ity of their devotion, the tenacity of their resolution, in the
service of a Faith they have served so devotedly in the past and which
they will, undoubtedly, promote with unabated zeal, in the future,

Your true brother,
Shoghi

LETTER OF 28 JUNE 1954

28 June 1954

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your loving letter of June 9th has come to hand, telling of the activities
of the friends in connection with the development of the teaching work in
Germany and Austria, as well as in the pioneering fields.

So far as the questions you ask are concerned, the following will answer
question Number 1, as this is a matter which the Guardian has elucidated.

The direction of the pioneers is entirely in the hands of the National
Assemblies under whom they are serving. The Guardian simply enunciates the
principle, and then it is up to the National Assemblies to apply that
principle. The principle is that pioneers entering the pioneer field
should realize that they are going there to represent the Cause, in fact,
to be the Cause.

Their minds and their hearts should be centered in their new tasks and in
their new environment. They should not be thinking of when they can return
home, or when they can go somewhere else. Only when the Faith is firmly
established should they give any thought to moving, and then, only in
consultation with the National Assembly.

So far as pioneers taking a holiday is concerned, that is entirely in the
hands of the National Assembly. You can appreciate that all of this
depends upon location, and to a certain extent, funds. If a person feels
they need a little change for a week or two, that of course is something
which should be handled in each case.

The Guardian does not wish to make any hard and fast rules on any of these
matters.

I will write you again in response to the other questions when the
Guardian has given his advice....

LETTER OF 23 JULY 1954

23 July 1954

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Will you please refer to your letter of June 9th and my acknowledgment of
June 28th, in which you raise certain questions. The beloved Guardian has
directed me to give you the answers as follows:

Number 2: He feels your plan of giving individuals, who became Baha'is in
France, but who have not yet given up their church affiliation, one year
in which to do so, is satisfactory.

Number 3: Up to the age of 15 years, children are under the direction of
their parents. At the age of 15, the