background should contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Ave., Wilmette, Ill. 60091 .

Job for qualified Baha'i in Liberia The International Goals Committee has recently learned of a position opening in July '76 in Liberia for an individual who has a degree in hydrology or hydrogeology . Transpor- tation to Liberia and return home as well as a house with basic furniture and a car are provided. Qualified individuals interested in this opportunity should write to the Interna- tional Goals Committee, l 12 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 6009 1 .

House of Justice requests attention to Asian goals

The political situation in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Angola, and Mozambique complicates the settlement of pioneers in those countries.

The Universal House of Justice suggests that Baha'is considering settlement in those areas go first "to neighbor- ing countries pending more favorable conditions for their eventual entry into and settlement in those countries." For example, pioneers for Laos should first go to the Philip- pines; those for Cambodia, to Hong Kong; and those for Vietnam, to Singapore.

Baha'is with language and professional skills that would be useful in the goal countries named should contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Ave., Wil- mette, Ill. 6009 l .

Teaching the Faith to Oriental people

The Asian American Teaching Committee has, for the past two years, been aiding Local Spiritual Assemblies to teach the Bahi'i Faith to Asian Americans in their com- munities. The committee here gives some basic guidelines for effectively reaching Oriental people with the Message of Bahi'u'llah:

Dignity is of great importance. The Orientals have long been imbued with the intrinsic worth of the meaning of the

d by the

names su . Korea!

words uttere Bab, ". . . all abi s bidding." Their understanding of these words is beautirully expressed in their resewed manner, their sincerity, and their deep regard for the aged.

Courtesy is part of dignity. Oriental people are trained so early and so thoroughly in courtesy that i t seems to be one of their innate characteristics. Remember all the rules of good manners. Common, everyday household courtesies, such as serving all guests first, must be observed. Children must be under control and all easy familiarity should be avoided. Do not address strangers by their first names, especially the older people.

Be on time. This is courteous. If you are to meet some- one, be early. Keeppromises. Bring the book you promised to lend, start the meeting when you said it would start.

Courtesy is a sign of trustworthiness. Courtesy and trustworthiness are vital in teaching the Faith to anyone.

Courtesy also implies sensit ivi~ to ethnic terms. Correct terms are Asian American, Oriental, or national ~ c h as Chinese, Japanese, Tibetans, Indonesians ?S, Thais, etc.

And part of courtesy is knowing something about other cultures. Know about current events which are effecting the lives of your Oriental friends. Know about their cultural philosophies. Read about them. For instance, belief in God is not inherent to many oriental philosophies. They do esteem virtues, such as humility. When Baha'is manifest such virtues, and discuss the principles of the Faith with Asian Americans, they may gradually lead their friends to acknowledge the Infinite Source. Think about their culture and what will appeal to them. For instance, moderation, as advised in the Baha'i Teachings, may be appreciated by and attractive to oriental people.

Pray to find the rare and precious gems among your Oriental friends who will become Baha'is and carry the Faith back to their own people. The Faith will really take root in their culture when it is taught by one who is a part of that culture, a newly-blossoming part.

Information on and help with Asian American teaching projects is available from The Asian American Teaching Committee, Mr. Lee Moody, Sec., 1 12 Tudor Place, Apartment 4F, Bronx, New York 10452.

The Baha'i Publishing Trust, in its catalog supplement of non-English titles, lists books and pamphlets available in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai.

S. Pioneer Goals Africa (P) Angola . . . . . (E) Botswana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

British Indian Ocean Terr. *'

I Cameroon Re Central Africhll Republic . . . . . . . . . . . Dahomey . . . . . . . . . . Gabo Gamt Ghan r-ll;nsa-Bissa~

Assigned Filled Ope,

- 2 2 0

Filled Op6

(E) Marshall Isla! . . . . . . . . . . . (F) New Caledon.,

. . . . (E) North-East New Guinea . . . . . . . . . . (E) American Samoa

. . . . . . . . . . . (E) Western Samoa Tong i . . . . . . 3 - 2 --

9 13

Arne (S) (S ,E

!rims Arge

) Beliz Boliv Brazi Chile

ntina . . . e . . . . . .

U U I I I .

(Port. Ivory Kenv

. . .

. . . ----- . . . , - - -~ - - -

Lesotho . . . . . . . . . . . . Liberia . . . . . . . . . . . . Malagasy Republic . . . . . . . . . Malawi . . . . . . . . . . . . Mozambique . . . . . . . Nigeria . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhodesia . . . . Sierra Leone .

. . . . . . . South Africa. . . . . . . . . . St. Helena

Tanzania . . . . . . . . . . . Togo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Guinea: Coast . .

a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a C0101l1ula (S) Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (S) Dominican Republic . . . . . . . (S) Frllodor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ( s ~lvador . . (F) :h AntiIlc (F) :h Guian (S) Guatemala . , . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 4 1 (E) ' Guyana . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 4 (F) Haiti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4 0

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ( s luras .6 6 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E) ica .4 2 2

(El fardlvirgin Is., Montserrat, St. Kitts . . . . . . 9 9 0 Nicaragua (GI . . . . . 6 3 3 Panama . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4 0 Paraguay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 " 2 Peru (Cuczo, Pufio) . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 1 Puerto Rico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 0

) San Andrks Island . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 :,Dn) Su . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Trinic go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Urug ,

is) Venezuela . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 (E) Windward Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 --

150 ,,. .,

Y b UU.

El Sa Fre n c Frenc

Hond Jama Leew . -

ranada) . . . . . . . . .

Asia (B,E) Bangladesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 (E) India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 (J) Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 (F) - Khmer Republic

(Cambodia) . . . . . . . . (K,E) Korea . . . . . . . . . . . . . (F) Laos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . (F,E) Lebanon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 (C,P) Macau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .- - (E) Nepal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I 1 (E) Philippine Islands . . . . . . . . . . 1 I (E) Sri Lanka (Ceylon) . . . . . . . . . 1 2 (E) Taiwan . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 n

(E) Thailand . . . . . . . . . . . (T, A,E) Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (E) Vietnam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I - I ---

35 17 18

rinam . . dadITob2 uav . . . .

Europe (F) (Dn) .

Belgium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 2 4 Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . .

(Fn) Finland . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Gr) Greece

(I) Iceland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (N) Norway.. . 3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (P) Portugal .8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ( S ) - . 2 2 u

. . . . 6 2 4 Australasia (E) Caroline Islan,

Spain ,It) Swit:

1 . . . . . . zerland .

(E) Fiji Islands . . . . . . 3 1 2 (E) Mariana Islands* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 - 2

*Newly assigned countries **Circumstances permitting

B-nenga~i C-Chinese (So. Dialect) &Dutch Dn-Danish

41 25 E-English 101 49 F-French 17 18 Fn-Finnish

9 I 2 G-German

I

dic n ese .."

Total Assignments Completed by Octc

AFRICA . . . . . . . . AMERICAS . . . . . ASIA . . . . . . . . . . . AUSTRAL --

EU

;ian ese

'ROPE .

Mr. David Brai Los Angeles, C October 15, 19'

tberg alifornia 75

Mrs. Laura Kluge Tucson, Arizona November 6, 1975

Mrs. Bever Aztec, Nev August 16,

.ly Gaye Se: v Mexico

1975

Mr. Ra Lomba~ Date U

Dr. Gle~ Junc

ymond Lan; rd, Illinois nknown

Lillian Dove ncoe, Illinois : 17, 1975

Mrs. Clarice J . Silva San Jose. California October 30, 1975

Mr. Mar Fall

Milton Evans .ion, Texas

1975

Mrs. Vina B. Mac Kooskia, Idaho December I , 1975

Pherson Miss Elsie Syracuse, I Date Unkn

C. Smith Vew York own

Matzinger i York

. Lena Goetz vling Green, Ohio sber 12, 1975

ilyan Bush i Park, Neu

r 28, 1975

Mrs Bov Octc

Mrs. L Orcharc Octobe

Mrs. Nora Smith Fort Valley, Georgia May 1974

. Beatrice Gwin ey, Washington : 5, 1974

I ommy Jane Moore nont, North Caro&ina 14. 1975

Mrs. Hallie Stokes Saint Maahews, South Carolina August 28, 1974

MI'S .. Lac,

Junc

Mrs. Faim

.June

..,.. Kenneth W U"' Lancaster, Cali: May 8, 1975

Mr. Charles L. Per-,'-- Villa Park, Illinois Date Unknown

Mr. Ezekiel T-"

Muldrow, I

Date Unkn

. .A,,. fornia

. I . -1. Oklahoma own

Mrs. Elsa Isaac Boca Raton, FI' October 19, 19

Mrs. Almeter Play Florence, South Carol~na October 29, 1975

Mrs. Ruth EllzaDern I nomoson rida I , 1975

Mims, Flo October 26

Mrs. Adam Jor Monterey, Ten1 September 16,

Mrs. E ula M. Porter i, New Jersey

Mrs. Maria Tollis Lima, Neu Date Unkn

Newark 1974

i York own

Mrs. Linda J. Kerford Oklahoma City, Oklahoma November 29, 1975

Mr. Ra -. gs Kennewlck, Washington October 17, 1975

ly J. Rawlin . . - - . . . Miss Pamela Tomarell Stamford, Connecticut

.October 15, 1975

Mr. John A. Kilgore Upland, California October 28, 1975

Mr. Ollie White Roper, North Carolina January 18

Reminder on copyrigl The National Spiritual Assembly wc to bly on its works.

remind the friends that it is not permissl"lc LU copy The duplicating of Bahi'i tapes is also not permis. BahCi books andpamphlets, whetherby typewriter, sible. These taps, like books and pamphlets, are Xerox, or other photographic means. Such personal protected by copyright. Moreover, the sale of cas- projects are costly, and they jeopardize copyright sette programs by the Publishing Trust provide. F-n-

protection secured by the National Spiritual Assem- ital for the develo~ new programs.

o Year Youth Program progress report

Homefront pioneering - 100 homefront pioneers

9- -1 40 to unopened localities

5 1 '7 10 of 40 to unopened counties

27 L 1 55 to existing communities

0 0 1 5 to Indian reservations

Homefront teaching I 1 500 domestic

traveling teaching trips

3 - 1 1 0 lasting two months or more

International pioneering

6 -1 5 filling specific Five Year Plan goals

13

lnternational teaching

25 international pioneers

College clubs

Youth Clubs

January 1976 7

National Assembly has no recommended way of giving Q. Our Local Spiritual Assembly is not sure what method of giving is recommended by the National Spiritual Assembly. We thought that giving to the National Baha" i Fund without earmarking for other Funds allows the National Spiritual Assembly great- er freedom in allocating monies according to needs and priorities of the Faith. Recently, however, it seems as though we have been encouraged to contri- bute to the Baha" i International and the Continental Baha'i Funds directly. Is it preferable to send as much as possible unearmarked to the National Fund or should we amend our budget so that each Baha'i month a portion of our resources would be going to each Fund?

A. The National Spiritual Assembly tries not to "recommend" any particular method of giving, but rather to make the friends aware of all the ways in which they may serve the Faith through their con- tributions. Each community that contributes to one of the four Bahi'i Funds tha t is, the Local, Na- tional, Continental and International Funds-forges a direct link to the Institution supported by that Fund. Whether your community decides to contribute to each of the funds on a regular basis in addition to contributing to the National Bahi'i Fund each nine- teen days is entirely up to your Assembly.

Treasurers should not fear to give friends information Q. I have a problem: How do I get BaMis to contribute to the Fund through the elected local Treasurer, which I happen to be? Feasts haven't star tedyet for our new Group so there is no Fund box as yet. But wouldn't it be better for them to send their contributions to me to forward so that the Group will get credit for them? Please advise me. I have just ordered the Local Treasurer's Manual so I am sorry if this matter is covered in it. I just want to learn as much as possible myself. Baha" u'llcih is in my heart and soul-everything is for Him!

A. With the spirit and enthusiasm you displayed in your letter, your goals are already won! The best advice we can give, in answer to your question, is to work with your District Teaching Committee and encourage the friends to plan and hold Feasts. Strive to make these gatherings warm and friendly, meet- ings everyone will enjoy and look forward to every nineteen days. Once the friends are meeting, you, as

Treasurer, can give your report, reading the letter from the National Spiritual Assembly Treasurer, and showing the friends both the National and Local Fund Charts. It is important then for the ftiends to set reasonable goals and then strive to meet them. Once you understand the principles of the Fund (page 1 of the Local Treasurer's Manual), don't be afraid to give a lively and enthusiastic Treasurer's report every Feast. Contributions to the Fund are so important in Teaching the Cause of Bahi'u'lliih and constitute the "life-blood" of the Cause. It is vital that you, as Treasurer. let the friends know this.

