High Endeavours: Messages to Alaska Part 18

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your loving letter of February 8th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf. Your contribution to the international interests of the Faith is greatly appreciated by him. Receipt is enclosed herewith.

The Guardian is very happy with the development of the teaching work in the virgin areas of the Ten-Year Crusade. Over 84 of the countries have now been settled, bringing the number of countries within the pale of the Faith to over 216.

The Guardian is hopeful that the friends at home will arise with the same spirit of sacrifice and determination as the pioneers abroad, and teach and spread the Faith.

More Baha'is, more Groups, more a.s.semblies, are the immediate goals before the friends at home. He feels sure the friends will arise as never before, and filled with the Holy Spirit, quicken the seeking souls, leading many to the bourn of immortality.

Dedication to the heavenly task, complete consecration to the n.o.ble mission, and living the life, are the requirements for success in the teaching field.

The beloved Guardian greatly values the active services of you two devoted workers in the Faith. As you know, the Guardian feels that the future of Alaska is very important indeed, particularly the city of Anchorage. One of the goals of the Ten Year Crusade is the establishment of a National a.s.sembly in Alaska. This great bounty carries with it great responsibilities; and therefore the Guardian is hopeful that each and every Baha'i in Alaska will redouble their efforts in order to spread the Faith far and wide, and to bring many new souls into the Faith.

The Guardian feels sure that you two will render distinguished and outstanding services in connection with the development of the Cause in Alaska during the present Crusade. He a.s.sures you of his prayers in your behalf, and sends you his loving greetings.

With warm Baha'i love, Leroy Ioas

(68) April 12, 1954

(68) April 12, 1954

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your loving letter of March 16th has been received through the courtesy of Mrs. Tuttle.

We have prayed at the Shrines for the solution of your problems; that all obstacles may be removed from your path, and that your true field of Baha'i service may become clear and evident.

As a general principle, the Guardian has established the order of importance in Baha'i service as follows: First, Pioneering in one of the virgin areas of the Ten Year Crusade. Second, Pioneering in one of the consolidation areas of the Ten Year Crusade. Third, Settlement and Teaching in one of the goal cities of the home front campaign. This of course would include developing the Faith in Communities where there is already a Group or isolated Baha'is.

The Guardian feels that it is advisable for every individual, after his own prayers and meditations and seeking of guidance, to consult with the appropriate committee appointed by the National a.s.sembly. They are in touch with the ramifications of the Campaign, and are qualified to give sound advice.

So far as your personal affairs are concerned, the Guardian a.s.sures you of his prayers in your behalf, that they may be clarified for you. Of course the question of love and marriage is something that can only be determined by the individual.

So far as the publication of the pamphlet in Eskimo is concerned, it probably would be advisable for you to write the National a.s.sembly on this important matter, asking them what the present status is, and if you can a.s.sist in any way.

With loving Baha'i greetings, I am,

Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas Secretary-General

(69) May 7, 1954

(69) May 7, 1954

Dear Baha'i Brother:

Your letter of April 21st has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He appreciated your loving thought in sending him Ridvan Greetings from a new Alaskan Center.(15)

He attaches the greatest importance to the spread of the Faith in that territory, because, as you know, it is destined to have a National Spiritual a.s.sembly of its own ere the termination of the Ten Year Plan; and the sooner the believers can open up new centers and establish new Spiritual a.s.semblies, the sooner will the happy day come when Alaska will be independent, and have its own national Baha'i Body.

He a.s.sures you he will certainly pray that your sacrifices and your services may be richly rewarded.

He urges you to concentrate on attracting the natives as much as possible, by that he means the Eskimos. These people have a right to hear of the glorious message of Baha'u'llah, and he hopes you will be instrumental in attracting many of them to the Faith.

With warmest Baha'i greetings, R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

a.s.suring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement,

Your true brother, Shoghi

(70) May 14, 1954

(70) May 14, 1954

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your letter of March 19th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He is delighted to see that you are in one of the goal cities in Alaska, and that you have been joined by Miss Meyer. He feels sure that this nucleus will soon attract to itself sufficient new Baha'is to create a Spiritual a.s.sembly.(16)

He urges you to persevere, and a.s.sures you of his prayers for your success.

With warm Baha'i greetings, R. Rabbani

(71) July 20, 1954

(71) July 20, 1954

Dear Baha'i Sister: