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2.   THE WORK AND TRAVELS OF THE HANDS
OF THE CAUSE

THE Hands of the Cause of God, freed in 1968 of administrative duties, were able increasingly to devote their efforts to serving as standard-bearers for the Bah‡`’s of the world in support of the teaching activities launched by National Spiritual Assemblies and other institutions of the Bah‡`’ Faith.
    In the opening phases of the Seven Year Plan, no less than in the teaching plans that preceded it, these remarkable individuals have been fonts of inspiration, encouragement and reinforcement.   Their contribution to the achievement of the goals and the influence of their example upon the Bah‡`’ friends takes effect on numerous levels, both manifest and intangible.   Their universal services in protecting the Cause of God; in proclaiming its truths; in deepening the knowledge of its adherents; in galvanizing the rank and file to greater heights of accomplishment; in awakening to an appreciation of the Bah‡`’ Cause a large segment of the public, often uninformed of its true nature and its relevance to the spiritual and social perils confronting society; and in presenting Bah‡`’ literature to Heads of State and others in authority, have continued unabated.
    Not alone through their travels, but also through their consultation, their presence at gatherings large and small, their correspondence, their writings and addresses, their association with Bah‡`’ pilgrims and their interaction with Bah‡`’s in the field, often in farflung and remote areas, they have . . . diffused widely the Divine Fragrances, declared His proofs, proclaimed His Faith, published abroad His Law, detached themselves from all things but Him, stood for righteousness in this world, and kindled the Fire of the Love of God in the very hearts and souls of His servants . . .
    The years covered by this volume of the international record, Ridv‡n 1979-1983, have witnessed a regrettable thinning of the ranks of the Chief Stewards of the Faith of Bah‡`u'll‡h, leaving the community of the Greatest Name, at Ridv‡n 1983, with ten.   Set out below is a record, ordered chronologically, of the tragic loss sustained in this period by the entire Bah‡`’ world through the passing of six beloved Hands of the Cause of God:   Enoch Olinga (September 1979), Dr. Rahmatu'll‡h Muh‡jir (December 1979), Hasan M. Balyœz’ (February 1980), Dr. Adelbert Muhlschlegel (July 1980), Abu'l-Qasim Faiz’ (November 1980) and Paul E. Haney (December 1982).   Although these pages lack scope to chronicle the full range of the services of the Hands--some frail or in ill health but of undiminished spiritual power --let the following excerpts culled from Bah‡`’ International News Service bulletins, and other sources, suggest in brief outline some of their major travels as well as a few of their other activities which are less amenable to documentation.   Unfortunately, circumstances obtaining in êr‡n prevent the reporting of the services rendered by the Hand of the Cause Jal‡l Kh‡zeh.

1979

April

    i>Austria:   HUNDRED FRIENDS ASSEMBLED STEYR CLOSE FIVE YEAR PLAN FOR TWENTY-FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTION PRESENCE HAND CAUSE ALAI COUNSELLOR BETTY REED TWO AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS.   INSPIRED MESSAGE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE FRIENDS PLEDGE GO FAITHFULLY WHOLEHEARTEDLY FORWARD INTO FIRST PHASE SEVEN YEAR PLAN . . .. (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1979)

    Australia:  LARGEST ASSEMBLAGE AUSTRALIAN CONVENTION JOYOUSLY AFFIRMS DEDICATION SEVEN YEAR PLAN.   EIGHTY-ONE ASSEMBLED DELEGATES NEARLY FIVE HUNDRED FRIENDS DEEPLY GRATEFUL GUIDANCE SPIRITUAL STIMULATION MESSAGE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF

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JUSTICE.   OVERJOYED TREMENDOUS GAIN FIVE YEAR PLAN INSPIRED EXTEND EFFORTS FULFILLMENT NEW CHALLENGES . . . FRIENDS INSPIRED PRESENCE HAND CAUSE FEATHERSTONE COUNSELLOR KHAN TEN AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS.   PERVASIVE SPIRIT OPTIMISM TWO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TEACHERS ALREADY RAISED . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1979)

    Papua New Guinea:   HAPPY INFORM ELEVENTH NATIONAL CONVENTION HELD GREAT SUCCESS.   THIRTY-TWO DELEGATES ATTENDED.   MESSAGES UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE HAND OF CAUSE FEATHERSTONE OPENED CONVENTION.   COUNSELLOR HOEHNKE GREETED DELEGATES VISITORS.   GOALS FIVE YEAR PLAN ACHIEVED . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1979)

    Philippines:   JOYFULLY ANNOUNCE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL CONVENTION . . . GRATEFUL PRESENCE HAND CAUSE RAHMATULLAH MUHAJIR COUNSELLOR PAYMAN THIRTEEN AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS THREE HUNDRED AND ONE PARTICIPANTS SEVENTEEN CITIES
. . . REGIONAL CONSULTATIONS PRODUCED INCREASED INTEGRATION AND COOPERATION TRIPLE NUMBER AREA TEACHING COMMITTEES FIFTEEN TEACHING PROJECTS STARTING IMMEDIATELY ALSO SPECIFIC PLANS OPENING MANY ISLANDS DOUBLING ASSEMBLIES NEXT TWO YEARS SELF-ORGANIZING SELF-SUPPORTING BASIS . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1979)

    United States:   OVER 1,800 DELEGATES AND FRIENDS GATHERED AT THE SEVENTIETH NATIONAL BAHAI CONVENTION OF THE UNITED STATES EXPRESS JOY AND GRATITUDE FOR THE BLESSED PRESENCE AND INSPIRATION OF THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE OF GOD WILLIAM SEARS DHIKRULLAH KHADEM AND JOHN ROBARTS AND COUNSELLORS EDNA TRUE SARAH PEREIRA AND VELMA SHERRILL.   WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE GUIDANCE OF THE HANDS OF THE CAUSE RAHMATULLAH MUHAJIR AND ALI AKBAR FURUTAN AND COUNSELLOR HEDI AHMADIYYIH WHOSE DEDICATED EFFORTS CONTRIBUTED VITALLY TO THE ACCELERATION OF TEACHING EFFORTS.   WITH THEIR ASSISTANCE THE MANIFOLD SACRIFICES OF THE AMERICAN BAHAI COMMUNITY AND THE BOUNTIES SHOWERED UPON US BY THE DIVINE CONCOURSE THE FIVE YEAR PLAN OF GOD WAS BROUGHT TO A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION WITH AN UNPRECEDENTED EXPLOSION OF VICTORIES . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1979)

August

    Austria:   GREETINGS SUMMER SCHOOL UPPER AUSTRIA GREATLY BLESSED PRESENCE BELOVED HAND CAUSE AMATULBAHA RUHIYYIH KHANUM . . . COUNSELLOR ANNELIESE BOPP.   ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FRIENDS PRESENT EIGHT NATIONS..   IMPLORING PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES FRUITFUL COMPLETION SEVEN YEAR PLAN..   (Cablegram received 29 August 1979)

September

    United States:   More than six hundred and fifty Bah‡`’s and their guests gathered from 31 August to 3 September at the Massanetta Springs Center in Harrisburg, Virginia, for a conference on the theme of `Spiritual Enrichment and Self-dedication'--a topic derived from the Seven Year Plan message of the Universal House of Justice.   The Hand of the Cause of God Dhikru'll‡h Kh‡dem inspired those present with memorable stories and counsel.   He pointed out that the Faith is spread and established through the sacrifice and devotion of the believers rather than through wealth or worldly power.   Mrs. Javidukht Khadem, a member of the Auxiliary Board, also addressed the group . . . Participants from nineteen States, from the Bahamas, Canada, êr‡n, Italy, Spain and from pioneering posts in many other countries, came to more than double the number expected by the sponsoring Assembly of Staunton, Virginia . . . The Local Spiritual Assembly of Staunton plans to make the conference an annual event.   (From a report received 10 December 1979)

    Italy:   JOYOUS GREETINGS PARTICIPANTS GATHERED TWO CONSECUTIVE SUMMER SCHOOLS ITALY TOTALLING OVER FOUR HUNDRED FRIENDS FOURTEEN COUNTRIES.   TRULY UPLIFTED PRESENCE BELOVED HAND CAUSE JOHN ROBARTS WIFE AUDREY WHOSE INSPIRATION HAS PRODUCED TREMENDOUS SPIRITUAL AWARENESS PRAYER.   SEVEN NEW BELIEVERS ENROLLED DURING SUMMER SCHOOL NUMEROUS OFFERS TRAVEL TEACHING . . . (From a cablegram received 14 September 1979)

    World Centre:   WITH GRIEF-STRICKEN HEARTS ANNOUNCE TRAGIC NEWS BRUTAL MURDER DEARLY LOVED GREATLY ADMIRED HAND CAUSE GOD ENOCH OLINGA BY UNKNOWN GUNMEN

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Two Pictures:

Caption of Top Picture:   The Hands of the Cause (left to right) William Sears, Dr. `Al’-Muhammad Varq‡, John Robarts and Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num, guest speakers at `The Gathering', near Port Hope, Ontario, Canada; August 1980.

Caption of Bottom Picture:   The Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery with two young friends in Norway.

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COURTYARD HIS KAMPALA HOME.   HIS WIFE ELIZABETH AND THREE OF HIS CHILDREN BADI LENNIE AND TAHIRIH HAVE ALSO FALLEN INNOCENT VICTIMS THIS CRUEL ACT.   MOTIVE ATTACK NOT YET ASCERTAINED.   HIS RADIANT SPIRIT HIS UNWAVERING FAITH HIS ALL-EMBRACING LOVE HIS LEONINE AUDACITY IN THE TEACHING FIELD HIS TITLES KNIGHT BAHAULLAH FATHER VICTORIES CONFERRED BELOVED GUARDIAN ALL COMBINE DISTINGUISH HIM AS PREEMINENT MEMBER HIS RACE IN ANNALS FAITH AFRICAN CONTINENT.   URGE FRIENDS EVERYWHERE HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERINGS BEFITTING TRIBUTE HIS IMPERISHABLE MEMORY.   FERVENTLY PRAYING HOLY SHRINES PROGRESS HIS NOBLE SOUL AND SOULS FOUR MEMBERS HIS PRECIOUS FAMILY.   (Cablegram from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies 16 September 1979)

    Uganda:   The Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga, together with his wife and three children, was buried on 24 September 1979 in the Bah‡`’ Cemetery on Kikaaya Hill, in the precincts of the Mother Temple of Africa near Kampala, Uganda . . . The funeral service took place at 2:00 p.m. in the Conference Hall of the National Haz’ratu'l-Quds adjacent to the House of Worship and the Bah‡`’ Cemetery.   As the gathered mourners sang `All‡h-u-Abh‡', the coffins were carried reverently into the hall and placed at the head of the room.   The coffin of the Hand of the Cause was in the special care of the members of the Continental Board of Counsellors; the other pallbearers were members of the Olinga family and the large Bah‡`’ `family' in East Africa . . . Over three hundred persons were present, many of whom had to stand outside the building during the service.   Some had walked great distances to be present for the sad occasion, having been informed by special broadcasts on the State radio system.   Official visitors included the Minister of Justice as special representative of the President of Uganda, the former Ugandan Ambassador to Losotho, the Bishop of Namirembe, the Canon of Makerere Church in Kampala, the Principal Immigration Officer, and other distinguished guests and representatives of the press.
    The message of the Universal House of Justice was read during the service, recalling that the Guardian of the Faith had conferred upon Mr.. Olinga the titles `Knight of Bah‡`u'll‡h' and `Father of Victories' before appointing him, in 1957, the first native African Hand of the Cause of God.   Other messages of condolence were read, and a brief summary of Mr. Olinga's life was given.   Prayers and other passages from the Bah‡`’ Writings preceded and followed the messages, read in the Ateso, Luganda, Swahili, Persian and English languages . . .
    Mr. Olinga's grave adjoins that of the Hand of the Cause Mœs‡ Ban‡n’.   Just below are the tombs of his wife Elizabeth and daughter T‡hirih, and those of his two sons, Bad’` and Lennie.   (From reports received through 31 December 1979)

November

    United States:   Texas believers enjoyed a nine-day visit from the Hand of the Cause of God Dhikru'll‡h Kh‡dem from 3 to 11 November when eight hundred Bah‡`’s from six surrounding States attended a day-long meeting in Houston.   Mr. Kh‡dem shared memories of the Guardian, thrilling the believers with his reminiscences, his presence and his perceptions of the Guardian's legacy.   The youth he urged to study The Advent of Divine Justice, and all were urged to study the writings of Shoghi Effendi.   Joyous gatherings throughout the State marked the nine days, with special meetings for Local Spiritual Assemblies of Houston and Dallas, and firesides in La Porta and Fort Worth and at the Bah‡`’ Club at Rice University.   Mrs. Javidukht Khadem, an Auxiliary Board member, participated with zeal and humour in many of the events that were sponsored by the Continental Board of Counsellors and Auxiliary Board members Mr. Hormoz Bastani and Mrs. Eunice Braun.   (From a report received February 1980)

December

    Argentina:   JOYOUSLY ANNOUNCE INAUGERATION OUR LOCAL HAZIRATULQUDS WITH PRESENCE BELOVED HAND CAUSE RAHMATULLAH MUHAJIR COUNSELLOR ATHOS COSTAS ABOUT FORTY BAHAIS AND NONBAHAIS.   HAVE NAMED AND DEDICATED IT MEMORY BELOVED HAND CAUSE HERMANN GROSSMANN . . . (From a

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cablegram received from the Local Spiritual Assembly of Rosario 21 December 1979)

