May 28th,(71) calling for the immediate settlement of all the 131 virgin
areas of the Plan, just as quickly as possible. He is convinced the
Friends will arise and translate their enthusiasm into Action, because the
Keynote of the Crusade, must be Action, Action, Action.
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly to amplify
some of the aspects of his dynamic message.
The settlement of these virgin areas is of such an emergency nature, that
he feels pioneering in one of them takes precedence over every other type
of Baha'i service--whether it be in the teaching or administrative fields
of the Faith. So important is it that the National Assembly may delay
initiation of steps to fulfil other phases of the Plan, until all these
areas are conquered for the Faith. Nothing, absolutely nothing, must be
allowed to interfere with the placing of pioneers in each of the 131 goal
countries.
There are some general observations which the Guardian shares with you,
and then some specific suggestions which are enumerated below:
1. Every individual who has offered to pioneer, must be encouraged in
every way by the National Assembly.
2. The National Assembly should assist each pioneer, so they may be placed
in their post just as quickly as possible.
3. The handling of each application for pioneering service must be
expedited, and not allowed to be bogged down for any reason, or in the
hands of committees.
4. The National Assembly should make it their first order of business to
follow up actively this most important task. They must make it the first
order of business at each Assembly meeting to see that each application is
being progressed rapidly. This does not mean the special committees should
not handle the details, but it does mean the Assembly itself must review
each application at each meeting and see that the pioneer gets into the
field as soon as possible.
5. A large number of pioneers should not be sent to any one country. One,
or even two, will be sufficient for the time being. Later on, if
supplementary assistance is needed, that of course can be taken care of.
The all important thing now is to get at least one pioneer in each of the
131 virgin areas.
6. The National Assembly may exercise its prerogatives and suggest to
applicants where their services are most needed. This, of course, applies
particularly to pioneers who might wish to settle in one area.
7. Because there have been so many applicants in America, the Guardian has
written them that they may place their pioneers in any virgin area in the
world. His objective now is to fill these lands yet unconquered by the
Hosts of Heaven and he feels the initial impact must be made now. Thus,
from whatever sources they come, they should be placed in the field at the
earliest possible moment. Furthermore, as the Chief Executors of
'Abdu'l-Baha's Divine Plan, He expects the Americans to bear the brunt of
the load everywhere. He has instructed the American N.S.A. to communicate
with your Assembly with regard to pioneers to be settled in territories
coming under your assignment, as well as territories not under your
assignment, but where your Assembly can aid them in settling, particularly
in areas of the Commonwealth which are not under your assignment.
The specific suggestions of the Guardian are:
(a) Areas close at hand and easy of settlement should be filled first.
Then the areas more difficult, and finally those which will be quite
difficult.
(b) Whenever a pioneer enters a new territory, a cable should be sent at
once to the Guardian, giving the name, place, and any pertinent
information.
(c) A monthly report of progress is to be sent by your Assembly to the
Secretary-General of the International Baha'i Council. Special matters of
report nature, for the Guardian, in connection with the plan should be
sent to the Secretary-General of the Council also.
This does not mean that any administrative matters in connection with the
settlement of pioneers, etc., should be handled with the Council. Such
matters should continue to be handled with the Guardian direct. The
Council is simply to co-ordinate reports, consolidate them, keep maps up
to date, etc., for the Guardian, and your reports will enable them to do
this.
(d) The Guardian feels the following areas are not difficult to settle,
and he thinks you should arrange for their settlement at once; and he will
appreciate cable advice of each settlement as they take place.
Channel Islands
Malta
Hebrides Islands
Cyprus
Shetland Islands
(e) The Guardian has cabled you, and at his direction I have written the
Friends in Uganda, Kenya and Tanganyika of the importance of their
spreading out, and if possible sending pioneers into the surrounding areas
in Africa, such as Belgian Congo, Ruanda Urundi, Somaliland, and even
South West Africa. He wishes you to follow up this matter closely. The
Guardian attached great importance to the Ashanti Protectorate, and if any
of the Friends can go there, particularly any Persians you may be
assisting in getting located, he will appreciate it.
