ned to serve here. It brings the Japanese believers even closer to
the International Center to have a representative of their nation working
for the Cause at its World Center.

He assures you all that he will pray for the success, not only of the work
in Hyogo-ken, but throughout Japan, and urges you and your co-workers to
persevere in the face of every obstacle.

(signed by Leroy Ioas)

(in the Guardian's handwriting)

May the Almighty remove all obstacles from your path, enable you to lend a
great impetus to the onward march of His Faith, and contribute to the
consolidation of His institutions.

Your true brother, Shoghi

(January 2, 1956)

[Photograph with the following caption:]

The first International Teaching Conference in Nikko, Japan, 1955. Mr.
Fujita is holding the frame containing the "Greatest Name". Hand of the
Cause Mr. _Kh_adem, who was the Guardian's representative, is behind Mr.
Fujita. Miss Alexander is holding the picture of 'Abdu'l-Baha. This
conference marked a turning point in the Baha'i Faith in Asia, especially
in Japan.

13: Letters to Individuals

Excerpts from letters to Japanese believers, 1947-1957

[Letter of October 15, 1947]

To Mr. Saichiro Fujita

After so many years of silence our beloved Guardian was very happy to
receive your postcard.

He is very glad to see you are not only safe after all these terrible
years of war and privation, but that you are seeking to establish a center
of the Faith where you live. He assures you he will pray that your efforts
may be successful, and that you may become the father of the first
spiritual assembly there.

Your long services in Haifa are not forgotten, and the Guardian sends you
his greetings.

(signed by R. Rabbani)

(October 15, 1947)

[Letter of October 6, 1950]

The excellent progress the Cause is making is a delight to his (the
Guardian's) heart, and he feels very close to the Japanese believers.

Now that our dear Agnes Alexander is with you again out there (in Japan),
he feels still greater progress will be made. You and she, both old and
tried believers, must devote particular attention to strengthening the
faith of the new souls, and giving them a firm foundation in the Covenant.
You are often affectionately remembered here.

(signed by "Ruhiyyih")

(October 6, 1950)

[Letter of March 21, 1952]

To Mrs. Kyoko Hongo

He (the Guardian) is very happy to hear that you and your