Arohanui: Letters from Shoghi Effendi to New Zealand | Page 8

would be most appreciated by the friends while sitting in
the veranda of the new Pilgrim House.
I remember a prayer, which you wrote, has been asked by a certain
friend to be read daily. I believe sometimes the friends through their
zeal and ardour do things that are not asked in the Cause. We have only
one prayer that we have to say daily. No one in the world has the power,
given to him by Bahá'u'lláh to add another to that daily prayer. If we
should admit this the life of the friends will soon be spent in mere
prayer, which is not the aim of the Cause. The healing prayer and such
ones are only for occasional use when the need arises.

Shoghi Effendi wishes me to extend to you his hearty greetings and
assure you of his prayers.
Yours in His Name, Ruhi Afnan
[From the Guardian:]
My dear fellow-worker:
Your letters are always a source of inspiring joy and stimulating
encouragement to me. You are destined to achieve great things for our
beloved Cause and my constant prayer is that your vision may be clear,
your purpose unshaken, your zeal undiminished, your hopes undimmed.
Let not obstacles and disappointments, which are inevitable, dishearten
you and whenever you are faced with trials recall our Beloved's
innumerable sufferings. You certainly occupy a warm and abiding
place in my heart.
Your true brother, Shoghi

(12) August 25th, 1926
Dear Spiritual Sister:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
dated June 14th 1926, and also thank, through you, the Auckland
friends for their kind contribution.
He wishes me to assure you and them of his earnest prayers. He hopes
that through your constant endeavours the Cause will progress rapidly
in that city and make the spirit of the movement permeate throughout
the land. Though your number is still comparatively small yet through
divine guidance and the Master's ever wakeful spirit you will soon add
many to your group and make of it a power for goodness which will
attract all attention.
With best wishes and kindest greetings I remain,

Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan
[From the Guardian:]
My dear fellow-worker:
I am touched by this expression of the loyalty and devotion of the
Auckland Bahá'ís whose welfare, and spiritual advancement are the
object of my earnest and constant prayer. I shall devote it to further the
interests of the Cause in ways that are dearest and nearest to my heart.
I shall supplicate the Almighty that strength and wisdom may be given
you to face and overcome the obstacles and trials that you will
inevitably encounter in future. The end is glorious if we only persevere.
Your true brother, Shoghi

(13) September 18th, 1926
Dear Spiritual Brother:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
dated July 18, 1926. He was very glad to learn of the encouraging
prospects you have for your "Herald of the South". He hopes that it will
daily progress and add to its importance in drawing the attention of the
people there. A good periodical fully representative of the spirit and
teachings of the Cause is the greatest help the Movement can have in
establishing itself in a country. So though difficulties may be found at
the outset, we should bear them patiently and await that the future
should give us our reward.
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to extend to you his loving greetings and
assure you, as well as your mother and Mr Brewer, of his constant
prayers. He hopes that through your combined efforts the Herald of the
South will soon realise its aim and purpose.
Yours in His Service, Ruhi Afnan

[From the Guardian:]
My dear and precious co-worker:
Your welcome letter has cheered my heart and I look forward with
confidence and joy to the harvest which you are destined to reap in the
not distant future. I shall be so pleased and grateful if you would send
me regularly a copy of your Bahá'í periodical which I trust and pray
will grow from strength to strength and contribute its destined share to
the progress and consolidation of the Cause of God. Be assured of my
prayers for your happiness, welfare and spiritual advancement.
Your true brother, Shoghi

(14) October 23rd, 1926
Dear Spiritual Sister:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter
dated 11-9-26. He was most gratified to learn that the Cause is
becoming more and more known and appreciated by the people in New
Zealand. This is as important as the actual increase of the number of the
friends, for it means that the principles are gradually permeating the
thoughts of the people and making them more ready and receptive to
the full identification of their beliefs