National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1920/October 22/Text

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National Teaching Committee Bulletins October 22, 1920

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[Page 1] Washington, D.C., Oct.22,1920.

Dear Friends:

In a recent letter from Mr. Wm. H. Randall, Treas., the following figures were given, and they are submitted for your earnest consideration:

"We have 305 pledges which total per month $452.00, and of this number 270 are pledges of $1.00, of which 42 have been paid in full and altogether $70.00 of the monthly pledges has been fully paid up, so we have less than $400.. per month due from the pledge system."

Now it is the most difficult thing in the world for one Bahá’í to say to another Bahá’í, "PLEASE CONTRIBUTE." If you do not realize JUST how difficult it is, try to serve in this way yourself. With us, financial matters are not primary; they are decidedly secondary: or not at all. That which has promulgated the Bahá’í Cause all over the world is the Holy Spirit of GOD and the Creative effect of the Revealed Word. When the Word really touches the heart, we never need mention money, for all that we have in this worldbelongs to the Cause.

However, since the members of the Teaching Committee are fully informed of the GREAT NEED at this time, they feel that every one in this Bahá’í family should be just as fully informed. What one member of the family knows, all should know, and that is the explanation for this letter. If one does not KNOW what is required, the NEED cannot be fully realized.

In the most loving manner possible, we want to ask:

What will ‘Abdu’l-Bahá think of us if we fail to finance the blessed tour of Mirza Fazel, while he is fulfilling his mission and arising to obey his Instructions to visit 48 States? Could we ever say to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who is the Reader of all hearts, that we are grateful for the blessing of Jenabe Fazel’s presence in America, and then not prove our gratitude by financial support and hearty co-operation?

It is absolutely necessary that every true Bahá’í in America arise and sacrifice to the limit: so that the work planned by the Center of the Covenant Himself, shall be carried out in every detail. Then when Jenabe Fazel returns to the Master, he can give Him glowing accounts of our co-operation. He can make Him happy by telling Him that His followers in this country arose as one soul to render assistance along all lines, and that we made his visit in America a shining pathway for the Cause of GOD from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the North to the South,and the means of establishing the Love of GOD in all hearts. No matter what other service we may have in mind, here we have thta t which is paramount NOW-

An alive being right here: the guest of the American Bahá’ís. How are we going to serve our great guest? He is everybody's guest, for he is here to serve every corner of our great land. We have the most holy and heavenly and greatest teacher in our midst humbly serving believers and unbelievers: awakening through his benign influence and wise teachings thousands and thousands: of souls who have been slumbering on in deep sleep unconscious of the necessity [Page 2] for and the beauty of a spiritual quickening.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said to an American pilgrim when in the Holy Land: "Though I am sitting here, My Pen is working in every part of the world over the pages of the hearts."

In what condition is the heart of each of us? Are we sure we fully realize the importance of serving the "Angel of Light" sent to us?

It is certain that when each soul realizes how extremely important it is for each one to fulfill their pledge promptly, and for those who can send contributions, to send them promptly, they will do so without any reminder whatsoever.

Please ask yourself the question: How. is this tour to be financed unless I do my part? Who is going to pay for the railroad tickets? We are all very responsible.

It will be a wonderful demonstration of "hastening toward co-operation and mutual help in the path of guidance" (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)- if every Bahá’í on receipt of this letter, will send to Mr. Wm. H. Randall, Treas. 35 Congress St., Boston, Mass. Some expression in the way of actual deeds.

And when the Secretary can serve any member of the Bahá’í Amily any pla ce in any way,kindly communicate at once.

We will close this (we hope) gentle appeal with the following Words of the Master which have so touched our own hearts:

"Blessed is he who practices loving kindness and co-operation, for he will be encircled with celestial benedictions."

"Arise ye with heart and soul and let not these golden days slip b by without results."

The Mendota Washington, D.C.

In the Master's loving service, Your sister, Mariam Haney,