nternational
Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed.

The establishment of the new National Spiritual Assembly 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 Assembly 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 assures 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 Assembly 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 Assembly'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 Assembly will devote special, constant attention to
encouraging the friends in their teaching work, and facilitate their
tasks. As the new National Assemblies are being formed, he feels it
incumbent 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 sh