22. Gathering at the Native American Bahá’í Institute

22

Gathering at the Native American Bahá’í Institute

19 March 2002

To the friends gathered at the Native American Bahá’í Institute

for the “In Praise of Pioneers” Weekend

22.1 We learned with much delight of the event that brings you together at the Native American Bahá’í Institute. The purity of thought that motivated the decision to honor the pioneers who have served among the native peoples is surely an indication of a highly commendable desire not only to celebrate but also to extend the legacy they have richly established. Indeed, the virtue of so notable a moment of thanksgiving is that it lends itself to reflection and to rededication of effort to the great civilizing goal set by the beloved Master in His Tablets of the Divine Plan for the original inhabitants of America, once they are illumined by the Light of Bahá’u’lláh. With confident expectations, He outlined the means for their emancipation from a long history of suffering and frustrated hope.

22.2 You illumined ones who like fresh plants have sprung from the seeds sown by these pioneers face an urgent and inescapable challenge: You must arise by your own effort as never before to carry forward the lines of action of the Five Year Plan, and thus energize the advance of the process of entry by troops among your own people. No nobler task can be undertaken at this time towards the fulfilment of the glorious destiny ordained by the Most Great Spirit for all the peoples of the earth.

22.3 While we anxiously await news of the results of your heroic exploits, be assured of our ardent prayers at the Sacred Threshold that you may be divinely assisted and confirmed.

The Universal House of Justice