nstructed me to write you on his behalf and
inform you that the Hand of the Cause Mr. Varqa, will shortly be
forwarding to your assembly the equivalent of five hundred English Pounds,
as the Guardian's contribution to your newly established National Fund.

He hopes that, in the formulation of your plans, particular attention will
be given to the all-important teaching work, the foundation of all the
activities of the Faith and the most urgent task facing the friends in
this critical period the world is passing through.

You may be sure he will pray for your success. (signed by R. Rabbani)

(May 20, 1957)

[Letter of July 15, 1957]

He (the Guardian) has read with much interest the reports of the
Convention recently held in Tokyo.

The formation of this new Regional Assembly, whose area of operation is so
vast and situated in such an important part of the globe, has been a
source of great joy to the Guardian. He was also very happy to see that
your Assembly has represented on it members of the three great races of
mankind, a living demonstration of the fundamental teaching of our Holy
Faith, and one which cannot but attract the interest of the public. The
fact that so many believers attended the first historic convention, from
practically all the territories your Assembly represents, was also most
encouraging, and augurs well for your future work.

The work, so faithfully carried on, by both the American and Persian
pioneers, has borne its first fruit. The long and loyal service of dear
Agnes Alexander, who so faithfully carried out the beloved Master's wishes
and served the spiritual interests of Japan for decades, has been richly
crowned. Even the death of the devoted pioneer, Mr. Anthony Seto, has
added a blessing to the work in that region, for he served in spite of
failing health and remained at his post to be laid at rest in a distant
land, his very dust testifying to the greatness of the love and the nature
of the ideals Baha'u'llah inspires in His servants(31) .

It has been a great source of joy to the Guardian to see the marked
increase of native Baha'is throughout that area, particularly in Japan,
Korea and Formosa. However devoted the pioneers may be to these distant
countries of their adoption, their relation to them cannot but be a
transient one, especially in view of the disturbed state of the world and
gloomy clouds that hang over its political horizons. They may suddenly be
forced to go hom