As the Guardian's dramatic cable indicates, an illuminated "Roll of
Honour" on which will be inscribed the names of the "Knights of
Baha'u'llah" who first enter these 131 virgin areas, will be placed inside
the entrance door of the Inner Sanctuary of the Tomb of Baha'u'llah. From
time to time, the Guardian will announce to the Baha'i World the names of
those Holy Souls who arise under the conditions outlined in his message,
and settle these areas and conquer them for Baha'u'llah.
Now is the Hour for the Friends everywhere to demonstrate the spiritual
vitality of the Faith, and of their devotion. There is no time after this
moment, to settle the unconquered areas. The Guardian is sure the Friends
throughout the world, and particularly the staunch Baha'is in the British
Isles, will arise as one soul in many bodies, and surging ahead, cover the
face of the Earth with the Glory of the Lord.
The Guardian will pray fervently for the Baha'is of the British Isles for
the success of their efforts.
The Guardian will pray for the members of your Assembly, whose sacrificial
efforts he greatly values....
Letter of 8 June 1953
8 June 1953
Dear Baha'i Brother:
The beloved Guardian has asked me to write to you following my letter of
June 5th in connection with the great importance of settling one hundred
and thirty-one virgin areas, during the next few months.
Naturally it will be difficult for the Faith to be established in the new
territories or amongst the new tribes if they do not have at least a
pamphlet for distribution to the new contacts.
He therefore feels that along with the sending of pioneers into the virgin
areas, the translation of literature into the languages assigned to the
British National Assembly should take place. He has cabled you direct
concerning this very important matter, and has informed you in his cable
that he is arranging for a gift of 1,000 Pounds to assist you in this most
important work.
The Guardian feels that one of the existing pamphlets would be
satisfactory, or a new one, which you may feel it desirable to prepare. At
this time, it is not necessary to enter into the question of translation
of Baha'i books, simply a pamphlet, which can be used for teaching
purposes.
The Guardian wishes you to budget the necessary funds to cover this work
and to see that it is actively pursued, so that the literature will be
available at an early date.
He wishes you to send current reports of activities in connection with
this matter to the Secretary-General of the International Baha'i Council,
so that the data may be assembled with all the necessary information in
connection with the Ten Year Crusade, for the Guardian.
He sends his loving greetings to you.
Letter of 25 June 1953
25 June 1953
Dear Baha'i Brother,
Your letters of July 8, 12 and 16, August 5 and 13, September 16, 20 and
26, October 13, 14 and 26, December 12 (3) and 17, 1952, and January 4, 6,
13, 15, 20, 27 (2) and 29, February 3 and 6, March 12, 17, 22, 23 and 26,
April 1, 17, 20, 24 and 29, May 5, 11, 14, 15 (2), 28 and 30, 1953, with
their enclosures, have been received by the beloved Guardian, as well as
material sent under separate cover, and he has instructed me to answer you
on his behalf.
As you are all aware, the pressure of work is constantly increasing all
over the Baha'i world, and of course the heaviest load falls upon the
Guardian. That is why he is finding it increasingly difficult to keep up
with his letters, not only to individuals, but also to national bodies,
important as they are. He regrets this delay, but sees no remedy for it.
It was a source of great pride to him that the British Baha'is succeeded
with their Plan, in spite of the fact that it was a long, hard struggle,
and in some instances the odds seemed very much against them. He feels
sure that their qualities of tenacity of purpose, fidelity and initiative
will carry them on to even greater distinction during the coming ten
years, as they execute their portion of the Global Crusade, an important
portion.
It was very nice to have dear Dr. Mitchell here; the Guardian hopes that
gradually more British Baha'is will be able to make the pilgrimage.
