Haifa, March 13th, 1945.
Dear Baha'i Sister:
Your letter of Feb. 9th has been received (written on behalf of the
N.S.A.), and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his
behalf and to also acknowledge receipt of the copy of the resolutions
which you forwarded in it.
The news you conveyed was all very encouraging and pleased him greatly.
He was particularly happy to hear of the formation of a new Spiritual
Assembly at Caringbah as this marks an important step forward in the
growth of the Cause and its administrative institutions in Australia. He
hopes that the N.S.A. will, through travelling and visiting teachers, and
Baha'i settlers and pioneers, be able to speedily ensure the establishment
of further assemblies; wherever the conditions for their development seem
most promising, the efforts should be concentrated.
He was also very glad to hear that the Haziratu'l-Quds has been
successfully transferred to the name of the National Assembly. He is
looking forward to receiving the photographs of its opening, and of the
Centenary dinner, which you are sending him. Likewise he was pleased to
see it is being put to such active use and teaching classes, public
meetings, etc. being held in it.
He cannot stress too much the vital importance of the teaching work, and
he hopes that all the believers, however circumscribed their means,
however unqualified they may feel themselves to be, will arise and
contribute their share to this all-important work. The Cause has, all
things considered, made remarkable progress in Australia and New Zealand
of late; but the united efforts of all the friends are required to spread
the Divine Message during these moving and dark times the world is passing
through. They must fix their eyes on the abject misery of humanity and,
forgetful of their own limitations, deliver the Teachings to their fellow
countrymen.
He assures you and your co-workers that he deeply appreciates your devoted
services, and will constantly pray for the progress of the Faith in those
distant and important lands.
With Baha'i love,
R. Rabbani.
P.S. He hopes that the N.S.A. watches over dear Mother Dunn. She is now
advancing in years and deserves the greatest love and consideration in
view of the imperishable services she and Father Dunn rendered the Cause
there.
P.P.S. Your previous letter, dated Aug. 18th as well as the photostat
copies connected with the incorporation of the N.S.A. reached him. He was
delighted at this further evidence of the efficiency of that body and the
manner in which it is consolidating its foundation.
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The teaching responsibilities confronting the Australian and New Zealand
believers are of supreme importance and of extreme urgency. Now that the
basis of the Administrative Order has been firmly laid, and fully
understood, and the national Haziratu'l-Quds established in the leading
city of the Australian Commonwealth, the attention of the members of the
entire community must be focussed on the teaching work--the promotion of
which is the ultimate object of the entire machinery of the Administrative
Order and its subsidiary institutions and agencies. The multiplication of
Baha'i groups, the steady increase in the number of local assemblies, the
dissemination of literature, the dispersal of the believers, no matter how
small their number, to important centers throughout the continent
constitute the vital task of the infant community which has, despite its
limited resources and isolated situation, demonstrated its capacity to
establish on a sound basis the primary institutions of its Faith, to
safeguard its unity and promote its vital interests. That it may forge
ahead and overcome every obstacle in its path and fulfil its high destiny
is my fondest hope and constant prayer.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.