    Australia:   On the last day of 1979, the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone arrived home in Rockhampton, Australia, from a ten-nation tour of the western Pacific and the Far East which lasted seventy-six days and took him to scores of Bah‡`’ centres in cities, towns and villages.
    A principal aim of Mr. Featherstone's trip, on which he was accompanied by his wife, Madge, was to participate in the National Teaching Conference of the Mariana Islands in Inarajan, Guam, on 20-21 October . . .
    Excellent publicity included a prominently-placed interview in the Pacific Daily Mail . . . and a television spot on the evening news.   The Governor of Guam, Mr. Paul Calva, received the Featherstones and three local believers for a fifteen-minute interview, during which the Governor was given a copy of The Bah‡`’ World, vol. XVI, on behalf of the National Assembly.   Following the conference, Mr. Featherstone visited village communities in Yap and Palau during a two-week period.
    In Japan from 10 to 20 November, public meetings and firesides were held in major cities including Hiroshima where Mr. Featherstone gave a fireside talk to university students.   At Amagasaki, Mrs. Featherstone addressed a gathering of eleven women.   A public meeting in the goal city of Hirakata resulted in an enrolment.
    Four days in Korea included gatherings with Auxiliary Board members and assistants, meetings with believers of Pusan and a Seoul public meeting with one hundred and four present, more than half of them enquirers.
    In Taiwan the Featherstones were met on 24 November by a colourful international group of Chinese, Malaysian, Persian, Korean and American Bah‡`’s bearing a large welcoming banner.   The cities of Taipei, Tainan, Hsintien and Kaohsiung held meetings for believers as well as firesides.
    In Hong Kong Mr. Featherstone met with the Bah‡`’ `footballers' at the National Centre, spoke at a gathering for believers and met with an Auxiliary Board member and assistants.
    A Bangkok newspaper reported the arrival of Mr. Featherstone in Thailand by calling him an `international peace lecturer', reporting that he would be meeting `VIPs and business leaders'.   Leaving Thailand on 10 December, the Featherstones divided the next twenty-one days among four countries, making teaching stops in Malaysia, where they attended a Winter School at Cameron Highlands, and in Singapore, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, returning home on 31 December . . . (From reports received through 31 December 1979)

    World Centre:  PROFOUNDLY LAMENT UNTIMELY PASSING IN QUITO ECUADOR BELOVED HAND CAUSE RAHMATULLAH MUHAJIR FOLLOWING HEART ATTACK COURSE HIS LATEST SOUTH AMERICAN TOUR.   UNSTINTED UNRESTRAINED OUTPOURING OF PHYSICAL SPIRITUAL ENERGIES BY ONE WHO OFFERED HIS ALL PATH SERVICE HAS NOW CEASED.   POSTERITY WILL RECORD HIS DEVOTED SERVICES YOUTHFUL YEARS CRADLE FAITH HIS SUBSEQUENT UNIQUE EXPLOITS PIONEERING FIELD SOUTHEAST ASIA WHERE HE WON ACCOLADE KNIGHTHOOD BAHAULLAH HIS CEASELESS EFFORTS OVER TWO DECADES SINCE HIS APPOINTMENT HAND CAUSE STIMULATING IN MANY LANDS EAST WEST PROCESS ENTRY BY TROOPS.   FRIENDS ALL CONTINENTS WHO MOURN THIS TRAGIC LOSS NOW SUDDENLY DEPRIVED COLLABORATION ONE WHO ENDEARED HIMSELF TO THEM THROUGH HIS GENTLENESS HIS LUMINOUS PERSONALITY HIS EXEMPLARY UNFLAGGING ZEAL HIS CREATIVE ENTHUSIASTIC APPROACH TO FULFILMENT ASSIGNED GOALS.   URGE FRIENDS EVERYWHERE HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERINGS BEFITTING HIS HIGH STATION UNIQUE ACHIEVEMENTS.   MAY HIS RADIANT SOUL ABHA KINGDOM REAP RICH HARVEST HIS DEDICATED SELF-SACRIFICING SERVICES CAUSE GOD.   (Cablegram from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies 30 December 1979)

    Ecuador:   The Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu'll‡h Muh‡jir arrived in Ecuador from Lima, Peru, on 26 December.   He was greeted at the airport by a host of friends including members of the Continental Board of Counsellors who were in the country for one of their scheduled meetings.   Dr. Muh‡jir was presented with several bouquets of red roses which he, in turn, lovingly presented to two of the indigenous believers from Otavalo as a token of his love and esteem.   He shook hands and embraced all the friends, saying

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`All‡h-u-Abh‡' . . . Everyone showed such happiness at being with Dr. Muh‡jir that passers-by paused to look on, some of them asking `Who is he?' and giving the Bah‡`’s an opportunity to mention the name of the Faith.
    Dr. Muh‡jir's schedule was hectic.   He did not pause to rest after arriving at the airport, as he usually did in this altitude, but was driven directly to appointments including a radio interview and a meeting of the Counsellors.   Later that evening he spoke to the Bah‡`’ community in Quito, and afterwards had a brief interview with members of the National Spiritual Assembly.   The following day he went to Esmeraldas accompanied by Auxiliary Board member Charles Hornby and Keikavous Vahdat to visit the new Bah‡`’ institute that is being built and named in honour of the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga.   After lunch Dr. Muh‡jir made three radio broadcasts followed by a fireside and a television interview . . .
    On 26 December he returned to Quito and resumed his busy schedule, conferring that afternoon with the Counsellors and then presiding over a joint meeting with the Counsellors, Auxiliary Board members and the National Spiritual Assembly.
    A conference for pioneers had been called by the National Spiritual Assembly on behalf of the Continental Board of Counsellors . . .Mount your steeds, O heroes of God! was always Dr. Muh‡jir's motto and it was embodied in the eagerness of those who were waiting to see how many far-reaching projects he would envisage and substantiated by the prompt movement of pioneers and teachers responding to the call.   Whenever a new teaching plan was received from the Universal House of Justice, everyone knew it would not be long before a visit from Dr. Muh‡jir was forthcoming to place in perspective any perplexities that might be engendered by the vastness of the plan.   He would always open up new avenues and approaches to teaching . . .after each session he would leave heads swirling by his edifying presence, his high spirits, his clarity of vision and, of course, by the amount of work he outlined to be accomplished while, at the same time, giving the group the feeling that they had really planned it themselves . . .
    On 29 December, after a full day's schedule, Dr. Muh‡jir fell ill and was taken to a near-by emergency clinic for medical attention.   During this time he was repeating the Greatest Name with those who were caring for him and he smiled and talked with the doctor and nurse when his pain was not so acute.   Counsellor Mas'œd Khams’ never left his side.   About half an hour after his arrival at the clinic, Dr. Muh‡jir lost consciousness and soon passed away . . .. (Adapted from a report by Mrs. Helen Hornby)

    Ecuador:   The Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu'll‡h Muh‡jir was buried on 31 December 1979 in a beautiful cemetery high in the Andes mountains near Quito, Ecuador, where he died suddenly on 29 December following a heart attack.   Appointed by the Guardian in October 1957, he was the youngest of the remaining Hands of the Cause . . . The funeral services were planned by the National Spiritual Assembly in consultation with the Continental Board of Counsellors.   Mrs. êr‡n Muh‡jir and daughter, Gisu, arrived from the United States in time to choose a burial plot in the cemetery called `Park of Memories' which Mrs. Muh‡jir selected for its simple beauty and tranquility.   Dr. Muh‡jir's casket was surrounded by a profusion of floral tributes.   Attending were five of the six members of the Board of Counsellors, Auxiliary Board members from four countries, and representatives of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Peru.   Believers from all parts of Ecuador increased the attendance to over one hundred persons . . . At the cemetery, prayers were offered in several languages, the cabled tribute from the Universal House of Justice was read as a fitting eulogy for the Hand of the Cause, and one of the Counsellors chanted in Arabic the Prayer for the Dead.   Mrs. Muh‡jir had selected three plots in the cemetery to allow the grave to be oriented eastward, towards Bahj’ . . . On the same day the friends attended a conference to launch Dr. Muh‡jir's audacious plan--now consecrated to his name--which calls for a vast expansion among the black and Indian population.   The Counsellors cabled that REPRESENTATIVES NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES AGREE DEDICATE 1980 YEAR MASS CONVERSION SOUTH AMERICAN CONTINENT ACCORDING HIS DESIRE.   NATIONAL COM-

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MUNITY ECUADOR WORKING WHOLEHEARTEDLY COMPLETE ARRANGEMENTS.   BESEECH PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES ACHIEVE UNPRECEDENTED VICTORIES DEDICATED HIS MEMORY . . . (From various reports received through February 1980)

    Belize:   Friends around the world are lamenting the great loss of the Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu'll‡h Muh‡jir, for he lived and travelled in Southeast Asia, India, Europe, the Americas, the Pacific, Africa and the Caribbean.   He devoted eleven months out of the year to travel for the Faith . . . Each country received him as their own because of his unique ability to be so completely attuned with the people of each place he visited . . .The great love he showered on us all will always be a part of each one of us, awakening in us our own love for each other.   Posterity will record his exploits in the teaching field, but at this time let us remember most of all his example.   Were we but to emulate to a small extent his great outpouring of physical and spiritual energies and his genuine kindness and love, and arise with sacrificial efforts to teach our brothers and sisters about this great all-encompassing Faith, then we would ensure that the spiritual heart of this great man--Rahmatu'll‡h Muh‡jir--shall continue to pulsate throughout these lands . . .. (From Bah‡`’ Newsletter of Belize, January 1980)

    Malaysia:   REJOICE INFORM SUPREME BODY WINTER SCHOOL CAMERON HIGHLAND HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL.   GRATEFUL PRESENCE BELOVED HAND FEATHERSTONE COUNSELLORS YAN KEE LEONG CHINNIAH OVER FOUR HUNDRED PARTICIPANTS.   ABUNDANT FRUITS SEVENTY-SIX PIONEERS TRAVEL TEACHERS FORTY HOME FRONT . . . (From a cablegram received 30 December 1979)

1980

February

    World Centre:   WITH BROKEN HEARTS ANNOUNCE PASSING DEARLY LOVED HAND CAUSE HASAN BALYUZI.   ENTIRE BAHAI WORLD ROBBED ONE OF ITS MOST POWERFUL DEFENDERS MOST RESOURCEFUL HISTORIANS.   HIS ILLUSTRIOUS LINEAGE HIS DEVOTED LABOURS DIVINE VINEYARD HIS OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORKS COMBINE IN IMMORTALIZING HIS HONOURED NAME IN ANNALS BELOVED FAITH.   CALL ON FRIENDS EVERYWHERE HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERINGS.   PRAYING SHRINES HIS EXEMPLARY ACHIEVEMENTS HIS STEADFASTNESS PATIENCE HUMILITY HIS OUTSTANDING SCHOLARLY PURSUITS WILL INSPIRE MANY DEVOTED WORKERS AMONG RISING GENERATIONS FOLLOW HIS GLORIOUS FOOTSTEPS.   (Cablegram from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies 12 February 1980)

    United Kingdom:   The funeral service for the Hand of the Cause of God Hasan M. Balyœz’ was held on 15 February 1980 at the New Southgate Cemetery in London.   Mr. Balyœz’, who passed away peacefully on the morning of 12 February in London following a heart attack, was appointed a Hand of the Cause in October 1957.   He also bore the title Afn‡n, indicating that he was a lineal descendant of the B‡b.
    Three hundred believers and friends gathered at 3:45 p.m. for a dignified and moving ceremony conducted by Mr. Philip Hainsworth on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly.   The service began with a tribute on behalf of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Europe by Mr. Adib Taherzadeh.   Mrs. Marion Hofman followed with a tribute that included reading of a cabled message from the Universal House of Justice . . . A reading in English of a passage from the writings of Bah‡`u'll‡h about the Hands of the Cause, by the son of the deceased, Mr. Robert Balyœz’, was included in the programme prepared by the National Assembly.   Eight members of the National Assembly attended, some of whom--together with members of the family--acted as pallbearers.
    Mr. Balyœz’ is buried in close proximity to the grave of Shoghi Effendi in a cemetery in the outskirts of London formerly known as the Great Northern Cemetery . . .
    In 1963, disabled by ill health which prevented his travelling, Mr. Balyœz’ took up his pen, devoting his remaining years to producing important literary works which are perhaps his most significant legacy to the Bah‡`’ world.   Among the books that streamed forth until the very last months of his life are:   Bah‡`u'll‡h (a brief Life, accompanied by an essay `The



Word Made Flesh' published in 1963); `Abdu'l-Bah‡ (1971); The B‡b (1973); Edward Granville Browne and the Bah‡`’ Faith (1970); Muhammad and the Course of Isl‡m (1976).   His magnum opus, a major Life of Bah‡`u'll‡h, was completed just before his passing in London on 12 February 1980 . . . (From reports received during February 1980)

    United States:   The Bah‡`’ children's long-playing record album, `Happy Ayy‡m-i-H‡!', produced by Joyce and Danny Deardorff and released through Prism Productions, won a 1979 Angel Award from RIM (Religion in Media). The album features as host the Hand of the Cause William Sears and utilizes music arranged and conducted by Russ Garcia. Referring to Mr. Sears, the album jacket states, `His special love for children is so beautifully expressed in this recording as he portrays a loving grandfather answering their questions and sharing their joy and laughter.'  The award was presented during a ceremony on 14 February 1980 at the Hollywood Palladium to Joyce and Danny Deardorff, producers of the album, and Marcia Day, executive producer of Prism Productions. This was the fifth annual awards programme sponsored by Religion in Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of religious values in the media and the album was one of only two non-Christian enterprises to win an award. Marcia Day ended her brief acceptance remarks by saying, `We hope we accomplished what we set out to do--express for children the principles of the oneness of God, the oneness of religion and the oneness of mankind.'  The Bah‡`’s had two large tables near the front of the assemblage, and stood out as the most lively and diversified group at the ceremony. (From a report received April 1980)

    United States:   THREE HUNDRED PERSIAN BELIEVERS GATHERED TOGETHER IN THE SHADOW MOTHER TEMPLE WEST IN PRESENCE OF HAND CAUSE DHIKRULLAH KHADEM COUNSELLORS EDNA TRUE IRAJ AYMAN AND MANUCHIHR SALMANPUR THREE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS TWO AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS OFFER DEEPEST LOVE SERVITUDE SUPREME BODY. DETERMINED DISPERSE FULFILL GOALS CONSOLIDATE WEAK CENTERS. OVER FIFTY SOULS OFFER PIONEER. REQUEST PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES BESEECHING CELESTIAL CONFIRMATIONS . . . (From a cablegram received 19 February 1980)

    United States:   OVER ONE HUNDRED PERSIAN BELIEVERS LOUISIANA OKLAHOMA MISSISSIPPI ALABAMA TEXAS GATHERED REGIONAL CONFERENCE BATON ROUGE HUMBLY RENEW DEVOTION SUPREME INSTITUTION. TWENTY-TWO VOLUNTEERED HOMEFRONT INTERNATIONAL PIONEERING. SUPPLICATE PRAYERS THEIR EFFORTS SERVICE CAUSE . . . (From a cablegram received 21 February 1980)

