in area, and anywhere in Alaska,
be acquired as the National Endowment.

He is delighted to see that you are approaching your tasks with so much
enthusiasm, and awaits news of wonderful victories from that promising
northern territory.

He feels your Assembly should bear in mind, and call to the attention of
the friends, the importance of the Iron Curtain territories not yet open.
Whoever feels the urge to dedicate themselves to arising and going to one
of the satellites or republics of the Soviet Union, should be encouraged
to do so.

He hopes to receive much good news during the coming months of the
progress of the work there, and assures you all of his prayers for your
success.

With loving greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Alaska
signalizes the erection of yet another pillar designed to support, and
reinforce the foundation of the future Universal House of Justice, and
marks a milestone of far reaching significance in the history of the
evolution of the Faith of Baha'u'llah in the North American continent. I
rejoice at this remarkable evidence of the vitality of the Faith which
animates the members of the small yet highly promising community of His
followers in that far off northern region of the globe, a region destined
to play an important role in shaping the spiritual destinies of the great
Republic of the west of which it forms a part, and to contribute, in no
small measure, to the establishment of the institutions of His World Order
throughout the American continent.

The task now facing this highly promising, spiritually dynamic community,
at the hour of its emergence as an independent member of the embryonic
World Baha'i Commonwealth, is truly formidable; the responsibilities which
it valiantly shoulders, at this crucial hour in its evolution are sacred,
heavy, manifold and inescapable. The tests and trials which it must,
sooner or later, experience in the course of its unfoldment and
consolidation will severely challenge its spirit and resources. The path
which it must tread ere the full evidence of its latent capacities are
manifested will be long, tortuous and stony. The indomitable faith which
now so powerfully animates its members, however, will, beyond the shadow
of a doubt, enable them to overcome whatever obstacles may confront them
in the future, and ensure the ultimate attainment of