s of the
world. They give a new spirit and impart courage and perseverance to those
who feel disappointed and overwhelmed by the greatness of the task laid
before them.

(signed by Ruhi Afnan)

(December 24, 1930)

[Letter of March 5, 1931]

To Mr. Tokujiro Torii

I am directed by Shoghi Effendi to write and express his great pleasure
over the receipt of your kind and happy letter of January 2.

He was very happy to hear from you, to learn that you are well and
increasingly enthusiastic about the Baha'i Faith. He prays from the bottom
of his heart that the Almighty may help and strengthen you to render
valuable services to the Cause of Baha'u'llah and also to assist the cause
of the blind which is in itself a great Baha'i service.

He deeply regrets that you are handicapped by your early loss of eyesight,
but a spiritual light illuminates and guides you and through it, he hopes
you will become a channel to His Grace.

It is unfortunate that despite the eager and persistent endeavors of our
devoted sister Miss Agnes Alexander, no permanent and thriving centre has
yet been established in Japan. But he trusts that soon a special endeavor
will be made to establish an active group who will be able to translate
the Writings of Baha'u'llah and make them known to the people of Japan.

With the assurance of Shoghi Effendi's affection and prayers for you, also
to Miss Alexander, and of his hope that you will someday come to Haifa.

(signed by Soheil Afnan)

(in the Guardian's handwriting)

With the assurance of my fervent prayers at the Shrine of Baha'u'llah for
your happiness, your success and spiritual advancement.

Your true brother, Shoghi

(March 5, 1931)

[Letter of June 20, 1931]

Our Guardian has been overjoyed to hear of your gathering at the library
of Dr. Masujima and to receive your very kind messages written on that
occasion.

Both the Master and Shoghi Effendi have always cherished great hopes for
the Baha'i Faith in Japan. They have felt that only through the broad
spiritual outlook which the Faith provides can the Japanese people
introduce true spiritual enlightenment in their fast developing
civilization. Hence Shoghi Effendi's great pleasure to hear from you and
learn of your increasing interest in and enthusiasm for the Cause.

(signed by Soheil Afnan)

(June 20, 1931)

[Letter of January 9, 1932]

Dear and valued co-workers:

Your message has imparted an indefina