Part 11 (1/2)

If your a.s.sembly is not incorporated, or your local a.s.sembly, then the land can be registered in the name of individuals appointed by the National a.s.sembly.

Before actual purchase is made, the Guardian would appreciate advice as to the location, size of land, cost, etc. This you can send to him through me.

With loving Baha'i greetings, I am, Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas

(41) June 4, 1957

(41) June 4, 1957

The Local Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of Ketchikan

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Your loving letter of May 15th was received by the Beloved Guardian and he has directed me to acknowledge it in his behalf.

The contribution made by the friends in Ketchikan to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed.

The establishment of the new National Spiritual a.s.sembly in Alaska must be a source of great gratification to those of you who have labored so long and diligently in the establishment of the Faith in that very important country. This great blessing likewise carries with it many serious responsibilities. The greatest responsibility today is the diffusion of the Divine Fragrances and the establishment of the Faith far and wide. The Guardian hopes therefore that the Members of your a.s.sembly will arise with renewed vigor and not only spread the Faith more firmly in Ketchikan, but will spread your energies to surrounding areas so that new lights of Divine Guidance may be established in the various centers.

The Guardian a.s.sures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends you his loving greetings.

Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas

(42) June 30, 1957

(42) June 30, 1957

National Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of Alaska

Dear Baha'i Sister:

The beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer the letters received, with enclosure, from the a.s.sembly's Recording Secretary and from the Secretary, and dated as follows: May 4, 7, 29 and June 11.

He is very happy to see the eagerness with which this new historic Body has embarked upon its tasks, and he wishes you to know that he is particularly pleased with the Alaska Community. He admires the lively spirit animating it and which indeed has animated it for years-the spirit of optimism and joyous service, and its determination and courage. He has recently heard many fine things about the friends there and the work they are doing from Mrs. Florence Mayberry, all of which have encouraged him to cherish the very highest hopes for the future of the work in that vast territory.

He hopes your a.s.sembly will devote special, constant attention to encouraging the friends in their teaching work, and facilitate their tasks. As the new National a.s.semblies are being formed, he feels it inc.u.mbent upon him to issue a word of warning to avoid rules and regulations and tying the believers' work up in red tape.

Over-administration can be even worse for the Faith at this time than under-administration. The believers are, for the most part, young in the Cause, and if they make mistakes it is not half as important as if their spirit is crushed by being told all the time-do this and don't do that!

The new National Body should be like a loving parent, watching over and helping its children, and not like a stern judge, waiting for an opportunity to display his judicial powers. The reason he points this out to you is that constantly, for the past twenty years and more, he has been pointing this out to the old and tried National a.s.semblies, and he does not want the younger bodies to make the same mistakes. Individual cases should be dealt with as they arise, according to the Teachings, of which the believers have quite sufficient available to handle all of their problems at this time, and no more additional rules and regulations need be introduced.

The friends should be helped to overcome their problems, deepen in the Faith, and increase their unity and their love for each other. In this way you will find that your work goes ahead speedily, and that the National Body is like the beating of a healthy heart in the midst of the Community, pumping spiritual love, energy and encouragement out to all the members.

As regards the question you asked about a Summer School, there is no reason why a property should either be rented or bought for this purpose.

You can arrange to hold a Summer School in any suitable place where the friends can find accommodation, and a hall can be rented for its sessions.