Your loving letter of October 31st has been received by the Beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf. The contribution which you have made to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed.

Alaska is a most important country, especially mentioned by 'Abdu'l-Baha in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. The Friends there must arise with renewed effort to spread the Glad Tidings and win souls to the Cause of G.o.d. There should be many a.s.semblies, groups and Isolated centers, for the formation of the National a.s.sembly, and its vigorous functioning.

The Guardian was happy to learn that Alaska is awake to the Faith, as never before. It therefore remains to see what the Friends will do; for it is now in their hands to raise the heights of their spiritual endeavors.

The Guardian a.s.sures you, and all the Friends in Alaska of his prayers in their behalf; for the success of their work; and the confirmation of many souls in the Kingdom of G.o.d.

He sends you his loving Greetings,

Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas

(76) January 24, 1957

(76) January 24, 1957

Dear Baha'i Friends:

The beloved Guardian has received your letter of January 3rd, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He was very happy to hear of the declaration of Miss Johnson,(17) and particularly of the translation into Aleut of the excerpt from Baha'u'llah's Writings. Likewise, he was very happy to know that you are building a Baha'i Center,(18) which he will consider as an auxiliary to the other goals the friends are winning all over the world.

Perhaps one should not approach the people in that country(19) on the basis of religion, but rather through the social teachings of the Faith and its Laws, and make them understand the need for World Order, rather than giving them the religious aspect first, when they are so fanatically attached to their church.

He will certainly pray that you may find receptive souls, and the slow work of conversion be begun. No doubt once they embrace the Faith, they will be very staunch.

a.s.suring you all of his loving prayers and his appreciation of your persevering services,

With warm Baha'i greetings, R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you, aid you to extend the range of your meritorious services to His Faith, and win memorable victories in the days to come.

Your true brother, Shoghi

(77) April 20, 1957

(77) April 20, 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Your letter of April 5th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He feels that now that you have found the thing you were searching for inwardly, and have this added joy in your life of our glorious Faith, you should be kinder to your husband and more considerate than ever, and do everything in your power to make him feel that this has not taken you away from him, but only made your love for him and your desire to be a good wife to him, greater. Whether he will ultimately be able to become a Baha'i or not, is something that only time can tell; but there is no doubt where your duty lies, and that is to make him appreciate the fact that your new affiliation has not interfered in any way with his home life or his marriage, but on the contrary, has strengthened both.

It is very difficult when one has found what one knows is the truth, to sit by and see a dear and close relative completely blind to it. The temptation is to try and "stir them up and make them see the light", but this is often disastrous. Silence, love and forbearance will win greater victories in such cases. However, your husband has no right to ask you to give up being a Baha'i. That is going too far. n.o.body should trespa.s.s on the sacred bond every human being has a right to have with their Creator.

The Guardian a.s.sures you he will pray that you may be guided to do the right thing at this difficult time, and that your husband's att.i.tude may change.

With warm Baha'i greetings, R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you, aid you to overcome your difficulties, and enable you to promote effectively the vital interests of His Faith.

Your true brother, Shoghi

PART IV

Telegrams to Pioneers.

(78) To a Knight of Baha'u'llah arriving at Kodiak

(78) To a Knight of Baha'u'llah arriving at Kodiak:

July 14, 1953

a.s.sURE FERVENT PRAYERS. SHOGHI

(79) To Knights of Baha'u'llah upon reaching Unalaska

(79) To Knights of Baha'u'llah upon reaching Unalaska:

August 14, 1953

LOVING PRAYERS SURROUNDING YOU. SHOGHI