apanese, my greeting and say:

The world of nature is darkness but the heavenly Sun dissipates by its
light this darkness that prevails over the world. Likewise the world of
mind and of souls is a dark one and nothing will illuminate it save the
rays of the Sun of Truth. My hope therefore is that thou mayest be the
cause of the shining of the Divine Teachings in Japan, that thou mayest
vivify the dead. The people of Japan are intelligent but they are in need
of a leader that he may awaken them. I hope that thou mayest be the cause
of their awakening and may vivify them."

To Mr. William Randall(5), in 1920, He wrote, "The association which has
been formed for promoting the relationship and love between America and
Japan, will, God willing, be confirmed and assisted. This association is
important. It will unquestionably, bring forth great results."

* * * * * * * * *

"These are His very words, that still keep ringing in my ears: 'Japan will
turn ablaze!'"

The title of this book was taken from 'Abdu'l-Baha's prophecy of the
spiritual future of Japan as quoted by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the
Baha'i Faith, in his first letter to the Baha'is of Japan, January 26,
1922.

* * * * * * * * *

We have taken the liberty of adding a few words, for the sake of
continuity, and also that the reader, knowing something of the individuals
and circumstances might better observe the creative power in the words of
'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi as reflected in the lives and actions of
the recipients.

For further information on the history of the Baha'i Faith in Japan, we
recommend to the reader History of the Baha'i Faith in Japan 1914-1938 by
Agnes B. Alexander, and Traces That Remain, (A Pictorial History of the
Early Days of the Baha'i Faith Among the Japanese) by Barbara R. Sims.

Barbara R. Sims
Tokyo, Japan 1992

PART I: THE EPOCH OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA'S MINISTRY

1: Miss Agnes B. Alexander
1875-1971

The year was 1913, and Miss Alexander recalls: "My only desire was to
serve His Cause. The words of 'Abdu'l-Baha rang in my ears: 'I have a lamp
in My Hand searching through the lands and seas to find souls who can
become heralds of the Cause. Day and night I am engaged in this work.'

"I prayed that His lamp might find me. For nearly twelve years I had been
privileged to assist in establishing His Cause in Hawaii. Now the time had
come when I was f