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Letter of 10 June 1953
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Dear Bahá'í Friends:
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Our Beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by
reports reaching him from all parts of the Bahá'í World; of
the victories already gained, and the plans being laid for the
prosecution of the Ten Year Crusade.
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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, just as
quickly as possible. 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.
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The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write your
Assembly to amplify some of the aspects of his dynamic
message.
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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 Bahá'í service--
whether it be in the teaching or administrative fields of the
Faith.
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In America 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 American
National Assembly, that because of their being the Chief
Executor of the Divine Plan of `Abdu'l-Bahá 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 pioneer in any of
the areas assigned to your Assembly, they will communicate
with you.
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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 by 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 of
the 131 virgin areas.
4. More than two pioneers should not be sent to any one
place; except of course, unless they are members of one
family. In fact, what is wanted is to settle each area with
Bahá'ís, and therefore, 1 Bahá'í will fulfill the initial task.
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The specific suggestions which the Guardian makes, are:
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A1. Areas close at hand easy of settlement should be filled
first. Then the areas more difficult, and finally, those which
will be difficult.
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B2. 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.
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C3. A report should be sent each month by your Assembly
to the Secretary-General of the International Bahá'í Council,
giving the progress of your teaching work in new areas of
the Plan, particularly the virgin areas assigned to your NSA.
This does not mean your assembly should correspond with
the International Council concerning administrative matters
in connection with the Plan, but that only reports of
progress should be sent them. Administrative matters, etc.,
should be handled by your Assembly directly with the
Guardian.
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D4. 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:
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Frisian Islands.
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Greece--(this is very important, because it is the last
national community in Europe without Bahá'ís).
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Crete.
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After these are settled, others more difficult should be
considered.
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The beloved Guardian wishes the German Bahá'ís,
likewise to assist more actively in the spread of the Faith in
Austria. There should be additional Bahá'í Centers in
Austria, and he hopes the German Bahá'ís will be most
helpful in accomplishing this.
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The Bahá'ís of Germany and Austria have a very great
responsibility in connection with the development of the
Ten Year Crusade. `Abdu'l-Bahá himself visited your
countries. He spoke often and lovingly of the German
Friends. Their countries are the heart of Europe, and the
heart must be strong and vigorous. Now then, is the time
for the Believers to achieve the blessings the Master
promised them, by "scattering", and continuously settling
new areas. The Guardian will await with keen anticipation
reports of your activities in the all important teaching field.
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As his dramatic cable indicates, the Guardian will have
prepared, an illuminated "Roll of Honor", on which will be
inscribed the names of the "Knights of Bahá'u'lláh", 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 Bahá'u'lláh.
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From time to time, the Guardian will announce to the
Bahá'í World, the names of those Holy Souls who arise
under the conditions outlined in his message, and settle
these areas, and conquer them for the Cause of God.
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Now is the time for the Bahá'ís 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, that the Bahá'ís of Germany
and Austria who have served and sacrificed so long for the
Faith, will continue their glorious record by winning many
new victories for the Glory of the Lord.
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The Guardian will pray fervently for the Bahá'ís of
Germany and Austria, and for the success of their efforts.
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He will pray for the members of the Assembly, whose
sacrificial efforts he will cherish for all time....
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