He was very relieved to hear that dear Mr. Townshend has recovered his
health to such an extent that he will be attending the Stockholm
Conference, where his presence will be welcomed by all the other Hands
attending, and the believers as well....
The letters which your Assembly wrote at the request of the ... Baha'is to
certain officials there, he thought were excellent. What he did not think
was excellent was the almost insulting reply you received as regards ...
from the authorities in London and signed by.... The letter was a mass of
contradictions, and the excuses transparent, to say the least. It shows
that there is no doubt going to be a stiffening opposition from certain
colonial governments, as the Baha'i work progresses.
Your Assembly will undoubtedly continue to press the matter as best you
can with the authorities, without causing too much opposition....
The question of impressing upon the Africans who are seeking enrolment the
necessity of not drinking is a delicate one. When enrolling new believers,
we must be wise and gentle, and not place so many obstacles in their way
that they feel it impossible to accept the Faith. On the other hand, once
accorded membership in the community of the followers of Baha'u'llah, it
must be brought home to them that they are expected to live up to His
teachings, and to show forth the signs of a noble character in conformity
with His laws. This can often be done gradually, after the new believer is
enrolled.
Now that the African work has entered upon an entirely new phase, indeed
the work all over the world, the position your Assembly held as the more
or less co-ordinating body for the work in Africa has been changed.
However, the closest co-operation will be necessary between all the
National Assemblies concerned with the Africa teaching work, if the Plan
is to go ahead swiftly; and exchange of information, especially as regards
pioneer possibilities and posts, is essential, in order to get the
believers out to the goal countries during this year, which is the
Guardian's ardent hope, and to which he attaches the greatest possible
importance. There is no objection to British pioneers going into the
territories of other Assemblies, or believers under other jurisdiction
being used by your Assembly. The most important thing is to open up the
virgin countries; and of course whoever works in a country under the
jurisdiction of a specific Assembly, no matter where their origin may have
been, would be under the orders of that Assembly.
As he has cabled, he considers that, at this stage in the development of
the Faith in Africa, it is not necessary for so many people to congregate
in one centre, such as Kampala, when there is such a tremendous need in
neighbouring territories for pioneers, whether native or European.
He considers that the formation of a school at this time is premature. It
would involve us in heavy responsibilities which for the sake of public
opinion would have to be discharged efficiently and in an exemplary
manner, and he does not consider that we have the resources or the
facilities at present to embark on such a project. There is no reason why
the subject cannot be reconsidered at a future date.
He considers that the attitude of your Assembly regarding police service
which might be required of the Baha'is in Kenya at this time is correct,
and that it is not war, so far. As it seems that ... situation with his
employer, for the present at least, prevented him from having to do police
duty, the subject does not arise for the moment. He does not think that
any general rule can be laid down in such matters. Events must be watched,
and, when situations such as these arise, fresh consultation with him will
be necessary....
As he has already informed you, and the National Spiritual Assembly of
America as well, there is no objection to your receiving co-operation from
them and financial assistance which they might be able to give you in
publishing some of the literature in the African languages.
He thinks your Assembly's decision regarding spiritual healing being
demonstrated at a Baha'i meeting was quite sound. We should try not to
have the Faith identified with such things in the eyes of the public,
officially. What the believers do privately, which in no way contravenes
the Teachings, is their own affair.
As regards the Obligatory Prayers, the friends in the West should continue
to use them exactly as they have been doing, and as is set forth in the
remarks in parentheses which accompany the prayers in the book "Prayers
and Meditations". The Guardian himself will, whenever he sees fit, and
considers the time is ripe, inform the friends in such matters in greater
detail.
Of all the work being undertaken by the believers, East and West, at the
present time, undoubtedly the most urgent is that of getting the pioneers
out to the goal countries during this year, if possible. Not only will
spiritual strength accrue from this settlement of so many new lands, but
the prestige it gives us in the eyes of the non-Baha'is is great. He fully
realises heavy burdens have been placed upon the shoulders of all the
Baha'is, and particularly upon the members of the twelve N.S.A.s directing
this great crusade. But who else except the believers can do the work of
Baha'u'llah? And short of accomplishing His work, where else lies hope for
this confused and sorely-tried world?