Prayer for Baha'is a personal obligation

Prayer is primarily a personal spiritual obligation and it would seem improper for Bahi'i institutions to develop or legislate specific activities in this area of BahPi life. The institutions do have the responsibil- ity of cdiing the attention of the friends to the Writ- ings which urge daily prayer as a spiritual obligation and to those prayers, such as the obligatory prayers and the Tablet of Ahmad, that are invested by BahPu'llhh with a special potency and significance. On certain occasions the institutions make appeals to the friends for prayers in the interest of particular objectives, leaving it to them to respond to the extent to which they are moved. And, of course, the friends are free to agree among themselves as to the saying of certain prayers for reasons that m important to them. But the National Spiritual Assembly is wary of taking any institutional action that may tend toward a system or regimentation in acts of prayer, and feels it would be improper to go beyond the requirement o£ the Sacred Texts to legislate anationwide program of specific prayers to be said at specific times under specific circumstances.

-National Spiritual Assembly

From time to time the friends receive appeals, either as individuals or communities, from pioneers needing financial assistance. It is advisable when such an appeal is received to contact the Interna- tional Goals Committee so that inquiries can be made and the true situation ascertained. The address is: International Goals Committee, 112 Lindeq Ave., Wilmette, Illinois 60091. Telephone: (31 2) 256-4400.

- - ---

~ a h g i National Fund Review 8

. . . the friends and of some communities. Shoghi Effendi Spirit of constancy is required has pointed out that our National obligation is of first importance, but some Assemblies seldom send any offel

. . . ings at all. An offering of nineteen cents would hav connected with the Power House and light would hav come.

These cr pressed thoughts are a plea for cor . . . stancy. much to hope that every communit

which has come under the sh~ - ~e Faith in this Day . . . will send something - every AsdearKeitht

once wrote, "Now fellas, yo elp me!" From this moment let every believer enueavor ro offer every mont" something leasure of the bo rhich haw come to hi

Will all appl~cants for this job ot lreasurer pleas report earl! line forn

To: All Local apirlrual Hssemolles ana Bahi'i Groups

Dear Baha'i Friends: The National Spiritual Assembly se ,-

preciation to every Assembly, Group and individual be- liever who helped support last month's high level of con- tributions to the National Bahi'i Fund. With this in mind, let us share portions of a letter from Roy Wilhelm, former Treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly, written ex- actly forty-one years ago. You will understand the rele- vance to our present situation.

udely ex Is it too nds its 1 oving ap

elter of tl month?

u gotta h~ . in the rr

right.

..---- . . I

1s on the

v- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE

BAHA'IS O F THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA

December 1, 193~ Dear Baha'i Friends:

Let's swap jobs. You come and be National Treasure for a while. You'd think that meant a safekeeper and careful-spender, but apparently he must also shine as gatherer-in. . . . For weeks our offerings have nowhere been sufficient for our already squeezed budget ex- penses. Tell me, what would you do?

At times the Bah6'is have worked wonders - bu "drives" seen1 to indicate a sort of spiritual lack. It' amazing tho, the self-sacrifice and constancy of some o

I UUI ~ U U I orother, (signed) Roy leith Rar hler

ith one victory ar tne outset of the year and a near mis month, the plea ( ational Spiritual Assembl

ay is the same as tl d forty-one years ago: con ICY! Let's make ''I :he goal" a regular occur1

ence ! With loving Baha'i greetings

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY 0 THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATE,

Dorothy W. Nelson, Treasure December 1 , 1 97

r last a tod a stal

3f the N hat issue1 vinning 1

Month Year of Qudrat

Contributions may be addressed to: National BahB'I Fund, 112 Linden to Date Avenue, Wilrnette, IL 60091 ; BahB'i International Fund, P.O. Box 155,

Budget Goal $ 153,000 $1,683,000 Haifa, Israel; and Continental BahB'I Fund, 418 Forest Ave., Wilmette, IL

Contributions 151,559 1,370,663 60091.

Overage (Shortage) $ (1,441) $ (3 12,337) -