…we
turn our hearts in frequent prayer to Baha’u’llah and beseech Him to strengthen
His followers through His unfailing grace. In such moments, we implore Him to
illumine their souls with the light of knowledge and faith. Let them not underestimate the power inherent in the
system they are putting in place for the propagation of His Faith, nor mistake
the true purpose of the global enterprise on which they have embarked. Let them
not deviate from the path of learning on which they are set, nor be distracted
by the ephemeral pursuits of a bewildered society. Let them not fail to
appreciate the value of the culture now taken root in the community that
promotes the systematic study of the Creative Word in small groups in order to
build capacity for service. Let them never forget the imperative to tend to the
needs of the children of the world and offer them lessons that develop their
spiritual faculties and lay the foundations of a noble and upright character.
Let them come to realize the full significance of their efforts to help young
people form a strong moral identity in their early adolescent years and empower
them to contribute to the well-being of their communities. And let them rejoice
at having learned through consistent, systematic action how to establish a
rhythm of growth that pays due attention to the essential elements of
expansion, consolidation, reflection and planning. May they one and all be
endowed with constancy and fidelity and be granted the courage to make whatever
sacrifices are needed to ensure the resounding success of the Plan. By the rectitude
of their conduct, the sincerity of their love for their fellow human beings,
and the ardour of their desire to serve the peoples of the world, may they
vindicate the truth proclaimed by Baha’u’llah that humanity is one. May they be
diligent in their efforts to establish ties of friendship that show no regard
for prevalent social barriers and ceaselessly endeavour to bind hearts together
in the love of God. That they may recognize the profound implications of their
mission is our fervent hope. That they may not falter in accomplishing their
ambitious goals, no matter how severe the crises engulfing the world around
them, is our most heartfelt prayer at the Sacred Threshold.
(The Universal
House of Justice, from a message dated 20 October 2008 to the Baha’is of the
World)