In spite of your many problems, he feels confident that you will find
amongst the valiant members of the British Baha'i community sufficient
volunteers to enable you to fill your virgin territories and islands with
at least one pioneer per place. As he has already pointed out, there can
be exchange; in other words, one Assembly can make use of volunteers for
its goals from amongst believers under the jurisdiction of another N.S.A.
if such are available.
In spite of your financial position and the work that lies ahead, the
Guardian has felt it wise and necessary for you to take steps to purchase
a national headquarters. When we remember that England is one of the
oldest Baha'i countries, so to speak, in the West, and that in spite of
her distinction she is still without a suitable seat for her national
Baha'i administration, we see how important it is for her, on the eve of
this great period of expansion, to have a National Centre. France, without
any N.S.A. as yet, now has one, and it is high time England had one too.
You will receive aid from others in this undertaking, as well as from the
Guardian. He was pleased that Mr. Joseph took the first step in enabling
you to fulfil this objective.
His loving thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you, as you
face your great responsibilities and rise to meet your priceless
opportunities....
P.S. The Guardian wishes your Assembly to express to Mr. Albert Joseph his
deep appreciation of the assistance he is giving you in connection with
the purchase of a National Headquarters.
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers,
The successive victories won, in recent years, by the British Baha'i
community, proclaiming, on the one hand, the triumphant conclusion of the
first collective enterprise undertaken in British Baha'i history on the
morrow of the centenary celebrations of the Founding of the Faith of
Baha'u'llah, and on the other, the successful termination of the Two Year
Plan, marking the inauguration of the community's historic Mission beyond
the confines of its homeland, have immensely enhanced its prestige
throughout the entire Baha'i world, have won for it the abiding gratitude
and profound admiration of all who labour for our beloved Faith, and
entitled it to assume a prominent share in the conduct of the world
spiritual Crusade launched amidst the festivities signalising the climax
of the celebrations of this Holy Year commemorating the centenary of the
birth of the Mission of the Author of the Baha'i Dispensation.
Much has been achieved in the course of the past nine years, both within
the borders of this community's island home, and throughout the widely
scattered Dependencies of the British Crown, on the shores as well as
within the heart of the vast and far-off African Continent, to merit the
pride that fills the hearts of its staunch and stalwart members, to
deserve the applause of the Concourse on High, to evoke the fondest hopes
for the steady unfoldment and ultimate consummation of the historic
Mission entrusted to the care of the British followers of the Cause of
Baha'u'llah, and to befittingly usher in a new Era in British Baha'i
history--an Era that will for ever remain associated with the systematic
introduction of God's triumphant Faith, through the concerted efforts of
the heroic band of Baha'i pioneers, dwelling within the British Isles,
into the Chief Dependencies of the British Crown scattered throughout the
European and Asiatic continents and the islands and archipelagos of the
Seven Seas.
The entire community, now firmly entrenched within the Administrative
strongholds, recently and so laboriously established in England, Wales,
Scotland and Ireland, must rise as one man to the occasion that now
presents itself. With hearts brimming with the love of Baha'u'llah, with
souls entirely dedicated to His Cause, with minds attuned to the laws and
precepts underlying His teachings, steeled with an inflexible
determination to utilise, to the fullest extent, the administrative
agencies which their hands have fashioned since the passing of
'Abdu'l-Baha, and deriving fresh hope and sustenance from the rapid and
remarkable victories won in both the teaching and administrative spheres
of Baha'i activity, both at home and abroad, the members of this
high-minded, tenacious and spiritually alive community must gird up their
loins, intensify their efforts a hundredfold and, through their combined
and sustained efforts, write yet another chapter in British Baha'i history
that will illuminate the annals of the Faith of Baha'u'llah and eclipse
the splendour of the feats already accomplished in the past fifty years by
the adherents of His Cause in their native land.
