Letter of 28 June 1954

Shoghi 28 June 1954 Dear &Baha'i Friends:

Your loving letter of June 9th has come to hand, telling of the activities of the friends in connection with the development of the teaching work in Germany and Austria, as well as in the pioneering fields.

So far as the questions you ask are concerned, the following will answer question Number 1, as this is a matter which the Guardian has elucidated.

The direction of the pioneers is entirely in the hands of the National Assemblies under whom they are serving. The Guardian simply enunciates the principle, and then it is up to the National Assemblies to apply that principle. The principle is that pioneers entering the pioneer field should realize that they are going there to represent the Cause, in fact, to be the Cause.

Their minds and their hearts should be centered in their new tasks and in their new environment. They should not be thinking of when they can return home, or when they can go somewhere else. Only when the Faith is firmly +P223 established should they give any thought to moving, and then, only in consultation with the National Assembly.

So far as pioneers taking a holiday is concerned, that is entirely in the hands of the National Assembly. You can appreciate that all of this depends upon location, and to a certain extent, funds. If a person feels they need a little change for a week or two, that of course is something which should be handled in each case.

The Guardian does not wish to make any hard and fast rules on any of these matters.

I will write you again in response to the other questions when the Guardian has given his advice.... 23 July 1954 Dear &Baha'i Friends:

Will you please refer to your letter of June 9th and my acknowledgment of June 28th, in which you raise certain questions. The beloved Guardian has directed me to give you the answers as follows:

Number 2: He feels your plan of giving individuals, who became &Baha'is in France, but who have not yet given up their church affiliation, one year in which to do so, is satisfactory.

Number 3: Up to the age of 15 years, children are under the direction of their parents. At the age of 15, they may declare their Faith as a conviction, and be registered as &Baha'i youth, whether the parents are &Baha'is or not. Children under the age of 15, of &Baha'i parents, who wish to attend meetings and associate with the friends as &Baha'is may do so. If &non-Baha'i parents permit a child of less than +P224 15 to attend &Baha'i meetings, and in fact, to be a &Baha'i, this is likewise permissible.

Number 4: The beloved Guardian instructs that whenever an Assembly loses some members between the &Ridvan periods, bringing the membership to less than 9, the Assembly reverts immediately to Group status. However, when they get a sufficient number of new members to reach 9, then they immediately become an Assembly again.

The beloved Guardian greatly values your devoted services to the Faith, and the manner in which you are undertaking the heavy responsibilities of propagating the Faith, as well as consolidating its institutions.

He assures you of his prayers in your behalf, and sends you his loving greetings.... 27 September 1954 (Summer School) Dear &Baha'i Friends:

The note of loving greeting, which was signed by all those present at the Summer School, has been received by the beloved Guardian, and this is just a brief note of acknowledgment on his behalf.

He was very happy to see that it was possible for so many of the friends to be present, and that you had the bounty of having the favored Hand of the Cause, Dr. &Muhlschlegel, with you. He feels sure such a gathering must have released new strength and zeal; and that each one will now determine to double or even treble his past efforts during the second year of this historic Ten-Year Crusade.

He sends you all his loving greetings.... +P225

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty bless your efforts, aid you to promote, at all times, the vital interests of His Faith, and contribute continually to the multiplication and consolidation of its nascent and divinely appointed institutions,

Your true brother,