26 April 1953 (Convention) DEEP APPRECIATION MESSAGE LOVING REMEMBRANCE SHRINES PRAYING SUCCESS GREAT TASKS AHEAD DETAILED CONVENTION MESSAGE MAILED WEEK AGO. SHOGHI LETTER OF 5 MAY 1953 5 May 1953 Dear Bahá’í Friends: The beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by the reports which he has received of the teaching activities throughout the world. Notwithstanding we have just published the statistical book, giving the number of localities throughout the world where Bahá’ís reside, yet the Guardian would like to have accurate information now, based on the results of the elections on April 21, 1953. Will you therefore please send to me just as quickly as possible, a statement showing the localities in your country and Austria where Bahá’ís reside, and in each instance, indicate whether it is an Assembly, a Group or isolated believers.... LETTER OF 10 JUNE 1953 10 June 1953 Dear Bahá’í Friends: Our Beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by reports reaching him from all parts of the Bahá’í World; of the victories already gained, and the plans being laid for the prosecution of the Ten Year Crusade. They have evoked his awe-inspiring, and soul-stirring cablegram of May 28th, calling for the immediate settlement of all the 131 virgin areas of the Plan, just as quickly as possible. He is convinced, that the Friends will arise and translate their enthusiasm into Action, because the Keynote of the Crusade must be Action, Action, Action. The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly to amplify some of the aspects of his dynamic message. The settlement of these virgin areas is of such an emergency nature, that he feels pioneering in one of them takes precedence over every other type of Bahá’í service—whether it be in the teaching or administrative fields of the Faith. In America some 150 people have volunteered for pioneer service, and some of them already are preparing to leave for their posts. The Guardian has informed the American National Assembly, that because of their being the Chief Executor of the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for teaching throughout the world, their pioneers may be sent to any virgin area in the world, regardless to which NSA it may be assigned. If any of their pioneers wish to pioneer in any of the areas assigned to your Assembly, they will communicate with you.