A New World Order/What Is the Special Mission of Bahá’í Youth?
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\ WHAT IS THE SPECIAL MISSION OF BAHA'I YOUTH?
This Cause, although it embraces with equal esteem people of all ages,
HAS A.SPECIAL MESSAGE AND MISSION FOR THE YOUTH OF YOUR GENERATION.
It is their charter for their future, their hope, their guarantee of better days to come.
Shoghi Effendi, quoted in
Baha'f News, no. 161 (March 1943), p. 1 (Caps added)
Indeed it is very important for the Faith, to extend the
teachings to Baha'u'1l&h amongst the youth,
AS IT IS THROUGH THEIR ACTIVITIES THAT THE CAUSE OF OUR BELOVED MASTER WILL IN FUTURE SPREAD ALL OVER THE AMERICAN CONTINENT.
THEY HAVE UPON THEIR SHOULDERS ALL THE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE PROGRESS OF THE MOVEMENT;
it is our duty to rear their spiritual feelings, and enlighten their hearts with the light of guidance which has been shed upon us by the Master.
Shoghi Effendi, quoted in
Baha'i News, no. 143 (May 1941), p. 8 (Caps added)
[Page 21]
The activities, hopes and thoughts of the Baha'f youth in America,
as well as in all other parts of the world, are close and dear to
my heart.
Upon them rests the supreme and challenging responsibility to
promote the interests of the Cause of God
to
to
to
to
in the days to come,
co-ordinate its world-wide activities, extend its scope,
safeguard its integrity,
exalt its virtues,
define its purpose,
and translate its ideals and aims into memorable
and abiding achievements.
Theirs is a mighty task, at once holy, stupendous and enthralling.
May the spirit of Baha’
u'll&h protect and sustain them in their
divinely appointed task!
Shoghi Effendi, quoted in
Baha’i News, no. 443 (February 1968), p. 8
21
[Page 22]
pressed
are S, Ciass OF SERVICE L C) Xe SYMBOLS This is a fast message DL =Day Letter unless its deferred char-
NL=Night Letter acter is indicated by the W. P. MARSHALL Ls | R | EGR A wi R. W. McFALL proper symbol. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD a) in i ‘ PRESIDENT Internationa
®
LT= Letter Telegrarn
The filing time shown in the date line on domestic telegrams is LOCAL TIME at point of origin. Time of receipt is LOCAL TIME at point of destination
4107A EDT JUN 26 68 DEA292 - SSKO11 DE CDUZ06 UNYO245 HECIT2OTHFSG 49 33526 71 PD INTL CO HAIFA VIA WUI JUN 25 1785 LT BAHAI
WILMETTE (ILL) WARMLY ACKNOYLEOGE CONFIDENT JOYOUS MESSAGE FROM BAHAI YOUTH GATHERED PRECINTS MOTHER TEMPLE WEST STOP MOVED THEIR DETERMINATION SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES SERVE BELOVED FAITH CALI ON THEM BOLDLY CHALLENGE INVITE CONFUSED CONTEMPORARIES ENTRAPPED MORASS MATERIALISM TO EXAMINE PARTAKE LIFEGIVING POWER CAUSE JOIN ARMY BAHAULLAH CONFRONT NEGATIVE FORCES OF A
SOCIETY SADLY LACKING SPIRITUAL VALUESSTOP ASSURE Youy}y ARDENT
PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES GUTOANCE CONFIRMATION THEIR COURAGEOUS EFFORTS
UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE.
22
[Page 23]
Now that the war is over and so many young people are being
released from the services and returning to a more normal
life, the young Baha'is in every city should
(1) make a point of keeping in touch with local youth activities and clubs, and
(2) should make their views known to as many young people in as many ways as possible.
(3) Above all, they should set a high example to them; (a) chastity, (b) politeness, (c) friendliness, (d) hospitality, (e) joyous optimism about the ultimate future happiness and well-being of mankind,
should distinguish them and win over to them the love and admiration of their fellow-youth.
The thing which is most conspicuously lacking in modern life
is a high standard of conduct and good character; the young
Baha'fs must demonstrate both, if they hope to seriously
win over to the Faith members of their own generation so
sorely disillusioned and so contaminated by the laxity war
gives rise to. Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Baha'f News, no. 188 (October 1946), p. 4 (Numbers and letters added)
What impressed him (Shoghi Effendi) most in the account of your services was the statement that the old and young Baha'fs are firmly united and cooperating in bearing the burden of the Faith in that locality. Nothing will attract God's blessing and grace more than the unity of the Friends, and nothing is more destructive of their highest purpose than divisions and misunderstandings. ...
Shoghi Effendi (through his secretary), quoted in
Baha'i News, no.71 (February 1933), p. 2
. 23
[Page 25]
WHAT IS THE SPECIAL MISSION OF BAHA'I YOUTH?
Why did Shoghi Effendi say that youth have a special mission? What is that mission?
What did Shoghi Effendi mean when he said that youth "have upon their shoulders all the responsibilities for the progress of the movement"? What does this mean concerning the importance of youth activities?
How will youth define the purpose of the Baha'f Faith?
How can the youth of your locality carry out the activities that the Guardian asks youth to be concerned with?
What are the implications of the cable from The Universal House of Justice for the youth in your area? for you?
Why is it important that youth set such a high example? What will happen if we don't?
How does the youth's mission differ from that of the adults? How does cooperation with adults fit in?
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