Arohanui: Letters from Shoghi Effendi to New Zealand Part 5

_I have read the issues of the "Herald" with deep joy and thankfulness. I will continue to pray at the holy shrines that the invincible power of Baha'u'llah may add to your present opportunities, extend the sphere of the Journal, and enable you, individually and collectively, to mirror forth the beauty and the power of this Divine Revelation._

_Your true brother, _ _ Shoghi_

(17) January 30th, 1927

Dear Baha'i Sister,

Shoghi Effendi wishes me to thank you for the M.O. for 1--which he has safely received, sent for the help of the sufferers in Persia.

He is himself sending this money to the Nat. a.s.sembly in Teheran, and has requested them to send him the receipt for it--When he receives their receipt he will forward it to you, and urges you to give it to the friend who sent the money. The Persian friends will be very much pleased at receiving this kind remembrance and help from far distant New Zealand!

With love and warm Baha'i greetings from the holy household and the friends here, to the dear friends in Auckland.

In the Master's Service,

Sincerely Yours, Ethel J. Rosenberg

[From the Guardian:]

_My dear co-worker:_

_I am deeply touched by this further evidence of the love and devotion of the New-Zealand Baha'is and I will gladly forward their contribution of our friend to the Teheran a.s.sembly to be sent by them to the sufferers in Jahrum. I will ardently pray for every one of you that the Beloved may guide your steps and lead you to glorious victory. I urge you to communicate regularly and frequently with the Baha'i newsletter editor through Mr Horace Holley and report to him the progress of your activities. It is so essential and valuable._

_Your true brother, _ _ Shoghi_

(18) May 13th, 1927

My dear Baha'i Sister,

I take pleasure in thanking you on behalf of my dear Guardian for your letter of April 5th.

As a far away outpost of the Baha'i Faith in New Zealand, he is always delighted to hear from Auckland and especially yourself and your promising a.s.sembly there. You own a warm spot in his heart and he is looking forward to the day when through the efforts of the Auckland a.s.sembly, centres will be established in every town in New Zealand. A firm faith and a golden heart is yours, there still remains to turn other hearts into gold.

Miss Butler is well and often thinks of you. a.s.suring you of our Guardian's prayers and the love and best wishes of the family who always remember you.

Ever yours in His Service, Soheil Afnan

[From the Guardian:]

_My dear and precious co-worker:_

_You should exercise your judgement and tact in delivering the message.

You should make an effort to understand the character and mind of the seeker before you speak to him on the Cause. I will pray that you may be inspired and guided to follow the path of moderation and may become an exemplary herald of His message in that far-away land._

_Your well-wisher, _ _ Shoghi_

(19) June 4th, 1929

Dear Spiritual Sister:

Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of Feb.

14th. He always feels great pleasure to obtain some news from the friends of that distant land and he hopes and prays that through G.o.d's blessings and your constant endeavours the Cause will develop in New Zealand and bring into its fold many sincere and devoted souls.

The news that we daily obtain from the different parts of the world bring in wonderful news of the progress of the Movement. The world is gradually appreciating the significance of this Movement which has been for so long misunderstood and denounced.

Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan

[From the Guardian:]

_My dear Spiritual Sister:_

_I wish to a.s.sure you in person of my prayers for you as well as the dear and unforgettable friends in Auckland who a.s.suredly occupy a warm and abiding place in my heart. I eagerly await the news of the progress of their work, and trust and pray that the Almighty may guide their steps, and help them to surmount every obstacle._

_Shoghi_

(20) October 4th, 1930

Dear Baha'i Brother:

Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated April 6th 1930 written from London. He was very happy to learn that wherever you have been you have received wonderful reception from the friends. Surely, it is only through such acts of hospitality that the true spirit of the Cause is manifested.

Shoghi Effendi wishes me to a.s.sure you of his prayers and extend to you his hope that wherever you go you will feel the divine help and guidance.

He hopes that in America you will experience the true spirit of love that animates the friends there and that you will give them Shoghi Effendi's greetings.

Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan

[From the Guardian:]

_My dear and precious co-worker:_

_I was much pleased to hear from you and to learn of your experiences. I trust that the same welcome and loving-kindness will be extended to you by the American friends. You are often in my thoughts, and I will continue to pray for your spiritual as well as material welfare and advancement.

Convey, when you write to your Mother, my loving and affectionate greetings._