    United States:   TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY PERSIAN FRIENDS GATHERED SAN DIEGO CENTER 24 FEBRUARY PRESENCE HAND CAUSE VARQA DEEPLY GRIEVED PASSING DEAR HAND CAUSE BALYUZI.   OFFER HEARTFELT SUBMISSION SUPREME INSTITUTION.   FIFTY BELIEVERS DETERMINED RESPOND FILL PIONEERING TRAVEL TEACHING GOALS.   OTHERS HOPEFUL MOVE LATER.   BESEECH PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES BESTOWAL CONFIRMATION SUCCESS.   (Cablegram received 26 February 1980)

    United States:   FOURTEEN HUNDRED PERSIAN BELIEVERS GATHERED SANTA MONICA CALIFORNIA 24 FEBRUARY PRESENCE HAND CAUSE VARQA COUNSELLORS KHAMSI SALMANPUR AND AYMAN TWO NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS AND AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBER JALIL MAHMOUDI.   SPIRIT DEDICATION INTENSE.   COUNSELLORS REMAINED LOS ANGELES FOLLOWING TWO DAYS TO CONSULT WITH PROSPECTIVE PIONEERS . . . (From a cablegram received 2 March 1980)

March

    Germany:   ABOUT FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY BAHAIS AND FIFTY NONBAHAIS PARTICIPATED NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE LANGENHAIN 22-23 MARCH 1980 BLESSED BY HAND OF THE CAUSE OF GOD PAUL HANEY AND COUNSELLOR ADIB TAHERZADEH WHO ENCOURAGED AND INSPIRED ALL TO ARISE AND SERVE BELOVED FAITH.   EXPRESS OUR DEEP GRATITUDE FOR THEIR PRESENCE . . . TWENTY-SIX FRIENDS AROSE FORTHCOMING TEACHING ACTIVITIES . . . (From a cablegram received 24 March 1980)

April

    Canada:   OVER ELEVEN HUNDRED DELEGATES OBSERVERS ASSEMBLED CANADIAN CONVENTION VANCOUVER BLESSED PRESENCE BELOVED HAND

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CAUSE JOHN ROBARTS . . . ACTIVE PARTICIPATION INDIGENOUS MINORITIES . . . NUMBER ASSEMBLIES NOW OVER THREE HUNDRED TWENTY . . . (>From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1980)

    Korea:   THOUGH DEEPLY GRIEVED PASSING THREE HANDS CAUSE GOD DISTRESSED OPPOSITION FRIENDS IRAN KOREAN DELEGATES DETERMINED SHARE BURDEN IRANIAN COMMUNITY . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1980)

    United States:   WE UNMISTAKABLY SENSE THE ADVENT OF THE LONG-AWAITED SORELY-NEEDED SPIRITUAL REBIRTH PROMISED BY THE MASTER IN TABLETS OF THE DIVINE PLAN.   THE SPIRIT OF OPTIMISM COUPLED WITH UNSHAKABLE CONFIDENCE IS PERVADING THIS COMMUNITY . . . WE FEEL THAT THE CONCOURSE OF ABHA RECENTLY REINFORCED BY THE PASSING OF THREE HANDS OF THE CAUSE IS WAITING TO ASSIST THOSE WHO ARISE IN THE SERVICE OF OUR BELOVED CAUSE . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1980)

May

    United States:   Over one hundred Bah‡`’s attended a three-day conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, held from 9 to 11 May.   The conference commemorated the visit of `Abdu'l-Bah‡ to that city in 1912.   The Hand of the Cause Dhikru'llah Kh‡dem was the featured speaker for the occasion.   Several of the meetings were held in the same room in Schenley Hall where the Master spoke in 1912 when it was the Schenley Hotel.   It is now part of the University of Pittsburgh's Student Union building . . . Mr. Kh‡dem spoke several times during the weekend.   He outlined the Master's visit to the United States, spoke on the station of the Manifestations of God and of the authorized interpreters of the Bah‡`’ Writings, and closed by encouraging all participants to deepen themselves in the Faith in order that they might better convey its truths . . . (From a report received 26 May 1980)

June

    Canada:   The Canadian Association for Studies on the Bah‡`’ Faith held its fifth Annual Conference and its first International Conference on health and healing, both within the period of 30 May to 4 June in Ottawa, with a combined attendance of more than five hundred persons . . . the Hand of the Cause John Robarts encouraged the friends throughout the Conferences.   In attendance were members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of Haiti, Switzerland and Canada; members of the Auxiliary Board; and a distinguished array of Bah‡`’s from all parts of Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and New Zealand.   A special lectureship on Bah‡`’ history was initiated at this year's annual meeting in memory of the late Hand of the Cause Hasan M. Balyœz’.   The Hand of the Cause John Robarts spoke about Mr. Balyœz’'s life.   Dr. `Abb‡s Afn‡n and Dr. Muhammad Afn‡n, both of whom are descendants of the B‡b[sic] and relatives of the late Hand of the Cause, talked about his illustrious lineage.   The special lectureship, which will be continued at future annual meetings, was capped by a scholarly address by Mr. Douglas Martin, a historian and secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada.   He reviewed Mr. Balyœz’'s immense life work as a historian . .. . (From a report received 23 July 1980)

    World Centre:   Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num left the World Centre on 25 June for a brief sojourn in England, travelling thereafter to Spain for a week's stay, which included visits to the friends in Madrid and Barcelona and the dedication of the Haz’ratu'l-Quds in the latter city.   Following this she spent fourteen weeks in Toronto, Canada, editing a two-hour documentary film entitled `The Pilgrimage'.   This historic film--a beautiful and deeply moving account of the Holy Places in `Akk‡ and Haifa--was written, narrated, directed and edited by Amatu'l-Bah‡, and in addition to its interest to the public will provide a most effective and inspiring deepening experience for the believers . . . Filmed at the World Centre by Prism Productions Inc., `The Pilgrimage' is a superb documentary depicting the Bah‡`’ Holy Places in great detail.   It is a two-hour, 16mm sound colour film on four reels to facilitate screening and is available in English, French and Spanish.   (From various reports received June-December 1980)

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July

    United States:   IN DIGNIFIED UPLIFTING CEREMONY WITNESSED BY HAND CAUSE KHADEM HOUSE OF JUSTICE MEMBER AMOZ GIBSON COUNSELLORS COWAN GARDNER TRUE REPRESENTATIVES NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES ALASKA CANADA AND UNITED STATES AND NUMBER AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS NATIVE COUNCIL ENTRUSTED SPECIAL GIFT FOR MIGHTY HOUSE OF JUSTICE TO MRS. MARY GIBSON IN HOPE SHE CAN PRESENT IT TO SUPREME INSTITUTION IN SPIRIT IN WHICH IT WAS GIVEN.   ONE FEATURE CONFERENCE A POW-WOW HELD ON LAKESIDE PROPERTY UNDER SHADOW OF MASHRIQULADHKAR DREW ATTENDANCE NUMBERING APPROXIMATELY ONE THOUSAND SCINTILLATING THE MINDS AND SPIRITS FOR ITS AESTHETIC EXECUTION BUT MORE IMPORTANT POWERFULLY IMPRESSING UPON THEM BAHAI IDEAL ONENESS MANKIND . . . (From a cablegram received 15 July 1980)

    Sweden:   NORWEGIAN-SWEDISH SUMMER SCHOOL BLESSED PRESENCE BELOVED HAND CAUSE GOD GIACHERY COUNSELLOR TAHERZADEH AUXILIARY BOARDS OVER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY FRIENDS FORTY-FOUR CHILDREN TWENTY YOUTH TWELVE COUNTRIES.   INSPIRED TO HIGH DEGREE HEROISM SACRIFICE FRIENDS MARTYRS IRAN.   MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD BELOVED EXEMPLAR DEDICATION CAUSE GOD ANGELINE GIACHERY.   HUMBLY REQUEST PRAYERS SHRINES SPIRITUAL GROWTH CHILDREN CONFIRMATIONS BELIEVERS NORDIC REGION . . . (From a cablegram received 28 July 1980)

    World Centre:   WITH SORROWFUL HEARTS ANNOUNCE PASSING BELOVED HAND CAUSE ADELBERT MUHLSCHLEGEL. GRIEVOUS LOSS SUSTAINED ENTIRE BAHAI WORLD PARTICULARLY FELT EUROPE MAIN ARENA HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICES CAUSE GOD.   SERVING FOR MANY YEARS NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY GERMANY HE BECAME AFTER ELEVATION RANK HAND CAUSE ONE OF CHAMPION BUILDERS EMERGING EUROPEAN BAHAI COMMUNITY CONSTANTLY TRAVELLING ENCOURAGING RAISING SPIRITS FRIENDS RESIDING WHEREVER SERVICES MOST NEEDED FINALLY PIONEERING GREECE AND SURRENDERING HIS SOUL PIONEER POST.   HIS CONSTANT WILLINGNESS SERVE HIS ABILITY ENDEAR HIMSELF BELIEVERS AND OTHERS ALIKE BY HIS LOVING GENTLENESS SERENE HUMILITY RADIANT CHEERFULNESS AND HIS NEVER CEASING PURSUIT KNOWLEDGE AND TOTAL DEDICATION BLESSED BEAUTY PROVIDE WONDERFUL EXAMPLE BAHAI LIFE.   ADVISE FRIENDS COMMEMORATE HIS PASSING AND REQUEST BEFITTING MEMORIAL SERVICES ALL MOTHER TEMPLES.   (Cablegram from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies 29 July 1980)

    United States:   Your cable dated 29 July 1980 was received and on the following night, in the meeting of the friends in St. Louis, its text was read.   The hearts of the friends were deeply touched and grieved, but they felt resigned before the will of the Lord, fully conscious that the soul of Dr. Adelbert Muhlschlegel is now in the Abh‡ Kingdom in the utmost joy and gratitude, as he recalls the efforts he exerted during his lifetime in the promotion of God's Holy Faith which is the sole path for the salvation of the world from the great convulsions with which it is beset . . . (From a report by the Hand of the Cause Shu'‡`u'll‡h `Al‡`’)

    Kenya:   DEEPLY GRIEVED SUDDEN PASSING HAND CAUSE ADELBERT MUHLSCHLEGEL .   HIS HUMBLENESS DEPTHS UNDERSTANDING FAITH SHOWN PROCLAIMING FAITH DURING VISIT NINE YEAR PLAN RECALLED KENYA BAHAI COMMUNITY WITH ADMIRATION . . . (From a cablegram received from the National Spiritual Assembly of Kenya)

August

    Switzerland:   TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY PARTICIPANTS FROM TEN COUNTRIES INCLUDING MANY YOUTH AND THIRTY CHILDREN ASSEMBLED TAVERNE TICINO.   UPLIFTED PRESENCE HAND OF CAUSE OF GOD UGO GIACHERY . . . STIMULATED BY THEME NEW STANDARDS OF LIFE WHICH PROMOTES ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF ALL FRIENDS.   SUCCESSFUL CHILDRENS CLASSES AND TEENAGERS WORKSHOP. HIGHLY SPIRITUAL COMMEMORATION PASSING HAND OF CAUSE OF GOD ADELBERT MUHLSCHLEGEL AND REMEMBRANCE ANGELINE GIACHERY.   TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS ORGANIZED IN TAVERNE AND LUGANO. FOUR DECLARATIONS . . . (From a cablegram received 3 August 1980)

    Canada:   TEACHING PROJECT SHAWINIGAN HEARTLAND QUEBEC SUPPORTED COUNSELLORS SUSTAINED NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND TEACHING COMMITTEE.   SUPPLICATE PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES SUCCESS CULMINATION PROJECT AUGUST 9.

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TWO HANDS CAUSE AUXILIARY BOARD FRIENDS QUEBEC PARTICIPATE RECEPTION MUNICIPALITY SIGNATURE CITYS GOLDEN BOOK AND PROCLAMATION PICNIC THOUSANDS INVITED. AUSPICIOUS TEACHING DEDICATED HEROIC MARTYRS PERSECUTED BRETHREN CRADLE FAITH . . . (From a cablegram received 6 August 1980)

Canada:  A beautiful example of the kind of collaboration we are experiencing here in Canada between the institutions of the Faith took place at the annual `Gatheringâ. Organized by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, this yearâs `Gatheringâ was specially for the Auxiliary Board members and their assistants. Three Hands of the Cause were among the honoured guests, Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num, John Robarts and `Al’-Muhammad Varq‡. As soon as Mr. Sears learned of the new initiatives taken by the National Assembly, however, he turned over a key portion of the programme to the Assembly to introduce its plan to focus the entire resources of the Canadian Bah‡`’ community on winning our international pioneer goals. Throughout the weekend speakers continually referred to the National Assemblyâs plan. Those present saw the entire administration move as one body in response to this priority focus.
    A memorable part of the `Gatheringâ was a special memorial service for the Hands of the Cause Enoch Olinga, Hasan M. Balyœz’, Rahmatu'll‡h Muh‡jir and Adelbert MŸhlschlegel. It was very stirring to see four devoted Hands of the Cause gathered to pay tribute to their much loved co-workers. The potency of the occasion was augmented with the realization that these souls were four from a company of twelve remaining Chief Stewards. It was a priceless privilege to hear stories of the meetings of the conclaves of the Hands between 1957 and 1963, and to catch a glimpse of the comradeship and power that characterized these conclaves. (From a report received 1 September 1980)

September

    Papua New Guinea:  Cabled greetings were sent from an inspirational institute with the Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone and Mrs. Madge Featherstone at Goroka on 14 September. Thirty-two pioneers and many local believers from other parts of Papua New Guinea gathered with Counsellor Violet Hoehnke, six Auxiliary Board members and seven members of the National Assembly to pledge themselves to the current two-year phase goals, particularly the re-election of lapsed Assemblies . . . (From a report received 14 September 1980)

