The task now facing this highly promising, spiritually
dynamic community, [Alaska] at the hour of its emergence as an independent
member of the embryonic World Bahá’í 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 their high destiny.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated
June 30, 1957 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska;
‘High Endeavours: Messages to Alaska’)