The twofold process, already set in motion, which has been attended by
such conspicuous success, must, in the course of the coming decade, be not
only fully maintained but steadily accelerated. While the structure of the
Administrative Order of the Faith within the British Isles is being
steadily reinforced and enlarged, through the multiplication of the
administrative institutions of the Faith in England, Scotland, Wales and
Ireland and the consolidation of the newly-fledged assemblies already
established, an effort, unprecedented in scope and intensity, must be
continually and determinedly exerted to lay the administrative basis of
this Order not only in the islands bordering the British Isles, but in the
Dependencies of the British Crown in the Mediterranean, and in the African
and Asiatic Continents.
This vital aspect of the Mission committed to the care of the British
Baha'i community, must, in the course of the Crusade upon which it has
embarked, receive a tremendous impetus, and gather such momentum as to
justify the trust 'Abdu'l-Baha so confidently placed in this community and
the distinctive functions with which its members have been invested since
His passing. The development of the institutions of the Faith on the home
front must be supplemented by, and afford a constant stimulus to, the rise
of similar institutions, first in the limited number of territories and
islands assigned to the elected representatives of this community, and
eventually throughout the colonies and protectorates comprising the
British Empire.
The opening phase of the Ten Year Plan so auspiciously inaugurated on the
morrow of the memorable victories already achieved, covering a period of
no less than two years, must be distinguished by the opening, in rapid
succession, of the eleven virgin territories in Europe and Africa and the
laying of a firm foundation for the future erection of a rapidly rising
Administrative Order whose ramifications are destined to encircle within
the coming ten years the entire planet.
The exertions required to consummate the first stage of this Ten Year Plan
are admittedly arduous, and demand the utmost attentiveness, and a degree
of sacrifice and consecration unequalled in the entire course of British
Baha'i history. In spite of the smallness of their numbers, and the
limited resources at their disposal, the members of the community living
in the British Isles, including administrators and teachers, as well as
the band of self-sacrificing pioneers who have already forsaken their
homes and are labouring in distant fields in the African Continent, must,
at whatever cost, disperse more widely and direct their footsteps to the
virgin territories and islands assigned to their National Assembly,
contributing thereby, directly and effectively, to the speedy and
successful termination of the initial phase of a Crusade on which the
immediate destinies of the entire community so largely depend.
While this supreme effort is being exerted special and immediate attention
must, likewise, be directed to two other objectives which constitute a
vital part of the work now confronting the members of this community. The
selection of the site of the Haziratu'l-Quds in the city of London, the
heart of the British Empire, and the national administrative seat of the
Baha'is of the British Isles, and the adoption of effective measures for
its immediate purchase, as well as the preparation of a suitable pamphlet
and its prompt translation and publication in the thirty-one languages
assigned to the British Baha'i National Assembly, are matters of such
urgency as to be given precedence, during the coming two years, over all
the other objectives of the Ten Year Plan.
The Plan on which the British Baha'i community has embarked, unique in its
significance, unprecedented in its scope, so vast in its potentialities,
so meritorious in its objectives, so challenging in its features, will, if
consummated, at the appointed time, open a further vista, before the eyes
of its victorious prosecutors, of such transcendent glory as none of them
can as yet even dimly imagine. The path leading to the discovery of this
brilliant yet at present distant goal, at which a triumphant community
will be enabled to catch a glimpse of its ultimate destiny, revealed in
the plenitude of its splendour, is long, steep and thorny. The prizes to
be won by those who must tread this path, in the years immediately ahead,
are not to be easily secured. The challenge will be prolonged and severe.
The opportunities they now have to scale loftier heights of heroism, and
achieve still mightier victories during the interval separating the Great
and Most Great Jubilees, will if missed never again recur.