Dear Baha'i friends,
With high hopes we greet the representatives of the Baha'i
youth of Europe gathered in conference in Innsbruck. This generation of Baha'i
youth enjoys a unique distinction. You will live your lives in a period when
the forces of history are moving to a climax, when mankind will see the establishment
of the Lesser Peace, and during which the Cause of God will play an
increasingly prominent role in the reconstruction of human society. It is you
who will be called upon in the years to come to stand at the helm of the Cause
in face of conditions and developments which can, as yet, scarcely be imagined.
European Baha'i' youth in particular face tremendous and
challenging tasks in the immediate future. Can one doubt that the manner in
which the governments of the European nations have rallied to the defence of
the persecuted Baha'is in Iran will draw down blessings from on high upon this
continent? And who among the people of Europe are more likely to be kindled by
the challenge and hope of the Message of Baha'u'llah than the youth? Now is an
opportunity to awaken the interest, set afire the hearts and enlist the active
support of young people of every nation, class and creed in that continent. The
key to success in this endeavour is, firstly, to deepen your understanding of
the Teachings of the Cause so that you will be able to apply them to the
problems of individuals and society, and explain them to your peers in ways
that they will understand and welcome; secondly, to strive to model your
behaviour in every way after the high standards of honesty, trustworthiness,
courage, loyalty, forbearance, purity and spirituality set forth in the
Teachings; and, above all, to live in continual awareness of the presence and
all-conquering power of Baha'u'llah, which will enable you to overcome every
temptation and surmount every obstacle.
A vibrant band of Baha'i youth on the European continent,
committed to the promotion of the Cause of Baha'u'llah and the upholding of His
laws and principles, determined to work in harmony and unity with their fellow
believers of all ages and classes, can revolutionize the progress of the Cause.
With a rapid increase in the size of the Baha'i communities in Europe, the
believers of that continent, the cradle of Western civilization, will be the
better able to serve as a fountainhead of pioneers, travelling teachers and
financial assistance to the Baha'i communities of the Third World.
When deciding what course of training to follow, youth can
consider acquiring those skills and professions that will be of benefit in
education, rural development, agriculture, economics, technology, health, radio
and in many other areas of endeavour that are so urgently needed in the
developing countries of the world. You
can also devote time in the midst of your studies, or other activities, to travel
teaching or service projects in the Third World.
A particular challenge to the Baha'i youth of Europe is the
vast eastern half of the continent that is as yet scarcely touched by the light
of the Faith of Baha'u'llah. It is not easy to settle in those lands, but with
ingenuity, determination and reliance upon the confirmations of Baha'u'llah it
is certainly possible both to settle and to persevere in service in goals which
demand a spirit of self-sacrifice, detachment and purity of heart worthy of those
who would emulate the shining example set by the martyrs in Iran, so many of
whom are youth, who have given their lives rather than breathe one word that
would be a betrayal of the trust of God placed upon them.
With love and utmost longing we call upon you to immerse
yourselves in the divine Teachings, champion the Cause of God and His law, and
arise for the quickening of mankind.
The Universal House of Justice
(‘Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’)
