Haifa, Israel,
June 14, 1953.
To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Australia and New
Zealand.
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Our Beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by reports reaching him
from all parts of the Baha'i World of the victories already gained, and
the plans being laid for the prosecution of the Ten Year Crusade.
They have evoked his awe-inspiring, and soul-stirring cablegram of May
28th, calling for the immediate settlement of all the 131 virgin areas of
the Plan. He is convinced that 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.
In the United States some 150 people have volunteered for pioneer service,
and some of them already are preparing to leave for their posts. The
Guardian has informed the United States National Assembly, that because of
their being the Chief Executor of the Divine Plan of 'Abdu'l-Baha for
teaching throughout the World, their pioneers may be sent to any virgin
area in the world, regardless to which NSA it may be assigned. If any of
their pioneers wish to settle in any of the areas assigned to your
Assembly, they will communicate with you.
The Friends in Australia and New Zealand have displayed such outstanding
devotion and consecration to the Faith, that despite all obstacles they
have continuously "scattered" to various parts to spread the Divine
Teachings. The Beloved Guardian is sure they will do likewise in
connection with this great Crusade and will settle promptly many virgin
areas.
There are some general observations which the Guardian shares with you,
and then some specific suggestions which are enumerated below:
1. Every individual who offers to pioneer, should be encouraged and
assisted in every way possible by the National Assembly.
2. Every application for pioneering must be expedited, and not allowed to
drag in any way, either in the handling of the NSA, or any Committee
working out the details for the NSA.
3. The National Assembly must make the settlement of their virgin areas,
the first order of their business. In other words, nothing is more
important at this time, than settlement in the 131 virgin areas.
4. More than two pioneers should not be sent to any one place; unless, of
course, they are members of one family. In fact, what is wanted is to
settle each area with Baha'is, and therefore, one Baha'i will fulfill the
initial task.
The specific suggestions which the Guardian makes, are: a. Areas close at
hand and easy of settlement should be filled first. Then the areas more
difficult, and finally, the difficult ones.
b. Whenever a pioneer enters a new territory, a cable should be sent at
once to the Beloved Guardian, giving the name, place and any pertinent
information.
c. A report should be sent each month by your Assembly to the Secretary
General of the International Baha'i Council, giving the progress of your
teaching work in the virgin areas of the Plan, particularly the
development of your plans for settling them. This does not mean your
Assembly should correspond with the International Council concerning
administrative matters; as all administrative matters should be handled in
the usual manner, directly with the Guardian. It simply means that reports
and data concerning the development of the plan should be sent to the
International Council for consolidation with other reports, for the
Guardian.
d. The Guardian feels the following areas should be easily settled and he
would appreciate your arranging to send pioneers there at the earliest
possible date. Portugese Timor, New Hebrides Islands, Admiralty Islands;
and then the other Islands as you can place pioneers on them.
As his dramatic cable indicates, the Guardian is preparing an illuminated
"Roll of Honor", on which will be inscribed the names of the "Knights of
Baha'u'llah" who first enter these 131 virgin areas. This "Roll of Honor"
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 God.
Now is the time for the Baha'is of the World to demonstrate the spiritual
vitality of the Faith, and to arise as one soul to spread the Glory of the
Lord over the face of the Earth. The Guardian is sure the spiritual power
released with the launching of this Great Ten Year Global Crusade, will
carry the consecrated and devoted friends to complete victory.
He will pray for the members of your Assembly, whose sacrificial services
he greatly values.
Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas
Assistant Secretary.