November

    World Centre:   HEARTS FILLED WITH SORROW PASSING INDEFATIGABLE SELFSACRIFICING DEARLY LOVED HAND CAUSE GOD ABUL QASIM FAIZI. ENTIRE BAHAI WORLD MOURNS HIS LOSS. HIS EARLY OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN CRADLE FAITH THROUGH EDUCATION CHILDREN YOUTH STIMULATION FRIENDS PROMOTION TEACHING WORK PROMPTED BELOVED GUARDIAN DESCRIBE HIM AS LUMINOUS DISTINGUISHED ACTIVE YOUTH. HIS SUBSEQUENT PIONEERING WORK IN LANDS BORDERING IRAN WON HIM APPELLATION SPIRITUAL CONQUEROR THOSE LANDS. FOLLOWING HIS APPOINTMENT HAND CAUSE HE PLAYED INVALUABLE PART WORK HANDS HOLY LAND TRAVELLED WIDELY PENNED HIS LITERARY WORKS CONTINUED HIS EXTENSIVE INSPIRING CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIGH AND LOW YOUNG AND OLD UNTIL AFTER LONG ILLNESS HIS SOUL WAS RELEASED AND WINGED ITS FLIGHT ABHA KINGDOM. CALL ON FRIENDS EVERYWHERE HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS HIS HONOUR INCLUDING SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE MEETINGS HIS NAME IN HOUSES WORSHIP ALL CONTINENTS. MAY HIS SHINING EXAMPLE CONSECRATION CONTINUE INSPIRE HIS ADMIRERS EVERY LAND. PRAYING HOLY SHRINES HIS NOBLE RADIANT SOUL MAY BE IMMERSED IN OCEAN DIVINE MERCY CONTINUE ITS UNINTERRUPTED PROGRESS IN INFINITE WORLDS BEYOND. (Cablegram from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies 20 November 1980)

    World Centre:  The Hand of the Cause Abuâl-Q‡sim Faiz’ was laid to rest in the Bah‡`’ Cemetery at the foot of Mount Carmel on Sunday, 23 November 1980. The service was attended by his fellow Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land, `Al’-Akbar Furœtan and Paul Haney, members of the Universal House of Justice, Counsellor members of the International Teaching Centre, members of his family and the staff serving at the World Centre. A special gesture of love was made when the children, each carrying a

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bouquet of flowers, placed them around the graveside, kneeling and bowing their heads in sorrow at the passing of their beloved friend.
    Earlier, all of the friends had assembled at the temporary Seat of the Universal House of Justice at No. 10 Haparsim Street. Many floral tributes from all over the world were placed at the front of the room, and the readings and prayers, especially one by Mr. Faiz’âs dearly-loved grandson, Paul, brought tears to the eyes of those who had the honour of witnessing this touching tribute to the Hand of the Cause. His humility and love had endeared him not only to those with whom he lived and worked, but to the pilgrims and the friends in different parts of the world with whom he had visited and corresponded, bringing them encouragement and love. On Wednesday, 19 November, after two years of illness, he peacefully passed away in his own home. He is universally mourned, and remembrances of his gentle and loving nature will always be in our hearts. (From a report dated 15 December 1980)

United States:  The Hand of the Cause Abuâl-Q‡sim Faiz’ leaves a rich written legacy. His most recent work, published posthumously, is the foreword to A Concordance to the Hidden Words of Bah‡'u'll‡h, compiled by Dr. Jalil Mahmoudi and published by the Bah‡`’ Publishing Trust of the United States. Other titles include Stories from the Delight of Hearts, Three Meditations on the Eve of November the Fourth, The Wonder Lamp, Explanation of the Emblem of the Greatest Name, Milly:  A Tribute to Amelia E. Collins, and The Prince of Martyrs. Mr. Faiz’âs Commentary on the Hidden Words of Bah‡'u'll‡h is available on a cassette recording . . . (From a report received 15 December 1980)

    Switzerland:  Approximately eighty friends gathered on 1 November 1980 at 4:00 p.m. in BŸchtold-Haus to commemorate the passing of the Hand of the Cause Adelbert MŸhlschlegel. The participants, who came from all parts of Switzerland to express their affection and admiration, recited prayers in various languages including Esperanto, on of the many languages spoken by Dr. MŸhlschlegel. A number of people gave their recollections of Dr. MŸhlschlegel and described happy moments spent in his presence. A photograph of him, surrounded by flowers, was prominently displayed.. Ginette Dunand revived before our spiritual eye the solemn and poignant scene at the most beautiful cemetery in Greece where friends from many places accompanied his mortal remains to their last resting-place. They said their final farewells to the earthly `templeâ of this pure spirit and pledged themselves to follow his example of service. Those who have heard him describe being called by Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num to prepare the body of Shoghi Effendi for burial will not readily forget how vividly he seemed to relive that deeply moving experience . . . At the memorial service some of Dr. MŸhlschlegelâs poems were read to the accompaniment of music and projected slides showing him surrounded by the friends in diverse gatherings. The meeting ended with the chanting of a prayer. The life of the Hand of the Cause of God was one deserving of emulation . . . (Adapted from a report by Verena Stroligo in bulletin bah‡`’ Suisse, December 1980)

    Canada:  From many locations in British Columbia three hundred Bah‡`’s came to Vancouver in November to hear the Hand of the Cause `Al’-Muhammad Varq‡ speak about the importance of developing a personal teaching plan. Dr. Varq‡, who considers Canada his second home, spoke on the `victories which come with self-disciplineâ. He spoke again at Nanaimo where fifty Bah‡`’s assembled from distant points . . . In Vancouver he met with Bah‡`’ youth at a special meeting, telling of the crucial role they can play in the Cause, specifying their work in pioneering, teaching and child education. Dr. Varq‡ also addressed a gathering of one hundred Bah‡`’s in Calgary in November. (From a report received in December 1980)

    France:  One hundred and sixty Bah‡`’s of France attended a national teaching conference in Paris on 22-23 November 1980 which was graced by the presence of the Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery. Three Auxiliary Board members, Mr. Paul Hak’m, Dr. `Az’z Misb‡h and Mrs. Diane Starcher participated, as did the members of the National Spiritual Assembly. Sixty-five persons pledged themselves to various aspects of the teaching work÷eight of them as pioneers, twenty-eight as traveling

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Two Pictures:

Caption of Top Picture:  The Hand of the Cause Dr. Rahmatu'll‡h Muh‡jir with friends in Mendoza, Argentina; December 1979.

Caption of Bottom Picture:  The Hand of the Cause Paul E. Haney at the site of the House of Worship in India, with members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Asia; 6 January 1981.

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teachers . . . A unity evening was conducted by the Local Spiritual Assembly of Paris in an intensely spiritual atmosphere, enriched immensely by the presence of Dr. Giachery. (From a report received 23 December 1980)

December

    Canada:  During her stay in Canada to work on the film `The Pilgrimageâ, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num addressed the Bah‡`’s both in Persian and English, in Montreal and Toronto; gave the eulogy in English at the memorial service for the Hand of the Cause Abuâl-Q‡sim Faiz’ held on 7 December at the Toronto Bah‡`’ Centre; and was interviewed for a Toronto television programme entitled `Sounds of the Eastâ which was broadcast on 8 December and repeated on 11 December. Following the completion of the pilgrimage film, she flew to Los Angeles on 11 December and thence to Vancouver on 17 December, again speaking to large gatherings of Bah‡`’s in both these cities. Following the conference in Panama of the Continental Board of Counsellors for the Americas (from 2 to 4 January) which she will attend as the representative of the Universal House of Justice, she plans to visit most of the Central American countries. (From a report received 10 December 1980)

    Germany:  HAND CAUSE DHIKRULLAH KHADEM COUNSELLORS ANNELIESE BOPP AGNES GHAZNAVI WINTER SCHOOL OBERUSEL SOUTH GERMANY. ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY PARTICIPANTS. ENTHUSIASTIC DEEPENING . . . YOUTH PROGRAMME EMPHASIZED TEACHING AND PIONEERING. THREE DECLARATIONS . . . (From a cablegram received December 1980)

    United Kingdom:  Mothers, Fathers and Children, by the Hand of the Cause `Al’-Akbar Furœtan, which was originally published in Persian in 1960 under the title Essays on Education, has become a widely used guide to child-raising for parents in êr‡n. It has now been published in English for the first time. How to train a child according to Bah‡`’ principles while dealing with day-to-day problems is the subject of this immensely practical book. The Bah‡`’ reader will realize, more than ever, some of the implications of the many references in the Bah‡`’ Writings to child-training. The author approaches his subject with knowledge and zest, and his readers÷parents÷with sympathy and with encouragement to enjoy their children, to take a moral stand, and, above all, to realize that being a mother or father is an honourable activity. Mr. Furœtan is well-known throughout the Bah‡`’ world as an educator. He was appointed a Hand of the Cause in 1951 and now, with three fellow Hands of the Cause and four Counsellors, he is one of those who constitute the nucleus of the International Teaching Centre at the World Centre of the Bah‡`’ Faith. (From a report received December 1980)

    Canada:  The energetic support given the work of the Faith by the Hand of the Cause John Robarts has excited the admiration of the Canadian believers. Following successful teacher-training sessions in November, he has been active in the Province of Quebec for the past several weeks, meeting with the National Spiritual Assembly, with a group of six Counsellors of the Americas, and with the Canadian National Teaching Committee. In Toronto he attended important planning meetings in November with Counsellors Arbab and Gardner, Auxiliary Board members for Eastern Canada and National and Regional Teaching Committee members. The Hand of the Cause worked actively in Quebec from September through November, speaking at the `stageâ conferences, at the three-day French Council and the Native Council in October. He led intensive teaching workshops in Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa on three weekends. It is reported that the friends left the meetings inspired, refreshed and committed to increasing their individual and group efforts. He next attended the Eastern Ontario Winter School and the International Developments Conference at the National Centre of Canada. The National Assembly writes, `Both the Hand and his dear wife, Audrey, have cheered the friends with their vitality and enthusiasm . . . â (From a report received 1 January 1982)

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1981

January

    Africa:  The inaugural meeting of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Africa opened in Nairobi, Kenya, with devotions and the reading of the message of the Universal House of Justice by its representative, the Hand of the Cause William Sears . . . A meeting with the Continental Pioneer Committee for Africa was held during one full session and specific decisions reached which will bring close collaboration on pioneer work, travel teaching projects, record keeping, orientation of new pioneers and continuing ties with them . . . It was felt that the unification of the Board of Counsellors for all Africa could well presage the long-yearned-for unity of all the peoples of this vast continent . . . After his attendance at the Nairobi conference, Mr. Sears traveled to South Africa where he met with the National Spiritual Assembly and laid plans to visit Transkei, Swaziland and Lesotho, going finally to South-West Africa/Namibia for the inaugural convention of that National Spiritual Assembly at Ridv‡n . . . Mr. Sears maintains close contact with the Continental Board of Counsellors, Auxiliary Board members and National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa through cassette recordings and round-robin letters. (From reports received through January 1981)

    Africa:  The Hand of the Cause of God John Robarts is on a lengthy teaching mission, having spent several days in the United Kingdom. He is presently in South Africa and will undertake extensive travel before attending the inaugural convention of Bophuthatswana during the Ridv‡n period. (From a report received January 1981)

    The Americas:  On 1 January the Counsellors in the Americas, coming to Panama from as far north as Alaska and as far south as Argentina, along with Counsellor member of the International Teaching Centre, Mr. Hooper Dunbar, and a large representation of Panamanian believers, were at the airport to welcome the representative of the Universal House of Justice, the Hand of the Cause of God Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num. She was warmly greeted with music, dancing and song. Before the consultative meetings began, the Counsellors gathered at dawn for devotions in the Mother Temple of Latin America . . . At a special session on Saturday evening Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num made reference to the future responsibilities of the Counsellors now that their jurisdiction extends from pole to pole
. .. . (From a report received January 1981

    The Americas:  News reaching the World Centre during January in the course of Amatu'l-Bah‡âs progress through the Central American countries tells of exciting proclamation victories. From Panama she cables:  SPENT ONE DAY AND NIGHT WITH CUNAS SAN BLAS. OVER THREE THOUSAND VILLAGERS SAW GREEN LIGHT FILM. ALSO TWO NIGHTS IN CHIRIQUI. SECOND LARGEST GATHERING SINCE DEDICATION TEMPLE HELD AT MUHAJIR INSTITUTE OVER NINE HUNDRED PRESENT. TWENTY-FOUR GUAYMI COMMUNITIES REPRESENTED. RUTH PRINGLE LAURETTA KING ACCOMPANIED ME. ATTENDED TEMPLE SERVICE TWO SUNDAYS. MEETING WITH NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY BAHAIS AND PUBLIC ALL CONTRIBUTED MEMORABLE VISIT MUCH LOVED COUNTRY. Moving northward, from Costa Rica she cabled this heartening news:   RECEIVED CORDIALLY . . . HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT RODRIGO CARAZO ODIO FOLLOWED PRIVATE MEETING FIFTY MINUTES HIS DISTINGUISHED WIFE VERY ACTIVE NATIONAL FIGURE. ALSO EXCELLENT HALF-HOUR MEETING PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER . . . WEEKEND CONFERENCE BAHAIS LARGE PUBLIC MEETING AND UNITY FEAST AND SPECIAL AIR TRIP TO TALMANCA MEET INDIANS LOCAL FRIENDS PIONEERS . . .. â
    On 31 January Amatu'l-Bah‡ advised:   WEEKS VISIT NICARAGUA IMPRESSIVE EVERY WAY . . . VERY CORDIAL THIRTY-FIVE MINUTE INTERVIEW REGARDING FAITH FIRST CONTACT NEW GOVERNMENT. . PRESENTED BEHALF NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY LARGE PRINTED FRAMED STATEMENT OBEDIENCE GOVERNMENT ENJOINED BY BAHAULLAH. EXCEPTIONALLY FINE STATEMENT PRINTED LEADING NEWSPAPER AFTER PRESS CONFERENCE AND RECORDED INTERVIEW BROADCAST NEWS PERIOD ON NATIONAL STATION AS WELL AS NOTICE MY VISIT BLUEFIELDS. PUBLIC LECTURES MANAGUA BLUEFIELDS WELL ATTENDED MOSTLY NONBAHAIS. WARM RECEPTION MANY QUESTIONS. WEEKEND CONFERENCE OTHER

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MEETINGS BELIEVERS MANAGUA GRANADA BLUEFIELDS AND THREE MEETINGS WITH NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY . . . (>From cablegrams received through 31 January 1981)

    Australasia:  In close proximity to the beautiful House of Worship of the Antipodes in Sydney, the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone, representing the Universal House of Justice, and all seven members of the Board of Counsellors in Australasia, gathered to discuss recent developments announced by the Supreme Body in the functioning of the Boards of Counsellors . . . Towards the close of the conference, at the request of the Counsellors, Mr. Featherstone spoke in inspiring terms on the evolution of the institution and the challenging times that face humanity in the immediate future . . . Following these meetings Mr. Featherstone attended a National Teaching Conference at Albury, New South Wales, and a National Youth Conference from 11 to 14 January. Following that, and meetings with Auxiliary Board members and their assistants, he and Mrs. Featherstone returned to their home in Rockhampton where they readied themselves for their next swing through the Pacific Ocean regions that were anticipating the visit of the Hand of the Cause . . . (From reports received through 31 January 1981)

    Asia:  In conjunction with his attendance at the New Delhi meeting of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Asia, the Hand of the Cause of God Paul E. Haney fulfilled an ambitious schedule of events laid out for him by the National Spiritual Assemblies of India and Pakistan. Before the New Delhi meeting he went to the New Era School, Panchgani, where he addressed the students and those friends who remained after the Winter School held there. Accompanied by Counsellor Manœchihr Salm‡npœr he spent six days visiting Karachi believers and consulting with the National Spiritual Assembly. He visited the community of Lahore in the Punjab region of North Pakistan which had not been visited by a Hand of the Cause since Tar‡zu'll‡h Samandar’ was there seventeen years ago. Returning to India on 13 January, Mr. Haney participated in a successful three-day teaching conference for North India held in New Delhi and then went on to the Indore Institute in Madhya Pradesh, the area of large-scale enrolments of recent years. He was accompanied by the Counsellor, Mrs. Shirin Boman. Mr. Haney next traveled to Bangalore where he took part in the South India Teaching Conference held in that city on 18-19 January. After twenty-five days of continuous travel, giving selflessly of his time and energies, Mr. Haney returned to the Holy Land on 21 January.

