y,
of preparing, by every means at their disposal, for the historic and in
some respects, the most vital, Conference to be held in the course of the
Holy Year which the entire Baha'i world will soon befittingly celebrate.
As the Convenor of such a fate-laden Conference, whose task is to
facilitate the execution of the most far-reaching, the most challenging,
and the most dramatic of all the enterprises destined to be launched by
the followers of the Faith throughout the whole planet, your Assembly
assumes a responsibility at once immense, soul-stirring and inescapable.

In providing adequate facilities for the accommodation of the Hands of the
Cause and of the official representatives of no less than eight National
Spiritual Assemblies and of the large number of visitors who will
participate in its proceedings; in ensuring wide publicity through the
press and radio for such a unique gathering; in exerting their utmost for
the maintenance of harmony and for full consultation on the weighty issues
that will face its attendants; in fostering the spirit of heroic adventure
and noble resolve on the part of the members of the communities that are
to act as hosts to the honoured participants of such an epoch-making
assemblage, which will, God willing, enable them to play a notable role in
the Crusade destined to embrace the continents of Asia and Australasia and
of the Pacific Islands--in all these the members of your Assembly,
supported by the rank and file of the faithful, must display a
determination, a valour and consecration that will excite the admiration
of the entire Baha'i world.

The work that calls for unswerving fidelity, urgent attention and
continuous vigilance, during the swiftly passing months ahead, is immense,
truly sacred and infinitely meritorious. The consummation of the Plan
already initiated would constitute the best preparation for the assumption
of the still greater functions, and the discharge of still weightier
responsibilities, that await the patiently labouring, the steadfast, the
loyal and devoted followers of the Most Great Name in India, Pakistan and
Burma. That they may victoriously discharge their present
responsibilities, that they may befittingly embark on the glorious Mission
that lies ahead of them, that they may distinguish themselves through
their collective contribution to the success of the World Crusade soon to
be inaugurated by the followers of Baha'u'llah in both the East and the
W