High Endeavours: Messages to Alaska Part 2

Your true brother, Shoghi

(6) October 14, 1943

(6) October 14, 1943

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Your letter of July 9th has reached the Guardian safely, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.

He feels that the most important thing at the present time is, of course, the establishment of the first Baha'i Spiritual a.s.sembly of Alaska.

He hopes that, after the a.s.sembly is well established and has a sufficient number to maintain its status, you will again be able to do pioneer teaching work among the Eskimos.

Your talk on the Faith in the church of Tuluksak may, indeed, have reached some of them, and left a seed of Truth in their minds.

As the Centenary Celebration of the Faith draws near the Guardian finds himself busier than ever before and barely able to keep pace with his work. However, his thoughts are often with the friends, and he is very proud of their achievements.

He a.s.sures you of his deep appreciation of your devoted and self-sacrificing services, and that his loving prayers will continue to be offered on your behalf.

With warm Baha'i greetings, R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

I admire and feel proud of your historic achievements. I am deeply grateful to you and will continue to pray from the depths of my heart for your protection, happiness, and the speedy and full realization of every hope you cherish in such an important sphere of Baha'i activity.

Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi

PART II

Letters to Baha'i Inst.i.tutions. These letters are presented chronologically in their entirety. They trace the strengthening and development of the inst.i.tutions-National Spiritual a.s.sembly, Local Spiritual a.s.semblies, Committees and Conventions.

(7) November 19th, 1945

(7) November 19th, 1945

Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of Anchorage

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your letter of Aug. 6th brought great joy to the Guardian's heart. It has taken it some time to reach him but he has instructed me to answer it at once.

He was particularly pleased to hear of the weekly radio broadcasts you are giving, and feels that this cannot but have a marked effect on the progress of the Cause in Alaska, both visibly and spiritually.

Although there are many souls ripe to receive the message, there are many others who, though they are not able to recognize its import at present, will take the seed into their hearts, and there it will ultimately germinate. Radio reaches so many people and thus is of the utmost importance.

It was very kind of you to think of sending gifts to the Guardian made by Eskimos, and he will value them as tokens of your love and the handiwork of a people whom he is most anxious should receive the Divine Message.

He hopes that your a.s.sembly will endeavour to reach the Eskimos with the Message; he fully realizes how difficult a task this is, but it is also one of great importance. If but one of these souls should become truly enkindled, he or she could then teach others in their own language and a manner suited to their minds.

a.s.suring you all of the loving appreciation of your devoted services, and his ardent prayers for the success of your labours.

Yours, with warm Baha'i love, R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and prized co-workers:

It is always a joy to hear from you. I truly admire the spirit that animates you, as well as your remarkable achievements in the service of our beloved Faith. You truly deserve the praise of the Concourse on high.

Persevere in your n.o.ble and historic task, and rest a.s.sured that the Beloved is well pleased with you.

Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi

(8) December 17, 1951

(8) December 17, 1951

To the Baha'is who attended the Alaska Convention.

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your letter of December 3rd has reached the beloved Guardian; and he was very pleased to receive the a.s.surance of your determination to persevere in the work of the Cause, and achieve all the goals set before the American Baha'i Community.

He was also very happy indeed to know that all Alaskan Baha'is had been present. He considers this a great achievement. When we consider that not so many years ago, there was not a single Baha'i in Alaska, we can truly say: "What hath G.o.d wrought!"-and with thankful hearts rededicate ourselves to the work of His Faith.

With Baha'i love, R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

a.s.suring you of my deepest appreciation of the sentiments you have expressed, and of my loving, my ardent and continued prayers for the extension and consolidation of your highly meritorious activities,