    Europe:  As all the meetings of the Counsellors on the five continents were about to begin, he Hand of the Cause of God Dhikru'll‡h Kh‡dem, representative of the Universal House of Justice, all nine members of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Europe, and visiting member of the International Teaching Centre, Counsellor Anneliese Bopp, sought guidance and rendered thanks for the historic meeting with prayers at the Mother Temple of Europe in Frankfurt. Described as a `wonderful, happy meetingâ, the first session opened with the message of the Supreme Body read by Mr. Kh‡dem . . . Following the decisions on major policy, aspects of the work in Europe were reviewed with the valuable participation of Mr. Kh‡dem. A highlight of the days spent together came on Saturday evening when the Hand of the Cause spoke to the Counsellors and to many friends gathered from far and near in the National Haz’ratu'l-Quds. His subject was the suffering of the Bah‡`’s of êr‡n and how sacrifice furthers the Cause of God . . . (From a report received January 1981)

    Europe:  Thirty-five days of intensive travel in December and January by the Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery took him half-way around the world to Western Samoa for his fourth visit to that country. On 30 December he was received by His Highness the Malietoa Tanumafili II . . . Dr. Giacheryâs stay in Samoa included attendance at the `most historic and bountiful Summer School everâ, as reported by Counsellor Suhayl `Al‡`’, who said that before `a large gathering of more than two hundred friends from all three major islands and the island of Tau (Manua Islands), Dr. Giachery poured out his heart day and night, his luminous spirit enriching the heart and soul of every believerâ. Dr. Giachery proceeded to the Hawaiian Islands where he

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appeared at two meetings in Honolulu and one in Lihue, Kauai, all well-attended, and took part in a memorial meeting for the Hand of the Cause Abuâl-Q‡sim Faiz’. Moving on to Southern California, he attended gatherings two and three times a day, meeting old friends after an absence of eleven years . . . (From a report received January 1981)

    United States:  At a gala evening entitled `A Tribute to the Hands of the Causeâ sponsored by the Bah‡`’ community of Irvine, California, on 12 January 1981, the Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery happily was able to be present, as if in answer to the prayers of the planning community . . . in attendance were Counsellors Hooper Dunbar and Fred Schechter . . . Dr. Giacheryâs address on the Guardian and the few remaining Hands was poignant beyond description. The marvellous evening was evidence of the reality of the spiritual power flowing from the Institutions of the Hands, the International Teaching Centre and the Continental Boards of Cousellors . . . (From a report received 29 January 1981)

February

    The Americas:  For nearly a year Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡numâs travels through the western hemisphere have brought countless opportunities to grateful national communities to proclaim the Faith as never before. Since her participation in the Counsellorsâ conference held in January in Panama she has visited Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Antigua, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica . . . The Bah‡`’ community of Honduras shared nineteen unforgettable days with Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num. In the capital city she spoke to a capacity crowd at the Hotel Honduras Maya on world peace. A national teaching conference opened the following day. Forty Bah‡`’s of the Paya Indian tribe travelled by chartered bus from the distant Department of Olancho. Accompanied by Mrs. Violette Nakhjav‡n’, Amatu'l-Bah‡ paid a courtesy visit to the President of the City Council of Tegucigalpa. An article and a photograph appeared in a prominent paper, with details of the cordial discussion they held. A picnic was held where many friends enjoyed the company of the Hand of the Cause . . . Leaving Tegucigalpa on 5 February she went by plane to the northern coastal city of La Ceiba where Bah‡`’s from that community and from nearby Corozal were waiting in the airport. When the plane touched down, the Black Carib Bah‡`’s of Corozal began their typical dances, much to the surprise and enjoyment of Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num. An in-depth radio interview was broadcast by Radio Ceiba whose manager was greatly impressed by the wisdom and dignity of his guest . . . She and her companion called on the Mayor of La Ceiba, holding a cordial forty-minute interview. Following an afternoon press conference, she spoke in the evening to a crowd of more than two hundred persons, which included the Mayor and people from all classes of society.
    A Saturday morning radio interview lasted for an hour; next came a two-day teaching conference with two hundred and fifty Bah‡`’s from twenty-seven communities. She was next taken to the village of Corozal where Black Caribs, the Farfunas, live. More than two hundred Bah‡`’s quickly gathered and performed an ancient folk dance for the visitors . . . that same evening thirty-five new believers embraced the Faith. The next day she paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of the Department of Atl‡ntida, a woman. The two women spoke together cordially for more than an hour about the Faith and its purposes. Another radio interview in the afternoon was followed by a visit to Sambo Creek village where a public meeting with more than one hundred Bah‡`’s and seekers was held . . . After a well-deserved day of rest, Amatu'l-Bah‡ visited Brus Laguna in the heart of the Mosquitia area of swamps and lagoons . . . walking for many hours, or canoeing, the beloved friends, men and women and children, arrived in small groups to meet the first Hand of the Cause to make that perilous journey. During the teaching conference they were like many small rivers of spirit flowing towards Rœh’yyih Kh‡numâs ocean of love . . . On 15 February the group walked to the village of Kusuapayka where the believers spoke of their ancient Miskito customs. It was truly beautiful to see how they confided in her. She

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in turn spoke of the importance of the indigenous peoples . . .
    A week before the arrival of Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num and Mrs. Violette Nakhjav‡n’ in Belize, on 19 February the newspapers carried articles about Amatu'l-Bah‡ and spoke of Belize as the `one hundred and twenty-seventh country to be visited by herâ. She was met at the plane by Counsellor Ahmad’yyih, members of the National Spiritual Assembly and the Deputy Mayor of Belize City. Beneath a large banner reading `Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num÷Welcome to Belizeâ she was officially greeted on behalf of the Mayor and met Bah‡`’s of Belmopan, San Ignacio, Belize City and Burrell Boom. She had a special word for each one. All were captivated by her natural charm and open manner.
    A baqnquet in her honour brought many distinguished guests. Her book Prescription for Living was distributed to each one as a gift from the National Assembly. A public meeting in the hotel ballroom brought nearly one hundred persons to hear her speak on `A Pattern for World Unityâ.
    On the twenty-first she recorded three radio programmes÷one for Radio Belize and two for the Bah‡`’ series. In the afternoon she traveled to the capital city, Belmopan, where a public meeting was held at the Bah‡`’ Centre. On Sunday an all-day conference brought nearly five hundred Bah‡`’s from all over the country to the largest Bah‡`’ gathering ever held in Belize where the Knight of Bah‡`u'll‡h, Mrs. Shirley Warde, who has been a pioneer in Belize since 1953, was introduced.
    A visit to the Governor of Belize was a cordial one. Books were given to him. The Commissioner of Police and his Deputy had met the Hand of the Cause Enoch Olinga and expressed their great admiration for the Bah‡`’s.
    On 24 February Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num was welcomed to the Carib settlement of Dangriga by the Mayor and a group of Bah‡`’s. Later, she dined in the District Haz’ratu'l-Quds with the Local Assembly, all of whose members are Caribs. A Carib dance was performed in Town Hall by professional dancers, and was followed by a talk by Amatu'l-Bah‡ to an audience of seventy people . . . After meetings with the National Spiritual Assembly, Amatu'l-Bah‡ left for El Salvador, assured by the Belize friends that her visit, though short, `had inspired all with a new spirit of dedication to the Cause of Godâ. (From reports received through 29 February 1981)

March

    The Americas:  The itinerary established for Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num in El Salvador began with a meeting with the National Spiritual Assembly, followed by the celebration of Ayy‡m-i-H‡. A talk at the Cultural Centre was attended by seventy people, mostly women. On the weekend, almost four hundred Bah‡`’s from all over the country, and some seekers as well, met at the International School to hear the visitor discuss many subjects . . . A Unity Feast was held on 1 March with the Hand of the Cause participating in the devotional part . . .
    For nine days in Guatemala, Amatu'l-Bah‡ gave talks and lectures for Bah‡`’s and their guests. On 7-8 March about one hundred Bah‡`’s arrived in the capital city to listen to the Hand of the Cause whose talks were filled with wisdom and inspiration. On Monday she traveled to San Lucas Toliman, in Solol‡, where she talked to indigenous believers of that area . . . A banquet for prominent persons and a press conference completed the schedule in Guatemala City . . .
    In Yucat‡n the seemingly tireless travelers spent a week, the most important events of which were:  a reception tea with the outstanding women of MŽrida; a public meeting in the National Chamber of Commerce; a half-hour interview with the assistant to the Mayor; a six-minute interview on the television news programme; and, finally, three regional teaching conferences with Mayan believers . . .
    In a cablegram from the Hand of the Cause herself, the World Centre learned of her meeting on 20 March, the eve of Naw-Rœz, with JosŽ Lopez Portillo, the President of Mexico. She states that she was `received most courteouslyâ and presented him with The Proclamation of Bah‡`u'll‡h and the statement on obedience to government . . . (From reports received through 4 June 1981)

    Swaziland:  On 8 March the Hand of the Cause William Sears and his wife, Marguerite,

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came to Mbabane and many friends gathered on short notice to meet them at the Bah‡`’ Centre there. Mr. and Mrs. Sears told of their decision to return to Africa, a decision prompted by the news of the death of Enoch Olinga which reached them while they were praying at the cornerstone of the Mother Temple of North America. They had pioneered to South Africa from 1953 to 1959, the first Regional Assembly comprised of fourteen countries having been formed at a meeting at their farm near Johannesburg in 1956 . . . (From a report received March 1981)

    Zimbabwe:  The dedication, on 22 March, of an outstanding Bah‡`’ Centre at Templeton Ranch Compound in Mtoroshanga was made even more outstanding by the participation of the Hand of the Cause John Robarts and his wife, Audrey. The money to purchase the building materials of the new Centre was raised by the women of this community by baking small cakes in the kitchen of pioneers Mike and Becky Figgins and then selling them to workers in the nearby mines. Four Bah‡`’ men built the structure which is large enough to accommodate thirty to fifty persons . . . Gifts were brought for the occasion from the Continental Board of Counsellors, the Rose Garden community of Greater Salisbury and by visitors from Zambia. Even from Urbana, Ohio, U.S.A., a gift was airmailed÷a replica of the Greatest Name made especially for this Haz’ratu'l-Quds . . . The Bah‡`’s of Templeton presented Mr. and Mrs. Robarts with a carving of the Zimbabwe bird and a large spoon and fork made from animal horns. Food was served to everyone from huge, three-legged iron kettles, standing over open fires. The friends sat under the trees eating together and singing music to lift the hearts on that beautiful day. (From a report received 15 April 1981)

April

y     Bermuda:   INEXPRESSIBLE JOY THIS MOMENTOUS OCCASION ERECTION YET ANOTHER PILLAR IN THE AMERICAS . . . CONVENTION BLESSED ATTENDANCE HAND CAUSE AMATULBAHA RUHIYYIH KHANUM COULSELLOR SARAH PEREIRA NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY REPRSENTATIVE GLENFORD MITCHELL . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1981)

    Bermuda:   Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num herself cabled:   BLESSED ISLE BERMUDA PEARL ATLANTIC UPLIFTED NEW HEIGHTS . . . WONDERFUL SPIRIT RECEPTION PRECEDING CONVENTION GRACIOUSLY ATTENDED PREMIERS WIFE ALSO LEADING SENATOR AND MINISTER HEALTH OTHER DISTINGUISHED GUESTS INCLUDING SIXTY-THREE OVERSEAS BAHAIS. PREMIER CORDIALLY RECEIVED ME. SPOKE ROTARY CLUB TELEVISION PRESS RADIO INTERVIEWS MYSELF AND OTHERS. BAHAI PROGRAMMES SATUARATED PUBLIC NEWS OUR HISTORIC ELECTION FIRST NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY. (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1981)

    Bophuthatswana:  Assembled at Mmabatho, the delegates to the first convention of Bophuthatswana cabled the Universal House of Justice:   INSPIRED PRESENCE HAND CAUSE JOHN ROBARTS . . . GRATEFUL GUIDANCE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE PARENT ASSEMBLY SOUTH AND WEST AFRICA AND REPRESENTATIVE OF COUSELLORS . . . ASSEMBLY GOAL ALREADY ACHIEVED . . . DETERMINATION SURPASS GOAL FULFIL CONFIDENCE BELOVED HOUSE. TOTAL ATTENDANCE ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1981)

    Botswana:  A ten-day visit to Botswana by the Hand of the Cause John Robarts and Mrs. Audrey Robarts brought special joy to the villagers of Francistown, Palapye and Mahalapye÷small places which seldom receive visitors. From 8 to 18 April the Robarts visited the friends in Gaborone, the capital city, on three occasions, and were interviewed by Radio Botswana. An article about them appeared, unsolicited, in the Daily News and their visit was broadcast as a news item on the radio . . . The National Spiritual Assembly stated that `it is difficult to express how much this visit meant to our community . . . Mr. Robarts is loved . . . as the person who, with his wife and family, brought the wonderful Message of Bah‡`u'll‡h to the people of Botswanaâ. (From a report received 25 June 1981)

    Italy:   TWENTIETH ITALIAN CONVENTION HEARTS FULL OF JOY PRESENCE BELOVED HAND CAUSE GIACHERY . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1981)

    Leeward Islands:  From its seat in St. Johnâs,

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Antigua, the Leeward Islands Convention cabled::  . . . PRAYERS GUIDANCE YOUR FAITH IN US HAVE MADE POSSIBLE THIS JOYOUS OCCASION INAUGURATION NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY LEEWARD ISLANDS. ALSO THANK YOU FURTHER PLEASURE DISTINCT HONOUR PRESENCE HAND CAUSE AMATULBAHA RUHIYYIH KHANUM . . . SIXTY-SEVEN BELIEVERS PRESENT FROM SIXTEEN ISLANDS. HAPPY ANNOUNCE DEDICATION BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED NEW HAZIRATULQUDS. YOUR MESSAGE CREATED ENTHUSIASM DETERMINATION FULFIL NEW GOALS.(From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1981)

    South and West Africa:  HEARTS BURDENED CONTINUOUS PERSECUTION FRIENDS IRAN . . . YET JOYOUS UPLIFTED ADVANCES EXPANSION HOLY CAUSE GOD. BLESSED PRESENCE BELOVED HAND WILLIAM SEARS. (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1981)

    South West Africa/Namibia:   HEARTFELT GRATITUDE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE HAND CAUSE WILLIAM SEARS . . . ALSO PRESENT COUNSELLOR MASEHLA FOUR NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVES FOUR AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS TEN DELEGATES SIXTY-SIX BELIEVERS TEN CHILDREN . . . ALL GREATLY INSPIRED BY BELOVED HAND ELECTION FIRST NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.(From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1981)

    Tuvalu:  From its seat in Funafuti, the new Tuvalu National Spiritual Assembly cabled hailing the MARKED VICTORY OF THE NINTH PILLAR OF THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE IN AUSTRALASIA . . . CONVENTION UPLIFTED PRESENCE HAND OF CAUSE OF GOD COLLIS FEATHERSTONE . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1981)

    United States:   TWO THOUSAND GATHERED AT SEVENTY-SECOND CONVENTION . . . IN PRSENCE HANDS OF THE CAUSE SHUAULLAH ALAI AND DHIKRULLAH KHADEM . . . STIRRED BY TRAGIC NEWS OF THE THREE MARTYRDOMS ON THE EVE OF OUR CONVENTIONS OPENING . . . ATTRACTING THE LIGHT OF PUBLIC ATTENTION AND COMPASSION GUARANTEEING GROWTH AND SPEEDING THE EMERGENCE OF THE FAITH FROM OBSCURITY. (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1981)

    Windward Islands:  WITH JOYFUL HEARTS SINGING PAEAN PRAISE INAUGURAL CONVENTION BOUNTY OF PRESENCE HAND CAUSE VARQA . . . MANY FRIENDS THREE ISLANDS . . . DELIGHTED ANNOUNCE FORMATION FORTY-ONE LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES ALL ISLANDS . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1981)
   Following the Convention there was a press interview with Dr. Varq‡ and Counsellor Ruth Pringle, and interviews with the acting Governor-General and the Prime Minister. Each of these high-ranking officials received the Bah‡`’s warmly . . . In each of the three interviews questions were raised about the persecution of the Bah‡`’s in êr‡n. (From a report received 7 June 1981)

May

    The Americas:  After attending the inaugural Conventions of the Leeward Islands and of Bermuda, Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num proceeded to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica. These eventful stops are summarized in a cabled message she sent to the World Centre:   . . . THREE NIGHTS IN PUERTO RICO INCLUDED PUBLIC AND BAHAI MEETINGS AND A MEETING WITH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY. A HAPPY OCCASION. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC FIVE-DAY VISIT VERY SUCCESSFUL . . . WEEKEND CONFERENCE ABOUT ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY ATTENDANTS MANY LOCALITIES. MEETING WITH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ALSO PRESS INTERVIEWS AND EXCELLENT PUBLIC MEETING. TEN DAY VISIT HAITI INCLUDED MEETINGS PORT-AU-PRINCE PETIONVILLE JACMEL LES CAYES AND LILAVOIS ALSO SMALL WEEKEND CONFERENCE NATIONAL CENTRE TWO TELEVISION AND TWO RADIO INTERVIEWS AND A VERY WELL ATTENDED PUBLIC MEETING. AT BAHAI SCHOOL (ANIZ ZUNUZI) MET MAYOR OF LILAVOIS CHIEF OF POLICE OF AREA AND OTHER OFFICIALS THEIR FIRST VISIT SCHOOL ENABLING US PRESENT FAITH AND OBJECTIVES SCHOOL . . . FIFTEEN MINUTE INTERVIEW FOREIGN MINISTER . . . WHO ALSO HOLDS PORTFOLIO RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS.
   Of the Jamaican community she cables:   . . . DURING SIX-DAY VISIT RECEIVED BY GOVERNOR GENERAL FOR CORDIAL THIRTY-MINUTE INTERVIEW . . . AND FIFTEEN MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH PRIME MINISTER TO WHOM PRESENTED CASE PERSIAN PERSECUTIONS VERY STRONGLY . . . OVER TWO HUNDRED BAHAIS ATTENDED WEEKEND CONFERENCE AND ABOUT THREE HUNDRED PEOPLE EIGHTY PERCENT NON-

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BAHAIS AT PUBLIC MEETING. TWENTY-MINUTE SPECIAL TELEVISION INTERVIEW ON FAITH PRESS CONFERENCE WITH RADIO AND TELEVISION REPORTERS PRESENT AND MEETING WITH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ALL CONTRIBUTED HAPPY ENDING SUCCESSFUL VISIT.
    From her succession of stunning victories in the Caribbean, Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num flew to Ottawa, Canada, for two talks before the Canadian Association for Bah‡`’ Studies, continuing the unique service she has been rendering to the believers of the western hemisphere during almost one year of sustained effort. (From reports, newsletters and cablegrams received through 4 June 1981)

    Australasia and the Pacific:  Leaving his home in February, the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone, accompanied by his wife, began a seventy-two-day journey that took him to nine National Spiritual Assembly areas, scores of islands and to communities where he met many hundreds of individual believers. Some highlights of his visits were:  meetings with the Spiritual Assembly of Malaysia at Kuala Lumpur, and with the believers at Petalangjaya, assisting them with proclamation planning; in the Marianas, visits to pioneers on Saipan and Rota, bringing ideas and encouragement; in the Carolines, the dedication of a new National Haz’ratu'l-Quds on Ponape where his talk was recorded by a radio announcer to be repeated at intervals on Ponape radio broadcasts; meetings with believers, radio and press interviews in Majuro, in the Marshalls, and a courteous interview with President Amata Kabua who said, with great warmth, `You have brought light into a dark roomâ; a busy programme in Kiribati during which Mr. Featherstone met with the National Spiritual Assembly, gave a radio interview and travelled by motorized outrigger canoe (a three-and-a-half-hour, twenty-five mile trip) to meet with believers of Tewai village on Tabiteueau South. The Kiribati sojourn ended with a three-day teaching conference in Tarawa and was followed by a ten-day visit to Fiji. Mr. and Mrs. Featherstone returned to their home on 9 May for a brief respite . . . (From reports received through 1 June 1981)

    Barbados:  During the stay in Barbados of the Hand of the Cause `Al’-Muhammad Varq‡ in May, when he attended the National Convention of that island country, he called on the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. Brazane Babb. The cordial twenty-minute interview with Dr. Varq‡ included presentation by the Secretary of the National Assembly of a kit containing Bah‡`’ Writings and pamphlets to be passed on to the Minister of External Affairs. There was also a short visit to the Chief of Protocol who was very friendly and who had visited the Shrine of the B‡b on Mount Carmel. (From a report received 1 June 1981)

June

    World Centre:  Count Paolo Marzotto, the president of Industria dei Marmi Vicetini, the firm in Chiampo, Italy, which cut and carved all the marble and granite for the Shrine of the B‡b, the International Archives building and the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, generously decided to bring to the Holy Land the workers whose skill and artistry has gone into the nearly-completed building which is to serve as the permanent Seat of the Universal House of Justice. Count and Countess Marzotto, accompanied by forty-four guests, together with the Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery and Mr. Sohrab Youssefian, both of whom have been intimately connected with this great structure, arrived at the World Centre. With the permission of the Universal House of Justice, some eighty Bah‡`’s from Italy joined the special flight and came with the group to the World Centre for a three-day visit, bringing with them, as guests of the National Spiritual Assembly, five very prominent Italian journalists. The visit proved to be a profoundly moving and highly significant occasion.
    Early on Friday morning, the party from Industria dei Marmi Vicetini and the journalists, accompanied by Mr. and Mts. Husayn Am‡nat, Mr. and Mrs. Youssefian and Mr. Giovanni Ballerio, were taken to visit the old city of `Akk‡ and the Cell of Bah‡`u'll‡h. They then proceeded to Bahj’ where they were welcomed by Dr. Ugo Giachery and those members of the Universal House of Justice who served on the Building Committee, as well as members of the World Centre staff who had worked on the Seat,

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and their wives. After a cooling refreshment, all visited the Most Holy Shrine where Dr. Giachery recited the Tablet of Visitation in Italian . . . a moving address of welcome was given by the Hand of the Cause Dr. Giachery on behalf of the Universal House of Justice and a very touching and extremely cordial response was delivered by Count Marzotto.
    Returning to Haifa, all went immediately to the Seat of the Universal House of Justice and were conducted through it by the architect, Mr. Am‡nat, and the resident engineer, Mr. `Az’z Khab’pœr.
    That evening the Pilgrim House in Haifa was a joyous gathering place for the pilgrims, the Italian three-day visitors, the group from Chiampo and the journalists.
    Count Marzotto and his guests left the following morning to visit the Christian Holy Places in Israel, but the Italian journalists remained for two more days to visit other Bah‡`’ Holy Places and to conduct interviews about the Faith. It was surely providential that they had thus been fully informed about the Cause and had had dispelled many misconceptions when, while they were still present, the tragic news reached the World Centre of the martyrdom of seven members of the Spiritual Assembly of Hamad‡n. This news affected them deeply, and they left for Rome determined to do all they could to ensure that the public would learn the truth of the tragic events. (From a report dated June 1981)

July

    Sweden:  Swedenâs first Summer School held in July brought friends from eight other countries and received considerable press and radio publicity. The Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery and Counsellor Hartmut Grossmann brought joy and inspiration to the one hundred and seventy friends who had been deeply grieved by the news of martyrdoms in êr‡n. (>From a report received 11 August 1981)

    United Kingdom:  JOYOUS GREETINGS NATIONAL YOUTH CONFERENCE UNITED KINGDOM DEDICATED MEMORY FIVE BELOVED HANDS OF CAUSE RECENTLY PASSED ABHA KINGDOM. INESTIMABLE BOUNTY PRESENCE HAND OF CAUSE RUHIYYIH KHANUM COUNSELLOR TAHERZADEH FOUR AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS THREE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS ALMOST NINE HUNDRED AND FIFTY PARTICIPANTS REPRESENTING OVER TWENTY NATIONALITIES . . . PILGRIMAGE GUARDIANS GRAVE BESEECH CONFIRMATION TEACHING PROJECT VIRGIN AREAS UNITED KINGDOM AFTER CONFERENCE AND RELIEF IRANIAN BELIEVERS. ENTIRE CONFERENCE AROSE PLEDGE DAILY LIFE SERVICE BAHAULLAH . . . (From a cablegram received 22 July 1981)

    United States:  In Kansas City, Missouri, from 2 to 5 July three thousand five hundred youth of the North American continent signed a commemorative scroll pledging unity and sacrifice and dispatching it to the Universal House of Justice on the seventy-sixth anniversary of a similar pledge made to `Abdu'l-Bah‡ by American believers. The first Continental Youth Conference, honoured by the attendance of the Hands of the Cause of God Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num and Dhikru'll‡h Kh‡dem brought young believers from twenty countries to the huge gathering. They adopted a national youth plan . . . and launched eight summer teaching projects. (From a report received 8 July 1981)

August

    Alaska:  A total of fifty-nine different activities were reported by thirteen Alaskan communities in response to the inspiring plan launched by the Hand of the Cause William Sears last year before leaving North America to reside in Africa. Called `Operation Befriendâ, the disarmingly simple but effective application of the Teachings consists of Bah‡`’ communities discovering ways to serve their larger community. Notable service activities of Alaskan communities:  an international music festival with proceeds given to a local charity; a Human Rights essay contest; a cultural arts fair; Bah‡`’ music in community chorus programmes; murals for a childrenâs ward of a hospital; a dance group which performs for schools. One community helped immigrants to attain official status, assisting with government procedures. In one community Bah‡`’ children wrote, planned and performed a mini-circus for a geriatric ward in a hospital. Some communities assisted with civic clean-up days, made donations of food, goods or services to non-Bah‡`’ functions, participated in local parades and celebrations,

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or helped in libraries, health and other service organizations. (From a report received August 1981)

    Australia:  In Wollongong, New South Wales, two hundred and twenty-five believers gathered in the last weekend of August with the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone for an Institute opened by the Lord Mayor of the Australian town. Participation by three Auxiliary Board members and showing of the new film `The Pilgrimageâ brought deepened understanding and an intense spiritual atmosphere to deliberations on the Seven Year Plan.

