Part 1 (1/2)

High Endeavours: Messages to Alaska.

by Shoghi Effendi.

EXCERPTS FROM TABLETS OF THE DIVINE PLAN

”I desire for you eternal success and prosperity and beg perfect...”

To the a.s.semblies and Meetings of the believers of G.o.d and the maidservants of the Merciful in the United States and Canada.

Upon them be Baha'u'llah El' Abha

He is G.o.d!

O ye blessed souls:

I desire for you eternal success and prosperity and beg perfect confirmation for each one in the divine world. My hope for you is that each one may s.h.i.+ne forth like unto the morning star from the horizon of the world and in this garden of G.o.d become a blessed tree, producing everlasting fruits and results.

Therefore I direct you to that which is conducive to your heavenly confirmation and illumination in the Kingdom of G.o.d!

It is this: Alaska is a vast country; although one of the maidservants of the Merciful has hastened to those parts, serving as a librarian in the Public Library, and according to her ability is not failing in teaching the Cause, yet the call of the Kingdom of G.o.d is not yet raised through that s.p.a.cious territory.

His Holiness Christ says: Travel ye to the East and to the West of the world and summon the people to the Kingdom of G.o.d. Hence the mercy of G.o.d must encompa.s.s all humanity. Therefore do ye not think it permissible to leave that region deprived of the breezes of the Morn of Guidance.

Consequently, strive as far as ye are able to send to those parts fluent speakers, who are detached from aught else save G.o.d, attracted with the fragrances of G.o.d, and sanctified and purified from all desires and temptations. Their sustenance and food must consist of the teachings of G.o.d. First they must themselves live in accordance with those principles, then guide the people. Perchance, G.o.d willing, the lights of the most great guidance may illumine that country and the breezes of the rose garden of the love of G.o.d may perfume the nostrils of the inhabitants of Alaska. Should ye become confirmed in thus rendering such a service, rest ye a.s.sured that ye shall crown your heads with the diadem of everlasting sovereignty and at the threshold of oneness you will become the favored and accepted servants.

SUPPLICATION

O Thou Incomparable G.o.d! O Thou Lord of the Kingdom! These souls are Thy heavenly army. a.s.sist them and with the cohorts of the Supreme Concourse, make them victorious; so that each one of them may become like unto a regiment and conquer these countries through the love of G.o.d and the illumination of divine teachings.

O G.o.d! Be Thou their supporter and their helper, and in the wilderness, the mountain, the valley, the forests, the prairies and the seas, be Thou their confidant-so that they may cry out through the power of the Kingdom and the breath of the Holy Spirit!

Verily Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty and the Omnipotent and Thou art the Wise, the Hearing, and the Seeing.

-'Abdu'l-Baha (April 8, 1916)

PART I

Letters to Individuals, 19391943. These were written prior to the formation of the first Local Spiritual a.s.sembly and reflect the early development of the Faith in Alaska.

(1) March 12, 1939