    British Isles:  The month of August added to the amazing tally of locations visited during the fourteen-month travel schedule of Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num the cities of Iverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland, and the Shetland, Orkney and Hebrides Islands groups.
    On 14 August at Iverness an interview was held with the Hand of the Cause by the British Broadcasting Corporation. In it she spoke of the persecutions in êr‡n. On the same day she was received by the Lord Provost (Mayor) of the city of Iverness, and that night she attended a conference of the Bah‡`’s for the highland area of Scotland. Twenty-five attended from Aberdeen and other centres.
    August 15 and 16 found her in the Shetland Islands city of Lerwick where she met with the Bah‡`’s on several occasions and made a courtesy call on the County Convener, the head of the entire administration of the Shetland Islands . . . On 18 August B.B.C. radio conducted an excellent interview with Amatu'l-Bah‡ after which she lunched with the Bah‡`’s and carried out a day-long meeting.
    Stornoway, in the Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides, was the next stop where a dinner with the Bah‡`’s was followed by a large public meeting at which Rœh’yyih Kh‡num spoke.
    She then flew to Glasgow where a small chartered plane flew her to the Island of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. She was accompanied by the chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom. In Mull she met with members of the Local Spiritual Assembly, had a lunch with them followed by a meeting with more than forty Bah‡`’s from nearby centres, leaving the same evening for Edinburgh where she spent a busy four days. Three hundred Bah‡`’s from Scotland and the north of England attended the conference for the Bah‡`’s of lowland Scotland which she addressed. She was received by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and during her half-hour interview with him was able not only to answer his questions regarding the Faith but inform him in detail of the bitter persecutions of the Persian believers now taking place. On 30 August, just prior to her departure from the British Isles, Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num lunched with the National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom.

September

    Australia:  Dedicating August and September to the Bah‡`’s of Australia, the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone gave generously of his time and energies to participate in public meetings, seminars, deepening sessions, firesides, youth meetings, a Summer School, a special service for the twentieth anniversary of the dedication of the Temple and numerous visits of assistance to and consultation with individual believers, Assemblies, Board members and the National Spiritual Assembly. Mrs. Featherstone also participated actively, addressing deepening sessions on the subject of the Guardian and speaking to a womenâs group in Renmark which included among the thirteen non-Bah‡`’ women the lady Mayor of that city. In all, the Featherstones travelled to eighteen Australian cities during August and September. (From a report received September 1981).

    Cyprus:  September brought Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num and her companion, Mrs. Violette Nakhjav‡n’ closer to the Holy Land. The final two weeks of Amatu'l-Bah‡âs journey were spent in Cyprus in both the Greek and Turkish areas. The Greek-language newspaper, Simerini, sent a reporter to the airport for the arrival of the Hand of the Cause on 1 September, having already printed news of her coming in the previous Sundayâs paper. A prominent English-language newspaper, the Cyprus Weekly, interviewed her on 3 September and a long and sympathetic article head-

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Two Pictures:

Caption of Top Picture:  The Hands of the Cause (left to right) Enoch Olinga, Abuâl-Q‡sim Faiz’ and Dr. Adelbert MŸhlschlegel, Teaching Conference, Pišn, Germany; 1972.

Caption of Bottom Picture:  The Hand of the Cause Dhikru'll‡h Kh‡dem (far left) with members of the Spanish and Asian Regional Teaching Committees, National Bah‡`’ Centre, Wilmette, Illinois, U.S.A.; August 1982.

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lined `Genocide against the Bah‡`’s of êr‡n, was published.
    Cyprus Bah‡`’s reported, `The presence of the Hand of the Cause seemed to give great courage to the friends who issued at least two hundred invitations to the special gathering on 5 September at the National Haz’ratu'l-Quds in Nicosia . . . A most moving commemoration took place with nearly fifty people present when, with prayers, stories, readings, to a background of music and slides, we remembered our fellow Bah‡`’s who have laid down their lives for the Faith . . . â  Many sympathetic friends attended their first Bah‡`’ function that day.
    Cypriot Bah‡`’s on the Turkish side of the island came to an all-day conference and were privileged to lunch with their distinguished visitor. Later she was shown the land for their Haz’ratu'l-Quds. Returning to Limassol, on the Greek side, Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num met with the believers there on 9 September.
    On the evening of Tuesday, 15 September 1981, Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num returned to the Holy Land, having devoted one year, two months and twenty-one days to travels on behalf of the Cause, accompanied by her valued companion. She had visited at least twenty-six countries, meeting government officials and dignitaries on every level from municipal to national, including several heads of state; giving interviews to the press, radio and television; and visiting with Bah‡`’s of these same countries in city and hamlet, village or town, encouraging, instructing and stimulating them to make their best efforts on behalf of the Cause, and bringing the special spiritual ambience of the Holy Land and Holy Family. (From reports received through 15 September 1981)

    Portugal:  The national Summer School in Lisbon on 23 September brought one hundred Bah‡`’s together in the presence of the Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery, who inspired, instructed and encouraged them in `greater service . . . to the remaining goals of the Seven Year Plan . . . and the quality of Bah‡`’ lifeâ. (From a report received September 1981)

    United Kingdom:  A conference in London with ninety participants on 29 September brought together the Hand of the Cause Ugo Giachery, nine Counsellors of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Europe, members of eighteen National Spiritual Assemblies, and of the Continental Pioneer Committee of Europe, and representatives of the Bah‡`’ International Community staff. They observed in a cabled message to the Universal House of Justice that the IRREVERSIBLE PROCESS OF EMERGENCE OBSCURITY CALLS FOR NEW UNDERSTANDING UNDERLYING SPIRITUAL NATURE TEACHINGS to reinforce all individual and collective efforts in proclamation, expansion and consolidation. They spoke of the need to achieve RADICAL CHANGES IN ATTITUDES AND APPROACHES to meet new needs and rapidly changing conditions in Europe. (From a cablegram received 29 September 1981)

    United States:  Two Hands of the Cause of God, Dhikru'll‡h Kh‡dem and John Robarts, spoke to a busload of French Canadian visitors from Quebec who toured the Mother Temple of the West in Wilmette, Illinois, which was designed by a French Canadian architect, Louis Bourgeois. Their visit was the first such organized trip by French Canadians and was marked by special readings at the Temple, a film of `Abdu'l-Bah‡ and a slide presentation on the history of the Temple. (From a report received September 1981)

October

    Australia:  From all parts of Australia more than three hundred Bah‡`’s came to a conference of the Continental Board of Counsellors in Australasia held in collaboration with the National Spiritual Assembly in Adelaide from 10 to 12 October 1981. Among those attending were the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone, who was making a return visit to the city in which he had been enrolled as a Bah‡`’ many years ago, Counsellor Peter Khan, three members of the Auxiliary Board and four members of the National Assembly. . . Analysis of the present state of the Seven Year Plan brought the happy news of several new Assemblies and an increased rate of enrollment. . . The entire conference was video-taped÷a first for an Australian Bah‡`’ conference÷for use in later deepening clas-

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ses. (From a report received 20 November 1981)

    Zambia:  Careful advance planning, allocation of areas, and preparation of teaching aids preceded the Zambian teaching programme spanning the period 20 October to 12 November. Aimed at creating fifty new Local Assemblies, the programme was undertaken in the name of the Hand of the Cause Rahmatu'll‡h Muh‡jir . . . The first word received was that the campaign ended with at least ten new Local Assemblies, thirty new localities and two hundred new Bah‡`’s. (From a report received December 1981)

December

    Australasia:  From mid-November through December the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone, accompanied by Mrs. Featherstone, travelled to Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Indonesia, returning home to Australia on 29 December. In May 1982 the Hand of the Cause will attend the International Conference in Manila, will travel to various countries of Asia and Europe, and will arrive in the Republic of Ireland in June to represent the Universal House of Justice at the Dublin International Conference. (From reports received through 26 January 1982)


1982

January

    World Centre:  The months of August and September will witness the last three International Conferences called by the Universal House of Justice for 1982 . . . The 6-8 August gathering in Quito, Ecuador, will be held in the sports pavilion of Colegio Benalcazar in the heart of Quito where more than a thousand Bah‡`’s will greet the Hand of the Cause Paul E. Haney who will come to them from Haifa as the representative of the Universal House of Justice to the Conference . . . The Hand of the Cause William Sears will be the emissary of the Universal House of Justice to the Lagos Conference . . . The Montreal Conference on 3-5 September will be the last of the series, and its close will mark the mid-point of the Seven Year Plan . . . it will take the Hand of the Cause Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num, in her capacity as representative of the Universal House of Justice to the Conference, back to her ancestral home. The house which belonged to her distinguished parents, and which was visited by the Master, is now maintained as a Shrine by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada . . . (From a report dated January 1982)

    Benin:  A Regional Centre named after the Hand of the Cause Rahmatu'll‡h Muh‡jir was dedicated on 24 January 1982 in Aborney, provincial capital of the Zou, and the historic royal capital of the Fon people . . . `Centre Muh‡jirâ stands in the heart of Aborney on the main artery through town, directly across from the entrance to the Museum and the historic royal palace of the Fon kings. The titular head of the royal families of the Fon people, Agoliagbo II, came to the dedication and spoke of his interest in and support of the Bah‡`’ teachings. National Assembly members presented Bah‡`’ books to the King and thanked him for coming. Counsellor Thelma Khelghati welcomed the audience and explained the relationship of the Bah‡`’ teachings to traditional beliefs . . . two hundred and fifty Bah‡`’s and invited guests were present at the dedication (From a report received 11 March 1982)

    United States:  A Cry from the Heart, a new book by the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, will be available at the Bah‡`’ National Convention . . . Mr. Sears, deeply moved by the savage onslaught on the heroic Bah‡`’ community in êr‡n, has written a dramatic account of the current persecutions. In doing so he has drawn on his own travels in êr‡n where he came to know and love the Persian Bah‡`’s. He also makes use of detailed information available at the World Centre where he wrote the first draft of the book . . . (From a report received January 1982)

April

    Canada:  PROFOUNDLY MOVED EMOTIONAL APPEAL HAND OF CAUSE WILLIAM SEARS TO EXPLOIT TEACHING POSSIBILITIES A CRY FROM THE HEART . . . DELEGATES INCLUDING TEN INDIANS ONE INUIT FIVE FRENCH CANADIANS TWENTY-FIVE

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PERSONS OTHER MINORITIES . . . IMPRESSED RESPONSE MEDIA SUPPORT GOVERNMENT BAHAI APPEAL JUSTICE IRANIAN CRISIS . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1982)

    Canada:  On the weekend of 10-11 April, forty-five individuals met in Ottawa, invited by the Executive committee of the Association for Bah‡`’ Studies to inaugurate the work of the Bah‡`’ International Health Agency. The creation of such an agency had been approved by the Universal House of Justice and endorsed by the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada. The policy conference was honoured to have the Hand of the Cause John Robarts in attendance and enriching the consultation . . . (From a report received 13 June 1982)

    France:  IN PRESENCE HANDS OF THE CAUSE GIACHERY KHADEM . . . ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-TWO PARTICIPANTS . . . CONVENTION CONSIDERED GALVANIZING MESSAGES .. . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1982)

    Hawaiian Islands:  ASSEMBLED DELEGATES BOARD MEMBERS GUESTS STIRRED BY PRESENTATION A CRY FROM THE HEART. ALL PRESENT BROUGHT TO TEARS OVERPOWERING EMOTIONAL RESPONSE SUPREME SACRIFICES OFFERED BY OUR BELOVED BROTHERS AND SISTERS CRADLE FAITH. HAND SEARS IMAGERY OF IMPOSSIBILITY DESTRUCTION ORANGE TREE BLESSED BAB SYMBOLIZED OUR UNSHAKEABLE CONFIDENCE FUTILITY ENEMIES ANNIHILATE FAITH OF GOD . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1982)

    Malaysia:  INSPIRED PRSENCE BELOVED HAND COLLIS FEATHERSTONE . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1982)

    Singapore:  HAND CAUSE FEATHERSTONES MESSAGE ON URGENCY OF TEACHING TIMELY AND STIMULATING. DEEPLY MOVED . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1982)

    United States:  HIGH SPIRIT GENERATED BY RELEASE HOUSE OF JUSTICE RIDVAN MESSAGE APPEARANCE HAND CAUSE SEARS . . . (From a cablegram received Ridv‡n 1982)

May

    Australia:  A cable from the Australian National Spiritual Assembly expresses delight about a MEMORABLE HAPPY BUSY WEEKEND JUST PASSED as it reports on 31 May two nation-wide television programmes on the Faith. . . . THE SIXTY-MINUTES SHOW . . . EXTREMELY WELL DONE FIFTEEN MINUTES OF BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF THE [BAHAI HOLY PLACES] AND THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP IN SYDNEY. THE SHOW FEATURED THE HAND OF THE CAUSE AMATULBAHA RUHIYYIH KHANUM WHO WAS AS USUAL BRILLIANT. Another programme of fifteen-minute length on ABC-TV called `Nation-wideâ dealt with the Faith, with emphasis on Iranian Bah‡`’s in what was described as a well-balanced and sympathetic presentation. (From a cablegram received 31 May 1982)

June

    Republic of Ireland:  The participation in the Dublin Conference of the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone came at the mid-point of a four-month journey in which he left Australia on 27 April with his wife, Mrs. Madge Featherstone, to visit seventeen countries and return to Australia in time for the opening on 2 September of the International Conference in Canberra. Among the countries visited were Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines (in time for the National Convention), Thailand, Cyprus, Greece and Switzerland . . . (From reports received through 29 June 1982)

    India:  Glory, the youth magazine of India, is celebrating its tenth year of publication. Its anniversary edition, vol.. X, no. 6, is a compendium called `The Best of Gloryâ. The opening page acknowledges a debt to the late Hand of the Cause Abuâl-Q‡sim Faiz’ who helped to bring the youth publication into existence and fanned the flickering flame of its life through some difficult years .. . . (From a report received June 1982)

    Finland:  The Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone, Counsellor Hartmut Grossmann, members of the National Spiritual Assembly of Finland, Auxiliary Board members, their assistants, and friends from seven countries assembled at the Finnish Summer School in Savonlinna from 23 to 31 July. The first day was devoted to the Dublin Conference. The message of the Universal House of Justice to that Conference was read by Mr. Featherstone and discussed by the friends . . . (From a report received 9 August 1982)

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    Norway:  The Hand of the Cause Dr. Ugo Giachery was among the one hundred and thirty persons who attended the Summer School of Norway from 17 to 24 July . . . Dr. Giacheryâs stirring account of the life of the Greatest Holy Leaf was part of a full day dedicated to her memory, which constituted the Norwegian Bah‡`’ communityâs fiftieth anniversary commemoration of her passing. Participants represented fourteen countries and Norwayâs principal minority group, the Laplanders (or Same) people . . . (From a report received July 1982)

August

    Canada:  CONTINENTAL INDIGENOUS COUNCIL BLOOD RESERVE ALBERTA SEND WARMEST LOVING GREETINGS FROM FOUR HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX ATTENDEES. REPRESENTATIVES SIXTY TRIBES TEN COUNTRIES. GRATEFUL ATTENDANCE HAND CAUSE RUHIYYIH KHANUM COUNSELLORS ROMAN KING PAVON. SPIRIT IS BUILDING TO PROCLAIM TEACH FAITH TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLE.(Cablegram received 14 August 1982)

    Canada:  The seventh annual meeting of the Association for Bah‡`’ Studies brought seven hundred members and guests to Ottawa on 30 August for a four-day gathering which preceded the great International Conference in Montreal . . . In connection with the Association meeting, the Governor-General of Canada, Edward Schreyer, greeted Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num at the University of Ottawa campus on 2 September . . . (From a report received September 1982)

    Costa Rica:  A satellite conference held on 14 August in Costa Rica was graced by the presence of the Hand of the Cause Paul E.. Haney and Counsellor Donald Witzel . . . It was stated that two hundred Bah‡`’s attended the conference from all parts of Costa Rica, including approximately forty Guaymi believers from Talamanca and Terraba . . . (From a report received September 1982)

    Haiti:  The An’z Zunœz’ School, which has arisen in Haiti during 1979-1981, first opened its doors in the academic year 1980 with a few classes, and will have its official inauguration on 20 October 1982. As a focus of prestige and recognition for the Faith in Haiti, it has already begun to assume importance. The public relations efforts of the Hand of the Cause Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num, and of Mme. Lea Nys of Belgium, brought about newspaper articles and a television report from the school site . . . In October, with official recognition as a public utility under the direction of the National Spiritual Assembly of Haiti, and with additional grade levels and the first stages of a programme leading to a technical school, the An’z Zunœz’ School will enter a new phase, with unlimited possibilities for future growth and advances in a country where illiteracy is a grave social problem. (From a report received August 1982)

September

    Samoa:  Following his attendance at the International Conference in Canberra where he represented the Universal House of Justice, Dr. Ugo Giachery made a brief but memorable visit to Samoa where, on 13 September 1982, he was received by His Highness Malietoa Tunamafili II at a morning reception lasting two hours . . . During Dr. Giacheryâs stay in Apia the National Spiritual Assembly of Samoa held a traditional `suaâ, including the traditional kava ceremony and the presentation of a fine mat and food. Many believers came from Upolu and Savaiâi to be with the Hand of the Cause and hear him speak. Dr. Giachery also visited American Samoa for one night, meeting with the friends at Fagaitua, and participating in a half-hour television interview which was broadcast the following Sunday. He also took the opportunity to tour the site of the Samoan House of Worship . . . (From a report received 19 October 1982)

    South Africa:  HISTORICAL FIRST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE SOUTH AFRICA HELD HOLIDAY INN JOHANNESBURG INSPIRED BY HAND CAUSE WILLIAM SEARS COUNSELLORS MASEHLA AND WINCKLER NINE BOARD MEMBERS. ATTENDANCE INCLUDED ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY PIONEERS FROM SOUTH AFRICA LESOTHO SWAZILAND BOPHUTHATSWANA UNITED STATES BOTSWANA ZIMBABWE CISKEI VENDA LEBOWA KWAZULU PLUS ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN INDIGENOUS AFRICAN COLOURED MALAY INDIAN WHITE BELIEVERS SAME COUNTRIES PLUS MALAWI . .. . (From a cablegram received 21 September 1982)

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    Bophuthatswana:  JOYFUL ANNOUNCE SUCCESS HISTORIC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE BOPHUTHATSWANA DEDICATED GREATEST HOLY LEAF.. GIANT STEP EMERGENCE FAITH FROM OBSCURITY SOUTHERN AFRICA. REPRSENTATIVE HAND CAUSE WILLIAM SEARS COUNSELLOR WILLIAM MASEHLA FIVE AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS FOURTEEN COUNTRIES OVER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ADULTS SEVENTY CHILDREN INCREASED AWARENESS COMMON GOALS ESPECIALLY BORDER TEACHING . . . (From a cablegram received 30 September 1982)

   Brazil:  In preparation for the large-scale teaching efforts to be launched in the west-central region of the country, the National Spiritual Assembly sponsored a regional teaching conference in Campo Grande on 4 September dedicated to the memory of the Hand of the Cause Rahmatu'll‡h Muh‡jir who set an immortal example in mass teaching efforts . . . (From a report received 13 October 1982)

    United States:  The recent travels of the Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone have taken him to a number of centres in the United States. In New York, Mr. Featherstone visited the offices of the Bah‡`’ International Community and later addressed a meeting attended by two hundred believers at the New York Bah‡`’ Centre. In Chicago Mr. Featherstone met with the National Spiritual Assembly, gave a talk to members of the National Centre staff, and on a later occasion spoke to a gathering of Bah‡`’s in Foundation Hall at the Mother Temple of the West.
    In St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Featherstone addressed the believers and held a public meeting. Similar meetings for the friends and the public were held in San Francisco and Los Angeles, approximately twelve hundred people attending the latter gathering. Mr. Featherstoneâs arrival in Canberra, Australia, coincided with the opening of the International Conference in which he participated. (From a report received December 1982)

>October

    Bermuda:  A Cry from the Heart--the stirring book by the Hand of the Cause William Sears that deals with the persecution of the Bah‡`’s in êr‡n÷is now available for sale at the three major commercial bookshops in Bermuda, the National Spiritual Assembly has reported . . . a copy is being donated to the public library. An article describing the book is in process of preparation and is expected to appear in one of the islandâs three newspapers . . . (From a report received October 1982)

    Canada:  The journey undertaken by Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num on 11 August covered twenty thousand miles and took her to forty-five locations. She visited centres in all Canadian provinces, included the Magdalen Islands, Quebec and Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and toured the Yukon Territory and Labrador. In addition, she visited Greenland and Iceland. Throughout her travels she met many Indians and Eskimos whose spiritual receptivity deeply impressed her. `Her deep love for the native people of North America was reflected in visits to many Indian reserves including: Blood Reserve, Alberta (where a major Native Council took place); Carcross Band Reserve, Yukon; Fountain Band and Thunder Bird Band Reserves in British Columbia; Peigan Reserve, Alberta; Dreamers Rock Reserve, Manitoulin Island, Ontario; Lennox Island Reserve, Prince Edward Island; and Eskasoni Reserve, Nova Scotia. Believers in some of Canadaâs geographically remote communities, which all too seldom receive travel teachers, will be forever grateful for her loving consideration when she visited:  St. Johnâs and Grand Falls, Newfoundland; Happy Valley, Labrador; and Frobisher Bay, Baffin Island. Even Canadaâs overseas northern goals were included with especially significant visits to Nuuk, Greenland and Reykjavik, Iceland,â Counsellor Gardner wrote.
    A warm personal reception was accorded Amatu'l-Bah‡ not only by her Bah‡`’ hosts but by many high officials including the President of Iceland, the Eskimo Premier and Danish Governor of Greenland, the Lieutenant öGovernor of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Premier and Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, the Commissioner of the Yukon Territory and the Regional Director of Baffin Island. Local Bah‡`’s enthusiastically arranged excellent meetings and publicity for their distinguished guest . . .

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Following her tour of Canada, Greenland and Iceland, Amatu'l-Bah‡âs itinerary took her to Haiti where she participated in the inauguration of the An’z Zunœz’ School. (From reports received through 28 October 1982)

    Haiti:  THANKFULLY ANNOUNCE SINGULAR SUCCESS INAUGURATION ANIS ZUNUZI SCHOOL INSPIRING DAY PRESENCE HAND CAUSE AMATUL-BAHA REPRSENTATIVE OF MONSIEUR MADAME PRESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE DEPARTMENT EDUCATION AMBASSADOR CANADA MAYOR DEPUTIES CROIS DESBOUQUETS THREE COUNSELLORS FIVE HUNDRED PARTICIPANTS LOCAL BAND RADIO TELEVISION . . . (From a cablegram received 22 October 1982)

    Kenya:  Mr. William Sears has concluded a five-week journey that took him to each of Africaâs five satellite conferences. The following cablegram was received from Nairobi:  FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIVE BAHAIS INCLUDING FOUR COUNSELLORS SEVENTEEN BOARD MEMBERS NINETY CHILDREN FOM TWELVE COUNTRIES HONOURED PRSESENCE DISTINGUISHED REPRESENTATIVE HAND CAUSE WILLIAM SEARS. CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY PROMINENT KENYAN EFFIE OWUOR RECENTLY ELEVATED FIRST WOMAN HIGH COURT JUDGE . . . CONFERENCE DEEPLY INSPIRED SACRIFICIAL SPIRIT GREATEST HOLY LEAF YOUR ENCOURAGING MESSAGES HIGHLY MOVING TALKS HAND CAUSE AND EXCELLENT PRSENTATION OTHER SPEAKERS .. . . HEARTS WARMED PRESENCE THIRTEEN EGYPTIANS TWENTY-SIX TANZANIANS THIRTEN UGANDANS . . . (From a cablegram received 21 October 1982)

    Transkei:  WORDS FAIL EXPRESS HIGH SPIRIT OF LOVE SERVICE GENERATED BY MESSAGES UNIVERSAL HOUSE JUSTICE NEWS LAGOS CONFERENCE EXALTED EXAMPLE GREATEST HOLY LEAF PRESENTED HAND CAUSE WILLIAM SEARS COUNSELLOR BAHIYYIH WINCKLER TO INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CONFERENCE TRANSKEI . . . HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WELFARE SPORT CULTURAL AFFAIRS WHO SPOKE MOVING WORDS ABOUT THE FAITH . . . [AND WAS] ATTRACTED BY SPIRIT OF CONFERENCE DEMONSTRATING UNITY OF RACE . . . (From a cablegram received 5 October 1982)

December

    World Centre:  WITH STRICKEN HEARTS ANNOUNCE SUDDEN IRREPARABLE LOSS THROUGH AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT 3 DECEMBER HIGHLY DISTINGUISHED GREATLY PRIZED HAND CAUSE GOD STAUNCH DEFENDER COVENANT PAUL HANEY.. THIS DISTINGUISHED SERVANT BAHAULLAH WAS BLESSED CHILDHOOD THROUGH ATTAINMENT PRESENCE ABDULBAHA. HIS NATURAL GENTLENESS GENUINE HUMILITY UNAFFECTED UNBOUNDED LOVE HIS UPRIGHTNESS INTEGRITY HIS SINGLE-MINDED DEVOTION CAUSE SINCE YOUTHFUL YEARS HIS UNFAILING RELIABILITY METICULOUS ATTENTION DETAIL CHARACTERIZED HIS HISTORIC SERVICES BOTH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS. SPANNING MORE THAN HALF CENTURY HIS TIRELESS LABOURS INCLUDED LONG TIME MEMBERSHIP AMERICAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY. SINCE 1954 HE CONSECRATED HIS ENERGIES AS MEMBER UNIQUE COMPANY CHIEF STEWARDS FAITH AND LATER AS MEMBER BODY HANDS CAUSE RESIDING HOLY LAND AT ONE OF MOST CRITICAL PERIODS BAHAI HISTORY. LAST DECADE HIS EARTHLY LIFE WAS FULLY DEDICATED DEVELOPMENT NEWLY FORMED INTERNATIONAL TEACHING CENTRE. GENERATIONS YET UNBORN WILL GLORY IN HIS IMPERISHABLE ACHIEVEMENTS AND BE INSPIRED BY HIS UNIQUE FORTITUDE. ARDENTLY SUPPLICATING HOLY THRESHOLD PROGRESS HIS NOBLE SOUL ABHA KINGDOM. ADVISE HOLD THROUGHOUT BAHAI WORLD INCLUDING ALL MASHRIQULADHKARS MEMORIAL GATHERINGS BEFITTING HIS HIGH RANK AND HIS MERITORIOUS SERVICES.  (Cablegram from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies 5 December 1982)

    World Centre:  The Hand of the Cause Paul E. Haney,who served in the Holy Land since 1957, was laid to rest in the Bah‡`’ Cemetery at the foot of Mount Carmel on Sunday, 5 December 1982. The service was attended by his widow, supported by the friends serving at the World Centre, and pilgrims. Also in attendance were a number of Israeli guests whose friendship and admiration Mr. Haney had won during his long residence in the Holy Land. All assembled at the present Seat of the Universal House of Justice at 10 Haparsim Street, Haifa, where the service was conducted. A moving selection of readings and prayers was read in an atmosphere of sorrow lightened by the friendsâ recollection of Mr. Haneyâs unfailing cheerfulness, unflagging zeal and unswerving integrity in service to the

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Faith. Mr. Haney was appointed by Shoghi Effendi a Hand of the Cause on 19 March 1954. The motor accident which claimed his life on 3 December terminated a record of service which stretches back to his earliest years in his native America . . . (From a report dated December 1982)

    World Centre:   The Hand of the Cause `Al’-Akbar Furœtan returned to the Holy Land on 30 December after a tour of Canada and the United States focusing on communities in Ontario, Canada; and Boston, Alexandria and Southern California in the United States. During the four-month trip, Mr. Furœtan gave eighty-two talks to diversified and to solely-Persian audiences. In a meeting with the friends who serve in the Holy Land which was held in the magnificent new Seat of the Universal House of Justice, he commented that he was astonished and touched by the love which he observed, during his tour, between the Persian and Western friends. Many mornings he would be visited by the families of the martyrs. Mr. Furœtan admitted that often the stories they told would be so moving that he would have to tell them he could bear no more, but when he attempted to console them, he found that their response was only humble pride at the courage and steadfastness of their relatives who had suffered martyrdom. He was accompanied and assisted on his journey by his daughter, Mrs. êr‡n Muh‡jir. (From a report dated 15 January 1982 [sic])

    Bangladesh:  A week-long teaching programme in the name of the much-loved H